When we went camping in the Big Horn mountains in WY, we only had Shaed and Otto. We brought their crates with and that's what they slept in. We were vehicle camping, we did have a tent set up, but it was to store all of our clothes and other items (not food though). We kept the crates covered with a tarp (keep moisture off them if it rained, it didn't though) and had the crates right up to the back of our Xterra, that way we were able to hear them and what was going on-not much. By the time we would go to bed the dogs would be so pooped out that they could've cared less if there was a wild critter running around. And where we camped there was a ranch that let it's horses graze in the camping area we were in. It was pretty cool.

If we only bring one dog with then the dog sleeps in the vehicle or tent with us. But now we have 3 dogs and we've been looking at large 8 man tents made of heavy duty canvas. We figure it'll be better for us, our kids, and the dogs if we get one huge tent

On the 23rd we're taking off to MT near Deer Lodge for vacation. We rented a cabin and are taking 2 of our 3 dogs with-not enough room for everyone this trip! It'll be especially nice to have the cabin this time with 2 dogs with, that way they can be loose in the cabin and have more room (even a bunk bed or two to sleep on, lol). Sorry to go a bit off topic, but I'm so excited to go on vacation and get away it's been over a year since I've been camping and I CAN'T wait!!

I just got back from a 2-week camping trip (South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado)with four dogs. We were camping in an RV, so crates/tents weren't a consideration for us. We've also taken a similar 2-week trip to the Gulf coast like you are planning and had a great time. Which state park are you headed to, btw?

Some random thoughts off the top of my head that might help:

State parks won't allow dogs on the beach (none that I know of, anyway). there are dog beaches on the Gulf--you'll want to look for one specifically if that's on your agenda.

Try to rinse off the dogs with plain water from a hose after playing in the surf. Beaches are also filled with delicious dead things that wash up from the deep, including garbage, so either keep the dog on leash on a beach on have a really good "drop it."

Your dogs will probably try to drink saltwater--mine did. do your best to limit this, otherwise be prepared for vomit. Make sure they've had plenty of fresh water to drink; that might help limit the drinking of sea water.

Bring plenty of old towels for cleaning up (well, the sort of cleaning up that is possible when camping.) And plan on a real bath when you get home.

Campground etiquette with dogs is pretty easy--keep them on leash, pick up the poop and try to limit barking. People who camp are universally nice. I've never once had an unpleasant incident with any campers or camp site with regard to our dogs.