Girl Camper

Girl Camper


Camping with Pets: Tips from Girl Camper’s Pet Expert, Dawn Polk

June 30, 2025

Traveling with pets? You're not alone—and you're not unprepared! In this episode, co-host Lesa McDermott talks with Dawn Polk, Girl Camper Magazine’s go-to pet expert and co-founder of RV Education 101, about what it really takes to camp successfully with pets.

From choosing the right campground to knowing what to pack and how to handle emergencies, Dawn covers:

  • Pet-friendly gear must-haves
  • Safety tips for hiking, driving, and campground life
  • Managing pet anxiety on the road
  • Campground etiquette every pet owner should follow
  • What to do in extreme heat, cold, or unexpected wildlife encounters

Whether you're traveling with dogs, cats, or other companions, this episode is packed with insight and humor for Girl Campers who bring their fur family along for the ride.