Thinking about bringing your pup on your next camping trip? If so, you’ll need to pack a few items to keep your furry friend happy, safe, and comfortable.
Along with essentials like a leash and collar, a functional, portable dog bed for camping will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your sweet companion.
To help make your search easier, we selected our top-recommended dog beds for camping across five categories.
Keep reading to learn more about these dog beds and the details that set them apart!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
The Original Elevated Dog Bed from Coolaroo
Budget Option:
Orthopedic Waterproof Dog Bed from Furhaven
Best Premium:
Tough Rectangle Pillow from K9 Ballistics
Best Overall
The Original Elevated Dog Bed from Coolaroo
There’s nothing like lying down on a relaxing, reliable surface at the end of a “ruff” day. The Original Elevated Dog Bed from Coolaroo tops our list for its breathability, comfort, and ease of care.
This top-rated dog bed is made with a breathable, 100% recyclable fabric free of harmful lead and phthalate chemicals. It’s also flea-, mite-, mold, and mildew-resistant. The fabric and elevated design promotes air circulation on all sides, keeping your furbaby cool and comfortable. To boot, the raised bed allows for fabric flexibility, which creates low-impact areas to relieve joint pressure points.
This lightweight bed is supported by a powder-coated steel frame that’s also rust-resistant. It’s designed for indoor and outdoor use and cleans easily with water. Choose from eight colors and four sizes: small, medium, large, and x-large.
You can’t go wrong with choosing a dog bed for camping like this one–and that’s “fur-real!”
Pros
- Rust-resistant and flea-, mite-, mold-, and mildew-resistant
- Competitive pricing
- Easy to clean; simply hose off with water
Cons
- Some users note difficulty with assembly
- Not chew-proof
- Must assemble and disassemble to transport
Best Budget Option
Orthopedic Waterproof Dog Bed From Furhaven
The Orthopedic Waterproof Dog Bed from Furhaven is a paws-itively great way to ensure your pup is comfy and cozy without breaking the bank. This dog bed for camping is made with medical-grade orthopedic support foam, which provides joint support and soothes pressure points for a deeper, more restorative sleep. It’s the perfect choice for dogs who need a little more cushion.
The bed is made from a water-resistant polyester canvas that protects against dirt, spills, and accidents. The mattress has an egg crate design to improve air circulation, and its foam is 100% manufactured in the U.S. The sleep surface is both removable and easy to clean. If there are any issues, this bed has 90-day limited coverage against material defects and a 60-day worry-free program.
Choose from 39 colors and five sizes: small, medium, large, jumbo, and jumbo plus.
Pros
- Made with medical-grade orthopedic support foam
- Waterproof material
- Comes with a 60-day worry-free program and 90-day limited coverage
Cons
- Does not roll up or become compact for transport
- Not suitable for pets with excessive teething or destructive chewing behaviors
Best Premium Pick
Tough Rectangle Pillow from K9 Ballistics
The Touch Rectangle Pillow from K9 Ballistics has a reputation amongst customers for being nearly indestructible. Though it sells for a higher price point, it’s made to hold up against diggers, scratches, and light-to-moderate chewers–and that’s paw-some! If you have an active dog or puppy on your hands, this might be the best dog bed for camping for you.
The material is water-resistant and non-slip, ensuring that it stays in place. It’s also machine-washable for extra-easy cleanup. Simply toss it in the washing machine and go!
This small-business product is made in America and uses non-toxic, shredded CertiPUR-US foam manufactured in the company’s own facilities. As an added plus, the company will replace the dog bed cover once if it’s damaged within the first 120 days, free of charge.
Choose from seven colors and five sizes: small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large.
Pros
- Chew-resistant
- Durable material
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Higher price point
- Material is slightly noisy
Best For Portability
Coleman Roll-Up Travel Dog Bed
Some trips are spontaneous, where the only plan is to get up and go. In that case, you’ll be glad to have a Coleman Roll-Up Travel Dog Bed on your hands.
This dog bed for camping easily rolls up for travel or storage, which makes packing a cinch. You can use it indoors or outdoors, in a crate, or in the car on the way to and from your destination. It’s waterproof, plush, and padded and features a non-skid bottom to prevent sliding.
It’s also machine-washable, so when you return home, run it through the washing machine for worry-free cleaning. Available at a competitive price point, choose from two colors.
Pros
- Easily rolls up for travel and storage
- Water-resistant material
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Available in one size only: 24″ x 26″ x 2″
Best For Comfort
Portable Soft-Sided Foldable Indoor Shelter from Sherpa
Undoubtedly, your dog will have a ball using the Portable Soft-Sided Foldable Indoor Shelter from Sherpa. A great dog bed for camping, indoor/outdoor use, and in the car, your four-legged friend will have a soft, enclosed space to call their own. Its padded base will keep your dog warm and cozy, and mesh panels allow for ventilation–and gives your pup a chance to keep an eye on you, too!
The lightweight shelter is functionally portable. It unzips and folds up, so you can take it anywhere. It’s also easy to assemble and disassemble. The bottom mat is removable and machine-washable.
This dog bed is available in one size only, 27″ x 19″ x 18″, which is ideal for small- to mid-sized dogs.
Pros
- Unzips and folds up for easy portability
- Extra-cozy enclosed bed
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for pups who are aggressive chewers
- Available in one size only
Dog Bed For Camping Buyer’s Guide
Characteristics To Look For
Some dog beds are better suited for home use, while others are ideal for travel. When you’re choosing a dog bed for camping, you’ll want to consider four factors: sizing, material, portability, and ease of cleaning.
Sizing
Size is one of the most important deciding factors in choosing a dog bed for camping. To be comfortable, the size of the bed must accommodate your dog. If you choose a bed that’s too small, your dog will try to snuggle up in your sleeping bag. If you choose a bed that’s too large, you’ll take up valuable space in your vehicle or tent. Always double-check the size before buying.
Material
The material of a dog bed for camping is a major determinant of how long it lasts. Durable, waterproof materials will protect against dirt, grime, water, accidents and spills, and anything else your dog may track in. This is especially important when camping because your pup will likely be walking on hard dirt ground throughout the day.
The material becomes ever more important if your dog is a biter, chewer, or digger. High-quality material will mean the difference between having to repurchase dog beds for camping in the future and being able to use the same one for repeat trips.
Portability
Some dog beds can be quite bulky, especially depending on the size of your dog. The more portable the design of a dog bed, the easier it’ll make transport and storage for you. If you’re limited with space, choose a packable dog bed for camping that folds easily and is offered in a travel-friendly size, if possible.
Ease of Cleaning
No matter how careful you are, a dog bed for camping will get dirty–it’s only a matter of time. So, a waterproof dog bed is the easiest way to go. A machine-washable dog bed lets you clean it quickly between trips and as much as needed. You can also do on-the-spot cleaning with waterproof dog beds, so you don’t have to track dirt in your car.
Dog Beds For Camping Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dog bed for camping?
While a dog bed for camping is not a necessity, it will definitely make a difference for both you and your dog. When you take your dog for walks, runs, and hikes, their paws will track dirt and other debris, as they do when you’re at home. A dog bed will help prevent them from tracking outdoor debris onto your sleeping bag and bedding. A functional dog bed for camping will also ensure that your pup remains comfortable throughout the trip.
Do dogs prefer to sleep in elevated beds?
Elevated dog beds are more comfortable for your dog because they provide a breathable surface that doesn’t rest against the hard ground. It can be compared to the difference between sleeping on a bed and sleeping on a floor, even though your pup is probably used to napping on such surfaces.
However, it’s helpful to remember there are several styles of bedding, aside from elevated dog beds, that are perfectly fine for pups.
Wrapping Up Best Dog Beds for Camping
As dog owners, we keep our pups’ comfort top of mind. Having a dog bed for camping that’s comfortable and breathable will keep your dog happy. And choosing a bed that’s functional, portable, and easy to clean keeps us owners happy, too.
Interested in learning about other products you can bring along for your pup? Check out our page on 15 Dog Camping Essentials to bring on your next dog-friendly camping trip.
