Be it rain, wind, or stars; take your four-legged companion wherever you go! It’s time to take a break and rekindle your relationship with nature. Where are we going to camp next? Don’t forget to bring along the best dog cage for camping for your pup’s happy nappy. Picture the nights under the starry sky, the bonfire is crackling, and the pup warm under the blanket in the shelter you just put up for them. If that doesn’t convince you to plan your next camping trip, we don’t know what would!
How To Choose The Best Dog Cage for Camping
Want to give your fido a temporary shelter while camping? Take a look at our list of the best dog cages for camping in the market! Before you decide anything, we have compiled several pointers to help you choose the best one you can take on your next trip!
Portability
Depending on your camping style, portability can be an important issue if you like to camp light. Wire cages are durable but they can be bothersome to carry unless you’re traveling by vehicle. Fortunately, there are other alternatives to wire cages such as soft crates or playpens. These alternatives may not be as tough but are enough to provide good weather and environmental protection.
Size
The rule of thumb when choosing the best dog cage for camping is to get the one with plenty of room for your pup to turn around and lie down without crunching their body. While bigger cages okay, they can be impractical when camping. Always measure your pup to get the crate or cage appropriate to their size.
Looking for camping tents for dogs instead?
Protection
Nature is unpredictable so to enjoy it fully, you have to come prepared. The same thing goes for your pup’s cage. Soft crates with flaps and mesh screens are great to maintain healthy airflow while protecting your pup from the element. On the other hand, wire crates will usually need you to purchase an additional cover to give some weather protection for your pup.
Can dogs go camping?
Most campsites allow dogs to accompany your camping and some of them even have a special trail path for dogs. Consult the park’s management to see their regulations just to make sure it’s allowed.
Is it cruel to keep a dog in a crate at night?
When done properly, your pup in a dog cage for camping at night has several benefits. Contrary to popular belief, when trained beforehand, a pup may get a sense of safety inside their cages. It could be a win-win situation where the pup can be in their comfort zone and the human can have better management when camping.
Can dogs sleep in a tent?
For the sake of your good night’s sleep, helping them learn to sleep away from your tent is for the better for both of you. Especially, when your pup is restless inside the tent, they may start digging or clawing their way out.
Can a dog be kept in a cage?
Vets recommend keeping a dog in a cage for up to 8 hours at night for a well-trained dog. Make sure you let them out in between periods to allow them to stretch a little.
Do dogs get cold camping?
Some dog breeds (Siberian Huskies or German Shepherd) don’t really mind staying out camping on cold days. However, if your fido is in small size or has short fur, they will need help in keeping themselves warm. So, make sure you provide extra blankets and cage covers to keep their cage warm.
K9 Sport Sack
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If you think to bring fido along to camping, think of K9 Sport Sack as well! This soft crate is the perfect starter or shelter to complete your camping gear, especially if you like packing light or going backpacking. This lightweight and compact dog crate only weighs less than a pound and easily folds flat. The secret is the clever portioning of the mesh screen and the eliminating of heavy dog mat!
Once set up, this portable dog cage can shelter small to medium dogs under its roof. Please mind that in order to use any kind of crates (including wire ones) it’s compulsory to crate-train your dog to avoid anxiety issues that can result in clawing or biting the shelters. This soft-crate is equipped with a 60-day warranty if there’s any product defect or failure.
What We Like
A very compact soft crate for well-behaved pups!
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Good airflow and heat retaining
- UV protection
- Including inflatable bed by Klymit©
- 60-day warranty
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger dogs
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Petnation Port-A-Crate
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Need something sturdier for longer camping but hate the weight? Petnation Port-A-Crate is the perfect one for you! It has one of the strongest structures of all dog cages for camping out there. It does come with some additional weight, but you’ll need it if it’s a big dog you’re containing. This dog cage is also foldable into a few inches of thickness and set up as easy as one-two-three!
The water-resistant polyester fabric that wraps around the structure is made durable and long-lasting. The mesh screens are engineered in such ways that it won’t get caught by your pup’s claws thanks to its tightly-woven mesh fabric. This resulted in a safe and well-ventilated cage you can trust your pup into. So far there are only one color options with 5 size options available. We’d like to see some new variants for this product!
What We Like
Dog cage for camping suitable for most dogs.
Pros:
- Portable and fold flat
- Machine washable
- Zipper lock
- Good ventilation and heat retaining
- Steel framed
Cons:
- Not suitable for biters or diggers
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Go Pet Club Soft Crate
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There’s a sense of relief to know that you’re always prepared whenever there’s a sudden camping plan when you have Go Pet Club Soft Crate standing by. This foldable dog crate is so lightweight and thin that it’s so easy to forget that you have a trusty dog crate ready to use whenever you need it. Weighing at only 4 pounds, this dog crate may not look like it, but it has the features you need to shelter your pup in nature.
It has great ventilation thanks to the heavy-duty mesh screen surrounding the crate. These screens are equipped with flaps that are greatly helpful to retain some heat when it’s night or winter. To give some additional warmth, attach the sheepskin mat and your pup will be sent into the snooze land in a matter of seconds!
What We Like
It’s a very lightweight and portable soft crate for short camping trips.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty polyester with anti-resistant coating
- Great ventilation
- Folds flat
- Comfort pad included
- Anchors included
Cons:
- Not the most good-looking product, but it works perfectly
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Ruff ‘N Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
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Coming from a manufacturer that’s known for producing some of the greatest pet gear lines in the world, now Ruff ‘N Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen is ready to be your pup’s second home. If you have an Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd, it could be hard to find dog cage for camping roomy enough to be comfortable. A playpen might be a better option if you want some leverage in weight.
This playpen is made of water-resistant nylon fabric that’s durable enough to protect your pup from the weather. To use this playpen is easy. All you need to do is take the folded playpen out of the carrier bag then throw it into the air and voila! An instant playpen for your fido. This playpen can fit one huge dog and a couple of small/medium dogs.
What We Like
A safe containment for a pup that needs a lot of room.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Roomy!
- Folds flat into its carrier
- Bonus travel bowl
- Pops up instantly
- Floor mat attached
- Great airflow
Cons:
- You need additional blankets for night time use
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Zampa Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
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When you’re an avid camper, Zampa Portable Foldable Pet Playpen is the playpen that will accompany you for a long time. The company that builds it understands that nature can be relentless sometimes so they make some improvements to make it as durable as possible. Starting from the details, the seams of this playpen is protected and reinforced both on the inside and the outside to prevent ripping both from digging and rough terrain.
This playpen is also waterproofed, especially the flooring. Should an incident happen, all you need to do is wipe it and it’s as good as it were. The last noteworthy feature is how thoughtfully designed it is. This playpen is also equipped with a pocket where you can store fido’s needs in one place. There’s also a mesh pocket and a water bottle holder to keep your pup hydrated throughout the day. When not used, this playpen is foldable into a couple of inches and stored in the included storing bag.
What We Like
An instant and lightweight nap den that will last for a very long time.
Pros:
- Thoughtful design
- Made of highly durable and water-resistant polyester
- Folds flat into the carrier
- Pop-up model
- Comes with ground stakes
- Very roomy and ventilated
- BARK warranty
Cons:
- Claws can get caught on the mesh screen
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BestPet Large Dog Crate
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BestPet Large Dog Crate is for a four-legged fella that needs some extra security. This sturdy foldable cage is made of anti-rust coated metal wire. Do you often go camping in vehicles or RV? Then carrying this with you will not be a problem since it could be too heavy for you to manually carry it. You can also set up the cage on the truck if you drive one.
This dog cage works best as a containment system for when you’re bringing puppies or a dog that likes to wander around. It’s totally safe thanks to the double-latch system on the two entrances. Even Houdinis can’t escape from this wire den! Oh, no! Did fido accidentally do the deed in the cage? Worry not! The bottom tray will contain it and not letting anything leak to the ground.
What We Like
An extra safe and leak-proof dog cage for outdoor uses.
Pros:
- Dual latch on each door
- Top handle for easy moving
- Fold easily
- Assembled without tools
- Anti-corrosion coating
Cons:
- Cage cover is sold separately
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Petsfit Dog Playpen
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Petsfit Dog Playpen is one of the rare products that you can tell it’s professionally made right from the get-go. Coming from a well-known company that produces some of the best pet gear products, their dog cage for camping are no exception. Wrapped in durable oxford fabric, this playpen is resilient towards what nature will put it through. It’s also waterproofed both the exterior and interior so you can rest assured your pup’s in good hands.
Unlike other similar products in the market, this playpen has 9 sides to give more room for your pup to move around. It’s convenient to set this up, you only need to take it out of the carrier bag and release it so it can pop up into shape. The airflow of this playpen is excellent thanks to the hex-mesh screens on all sides. There’s only one entrance that’s secured with a locking zipper that you can roll in to give your pup ease of access. Need direct access to your pup? The top mesh is removable to give you plenty of that!
What We Like
A durable playpen to shelter multiple pups.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Waterproofed
- Breathable
- Durable oxford fabric
- Folds flat
- Including carrying bag
- Pop-up mechanism
Cons:
- Needs extra blanket to provide warmth at night
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A4Pet Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
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A4Pet Portable Foldable Pet Playpen is starting to get popular among campers for its ease of use and lightweight property. This foldable pop-up tent is great for a couple of medium dogs or big dogs that are crate-trained. Its form factor is perfect to create a cozy den, especially when you put in their favorite binkie. The great thing is that it folds and stays flat with a help of a built-inbuilt-in storage strap!
The interior is spacious and well-ventilated. It’s great to use when camping in the summer where your pup’s going to need more airflow. If not mesh screens, the walls of this playpen are built by a wireframe and durable nylon fabric. This type of fabric is quite easy to clean, especially the removable base. Mind that this playpen isn’t very suitable when used under the rain so you might need to purchase a rain canopy to complete your pup’s shelter.
What We Like
Great for mild-tempered pups that need some private safe zone.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- High-quality nylon
- Waterproofed floor
- Easy cleaning
- Roomier than other competitors
- Excellent airflow
Cons:
- Great on summer days, but needs some warming devices at night or on winter days
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EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
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Just like the name, EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is one of the dog crates for camping for avid campers who appreciate quality, durable products. This soft crate is designed to be ready whenever you need a sturdy temporary solution to pup shelter. The 600D nylon fabric is quite strong to withstand the wear and tear of nature, while the steel frame will keep the whole structure from collapsing on your pup.
The inside of this soft cage is roomier than your thought. The mesh screens around it promote better airflow and retain heat at the same time. It’s also equipped with a removable pet bed so your pup can immediately settle in. What stole our hearts is really its robustness and mobility in proportion to its function. So if you’re planning on camping with your pup, make sure you have this cage with you!
What We Like
It has a compact design with full functionality!
Pros:
- Steel tube framing
- 600D nylon
- Anti-scratch mesh
- Accessory pockets (one detachable)
- Super compact
- Great airflow and heat-retaining
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Needs a pre-treatment before using to get rid of the factory scent
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A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
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If you have a large dog that loves to stand by your side wherever you go? Then you need to make sure to bring along the A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate with you. It’s highly versatile: a dog travel crate for hatchbacks or trucks but you can also lie it on the ground. The bottom part is completely waterproofed to make sure your pup isn’t sleeping on a wet surface. When it’s night, you can also add a dog bed and blanket to keep your pup warm and cozy.
The construction is robust and strong unlike other similar dog cages for camping, but the outer cover can be removed to get some cleaning. The mesh screens on this crate are scratch-resistant to prevent unwanted incidents. The same mesh screens are effective to maintain good airflow but are cleverly positioned to help your pup keep warm at night. Invest in this product and you won’t need to buy another one for a long time!
What We Like
A robust soft-crate for avid dog campers.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable steel frame
- Washable
- Waterproofed floor
- Great ventilation
- 3 entrances
- Lockable zippers
Cons:
- Claws can get stuck on the mesh screen
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Akinerri Dog Playpen
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Sets up in a blink of an eye, Akinerri Dog Playpen is for every dog that appreciates a cozy nook with a 360-degree view of the surroundings. But the playpen won’t work if it will tear down after a single scratch. That’s why this dog playpen is wrapped in 600 denier oxford nylon that’s famous for durability and longevity. The 8-walled playpen has a higher ceiling than other competitors to accommodate bigger dog breeds such as German Shepherds or English Mastiff.
These walls are also equipped with anti-claw mesh screens that also work as a ventilator, including the door! This makes it great dog cage for camping for airflow. We highly recommend this playpen if you’re planning on camping in the summer. But what about the sun? This playpen has a removable shade-mesh screen you can set up to give your pup the comfy nook they need.
What We Like
A well-ventilated soft dog cage to ensure a good night’s sleep!
Pros:
- Thoughtful design: including a water bottle holder and organizing pockets
- Durable 600D nylon
- Locking zippers
- Anti-scratch mesh screen
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The floor isn’t waterproofed
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New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
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Out and about, you and your four-legged companion need to get the proper dwelling to keep you safe from the unpredictability of nature. Though possible, keeping your pup so sleep beside you isn’t warrantied a good night’s sleep since your pup may have different ideas on how to spend your night time. Luckily, foldable dog cages like New World Folding Metal Dog Crate is always ready to give the shelter your pup needs.
Made of reinforced steel wire, the construction of this foldable dog cage is remarkably sturdy, but that’s not just it! The wire will never go corrosive thanks to the E-coat finish to protect it from rust. Assembling this pup cage is relatively easy with no tools needed. All you need to do is to pull the top part up, lock the sidebars, and slide in the bottom tray to make it ready to work.
What We Like
A robust foldable dog cage to contain strong pups!
Pros:
- Heavy-duty latches
- 2 doors
- Folds into a compact form
- Environmentally friendly anti-rust coating
- Rounded corners
- No-tool assembly
Cons:
- You need to separately purchase a crate cover
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MidWest iCrate Starter Kit
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The best dog cage for camping award falls on MidWest iCrate Starter Kit that allows its user to experience the closes thing to have a permanent and durable abode far in the wild. This foldable crate is made of the highest quality of steel wire coated in an anti-rust coating to make it long-lasting. If the title “the strongest foldable dog crate” doesn’t sell you, we don’t know what could!
When you purchase this product, it will arrive in a package that contains a plethora of all-in-one necessities for your pup. It contains the foldable dog cage, the cushy dog bed, and a couple of their signature Snap’y bowls. The most awesome thing about this dog cage is that it comes with a cover! No more shivering pups at night!
What We Like
Everything you need in one whole package!
Pros:
- Foldable into a compact size
- Anti-leak bottom tray
- Cage cover included
- Bonus water and food bowls
- Dual entry
- Steel-wire and anti-rust coating
- Removable fleece bed included
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Cage cover isn’t waterproofed
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