We know you hate leaving your fur baby at home when you go camping, but you also do not like to have to keep him in the RV or in his crate the whole time either. Also, you do not want to be dragging him around on a leash, and tie-outs are dangerous for everyone. That is why we decided to review some portable camping dog fences.
After evaluating more than 30 portable camping dog fences, we found that the “FXW Dog Playpen” is the best portable camping dog fence. It has many of the features you need, like a secure lock, adjustable sizes and space, and easy setup.
In addition, you can make it as large as 108 feet around to give your pupster plenty of space to play with his ball or with other dog friends. You can adjust it to fit around your RV steps, and it will stand up to weather, hyper pups, and UV rays.
But I understand that you might have different needs. Maybe you’re interested in a portable dog fence that suits your dog’s size better, or looking for something that would take less space in the trunk. That’s why I prepared a shortlist of the top portable camping fences that address different needs.
In the review below we also listed 10 of our favorites in every group so you can pick the one that is right for you and your pup’s needs. But first, we go over why you need a camping fence, how to choose the right one, and why you should not use tie-outs.
The Risks of Using “Tie-Outs” For Your Dog In a Campsite Instead of Having A Portable Dog Fence
If you have ever taken your fur baby camping with you, you probably already know it is difficult to keep him in the campsite. There are options like putting him in his crate, leaving him in the RV, or tying him up. However, none of these are very good opinions and certainly not recommended by professionals or us at FluentWoof.
Tying him up with a tie-out is another option, but this is one that we do not recommend as well, and in fact, it’s a life-threatening solution. Not only is it annoying to trip over the tie-out or having to untangle him from trees, chairs, and picnic tables, but it is also dangerous for your pooch to be left on a tie-out. Here are some examples:
- Getting Tangled Up: The most common hazard is your pup getting tangled up with things as mentioned above. Even if you think you have him safely secured away from everything, dogs can surprise you by finding a way to reach things if they want to bad enough.
- Choking Hazard: Similar to getting tangled up, dogs do not like having anything around their neck that restricts them. Tying them to a tie-out could make your fur buddy miserable the whole time or he could choke if he gets stuck on something.
- Tripping: You also do not want your pup to be the cause of someone else getting hurt. Tripping over your dog’s tie-out can cause a serious injury for children or even adults.
- Defenseless Against Predators: When camping, you are likely to see some wildlife like coyotes, bobcats, and bears. You do not want your dog to be trapped in the event that one of these predators happens to make its way into your campsite. Even if there is no wildlife, you also have to worry about other dogs.
- Unable to Retreat from the Elements: Even if your pooch loves the rain and likes sunbathing, it is not good for them to be trapped in an area that is not protected. He needs shade and shelter as well as water if he is going to be outside for any amount of time.
Reasons a Portable Camping Fence It’s a Must For a Safer Trip
Almost every campsite you visit is going to have rules about keeping your dog on a leash or otherwise secured in a crate or by other means. But leaving your fur buddy alone in the RV or car is out of the question. The main thing you want to think about is keeping your pup safe and secure for himself as well as for others. Getting a portable camping dog fence is a pawfect solution.
No matter whether you are staying in an RV or tent, a dog fence will make things so much better for everyone involved. Your fur baby will be able to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with you and the family without having to be tied up, crated, or on a leash.
You cannot forget that there is always wildlife around wherever you go that your dog may be interested in chasing like squirrels and birds. Keeping your pooch in a fence will protect him from getting a disease from a sick animal or from being hurt by one. Unless the critters jump or climb that fence, your dog will be safe.
This type of confinement is also a good idea for when you are sitting around the fire or barbecuing. You do not want your pup to get too close to the fire or grill and you also do not want to have to lock him up or deal with his leash while you cook.
Another major benefit you probably already considered is that it means you do not have to worry so much about your dog running off and getting lost.
8 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Portable Camping Dog Fence
Before shopping for your pup’s portable camping dog fence, there are several things to think about. For example, you need one that is high enough to contain him and large enough for him to run around in. Also, you want one that is easy to carry, takes up very little space, and is easy to set up and take down.
It also needs to have safety features like strong locks and solid construction. The material is also important because it has to stand up to the elements, and you need it to be adaptable to different surfaces, including dirt, grass, and maybe even concrete.
- Your Dog’s Height / Height of the fence: This may seem obvious, but you need to get the right fence height for your fur baby. To determine the size, you have to take into account the height of your pooch when he stands up on his back paws. Also, if you have a dog that loves to jump, you will want an extra high fence.
- Easy To Carry: Don’t forget, you will have to carry that fence in and out of the RV or vehicle when you are setting it up and taking it down. You do not want something too heavy to lift. Also, it should be easy to carry, so having a carrying case or a built-in handle is pawsome.
- Safety Features & Durability: Does the fence have secure locks to keep the gate shut? Is it sturdy enough to stay standing if your pup jumps up on it several times a day? Look for solid construction with stakes or poles on each attachment point to ensure your dog does not escape. In addition, be sure there are no sharp edges or points that can cause injury to your dog or you.
- Material of the Fence: You want a solid metal or thick plastic that is weatherproof and UV resistant. Most camping dog fences are made of steel that is coated with protectants, which is an excellent choice.
- Perimeter Range: There is no sense of getting a so small fence he cannot move around. He may as well be in his crate if he does not have room to run around and play or stretch out. If you have an extra-large or giant dog breed, you will probably need more than one fence joined together.
- Adaptability to the campsite and steadiness: Because most camping fences are held in place by stakes or poles, you will need to be able to push them into the dirt or grass to secure it. There are freestanding fences out there, but unless it is super heavy, it will likely fall over if your dog jumps on it.
- Assembly: You also do not want a fence that takes hours to set up every time you go camping. Find something easy to set up, preferably a fence that can be set up and broken down by one person if you are alone.
- Storage: Most RVs and all vehicles have limited space, so try to get one that is easy to store that does not take up too much room. Something that folds flat is best.
Our 2021 Review For 10 Portable Camping & RV Dog Fences
After reviewing more than 30 portable camping dog fences using our specific criteria, we chose 10 that we think are some of the best on the market with the most important features. We even classified them to help you narrow down the choices.
FXW Dog Playpen Outdoor
- Height Of The Fence: 32 inches
- Weight of the fence: 32 to 192 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Double latch door access with anchors and rounded poles
- Material of the fence: Powder coated and treated steel
- Perimeter Range: 18 to 108 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Steady in grass or dirt with the anchors and stable on concrete, but indoors, make sure it is on something non-slip.
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Our favorite
When you take your dog on a road trip anywhere, you always want to make sure he is safe and cannot get away to get lost. The FXW Dog Playpen is furfect indoors or out, with rust-resistant metal and strong anchor poles to keep it in place. It comes in 8 panels, which is about 18 feet around or you can get one of the larger ones, up to 108 feet around.
The special secure locking system is easy to release with one hand but cannot be knocked open by a rambunctious pup. There is no metal protruding like some other portable dog camping fences. Also, at 32 inches high, it is a good size for almost any pooch. Not to mention it is very attractive.
What We Like:
- Largest perimeter fence on the list
- It comes in 5 different sizes to choose from
- The larger the fence, the more doors for easy access
What Dogs Love about it?
- Lots of space to run and play
What We Don’t like:
- Needs non-slip pads for indoor use
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
- Height Of The Fence: 17 to 24 inches
- Weight of the fence: 2 to 4 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: No metal to chew, zippered door
- Material of the fence: Polyester and mesh
- Perimeter Range: 4 to 8 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: You can use it anywhere, but it is not attached to the ground
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Affordable
For pet parents with small dogs, this Ruff ‘n’ Ruffus portable dog playpen is the lightest one on our list so it is easy to carry. It even comes with its carrying case with a convenient handle. The zip-on roof is great for sun and rain protection, but you can remove it, so your dog does not feel caged.
The zippered door rolls up like a tent door, and you can keep it open if you want him to get in and out on his own. It comes in 3 sizes. The small is 29L x 29W x 17H inches, medium is 36L x 36W x 23H inches and the large is 48L x 48W x 24H inches. It even comes with a free collapsible dog bowl.
What We Like:
- Extra light for easy carrying in a backpack
- It has its carrying case with a handle for easy transport
- It is waterproof and UV protected
What Dogs Love about it?
- Very comfy with a floor to keep away bugs and dirt
What We Don’t like:
1-2 bullet points
- It only works for small dogs.
- It does not have any stakes to keep it secure.
ESK Collection 48″ Dog Playpen
- Height Of The Fence: 25 inches
- Weight of the fence: 6 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Zippered door to keep your pup inside and tent pegs to secure it to the ground
- Material of the fence: 600D Oxford cloth
- Perimeter Range: 8 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Can be used anywhere
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage and has a carrying case
- Best for: Small and medium dogs
This ESK Portable Dog Pen is a great option for keeping your fur baby in one spot whether you are indoors or out. It is made of 600D oxford cloth so it is strong and waterproof and it has a removable top and bottom. You choose whether to keep your fur buddy safe from dirt, bugs, and rain or let him explore the grassy areas.
It only takes a few seconds to set this up because it pops up when you remove it from its convenient carrying case. Just push the tent stakes through the holes and into the ground to make sure it stays put. Besides all that, it has two pockets outside where you can store treats, toys, and even a water bottle. Lastly, it is easy to clean with the spray of a hose.
What We Like:
- Easy and fast to set up with one hand
- Very light and easy to carry in its carrying case
- Has stakes to secure it to the ground
What Dogs Love about it?
- It has a removable top and bottom so he can dig in the dirt or stay clean.
What We Don’t like:
- It is not very large.
Giantex 40/48inch Metal Dog Playpen with Door
- Height Of The Fence: 40 to 48 inches
- Weight of the fence: 32 to 64 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Double latch door access with solid steel stakes
- Material of the fence: Rust resistant iron
- Perimeter Range: 21 to 42 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Steady in grass or dirt with the stakes and stands up well on concrete
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Large dogs
Your fur buddy can play untethered in this sturdy Giantex Dog Playpen. At 4 feet tall, the large one is the tallest portable camping dog fence we found that is able to withstand even the big dogs. Also, with up to 42 feet to enjoy, he can run around or stretch out in the sun.
Even with its extra height, it weighs less than others and folds down to store easily in the car or RV. The stakes are furfect for keeping the fence from getting knocked over too. The iron is treated to withstand years of the outdoor elements as well and it can be set up in an octagon, square, or rectangle.
What We Like:
- The tallest fence is 4 feet tall to keep big pups inside
- Treated iron is weather-resistant
- It folds up nicely to take up less space
What Dogs Love about it?
- He can play and enjoy the outdoors without a leash.
What We Don’t like:
1-2 bullet points
- Not as sturdy on concrete or indoors
VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Pet Fence
- Height Of The Fence: 24 to 40 inches
- Weight of the fence: 36 to 48
- Safety Features & Durability: Strong lock on doors, rounded edges, stakes into the ground
- Material of the fence: Powder-coated metal
- Perimeter Range: 21 to 43 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Very stable gate adapts to any surface and can be easily manipulated to any shape or size.
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: RV
Whether you have a small Shih Tzu or a large Labradoodle, the Vivohome Heavy Duty Foldable Dog Fence can adapt to fit your needs. You can choose from 24 inches, 32 inches, or 40 inches tall and get 8 or 16 panels.
Also, when setting up, you can use just 3 of the panels to make a small triangle, 4 to make a square, 6 to make a small square, or use them all for a giant space your pup will enjoy. Also, it is sturdy enough to stand up inside or outside, and it folds down for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Choose from 3 different heights depending on your needs
- Get 8 or 16 panels for different size pens
- You can use just a few or the whole set
What Dogs Love about it?
- He gets to spend more time with his family outdoors.
What We Don’t like:
- The door only has one lock.
YAHEETECH Panel Heavy Duty Fence with Door
- Height Of The Fence: 24 to 40 inches
- Weight of the fence: 31 to 164 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Secure double safety locks and rounded edges to prevent injury
- Material of the fence: Heavy-duty rust-resistant steel
- Perimeter Range: 21 to 88 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Sturdy stakes to keep in place outdoors and strong enough to stand up indoors without stakes
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best: Durable
This Yaheetech portable camping dog fence is versatile and strong, with stakes to secure it outside in dirt or grass as well as being sturdy enough indoors to stand up to most pups. The weight and kotter pins are what keep the fence in place, and there are 2 J-lock door latches on each door.
It comes in 3 heights, 24-inch, 32-inch, and 40-inch as well as four choices of panels. The one with 8 panels is 21 feet around and has one door, the 16-panel fence is 42 feet around with 2 doors, the 24-panel fence is 63 feet around with 3 doors, and the 32-panel fence is 88 feet around with 4 doors.
What We Like:
- It comes in 3 heights and 4 sizes
- Strong metal is safe for rain and sun
- Each door has 2 J-locks for safety
- Has stakes for stability outdoors
What Dogs Love about it?
- He has tons of room to run around.
What We Don’t like:
- It is a bit more expensive than the others.
BestPet Dog Fence Heavy
- Height Of The Fence: 32 inches
- Weight of the fence: 47 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Double latch door access and ground stakes
- Material of the fence: Durable rust-resistant iron
- Perimeter Range: 21 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Steady in grass or dirt with the anchors, moderately stable on concrete or floors
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Easy setup
The Bestpet Portable Dog Fence is adaptable to whatever situation you are in. You can make it into a circle, square, rectangle, or just a straight fence. Either way, you do it, the metal is strong and is coated for water resistance. It will not rust or corrode in rain or sunlight.
With this fence, you can take your pup with you whether you are going camping, to the beach, or just hanging out in the yard. This is great for people with yards that do not have fences because you can set it up anywhere, and it comes down easily too.
What We Like:
- It sets up and comes down quickly and easily
- You can set it up by yourself
- No tools are needed
What Dogs Love about it?
- Being able to be out with his family is pawesome
What We Don’t like:
- You May need 2 sets for a larger dog to have enough room.
Pet Trex Foldable Metal Pet Exercise Playpen
- Height Of The Fence: 24 to 30 inches
- Weight of the fence: 25 to 35 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Double latch door access with ground anchors and corner stabilizers for durability
- Material of the fence: Electro-coat finish
- Perimeter Range: 16 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Steady in grass or dirt with the anchors but concrete is not recommended.
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Corner stabilizers
Let your pup play freely outside while camping or just hanging out in the yard. The Pet Trex portable dog playpen spreads out over 18 square feet to give your small pooch room to run around safely. Also, it can be arranged into an octagon, rectangle, or rectangle. With its corner stabilizers and ground anchors, this fence will keep your fur baby where he belongs.
It comes in 24- and 30-inch heights, so you can choose the size you need for your situation. This is a pawfect alternative to a traditional kennel and is much easier to pack and go since it all folds up to one 24- or 30-inch panel. With two locks on the gate, you can be sure your pup will not be able to Houdini his way out either.
What We Like:
- It can be folded flat for easy storage
- It comes in 2 heights for your needs
- The ground stakes keep it from moving around
What Dogs Love about it?
- He can run around freely without a leash.
What We Don’t like:
- No ground poles between each section, so it is not as sturdy as some.
IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen with Door
- Height Of The Fence: 34 inches
- Weight of the fence: 26 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Steel slide lock and double steel latches
- Material of the fence: Commercial grade plastic
- Perimeter Range: 16 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Rubber grips for floors but you will need to add stakes for the outdoors
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Indoor and outdoor use
The Iris exercise dog camping fence is great for puppies as well as small dogs. Although it can be used indoors or out, there are no rods or stakes to secure it to the ground. You will have to buy your own stakes or just use thick pieces of wire to stake it securely. Being 34 inches tall, your pup will not be able to jump out unless he is a professional jumper.
It provides 16 feet of exercise space for your pooch with each panel measuring 25 inches wide. The thick plastic is made in the USA, so you do not have to worry about it rusting. It also has full-length connecting rods between each panel fur durability. Also, the non-skid rubber feet on the bottom keep it where you put it.
What We Like:
- Good for indoors with rubber grip feet
- The high-quality plastic will never rust
- No worries about sharp metal pieces
What Dogs Love about it?
- He can see out everywhere and has plenty of room.
What We Don’t like:
- The door does not allow access for humans, so you have to step over
- No stakes or poles to secure it outside
Zeny Foldable Metal Exercise Pen & Pet Playpen
- Height Of The Fence: 24 to 40 inches
- Weight of the fence: 49 to 98 pounds
- Safety Features & Durability: Locking door, rounded edges, and metal stakes
- Material of the fence: Rustproof iron with black finish
- Perimeter Range: 21 to 42 feet around
- Adaptability to the campsite & Steadiness: Metal stakes keep it in place in dirt or grass but needs more stability for concrete
- Assembly: Easy
- Storage: Folds flat for storage
- Best for: Weather resistant
With this Zeny heavy-duty doggie playpen, you can let your pooch off his leash to enjoy some serious playtime. It sets up in minutes with locking pins in between each panel. The large one with 16 panels has 2 doors while the smaller one has just 1 door. The durable iron will stand up to years of rain, snow, and sunshine.
Whether you have a tiny Terrier or large Labrador, there is a size for your pooch. Get the 24-inch fence with 8 panels for a little pup or the 40-inch fence with 16 panels for a bigger dog. These are heavy-duty fences, so they weigh a bit more than others at 49 to 98 pounds. But they fold flat for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Rust- and sun-resistant
- Versatile for small or large pups with different heights
- Choose from 8 panels or 16 depending on your needs
- Stakes secure it into the ground outdoors
What Dogs Love about it?
- They love being off the leash to play.
What We Don’t like:
- It is very heavy
The Final Woof
The FXW Dog Playpen may not be right for all fur buddies, but after evaluating over 30 portable camping dog fences on the market and comparing them using our criteria, we feel that this one is the best portable camping dog fence. We like this one because you can make it as large as 108 feet around to give your pup plenty of space to play.
Whether you are using this portable camping dog fence with your RV, at the beach, in the backyard, or even inside, this one is furfect. The unique locking system is easy to release with one hand but cannot be maneuvered open by a Houdini dog. The rounded top and simple lock keeps your pup from getting accidentally poked too.
