Unplugged Bliss at Garfield Bay Campground: Our Camping Adventure with the Dogs

Last weekend, we packed up and headed about an hour north to Garfield Bay Campground for a much-needed escape. It was a quick and easy getaway, perfect for a couple of nights unplugged in the great outdoors. As someone who struggles with work-life balance, this trip was a godsend. With zero cell reception, I could finally disconnect from work and focus on quality time with my family.

The view from the bay was stunning, and I’m already itching to go back with my professional gear for a photoshoot in the water once it warms up. The campground was rustic, but the individual spots were spaced out enough to give us privacy and keep our dogs comfortable.

Freki, our big boy, has a limited tolerance for the cold. When we arrived, the wind had him shivering within minutes. Luckily, we had planned to stand-up paddleboard, so I grabbed his neoprene life vest and strapped it on him. The neoprene wrap and flotation padding worked like a charm, acting as a windbreaker and keeping him cozy and easy to spot for the rest of the trip. Meanwhile, Floki’s husky coat kept him perfectly comfortable, feeling right at home in the chilly mountains.

It was too cold to paddle as planned, but we loved walking along the beach. A highlight was a quick trip to Odie’s Grocery, where we treated ourselves to some delicious libations and ice cream. Camping with dogs is such a joy; it takes you back to the dawn of the human-canine bond. There’s something incredibly grounding about sitting quietly by the campfire with your dogs curled up nearby. It reminds you of the simple, ancient connection between humans and dogs, sharing warmth and companionship under the stars.

Freki is an enthusiastic water dog, but we had to keep him dry for the first two days of the trip because he was already cold, and getting wet would have been miserable for him. On our last day, the sun finally came out, and knowing we were headed home soon anyway, we let him have a quick dip to swim for sticks. It was just a short splash before we returned to the warmth of the truck and began our long, smelly drive home.

Here are a few tips if you’re thinking about camping with your dogs:

Tick Preventative: Make sure to apply tick preventative before heading to the woods. You don’t want any unwanted hitchhikers.
Outdoor Mat: Bring an outdoor mat to give your dog the option to stay off the ground if they want.
Updated Tags: Ensure your dog’s tags are up to date. Being in a strange place can increase the risk of your pet wandering off.
Respect Others: Be considerate of those around you. Not everyone may be comfortable with your dog, so keep them in your own campsite.

Our time at Garfield Bay Campground was a much-needed break, blending adventure and relaxation perfectly. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rustic & peaceful outdoor experience with their furry friends.

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