If you’re planning on bringing your dog along on your next camping trip, a dog fence is a worthy investment. Dog fences for camping are different than kennels or cages because they provide your pet a safe place to run around and play while in a safe, enclosed area.
Dog fences for camping come in all shapes and sizes, and we’ve even found a wireless option that doesn’t require you to bury your wire.
Keep reading to learn about our five favorite dog fences for camping. At the end of this post, we’ll walk you through our buyers’ guide and frequently asked questions by new buyers of dog fences for camping.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen Designed for Camping
Budget Option
New World Foldable Dog Fence
Best Wireless Fence for Camping
PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Pet Fence
Best Overall
FXW Rollic Dog Playpen Designed for Camping
The FXW Rollic Dog Playpen is a dream dog fence for camping that will keep your pup happy all day long. It’s customizable because the panels can be removed or added at any time to adjust the size of your dog fence.
The stakes are designed with rounded ball tops to protect your dog’s claws, and an automatic gravity mechanism is installed to allow the door to open and close easily.
Panels range from 25 to 30 inches wide and are available in four heights: 24 inches, 32 inches, 40 inches, and 50 inches–perfect for all dogs.
Pros
- Buy anywhere from two to 48 panels at a time
- Stackable and easy to pack/unpack
- FXW is known for its excellent customer service
Cons
- Not for recommended for indoor use (if you’re looking for a multi-use playpen)
Budget Option
New World Foldable Dog Fence
The New World Foldable Dog Fence is a great option for buyers who want a versatile dog fence for camping and aren’t looking to spend a ton of money. Many accessories such as a Sunscreen Top or a Mesh Bottom can be purchased separately, and it’s connectable to New World Dog Crates
This dog fence can be used indoors or outdoors, and it is available in six heights: 18 inches, 24 inches, 42 inches, 36 inches, and 48 inches.
Pros
- Affordable dog fence for camping
- Easy setup and no tools required for setup
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- No door, so you have to remove thumb snaps to open it
- Panels cannot separate (and you will void the warranty if you attempt to)
Best Wireless Fence for Camping
PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Pet Fence
Some dog fences for camping can be adjusted, so you can add or remove panels as needed (like the FXW Rollic Dog Playpen. This is perfect for campers who go to various-sized campsites.
If you have a dog who’s a jumper (and can jump over 50 inches), you might find a wireless fence works better at keeping your dog contained to your campsite. The PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Pet Fence is great for camping because it doesn’t require digging to bury a wire.
Unlike traditional wireless fences, your dog will be able to return to the site without being zapped–so you don’t have to take your dog’s collar off when you take him from your campsite.
It comes with an easy-to-read display, so you can see how far your dog’s play area expands and any warnings or errors in your dog’s wireless fence.
You can adjust your fence coverage from 22 to 105 feet, allowing you more coverage than other dog fences for camping.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- It’s a lot harder for a dog to jump over a wireless fence
- Your dog can use your whole campsite as a play area safely
Cons
- Wireless fences are controversial, with some people claiming they’re inhumane
- Keeps your dog in, but it doesn’t keep others out
PawHut Dog Playpen
The PawHut Dog Playpen is a luxurious dog fence for camping because it comes with a removable roof cover, so your pup can relax out of the sun. It comes with 10 panels that are 24″ L x 30″ W. The roof cover is water and UV-resistant and can be mounted on either side of the dog fence.
The dimensions of this dog fence for camping are 83″ L x 48″ W x 46.75″ H.
Pros
- Comes with a door that can be positioned in different spots
- No tools are required for assembly
- Unique lock to prevent your pet from escaping
Cons
- Only fits small and medium-sized dogs
- Additional panels are not available
Frisco Ultimate Outdoor Lightweight Heavy-Duty Playpen
The Frisco Ultimate Outdoor Lightweight Heavy Duty Playpen is both lightweight and sturdy, which means it can last a long time. It comes with eight panels that are 35 inches that can easily be configured into different shapes to fit your campsite.
Pros
- Made from high-grade 22-gauge steel with powder coating for long-term use
- Easy to assemble and take apart for transport
- Usable indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Replacement parts are not available for this product
- Additional panels are not available
IRIS USA 4-6 Panel Dog Exercise Playpen with Door
The IRS USA 4-6 Panel Exercise Playpen with Door is our favorite plastic dog fence for camping because the panels are made from durable, BPA- and acid-free plastic that will never rust.
Plus, this playpen is super easy to clean. You can also combine two pens for more space, or you can install additional panels to extend the size of the dog fence.
Pros
- Made for indoor or outdoor use
- Non-skid rubber pads for keeping the fence in place
- Lightweight design that makes it easy to fold and transport
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs or climbing dogs
Dog Fence for Camping Buyer’s Guide
Height
Dog fences for camping come in many heights. Know how high your dog can jump and if you have a dog that can jump higher than the tallest dog fences for camping (50 inches), you will need to consider alternative options, like invisible fences.
Overall Size
If you buy a dog fence that is not adjustable, you need to consider: a) is the dog fence large enough for your dog and b) is the dog fence the right size for the campsite(s) you will be visiting.
Portability
The best dog fences for camping should be portable and easy to fold for transport. A dog fence that does not fold is not intended for camping.
Materials
Metal
Metal is the most common material used in dog fences for camping. It is sturdy and can be staked to the ground to secure your pet.
The caveat with metal is it’s prone to rust (even when the manufacturer claims the material is rust-resistant).
Plastic
Plastic dog fences are the easiest to clean, but the fences are not as sturdy as metal dog fences.
Wireless
Wireless fences are great choices for dogs that jump and are not easily contained in traditional dog fences for camping. The problem with wireless dog fences is they do not keep other dogs or animals away from your pet.
Safety
It’s important to consider safety when using dog fences for camping.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended
Your dog may be confined in a safe space, and even if you know they aren’t a jumper, you should never leave your dog unattended. You never know when a child or other animal is going to approach your dog, and dogs are known for being unpredictable (especially when their owner is not nearby.)
Use Caution with Wireless Fences
As we mentioned, wireless fences keep your dog inside, but they do not keep other animals outside. Unfortunately, you cannot control how other campers handle their pets.
You should also practice Bear Safety Food Protocols when camping in areas where bears are known to frequent to keep both you and your pet safe.
Confirm Dog Fences are Allowed
Many RV parks are moving toward banning dog fences because campers have abused them by leaving their dogs unattended. Before setting up your dog fence, check the campground rules.
Versability
If you want the most bang for your buck, consider the versatility of your dog fence for camping. You may benefit from having a dog pen that you can take on the road and then set up at home to give your dog a safe place to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a dog fence for camping with rounded corners?
Rounded corners prevent your dog from rubbing its head on the medal. They’re a bonus design feature to many dog fences for camping for your dog’s safety and comfort.
My dog fence for camping says it’s anti-rust. Why is it rusting?
Manufacturers of dog fences for camping can add coatings to help prevent rust, but unfortunately, since most of these fences are made from metal, they will all rust eventually.
You can prevent rusting by collapsing it every night when you go to bed (even if it’s not going to rain at night since even the morning dew will cause your dog fence for camping to rust prematurely).
Wrapping up the Best Dog Fence for Camping
Now you know all about the best dog fences for camping, so you can find the best pick for you and your dog. The FXW Rollick Dog Playpen Designed for Camping is the most versatile and well-suited for almost all dogs.
Before leaving for the campground, read Camping with Dogs for more tips and tricks for making the most of camping with a man’s best friend.
- About the Author
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Nicole Kinkade grew up in campgrounds in the Midwest with her family in their RV and has many fond memories around the campfire. She and her husband took many tent camping trips at the beginning of their relationship, and she looks forward to sharing the outdoors with her young son as he gets older.
She loves discovering new camping techniques and sharing them with the world. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Media Communication, she is a passionate writer who loves sharing her knowledge online.
Nicole can be reached at nicolek.author@gmail.com