Who hasn’t gazed out at Lake Tahoe and wished there was a really good beach where dogs could run, leap, swim, dock dive and otherwise play to their hearts’ content? Well, there is. For two or three weeks each summer, Camp Winnaribbun, on Tahoe’s southeast shore, opens its gates to what can only be described as the ultimate dog vacation.
Ever seen a Chihuahua swim or a dachshund try lure coursing? You might at Camp W, where on any given day dozens of leash-free, happy pups share a 33-acre, Ponderosa pine-shaded property that functions as a 4-H camp when it’s not gone to the dogs.
Top trainer Lory Kohlmoos has welcomed dogs and their people to this very special place for more than 20 years. Activities include daily dog hikes, playtime on the beach, and instruction in everything from obedience and agility to herding, tracking, flyball, nose work, dog psychology, and even doggie dance. There’s time, too, for evening campfires and languid naps on the lawn. It’s no wonder more than 80 percent of campers come back year after year.
What makes Camp W stand out is the variety. Your dog doesn’t need to be an athlete or a trained competitor to have a blast. First-timers can try nose work or swimming for the first time in a low-pressure setting, while experienced dogs can level up in agility or herding. The shared meals and campfire hangouts give owners a chance to swap stories, training tips, and recommendations — it’s a social event for humans just as much as it is for dogs.
Camp sessions book up quickly, so check the Camp Winnaribbun website early in the year for dates and registration. Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, the camp is about a 45-minute drive from Reno and easily accessible from South Lake Tahoe. Browse more dog camps on DogTrekker.
Photo by Anne Chadwick Williams.
