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 $114 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$114 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 $110 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$110 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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Sturdy
My 3 rottweilers love these as their bed. I put an additional cushion on top. They absolutely adore their beds!
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dog bed made for anywhere
My favorite, I have had this bed for about 4 years now. I bought for my living in my previous house so that the dogs wouldnt get on the couch (I still let them on the couch), but this is now in my bedroom, easily to clean any messes off of, even my cats sleep on it. the bed is raised high enough that you can even vacuum under it. My iHome robot never gets caught. Good option!
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Value for the money
This item allows my older dogs to lay out year round. She's up off the ground in summer so she's not hot or burning paws and in the winter so she's up off the cold ground. I am using this outside on my porch. I bought for my 2 chihuahua s but it's sturdy enough for my 70lb pitbull. Very happy with this purchase.
Best Dog Travel Mat for Camping
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Loved by my dog
He loves this bed. We flip it around so he sleeps on the blue side during the summer and on the grey side during the winter. For the winter, I also put a couple of my old pillows underneath this to create a softer squishier bed for him. In the winter, he really loves beds, couches, and anything off the ground but this bed is the one thing he'll sleep on consistently.
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So handy!
I’m lucky to work in a veterinary hospital where I’m allowed to bring my dog to work. I set him up in a kennel and this nice bed is perfect. It’s enough cushion, and just big enough for him(Australian shepherd). We will also use it for travel and camping. Washes well, packs up easily!
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Nice size!
Larger than I expected - packs down small - Great to clip on our back packs for camping and trails. Packs down to about the size of a travel pillow.
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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Pleased with purchase
I bought this to use inside the house to surround my welping box. It was super easy to assemble and durable enough to keep a medium dog contained.
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Puppies
I have purchased this 3 times, two different heights and love them for foster puppies. They are totally worth the money.
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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!
Best Dog Crate for Camping
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How sturdy it is and easy to collapse and take with.
This is our second one we now have 2 dogs. We love how sturdy it is built and easy to collapse and take with.
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Perfect Cave
I bought this as a hiding place for my dog whenever she's scared. She hates thunder and fireworks. I call it her cave and have it set up where she can see me when she's hiding in it. Works great.
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Sturdy and soft edged crate for our blind dog
Our little dog went blind recently. We needed a safe place for her, similarly to a play pen ... just a place to put her while cooking and unable to watch her. This was perfect. Secure, each side is made of mesh and can be zipped open or shut. Same for the top. It's soft so she won't hurt herself. It was what we needed right now.
Best Camping Dog Tie Out
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Great for bigger dogs
My pup is 4 years old and 120lbs. When the deer came by he went for it and the stake and the cable held him and stayed anchored.
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Great for outdoors and travel
Our beagle loves to be outside and this is a perfect way to give him a big radius to sniff
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Frisco Easy Grip Stake with Tie Out Cable, Large
Strong metal stake and insulated cable. Great for our dog's safety and is easily portable from place to place on road trips.
Best Camping Dog Harness
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GREAT Fit
This harness allows me to take Rosie for walks on the roads with no risk of her getting out of the harness as can happen with a collar. It is more comfortable for her as well.
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Great customer service
Dog coat is perfect. Every time I've called chewy the staff has always been very helpful and knowledgable. Tha nks Chew
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Nice harness
This fits my 32 pound pomsky great!! Feels very secure and he seems to be comfortable in it. I believe we got a medium
Best Camping Dog Leash
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I love this leash
It’s comfortable till four and turns out to be a better length for me than my standard 6 foot piece with a relatively small puppy who I want under control, but who I can’t feel as well at the end of a leash
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Chai choice only choice
This is really comfort leash. It is really Amazing. The cushion. Stitching. Washable. Does not retain smell. It can be pricey. It's definitely worth it. #chewytogether
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great leash Great price
the clasp was hard to open at first, but now functions great. The leash and handle have a good padded feel
Best Dog Food Bowls for Camping
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Best purchase I’ve ever made for my fur baby
The collapsible dish is very convenient. It is very easy to travel with and I love the fact that you unzip it and you have two bowls. It is very convenient.
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collapsible
I really like this. We have 2 dogs and an RV. The collapsible feature comes in very handy. Space is limited in any RV.
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Nice travel bowls
This is a handy travel bowl set. It zips for easy transport. There is a clip attached to a silicone ring that makes it easy to attach to a bag or pack.
Best Dog Food Storage for Camping
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Sturdy and well-designed
Just like any stuff sack for camping, but ensures your kibble is nice and safe (no ripped plastic grocery bags here), and seals up nicely.
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big
we ordered the wrong one, this was way bigger than I thought it was and we couldn't use it so we gave it away. For someone wanting a very large container this would do the trick, we need a much smaller container.
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Moose proof
We travel on a camper van. I appreciate how they size of the bag gets smaller as the food is eaten. Also after 5 years of travel the bags have held up like new. Best of all while mice have gotten into other bags we used for food storage, not these bags. Just leave enough space to roll them down 1 full turn.
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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This neon dog collar is terrific!
It is easy to size, easy to put on and fantastic to see in the dark to keep track of your dog!
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Perfect for Deaf Dogs
My oldest dog has lost his hearing and it's hard to find him in the yard at night. I know he can't escape the fence but I would go into panic mode when I couldn't find him. The collar helps me spot him quickly so I can bring him back inside.
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Best thing ever!
Bought for my dachshund because she likes to roam the yard at night and makes it hard for us to find her, this is perfect and makes it super easy to figure out where she is
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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