BENJI’S TRAIL BLOG  ·  CAMPING

May 2025  ·  Kids & Dogs Welcome  ·  What We Learned the Hard Way

You know we’re all about getting families — kids, dogs, and everyone in between — out into the world together. Last month we did exactly that, and it was equal parts beautiful and humbling. Here’s the full story. 🐾🏕️

🌊  The Trip: Carmel Valley + Big Sur Coast

We loaded up the car in May and headed to Carmel Valley for a multi-day camping trip with the kids and our dogs, Benji and Mies, in tow. The setup was honestly ideal — beach days a short hike and beach day after breakfast, then back to the campsite in the afternoons to decompress and soak it all in.

The coast was spectacular, the kids were in heaven, and the dogs were living their best lives. It’s exactly the kind of trip we want to help more families experience. 🙌

🐕  Beach Days with the Pups

Carmel Beach is one of the few beaches in California that’s genuinely dog-friendly — and it shows. Watching the dogs run free on the sand while the kids played in the waves is one of those simple moments you don’t forget.

This is why we do what we do. Getting families outside together, with their dogs, is something we believe in deeply. The memories made on trips like these are worth every bit of planning.

*Pro Tip- If you have the kind of dog who doesn't enjoy the company of other dogs, Carmel River State Beach on the opposite side of Carmel Beach just past Carmel Point, might be better for you. Fewer dogs and people and still gorgeous white sand and views.

🌿  The Night Benji Went Exploring (And I Paid the Price)

Here’s where things got interesting. After the sun went down on one of our evenings, our dog Benji — the shop’s namesake — decided to do a little solo expedition. He got himself thoroughly tangled up in a patch of blackberry bushes. 😬

I waded in to rescue him and came out with a full case of poison oak. Three and a half weeks later, I’m finally on the other side of it — and I have zero interest in repeating the experience.

⚠️  Real Talk on Safety:  Our dogs are older and typically stay close. I’ll be honest — I’ve gotten a little complacent over the years. This trip reminded me that even well-behaved, laid-back dogs can surprise you in an unfamiliar environment at night. Lesson learned, gear packed.

🎒  What You Should Have To Avoid the Same Plight

— and What We’re Packing Next Time

Benji’s late-night escape was entirely preventable. After this trip, we went back through our shop with fresh eyes and pulled together the gear that would have made a real difference. These aren’t just items we sell — they’re things we genuinely use and believe in.

Thankfully, we did have the spotlit collar light on Benji which is why I was able to see where he was..thank goodness! I can't imagine the consequences had he been caught after dark and no sight of him!

🛒  The Camping Safety Lineup

• Kurgo Ridgeline Tie Out & Camp Zip Line  —  🔗 The one that would have changed everything. This 30-ft reflective zipline runs between two trees and gives your dog real freedom of movement — without giving them the freedom to disappear into the brush at midnight. Sturdy, packs down small, perfect for a campsite.

• Bear Bells  —  🔔 Simple, lightweight, and surprisingly effective. Clip these to your dog’s collar and you’ll always have an auditory sense of where they are — especially useful on trail or when you lose a visual in dense vegetation.

• Spotlit Collar Light  —  💡 Once the sun goes down, your dog can vanish into the dark in seconds. A clip-on collar light makes them instantly visible — and gives you serious peace of mind if you have kids running around the campsite too.

• Milltown Treat Case  —  🦴 Treats are one of the most useful tools you have when camping with a dog. Whether reinforcing a recall command or keeping everyone happy on a hike, having treats organized and accessible matters. This case makes it effortless.

✅  Our Camping Safety Checklist for Families with Dogs

Every trip teaches you something. Here's a few items to consider for your canine camping safety gear.

• Tie-out or zip line for evening hours at the campsite

• Collar light — non-negotiable after dark

• Bear bells for trail time and anytime you’re in dense brush

• Treat case within easy reach for training and recall moments

• A healthy dose of humility, even if your dogs are older and “totally reliable” 😅

🌅  Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely — poison oak and all. The Carmel Valley area is genuinely one of the best places to bring your family and your dogs. The mix of beach access and beautiful campsites makes it hard to beat.

We’re already planning our next trip up to Jenner and the Russian River later this summer, and we’ll be sharing every bit of it here. Stay tuned. 🐾

Ready to gear up for your next family adventure? 

Shop Outdoor Gear at Benji’s →