Your guide to this review today is by product expert Nick Bulanda
Published June 1, 2020
CONTENTS
Now is an amazing time to grab the family and head to the great outdoors. After being cooped up inside for months, the experience of camping will feel brand new once again, and maybe even the most hesitant kids will love it! One of the best parts of going on a camping trip can be bringing the family dog along, as long as you are properly prepared.
With today’s guide, we want to help you find some of the best camping bed for dogs options out there today. Some of the products you’ll find online aren’t made with the kind of craftsmanship you want for your pet, so it’s important to choose the right item. We’ve put together a list featuring our 10 favorite camping beds for your dog. Each one is accompanied by a short review intended to get you familiar with the product.
After our list, you’ll have access to our buying guide. That’s where we fill you in on the thought process that goes into our rankings, as well as some more information on camping with dogs. Hopefully by the end you are just a bit more prepared for your next trip than you were before you started reading this. Let’s get started!
Top 10 Camping Bed for Dogs
Our pick for the overall best camping bed for dogs comes to us from K&H Pet Products. This bed, like most of the options on our list, is elevated to keep your dog off the ground. This is good for keeping them cool, clean and comfortable. This specific model is our favorite for a variety of reasons, including the high-grade fabric, the non-slip rubber grip feet, and the removable and washable cover and bolster.
The bed included here is medium-sized, and can hold up to 200 lbs. of weight without a problem. The bed is raised about seven inches off the ground, and features a mesh center that offers air flow. This item can be great for dogs who get anxious when they leave home, or for any dog you want to have a comfortable way to rest while camping.
Key Features:
Waterproof 600D Fabric
Tool-Free Assembly
Washable Cover
Weight Capacity: 200 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: K&H PET PRODUCTS
Model: B06XGZSC2P
Weight: 7.4 lbs.
Our second product is also our pick for the best Premium item. It’s an orthopedic memory foam bed for your dog! This bed is easy to pack up and carry around, making it great for both home use and while out camping. It offers at least four inches of memory foam, as well as other padding that makes this one of the most comfortable options out there. If your dog has problems with arthritis, anxiety, or other issues, this bed could make a camping trip much more enjoyable for them.
It features padding for the dog to rest their head, as well as a non-skid bottom that prevents it from sliding around. You’ll find a waterproof liner, making this work for camping as well as regular indoor use. While it is a little bit pricier than the other options on our list, sometimes the peace of mind is worth it knowing that your pet is resting well.
Key Features:
Premium Comfort
Water-Resistant
Non-Slip Bottom
Reduced Joint Pain
Specification:
Brand: PetFusion
Model: B00TQ47CPW
Weight: 14.3 lbs.
If you’re looking for a camping bed for dogs that is affordable but still comfortable, check out this option from AmazonBasics. It uses a mesh fabric that allows for plenty of air flow to keep your dog cool in the heat, as well as 7 inches of lift to raise them off the ground. It’s not machine washable, but you can easily spray it off with a hose and most everything should come right off. Some simple assembly is required, but everything you need comes included and it should only take a few minutes. Overall, if you want to save a few bucks and don’t mind putting in a bit of extra work, this should be an excellent option for you.
Key Features:
Clean by Rinsing Off with Water
Lift Over 7 Inches
Breathable Mesh Material
Simple Assembly Required
Specification:
Brand: Amazon Basics
Model: B076VXVB2L
Weight: 10.2 lbs.
This next dog bed from Outrav offers a different shape and style for your pet to enjoy. It still has some excellent comfort benefits that make it worth investing in, too. This bed is extremely portable, folding up to a small size and including a bag that makes it a breeze to pack or carry with you. The bed itself is heavily padded and features 600D Oxford fabric, making this quite a comfortable choice for your pet. Like the previous products we’ve shared, it also helps your pet regulate their temperature by raising them off of the ground. This particular model can support up to 100 lbs., so it should be perfectly suitable for most small and medium-sized dogs.
Key Features:
Storage Bag Included
Supports up to 100 lbs.
Comfortable and Durable
Helps Pets Stay Warm
Specification:
Brand: Outrav
Model: B082WKNKNG
Weight: 5.3 lbs.
Next up, we have a more conventional-looking cot, except that it is for dogs! Once again you will find a mesh center here, as well as non-slip feet on the frame. It’s dimensions make it easy to fit in a tent while also giving your dog plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. It also comes with a storage bag that makes it even easier to transport. It utilizes a strong design that will hold up to the test of time. We feel strongly that this is a great camping bed for dogs, and it should serve you well on many trips to come.
Key Features:
Teslin Mesh and Oxford Cloth
Non-Skid and Non-Scratch Rubber Feet
Good for Pet's Health and Comfort
Storage Bag Included
Specification:
Brand: YEP HHO
Model: B07RSBJGWC
Weight: 8 lbs.
Another one of our favorites is this raised mesh cot that includes a canopy shade tent. It comes from Best Choice Products, and is great for both nighttime and daytime use. You can remove the canopy so the cot easily fits inside your tent, and then take it out to the beach with you and re-attach the tent so your pup has a place to hide from the sun when they need it. This model uses a steel frame with non-slip rubber feet, and is sturdy enough to support up to 66 lbs. If your dog is the right size for this model, we think it is a fantastic option for you.
Key Features:
Removable Test Protects Dog from the Sun
Steel Frame and Breathable Mesh Fabric
Travel Bag Included
Can Hold Up To 66 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Best Choice Products
Model: B077117TBR
Weight: 5.1 lbs.
Our next product is once again from K&H Pet Products, but this time the item is a more basic version of a dog cot without the bolster headrests. However, it’s still an excellent high-quality camping bed for dogs. It includes a removable cover that is washable, 600D fabric, and a one-year limited warranty that should protect you against defects. Assembly is quick and easy, with no tools required. It should just take a couple of minutes before the bed is ready to go. It can hold up to 200 lbs. as well, making it a great choice for heftier pups. This option is one of our favorite basic options, and it’s available at a great price right now.
Key Features:
Waterproof 600D Fabric
Holds Up To 200 lbs.
Washable Cover
One-Year Limited Warranty
Specification:
Brand: K&H Pet Products
Model: B07PLF37V9
Weight: 6.1 lbs.
Next up, we have a bed that’s just a little bit different. Instead of a raised cot, here you will find a sleeping bag designed for dogs! Like a standard sleeping bag, this item has a comfortable fleece fabric on the inside and a water-resistant polyester on the outside. Either use it unzipped to provide a more spread out cushion for your dog, or zip it up and let them cozy up inside if they want to keep warm. The way the bag is designed ensures you dog won’t become trapped, and can climb out any time they like. Overall, we think this is a great way to keep your dog warm and comfortable on a camping trip.
Key Features:
Keeps Pet Dry and Warm in Tent
Polyester Outer Layer with Fleece Inner Layer
Travel Bag Included
Unzip to Use as Larger Cushion
Specification:
Brand: KUDES
Model: B082W9F6H1
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
At number nine, we have another ground bed for your dog. This time, it’s a large waterproof camping mat. The mat folds up and is flexible, making it easy to store in your vehicle. Additionally, it’s machine washable, making it very simple to keep clean. It works great both indoors and outdoors, and can even be useful in situations other than camping. The mat measures out to 43 inches by 26 inches, which we think is the perfect sweet spot between not taking up too much space while giving the dog all the room they need to stay comfortable. While we aren’t quite as big fans of this as we are the raised cot models, this can still be a strong buy depending on your specific needs.
Key Features:
Waterproof Oxford Cloth Mat
Easy to Wash and Transport
Anti-Slip Bottom
Suitable Indoors and Outdoors
Specification:
Brand: Cheerhunting
Model: B07BT9CRHL
Weight: 1.7 lbs.
The final item we wanted to include on today’s list is a simple portable dog bed. It’s the least expensive item on our list, and features the least extensive features, but for those who want just the basics, this should get the job done. We recommend this item for smaller dogs particularly, and those who aren’t too picky about where they sleep. This machine washable bed is great for tents, inside the car, going to the beach, or pretty much wherever you decide to take your dog. You can get this item for under $20, and your dog will certainly appreciate it!
Key Features:
Machine Washable
Extremely Portable
Comforting for Dogs
One Size Fits All
Specification:
Brand: Chuckit!
Model: B00027466A
Weight: 2.7 lbs.
Camping Bed for Dogs Buying Guide
Now that you’ve had a chance to look at some of the most appealing options on the market, we think it’s time to talk in a little more detail about these accessories. In our buying guide, you’ll find information on what makes a quality camping bed for dogs, as well as safety tips and more. We hope you’ll join us!
Factors of Focus: Finding the Perfect Dog Bed for Camping
Material Quality: In our opinion, the most important thing to pay attention to when shopping for these accessories is the material that is being used. High-grade Oxford fabric is a good sign, as is steel when it comes to the support frame (if there is one). Additionally, if you are using a cot style bed that is lifted off the ground, it is best to look for a mesh center that allows for optimum air flow. This will help keep your dog cool in the summer heat.
Comfort: It’s important that your dog feels comfortable on the bed you buy. Otherwise, what is the point? This one is actually often pretty easy to tell by eyeballing it. Most owners know their dogs preferences and likes surprisingly well, and you may know whether your dog will like a bed or not just by looking at it. Additionally, you can look out for premium materials that can add to comfort such as memory foam. Any kind of padding is usually better than none!
Safety: This usually isn’t a huge concern when it comes to dog beds, but it does still matter! When shopping around, stay on the lookout for any red flags. Also be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity of any given bed, and match it up with your dog. There are usually a variety of bed sizes available, so make sure to get the one you need.
Tips for Going Camping with your Dog
Be sure to do your research while planning out your trip if you plan on bringing your dog on your next camping trip. It is always a fun time, but only if you have taken care of all the necessary preparations. Check out these tips to help you out with the planning process!
- There are plenty of campsites out there that allow dogs, but that isn’t the case for every single site. When choosing the site you’ll be taking your dog to, check out their website and see what they have to say about dogs. Some campsites might be oriented towards children and may not allow dogs, or they may not allow them for safety reasons. Whatever the case is, you’ll want to plan ahead and pick out a campsite that will let you bring your dog along.
- Come prepared with all the accessories you need, and not just a dog bed! While dog beds are an important thing to bring along, there’s more where that came from. Dog food, bowls for their food and water, a leash and other basic necessities will come in handy. You may also want to look into additional items to make the driver easier, such as a safety belt and harness.
- Bring along toys! Part of the point of going out there with your dog is having a great time. There’s nothing they’ll love more than playing with some toys, especially ones that involve interaction with humans. Whether it’s a simple tennis ball or a more elaborate toy, be sure to bring something along on the trip!
Final Thoughts on Dog Camping Beds
In this guide, we provided you with a variety of dog beds to choose from, as well as some tips on how to best optimize your next camping trip. There are tons of dog beds out there to choose from, but not all of them are going to be top-notch choices. We think it’s important for dogs to have proper comfort and protection while on vacation, and these beds can ensure just that. We hope that you found the right one for your family today!
