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.
-
1
-
2
-
3
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 -
4
Best Dog Fence for CampingFrisco Ultimate Outdoor Lightweight Heavy Duty Steel Playpen, 36-in $143 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$143 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
5
Best Dog Crate for CampingFrisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate, Large $93 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$93 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
-
Quality is Great
Wow, I have a lot of these beds with 6 large rescues around my house. Even one bed outside on covered porch which has stood up to climate for over 2 years now..... You can't go wrong with these beds and the price is great.
-
great outdoor bed
Have had this more about a month and it’s holding up perfect. Easy to put together and my puppy loves it.
-
Amazing quality
I have had this bed outside on my patio for the last 3 years. I have never had to change the cover and it has not rusted at all outdoors in Florida. The dog like it. I purchased some Coolaroo beds for inside when I could not remember where I got this bed. Initially they were ok, but the covers don’t last as the stitching begins to come out and then Coolaroo replaces them under warranty. This has happened several times over the course of a year with 2 different beds and they are no longer under warranty. When the next cover falls apart, this is the bed I will be purchasing to replace it. I just recommended it to a friend and that is how I...
Best Dog Travel Mat for Camping
-
I've bought several of these dog beds for my pups. They're amazing! They provide a cushion on all terrains (wooden deck, forest floor, sandy beach), have a very comfortable soft top, a waterproof underside, and are machine washable. An excellent investment.
-
The Pup Approves
We put it down in the house and he sniffed and walked away. Next thing we see he is curled up asleep on it and has gone back to it again and again even though he has big fluffy beds available. Think he be quite happy when we take it with us on our travels.
-
Travel dog bed
Great product. Well padded for comfort. Good size; big enough for 45 lb dog and small enough to fit by table in restaurant without obstructing anyone. Rolls up nicely and comes in cover a La sleeping bag.
Best Dog Tent for Camping
-
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...
-
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
-
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.
-
Puppies
I have purchased this 3 times, two different heights and love them for foster puppies. They are totally worth the money.
-
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
-
Great for trips to Grandma's house.
Our guy loves having his own space when we travel. He can always go to his crate. We often find him in there taking a break
-
Perfect!
This is the best thing ever ! Easy to put in the car - take with us anywhere we go and my dog loves it . Definitely NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU CLIP THE ZIPPER. My puppy found her way out since it is a soft crate with a zipper. The clip is no biggie - we love it and I get a bunch of compliments on it lol 10/10
-
Dog travel bed by Frisco
The small size is perfect for my havanese. She has room to move around. It’s great for an adult dog as a puppy could chew and get out. Great for dogs already crate trained.
Best Camping Dog Tie Out
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
Best Camping Dog Harness
-
Harness for Miss Daisy
Daisy loves her harness and knows she is going for a walk or ride. This harness is secure and attaches to car seat for her safety. Great quality and very sturdy and easy to put on Daisy!
-
Fully adjustable, high quality, comfortable
These harnesses are great! They are easily adjustable from multiple spots, easy to put on the dog and not a made of nice quality materials. The harness appears to fit well and be comfortable for the dog.
-
Great for my aging lab
My 14-year-old lab loves to walk and will occasionally stumble. This harness is roomie and comfortable, the leash is centered on her upper back and there is a little handle for extra assist on stairs. It’s reflective and safe. It keeps our girl on the trail.
Best Camping Dog Leash
-
Quality
This is a great quality leash that isn't going to fall apart. It's wide and thick. It has a nice big built in handle that is comfortable in my hand. The hook fastens completely on my dogs collar. I'm glad I got this!
-
I keep this leash in my car in case I spot a lost dog
I keep this leash in my car in case a spot a lost dog which happens more often than you’d think
-
Well Made Harness
This harness and padded leash is perfect for long walks, the padding on the leash helps you to hold on to it without fatigue on long walks.
Best Dog Food Bowls for Camping
-
Sturdy. Just large enough for my small dog.
Great soft texture but stand up well. The water bowl didn’t spill at all while we were driving in our camper. Collapsible so it’s easy to store when not in use. Definitely would recommend.
-
Highly recommended
It’s very convenient when traveling it can hook up to a pet stroller or bag cleans very easily and travels well for pop up stop and water and food too
-
Travel bowls
I really like the travel bowls. I started taking a bowl whenever we go to a dog park with our water, we have one dog that sometimes has tummy issues, makes it easy. We have two dogs and they can both drink at same time, 50lbs and 67lbs.
Best Dog Food Storage for Camping
-
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.
-
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.
-
This is a very convenient way to take dry dog food on vacation or when you’re dog is boarding.
Best Pet First Aid Kit
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Great for dark-colored dogs to see in deep fenced backyard!
My pup is mostly black, and totally 'disappears' into the night when we let her out in our fenced backyard at night. She seems to love to 'hide' behind our old growth trees (1/2 acre in back). This allows me to give her the freedom to sniff around, but able to call her in, when she's done doing what a dog's gotta do.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
Shop more Chewy customer faves:
Share:
