There’s something special about camping that’s always had my heart. For years, I was a dedicated tent camper, loving the simplicity of sleeping under the stars. But a couple of years ago, I decided to make a little upgrade—and that’s when Rosie came into my life. Rosie is a tiny 13-foot fiberglass Scamp camper, just the right size for me and my three beloved dogs. I named her after our childhood family dog, Rosie, which feels like a full-circle kind of comfort.
My pups travel in the cab of my truck, each one tucked safely on a big foam bed with their seatbelt tethers clipped in. It’s a cozy little setup—like their own mobile dog den. There’s Piper, my sweet six-year-old French Bulldog; Henry, the goofball four-year-old Frenchie; and Huckleberry, the spunky one-year-old Chihuahua-Boston Terrier mix who joined our crew last year. Huckleberry came from a tough start—he was a tiny, nearly bald puppy rescued from a hoarding situation. But now he’s thriving, with soft fur, bright eyes, and an endless supply of curiosity. Piper and Henry are seasoned campers, and they’re doing a great job teaching Huck the ropes.
When we set up camp, the dogs get their own little front yard—an enclosed space made from expanding fencing, stretching out like a white picket fence from the door of Rosie. I’ve used it for foster dogs over the years, and now it gives my own pups a safe, contained spot to lounge, sniff, and sunbathe while I get things settled or start cooking by the fire. For Piper’s rock-and-stick munching habits, there’s a layer of AstroTurf inside the fence—practical, clean, and chew-proof (at least most of the time!).
There’s a joy I can’t quite describe in seeing how much they love it all. As soon as I bring out their harnesses, Piper starts bouncing with excitement, practically dragging me to the truck. Once we’ve arrived and Rosie’s backed into her spot, we head off for a long walk around the campground. We explore the trails, scout out sites for future visits, and if there’s water nearby, the Frenchies love to dip their toes. Huckleberry’s still a little unsure of lakes and streams, but he’s getting braver with each trip.
Lately, we’ve been going a little farther from home. My family and I took the dogs with us to Missouri to see the total eclipse—an unforgettable moment with them at our sides. Last summer, we made the long drive to Walker, Minnesota for my first Scamp Rally. It was surprisingly hot for Minnesota, but Rosie’s little air conditioner worked wonders, and I made sure the dogs stayed cool and comfy with short walks and lots of shade.
In the fall, we road-tripped to New Hampshire to visit friends. The drive took four days because I only like to go 3–4 hours at a time—much more relaxing for all of us. I carefully planned our stops, always looking for shaded gas stations or rest areas with a patch of grass where the dogs could stretch their legs. They always came first. I’d walk them, get them settled, and then take care of myself. By the time we reached our site in Peterborough, the pups were seasoned little travelers, ready to settle in with ease.
Right now, as I write this, I’m parked at Indian Boundary campground in Vonore, Tennessee, watching the last light stretch across the lake. It’s just past 8 PM and my dogs have already put themselves to bed inside Rosie—snuggled into their favorite spots, dreaming of today’s adventures.
Camping with them brings a kind of happiness I never tire of. Every campground is full of new smells and sounds for them to investigate, and for me, there’s comfort in knowing they’re right there—safe, content, and sharing in this peaceful life on the road. It’s not just a getaway. It’s a way of life we’ve built together, one sweet, tail-wagging, campfire-scented trip at a time. 🙂
