Become a Petful InsiderWhat to Look for in a Camping Dog Fence: Safety, Portability, and More
Bringing your dog on a camping trip adds joy, but it also requires smart planning—especially when it comes to safety. A camping dog fence offers your furry friend freedom to explore while keeping them secure. Learn what features to look for and which fences campers trust most.
Bringing your dog on your next RV adventure gives you joy and certainly fills your canine pal with tail-wagging delight. But the decision requires in-depth trip planning. You know to pack your dog’s leash, food, bowls, beds, medicine, and toys. But for your dog’s safety and your peace of mind, make room to pack a camping dog fence.
The good news is that the growing popularity of dogs in RVs is sparking more portable camping dog fence options in terms of materials, assembly, quality, price, and portability.
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Why Use a Dog Fence While Camping?
Let’s first address the big why. Why should you bring a camping dog fence with you? The big answer: for your dog’s safety. No one wants to risk their dog slipping off a leash, getting lost, and getting injured.
Including a portable dog fence at your campsite enables your well-mannered dog some leash-free time to sniff and explore within your eyesight. This confinement can reduce stress for your dog who is checking out a new turf. With your dog safely contained, you can focus on setting up your campsite, preparing for a delicious dinner around a campfire, or simply chilling in a comfy chair.
You also display good camper manners because your dog won’t be able to venture into the next campsite and steal a hot dog or bark-bark-bark at your neighbors. Remember that old saying, “Fences make for good neighbors.” Well, that also includes temporary ones at campsites.
Key Features to Look for in a Camping Dog Fence
Before you click “buy” for a portable dog fence online or select one from a camping or home improvement store, consider your wants and needs.
Know yourself and your handy capabilities. Consider a camping dog fence that is easy to set up and to break down. No one wants to spend tons of time getting the campsite ready to enjoy.
Check out portable dog fences that fold easily and do not take up a lot of space in your RV or camper. As you know, it seems like every square inch needs to be utilized.
Let’s talk about materials for your dog fence, which factor in your dog’s size and personality. Low-energy, small dogs and senior dogs who prefer naps over brisk walks may do fine in camping dog fences made from lightweight materials, such as plastic or fabric.
Dogs with reputations for being escape artists, four-legged hurdlers, and having energy to burn, however, need to be corralled in portable dog fences that are at least four feet high and made of sturdy, stable materials, such as metal, and can be secured in place around the entire perimeter.
If you plan on making multiple outings, invest in a quality dog fence made from durable materials that can withstand repeated use, winds, and rain.
Camping Dog Fences to Consider
Here are three camping dog fences that have earned high review scores from people who travel with their dogs:
OFIKA Heavy Duty Metal Dog Playpen
This octagon-shaped, versatile fence can be used for camping, as well as outdoor and indoor playpens for dogs of medium size and smaller. You can opt for eight panels at 24 inches high or up to 16 at 40 inches high.
Highlights
- It can be installed or folded for storage in about five minutes.
- Ideal to use as a playpen or exercise area.
- It can be figured into many different shapes at the campground.
Things to Consider
- Be sure to get the right size for your outdoor needs.
- Some reviewers indicate it isn’t super sturdy.
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen
This sturdy black metal camper dog fence has panels that range from 32 to 50 inches in height to keep large dogs inside. The fence has plenty of stakes to secure in place and an automatic gravity-actioned locking mechanism to prevent the door from being ajar.
Highlights
- It can be quickly assembled in less than 10 minutes despite its size.
- The manufacturer also offers several short videos showing the effectiveness of this fence for camping sites and backyards.
- It is available in several different panel options to accommodate everyone.
Things to Consider
- A bit on the pricey side.
- Some campers indicate it took longer to disassemble than others.
HOUT Outdoor Camping Metal Fence for Pets
This lightweight fence is made of polyester with metal stakes. It is 30 inches high and 170 inches in circumference, enabling you to provide ample space for your small to medium dog around your campsite.
Highlights
- The storage bag weighs about 14 pounds and comes with the fence plus stakes.
- The khaki brown color blends into the campsite background and features glow stripes for nighttime safety and visibility.
- Polyester cleans up easily.
Things to Consider
- Not for larger-sized dogs.
- A bit pricey.
Tips for Using a Dog Fence Safely at Campsites
When setting up your temporary fence, ensure your dog is inside your RV or leashed to a secure immobile object, such as a heavy picnic table.
Test the anchors or stakes used around the entire portable dog fence to ensure they are secure and that they will not come out easily, causing the fence to collapse.
You might also consider placing a doggy mat or ground tarp inside a portion of the outdoor dog fence to offer your dog some comfort.
What to Avoid in Dog Fences for Camping
Okay, you’ve narrowed down your choices—time to select. As a friendly reminder, choose portable dog fences that feature enclosures with durable zippers or secure latches. Skip short fences or flimsy ones if you are bringing active and strong dogs of medium to large size to prevent escapes.
If you have ample storage space and others to help set up, check out heavy-duty dog fences for your upcoming RV treks.
As you see, all portable dog fences are not created alike. Like dogs, they put the “D” in diversity. Shop based on your dog’s size and behavior, and a fence that you can easily set up and store.
Let the camping adventures with your dog begin with everyone, including your four-legged friend, feeling safe and relaxed.
Photo by Matheus Bertelli /Pexels
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