On-site swimming for dogs at camp
Swimming is a natural part of life at Dogs at Camp. During the warmer months, many dogs head down to our private pond as part of their daily time outdoors. It’s not a scheduled activity or a novelty. It’s simply part of how dogs experience the land here.
Our camp sits on 100 acres of open space, with trails that lead through fields and woods and down to the water. In summer, dogs cool off, splash, wade, and swim at their own pace. Some love a full swim. Others prefer standing in the shallows or watching from the edge. All of it is supervised and guided by staff who know each dog well.
This kind of access is extremely rare. Most boarding and daycare facilities rely on small yards or indoor spaces. Very few offer real land, real trails, and a natural body of water where dogs can move, explore, and swim safely.
A natural extension of our trail system
Dogs reach the pond by walking our summer trails, giving them time to explore, sniff, and settle into a calm rhythm before and after being in the water. In winter, those same trails are used for snowy walks and fresh air, even when swimming isn’t part of the day.
This connection between trails and water is what makes the experience feel balanced. Dogs aren’t rushed in and out. They move as a group, with familiar friends and staff, just as they would on a long walk at home or at a cottage.
Supervised, thoughtful, and dog-led
Swimming time is always supervised. Staff are present at all times and watch closely for energy levels, comfort, and safety. Not every dog swims, and that’s perfectly fine. Camp is about choice, not pressure.
Some dogs swim every chance they get. Others go in occasionally. Some prefer staying dry and exploring nearby. We pay attention to each dog’s preferences and make sure their day reflects what they enjoy most.
Why swimming matters
Swimming offers physical exercise without impact, which is especially helpful for older dogs or dogs who benefit from gentler movement. It also provides mental enrichment.
More than a backyard
New scents, changing terrain, and the freedom to move naturally all contribute to calmer, happier dogs. It’s one of the reasons Dogs at Camp feels different from traditional boarding or daycare.