(Disclaimer: The following story in no way infers or implies that this is what camping with dogs will be like for you!)
We took Cheyanne, our husky, camping with us to Wyoming in '92. (Makes me sound old, huh?!) At that time, we didn't know about crate training, and hubby was in love with the idea of taking his husky to the wilds of Wyoming... (cue Western theme music here!) She stayed tied on a lead during the day, and at night she slept in the tent with us: me, Mike and 3 kids: 1yo, 3yo & 7yo (who still wet the bed). What an ADVENTURE! Well, one day she got hold of a bad piece of meat that a previous camper had tossed into the bushes, and that night hubby was up every hour, climbing over the rest of us to take her out of the tent to puke. (repeat: WHAT an adventure!) I wasn't so enamored of taking dogs camping after that trip, so we found a wonderful dog sitter to come to our home for the next few vacations. Then we took the dogs to a Doggie Spa Resort. They had better accomodations than we did that time!
I think the crate is a GREAT idea! Tying her up might not be as safe for her, esp. at night when wild critters may be about. Most campgrounds have rules that dogs must be leashed at all times. I hope you have a wonderful time!