Camping with your dog can be a truly memorable experience. “There's just something magical that happens on those overnight trips” with your dog, says Maria Christina Schultz, certified canine fitness trainer and owner of Maria Christina K9 Training, who does everything from RV camping to backpacking with her Australian Shepherds Bodie and Willow. “It’s just a lovely way to bond and a fuller [camping] experience.”
And having the necessary outdoor gear can make all the difference, says Madi Clark, a photographer and adventurer documenting her outdoor activities with her 6-year-old Australian Shepherd Ember via @embark.with.ember. So, whether this will be your first time camping with your dog or sleeping under the stars together is one of your favorite pastimes, our comprehensive guide to the best dog camping gear will set you up well.
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Best Dog Tent for CampingSherpa U Pet Tent Dog Portable House, Medium $70 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$70 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Dog Fence for CampingFrisco Ultimate Outdoor Lightweight Heavy Duty Steel Playpen, 36-in $144 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$144 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Dog Crate for CampingFrisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate, Large $94 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$94 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
How to Find the Best Dog Camping Gear
Some important factors to consider before heading out include:
- Length of the trip: First, think about how long you’ll be out there, says Clark. This will help determine how much food you’ll need and what other supplies to bring with you.
- Climate: Check the weather when packing camping gear for your dog, she adds. “The time of year and location determines if I’m bringing a cooling vest or a waterproof winter dog jacket,” Clark says.
- Type of camping: Are you car camping in a truck or RV or backpacking, which means you’ll be hiking to your location and setting up a campsite? “For car camping, you’ll have more flexibility to pack larger items like a dog bed or crate, while backpacking requires lightweight and compact gear,” says Clark.
- Park rules: Not only do you want to confirm the campsite is a dog-friendly environment, but you’ll also want to know if or how dogs are expected to be contained or monitored, says Schultz.
Best Dog Camping Gear and Accessories
We’ve rounded up the best dog camping gear as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These 12 top-selling, top-rated camping essentials for dogs get two paws up from dog parents like you.
Best Camping Dog Bed
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Champ’s new bed
I bought this bed because it was close to the floor and wasn’t a fluffy (hot) bed. My arthritic 13 year old black mouth cur Champ can get on it easily and seems to be much more comfortable than he is on his cushion bed.
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Perfect dog bed
Our dog likes to chew up his dog beds, but not this one. He’s content and comfy on this elevated bed.
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Frisco elevated bed
Absolutely awesome it’s for my cat, but I put a blanket on it and she loves it. That’s like the third or fourth elevated bed I have bought from you and everyone of them has been terrific and a great price as well.
Best Dog Travel Mat for Camping
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RV dog bed
Makes a great dog bed for our Golden in the RV and has a stuff bag to put it in when not in use.
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Great travel bed! It can be a little challenge to roll up and stuff back into the bag it came in. My dog enjoys laying in the bed. The material is thicker than a regular blanket, which is a plus! We love that it is machine washable and even has a loop to hang it up.
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We Love These Beds
We have two golden retrievers and they each have their own ChuckIt! Travel Bed. They are both 60 lbs and fit comfortably on the beds. We have found that these beds have more cushion than others we have purchased. They are great for laying by the pool or on the porch instead of on the concrete.
Best Dog Tent for Camping
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Pop-Up Tent for your very spoiled pet
On the most recent visit of our grandchildren, they set up their pretend play tent and dressed in their astronaut costumes to play space explorers. They covered the bottom of the tent with a comfy blanket and some pillows because there's no point in exploring space if you can't be comfortable, right? Our cat, Henrietta, assumes that everything in the house is hers. After our grandchildren were finished playing in the tent, she promptly padded into the tent to sniff and explore. Then she plopped down and napped. This happened throughout most of the days our grandchildren were here. After our grandchildren left, we took down the...
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great crate!!
Love it!! It’s compact! Easy to set up and roomy!! My dog is 30 ish lbs. and is used to a medium soft side crate. I use it mostly indoors.
Best Dog Fence for Camping
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Lifesaver for 2 incontinent rescues!
I adopted 2 Maltese males from an abusive puppy mill. They are not house trained so I needed a nice way to confine them. I set this fence up in my large bedroom and am protecting the wood floor with Chewy's 72x72 water proof mats. This is working out very nicely. The dogs can see me and I them. There is plenty of room in the fence for 2 dog beds, several large pee pads, toys, etc. Plus they can easily move around. I would be lost without Chewy! You make it possible for me to have a comfortable life with animals!
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Better than a crate
I just adopted a coonhound that is just the best dog ever. He melts my heart every day. I got to Furbo camera treat dispenser to place outside this and I can watch him. He has plenty of room for his food and water and to play. I recently got him so doggy training just because I wanted him to transition well from foster mommy to us and I’m a first time dog owner. The first think she says to me when she arrives was “this playpen is amazing, I wish everyone would do this so that the ones who work long hours, their animals have plenty more f room to stretch! A lot of people use cages and then the dogs are cooped up and you would be surprised...
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Just what we wanted
We wanted something tall enough and sturdy enough.That are mid-size dog couldn't knock it over or jump over it. Also needed to make sure our little dog couldn't get out or under. This is sturdy enough to keep the animals safe.But light weight enough that we can take it with us when we travel.
Best Dog Crate for Camping
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Travel crate
This collapsible small dog crate is perfect for travel! We got the small size and were also able to add a small bed. Puppy loved the ability to open the top and be able to see us when traveling to an unfamiliar place.
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Fantastic for *Well-behaved* Crate-trained Dogs
Set-up was incredibly simple and under a minute, but takes some upper body strength. The material seems sturdy but not very heavy and well put together. I bought this for an 85 lbs dog as an indoor den and it's pretty perfect with his orthopedic cushion. As other reviewers have pointed out, this crate is meant for pets who are already accustomed to a crate. It wouldn't prevent escape for more than a few minutes if your pet is determined to get out.
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Crate is easy to assemble, and the large crate was more than big enough for our Alaskan Malamute and or dog loves it.
Best Camping Dog Tie Out
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Very secure
I tried something similar that had less spirals in the stake, and it was not as secure as this one. It went deeper in the ground and my dog is not able to make it come free from the ground.
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Works
Works well for my dog that doesn't pull and just wants to lay out in the yard. I can't speak to any more than that
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Tangle free
We have 2 dogs 9 and 10. They're still puppies, love to chase each other around in the yard. These leads keep them close enough to play and stay safe. Very strong. We've been using them since they were babies. One is a pitbull the other is a German shepherdd begal mix.
Best Camping Dog Harness
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Dogs front clip harness
Harness fits very good I had to step up from small to med due to pups growth this harness is very durable
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Be Sure to Measure Your Pup!
This is a well designed harness and is working well for my 50lb Aussie Shepherd mix. That said, no one would look at her and say she's a large dog, but according to her measurements she needed a large harness. It fits her fine, but the neck opening is just about maxed out. She's got a little room to grow (she's not quite 2, so that's good), but again, she's not a large dog. So be sure and measure!
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built to last!
been using this harness for a year and a half. it has withstood many a plunge in the lake, ocean, and spray of the hose. fits my dog well and hasn't caused joint issues.
Best Camping Dog Leash
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Great summer leash
I have a 70 lbs 7-month old puppy and my hand sweats a lot on our walks in the heat. This is very comfortable - and helps keep my hands dry. Wish I had this leash with my dog Vito who passed away in February. Would have been great for our runs!
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They fit well
I have two Beabulls that measured 27” per measuring directions. FYI a Beabull is an English Bulldog/Beagle. I ordered 2 Larges (Pink & Teal Blue) and they fit well. The fit was best using the maximum adjustment for both dogs. I hope this helps.
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Excellent Leash
Leash is durable, sturdy, strong for my 65#+ dogs, has a comfortable grip and doesn't attract hair like many others I've used.
Best Dog Food Bowls for Camping
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Must Have
I'm so glad that I purchased this because it's a super convenient to-go item that I always pack when we leave the house. I like to pack a small amount of food (for a 12lb dog) when we go out together and I'm able to store the food inside this by popping open the silicone bowl halfway before closing it - game changer.
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Great travel bowls!
We used these all throughout our move overseas and they were fantastic. When not traveling I keep it in the back of my car or clipped to my backpack so I have it to give him water/food while out and about.
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Work great
They fold up great and store so easy. I really like that they zip together storage and travel. They are also of decent size that they actually hold some food and water.
Best Dog Food Storage for Camping
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This is a very convenient way to take dry dog food on vacation or when you’re dog is boarding.
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Perfect
Really easy to use, perfect for traveling, used this for a camping trip and it worked great. Easy to wash, fold up and store for the next time.
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Nice "lunch bag"
I think this dog food bag is really handy for doggie daycare days. Love it. Thing is I got the collapsible food bowl too... well, I got a large sized bowl and does not fit on the bag compartment as advertised. It could have been perfect otherwise.
Best Pet First Aid Kit
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Great Buy!!!!!!!
The only thing I had to add was a tick removal tool and this kit is complete. We have a travel cat and wanted to make sure we were ready for any emergencies on the trail. This kit does the trick and then some. Price was good, too.
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Good First Aid Kit
This is a good first aid kit. It comes with most of everything you may need, plus has some space for extras you may want to add (I added Benadryl and Neosporin to the pack), and it doesn’t take up a lot of space so you can store it pretty much anywhere.
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Perfect For Travel
This is a perfect first aid kit for traveling with our puppy! Luckily we haven't had to use it yet, but it seems to have plenty of helpful things in it!
Best Dog Light for Nighttime Safety
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Flashing collar
I live on an acre and it’s dark sometimes D so I it is easy to see where Elizabeth is. I can easily cut the collar to fit. This is my third one. Thank you. Also it either flash or stay solid neon color.
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Great Night Light
I bought two of these LED Safety Collars-for an old dog that wanders and a puppy that follows! We live in the country and I like seeing where my dogs are on a dark night. Also great for camping when we're in wooded areas. I only wish I'd bought them sooner! Love how bright they are, different colors, and the simple on/off switch that saves on battery usage.
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so easy
This by FAR the easiest and affordable choice. Snap on, push button, walk you dog/let out back, pull off. The glow is seen well down the street by cars and is rechargeable, no need for batteries. We have one for each of our dogs. We have tried the battery operated and reflective leashes/collars in the past, none of which lasted or worked as well.
What Do I Need to Go Camping With a Dog?
Much of the gear you’ll want to bring when camping with your dog falls into a handful of key categories.
Bedding
Where your dog sleeps while camping is really up to preference. Some dogs may be fine outside, while others want to curl up in the car or tent next to you. “I bring a foldable sleeping pad for my dog to help them understand this is your place to sleep,” says Schultz, admitting her pups still often end up nuzzled into her sleeping bag. A soft dog bed with extra blankets can further insulate your pup from the cold, hard ground, says Clark. Bedding that’s made with durable, wipeable material will come in handy since your dog is going to get dirty.
Food and Food Containers
Portion your pup’s food for however long you plan to be out camping—with a little extra since they’ll likely be more active than typical, says Schultz. Airtight containers, or even bear-proof lids, for storing pet (and human!) food are a safe bet when camping in backcountry areas known for wildlife, adds Clark.
Collapsible dog bowls are a great space-saving item to pack on camping trips, says Schultz. They “can be stored in your backpack or attached to your dog’s gear for easy access during hikes or outdoor activities,” says Clark. She recommends looking for bowls made from durable, water-resistant materials that are easy to clean and disinfect.
Leashes, Crates and Fences
Be mindful of the campground rules and potential hazards like steep drop-offs or wildlife while camping with your dog. Pet containment items like dog crates and playpens, as well as dog leashes and tethers, will help keep your dog safe. “I personally love our crate for traveling—it’s Ember’s safe space,” says Clark. “A long line leash is my number No. 1 camping item and comes in handy in many situations, but it’s mainly there to give Ember enough space to walk around while I set up camp.”
First Aid Supplies
Snag a dog first aid kit to go alongside your own before heading out. Make sure to pack Benadryl and vet tape if the kit doesn’t already include these in case of allergic reactions or wound care, recommends Schultz. Your dog’s paw pads are susceptible to more injuries when outside, so be sure to have an antiseptic on hand, too. (Dog boots can also help protect their paws.)
Busy Toys
If you’re hiking, swimming or out and about all day in the sun, your pup might not need anything more than a long nap, but bringing a few items like dog toys, bones and puzzles to keep them occupied is never a bad idea, says Clark. “It’s a great way to prevent boredom during downtime at the campsite,” she says. “A good tug toy that I don’t have to throw is good since where we camp might have sudden cliff sides, other campers or areas where I don’t want [Ember] wandering off.” Get 20 boredom-busting ideas to keep your dog busy.
Tips for Camping with Dogs
Know their limits. Before anything else, think about whether your dog will actually enjoy camping, says Clark. Consider, “their fitness level, temperament, and preferences when planning outdoor activities and avoid forcing them into situations,” she says. “Pushing a dog beyond their physical or emotional limits is not the way to camp.”
- Find the closest ER vet. Your dog’s safety should be a top priority. Hoping for the best but planning for the worst can give you peace of mind. Knowing the location of the nearest emergency vet will ensure you can take immediate action if something urgent happens, says Clark.
- Bring extras. If room allows, toss a few more things in your bag like a longer leash, extra food, another blanket or dog sleeping bag for added comfort and insulation, or a dog coat or doggy raincoat in case of poor weather.
- Double-check the rules. Verify whether the park or trail you’re planning to visit is truly dog-friendly, says Schultz. Is your dog only allowed in certain parts of the campground? Can you leave them unattended if you need to use the restroom or take a shower?
Want even more insight? This guide will help you determine if your pup is ready for a camping trip, how to choose a location, and even campground etiquette.
How We Chose These Products
Camping with your dog is all about spending quality time together out in nature—not stressing about whether you have the right gear. That’s why we spoke with the experts to find out what type of dog camping gear you need, and then dug through Chewy’s best-selling products to bring you only those that have a minimum rating of 4 stars from customers. This way you can be sure you’re getting camping gear that is pet-tested and pet-parent-approved.
Camping with Dogs FAQ
Q: Where should my dogs sleep on a camping trip?
A: Most pups will want to sleep where you are—whether that’s under the stars or in a tent. In a tent together, your dog should be fine to roam freely. If sleeping outdoors, keeping them tethered (to a tree or stake, for example) is good practice, and offer them a durable sleeping pad for comfort. Crates work well in any location, too, but it just comes down to your dog’s comfort and stress level.
Q: How do I store my dog’s food while camping?
A: Keep your dog’s food in a resealable bag or container. Something air-tight or odor-proof can help limit the risk of wildlife becoming interested. Remember to bring a little more than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re planning to hike to your campsite.
Q: What do you do with dog poop while camping?
A: Bring plenty of poop bags. You should pick up your dog’s waste and either throw it away in a designated garbage can, if there is one, or take it out of the park or trail with you, according to Recreation.gov. Leaving it—even if it’s buried under some debris—risks contaminating running water or spreading disease to other wildlife.
Q: How do I control my dog while camping?
A: You should feel confident in your dog’s recall training when camping, says Schultz. This will be essential if there is a safety concern nearby or if the area has certain restrictions on unleashed dogs. Plus, “basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and place are game changers,” says Clark. Regardless, you’ll want to have some containment gear on hand, including long leashes, tie-outs, crates or pens. A good mix, if your packing space will allow for it, is best to give them freedom and you flexibility.
Q: How do I keep my dog clean while camping?
A: Dogs are going to get dirty while camping—that comes with the territory. Still, you don’t want a wet or muddy dog lying next to you in a sleeping bag, so doggy wet wipes and a few extra towels will be a lifesaver when camping with your dog.
Camping with Dogs: Next Steps
Ready to hit the road on your next adventure with your pup? Stock up on the right dog camping gear so you and they can safely and comfortably experience the freedom of the great outdoors. And don’t forget to guard your pup against pests. Read more about the best flea and tick prevention here.
Expert input provided by Maria Christina Schultz, CCFT, owner of Maria Christina K9 Training based in central Virginia; and Madi Clark, photographer and adventurer behind @embark.with.ember.
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