Sorry.. This is a long one. While we are VERY new to this, I've become pretty passionate about it.
I am not familiar with the places you are talking about going but maybe I will someday!
Currently we are tent camping. I would LOVE to take him yert camping (like a wigwam I think?) and we may do that when the temp starts dropping a bit. I would think that would be easier to do with them than tent camping as its more like home. We stayed at a motel at the beach with Max that had grounds like a resort or park (many dogs but TIGHT fines for off leash violations so made it a lot safer for him). It was an easy transition. All he needed were his home base supplies (essential for any extended outing: litterbox, something that smells like you/home &/or cat bed from home, scratcher, favorite toy(s) & water...of course food, but you dont want that out during settle in time). I'm afraid we don't have lots of dog experience but I can share what we have done. It is always a concern, just as it is on walks. There aren't many dogs where we go in the woods thankfully. For populated camping.... Find places with off leash fines. Campers hate fines! That way at least the dogs should be more controlled.
(want pics? Menagerie of Max Marvelous- gallery)
Here's how we got started...
We got Max used to the tent and basic camp gear in our backyard one full day before going to the woods. He was out there for set up and take down too so it didn't scare him. We played and napped in the tent.
Next we took him on a day trip to the woods where we did everything we would do on a camping trip except sleep over. We had the tent, grill, cooler etc. That way we could see how he did with most of the aspects and get him used to them before adding the stress of sleeping in a tent in the woods overnight.
It was all so different from our usual routine we didnt want too many surprizes for him. We expected the woods would provide plenty. We wanted to let him take it one step at a time and make sure he enjoyed it. Adding things slowly has seemed to work well and keep him happy, challenged, learning and having fun while trying to keep his stress level to a minimum. (ours may be another story)Each step of introduction has stressed me out before we do it but he met each challenge and has exceeded my expectations so far. This makes it lots of fun and reminds me not to put limits on what I think he can/cannot handle or do and instead just figure out how to expose him to new adventures safely and see if he likes it!
I like to have an exit strategy for all of our outings. While we haven't needed it yet, it's been good to have a back up plan if it's too much for him IMO. Even the motel. Less pressure that way and easier to go one step at a time, his steps may not always be the size we expect. Its all about his pace right now (may always be). We consider our trips with him right now his training. It is more work than it probably needs to be, more exhausting, intense, crazy, but more rewarding than I ever imagined as well. These trips are not a vacation yet, we have to train him what vacation is first!
still loads of fun though.
We camp at very primitive campgrounds or just in the national forest but not an actual campground (yet?) so we rarely see people or dogs. When we dealt with dogs at the beach we followed what you do in the city!
Only addition really is that in the woods I carry a small thing of mace when out where dogs may be off leash/ out of control and for wild animals- bought & carried at OH's insistence. He also got bear spray for our woods camping in case of wild animals (it keeps them at a farther distance than the mace). I hope I never have to use either!
I also have a little reusable shopping bag (called a chico bag) that Max really loves to get in and ride around in. (discovered by accident). It has a clip that can go on a belt loop or something and stuffs down very small into its own case. Easy to wear when walking him and have ready. It can even just be wadded up in my pocket ready to use. We have had him jump in there if he's been spooked before. (after using it at home first.) a collapsible carrier may work for this purpose. It's too bulky for us and he won't use it if it's closed. I just ordered a pet sling I am hoping to train him to use for this purpose and also because sometimes I have difficulty holding/carrying him if my joints are bad. I'm not sure how it will go but I hope it works so I can still walk him on rougher days. Anyway.... It seems something for him to "find cover" in helps if he's spooked. Even the tunnel made under/ between your legs when you squat down works for him to duck into and feel safer in but that wouldn't work if I'm alone with him and a dog. Need OH to deal with the dog.
Other small animals have been FUN for Max but just like in the city, the human must be vigilant at all times. Even the chipmunks and birds are more brave out there and will actually go after Max instead of just running. I don't know what those critters could do or be exposed to so when they get too close I step in. They still run from humans. For the big bad critters who don't, I have the pepper spray for self defense. (never used....thankfully) I'd be interested in alternative solutions and am hoping someone may have ideas, especially since I think there's no mace allowed in the UK anyway?
For us, supervision is essential. We are thinking about adding a homing tag like Viperkeeper uses to his gear just in case he slipped away somehow. We just ordered a new walking jacket (HHC!)with reflective stripes to increase his visibility in the woods and so he is wearing hunter orange and won't be mistaken for a wild animal. For our overnight trip (& nightwalks) we added little night lights used to walk dogs (Viperkeeper tip) to his collar and harness d ring. This was essential or he would have disappeared from our vision! We could also see what he was getting into because the one on his collar lit up in front of him. We used a red one as it doesn't interfere with vision as much (another VK tip). In the tent we used some glow sticks in the pockets so it was like a night light. That way we could check on him and he could easily see us. Maybe more comforting? I will continue the glow sticks for sure. Maybe I want the nightlight.
So far for us it seems.... the more elements of the adventure that are new, the slower you should go. The more like home & normal routine, the easier and faster the transition. Gradual introductions with lots of fuss and their favorite things would probably help a lot. It does with Max. Just like with walking them, stay in tune to what they love and what's freaking them out. Help them focus on the fun so the other is less scary or teach/train how to be safe around the scary then distract with fun. Max has a "flying squirrel" string toy he loves. (First toy we ever bought him.) We keep it on us so when he's out there we can pull it out if needed for distraction, reassurance, or redirection. Works wonders to get him to go where you want if he's choosing not to come along. :roll
We use a 4 person tent for the two of us and Max. That leaves plenty of room for all his essentials and ours. Two person would be tight especially with litter paws. We don't leave Max in the tent without someone in earshot at camp just in case. I'd be scared he'd get the tent open or something could rip it open trying to get to him. I'm a bit overprotective too though.... Or so I'm told.
We had thought about using a screen room camping so Max had a kitty safe house. He prefers to be with us so we use the tent if needed. It has screen panels all the way around so he can get good visibiltty. Our vehicle can be turned into a Kitty Cabin in case of emergency though. There is someone online that made a big cage using dog crate panels so her cat could camp with them and they could hike without her. Not my cup of tea but I can try and find it if you are interested.
Sorry I don't have more dog experience but I hope this is helpful. Maybe inspire some tent time?
Happy to share more if it helps. We're still in training so I hope the forum pros chime in!
We wouldnt be this far along without that advice! ( Kitty Kamping 101!)