Cold Night Camping in the Mountains with My Dog 🐶⏰
I should’ve known it was going to be cold when I saw the frost already forming on the windows as we reached the mountain base. But my dog, Bear—a fluffy, adventurous Husky mix—was bouncing with excitement in the back seat, howling like we were heading to Disney World instead of a remote campsite in the middle of nowhere.
We hiked for hours before settling on a secluded spot near a small frozen lake, surrounded by towering pines and snow-covered peaks. The view was magical. Bear rolled around in the snow, clearly in his element. Me? I was starting to question my life choices.
By the time I got the tent set up and the fire started, the sun was already slipping behind the mountains. That’s when the real chill kicked in. It was the kind of cold that bites your nose and freezes your eyelashes. I bundled up in layers, but it didn’t help much. Bear, meanwhile, sat by the fire with his tongue out, looking like he was on a summer vacation.
Dinner was a quick, half-frozen attempt at instant noodles. Bear had his gourmet freeze-dried beef bites, which he devoured in seconds before circling me for a taste of mine. I gave him a little, which he accepted like royalty. Afterward, we both curled up inside the tent.
Now, here’s the thing about camping in the cold: even with thermal sleeping bags, it’s never warm enough. I lay there shivering, listening to the wind howling through the trees, while Bear snoozed beside me like a snow-loving furnace. Around 2 a.m., I couldn’t take it anymore—I unzipped my sleeping bag, scooted closer, and just laid against him like he was my living space heater.
He didn’t mind. He cracked one eye open, yawned, and plopped his head onto my chest with a deep sigh. The warmth was instant. His thick fur and steady breathing turned the freezing night into something cozy, even peaceful. It was like nature gave me a personal heater with four paws and a wagging tail.
When morning came, we woke up to the most stunning sunrise—pink skies, golden snow, and birds singing. Bear trotted outside, barked at the rising sun like he’d summoned it himself, and came back with a stick twice his size, ready for fetch.
We were tired, cold, and a little stiff, but that night in the mountains reminded me why camping with my dog is always worth it. He kept me warm, made me laugh, and turned a freezing, miserable night into a story I’ll never forget.
Next time, though, I’m packing two sleeping bags. Or better yet—renting a cabin with a fireplace. But don’t tell Bear. He’s already planning our next “adventure.”
