If you want to share your outdoor adventures with your furbaby, a personal play place for Fido could come in handy. A dog portable fence for camping allows you to keep your special pal safe while you give him some freedom.
We reviewed 14 products currently on the market to help you find the best option for your needs.
First, let’s take a look at the reasons you might use a portable fence, some pros and cons, important features to consider when choosing a dog playpen for camping, and safety tips for using this type of enclosure:
Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- Medium – 29” x 29” x 17”
- Large – 36” x 36” x 23”
- XL – 48” x 48” x 23.5”
What We Like About It
- It sets up in seconds
- It’s lightweight and easy to transport
- The mesh roof keeps the flies and mosquitos out
What We Don't Like
- It has a strong vinyl odor
- It can tip over very easily
Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- Small – 27” x 27” x 17”
- Medium – 36” x 36” x 24”
- Large – 48” x 48” x 24”
What We Like About It
- It pops right up in seconds, super-easy
- The tie-down straps help keep it more sturdy outside
- The materials are really sturdy, but they still allow your dog to see around them
- Pups can’t get their feet stuck in the sides
What We Don't Like
- It has a really strong plastic odor
- It’s too short for active or jumpy dogs, and it moves easily if not staked down
Zampa Portable Foldable Pet playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- Extra Small – 29” x 29” x 17”
- Small – 36” x 36” x 24”
- Medium – 45” x 45” x 24”
- Large – 61” x 61” x 30”
What We Like About It
- The floor is sewn on securely so your pal can’t escape out the bottom
- It’s easy to clean when needed
- Set up is simple and can be done in less than a minute
- The stakes help keep it stable in windy weather
What We Don't Like
- Some customers report that it’s difficult to fold back up
- The zippers don’t lock, and some dogs use their noses to open the doors and escape
PicassoTiles PET4FUN
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- Medium – 29” x 29” x 17”
- Large – 36” x 36” x 24”
What We Like About It
- It packs up neatly
- It’s portable and easy to bring on trips or to work if needed
- It pops up easily in less than 2 minutes
- The stakes make it sturdier in strong winds
What We Don't Like
- Some customers report that it can collapse too easily
- The height is really short
ESK COLLECTION Blue 45"
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
What We Like About It
- It’s easy to set up - pull it out, pop it up, and zip on the top and bottom.
- You can unzip the flooring to let your pup enjoy the grass when outside
- The roof helps prevent jumpers from escaping
- Dogs can see you so they don’t feel isolated
What We Don't Like
- Dogs can easily knock it over by jumping at the sides
- The zippers are weak and break easily
Furhaven Pet Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- Small – 39” x 39” x 24”
- Medium – 45” x 45” x 28”
- Large – 51” x 51” x 30”
- X-Large – 55” x 55” x 30”
What We Like About It
- It’s easy for your pal to see out and not feel like they’re isolated
- The screen windows provide good airflow
- The stakes help anchor it when using outside
- It folds easily and fits into a carrying tote for easy travel
What We Don't Like
- It’s easy for dogs to push the zippered door open and get out
- It’s pretty flimsy for larger, more active dogs
Petsfit Pop Up Dog Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
With two sizes (36” diameter, 21” height or 42” diameter, 27” height), the Petsfit playpen has a zip-off, waterproof bottom, and a mesh roof. The eight panels include mesh windows and two zippered doorways. It pops up and folds easily and requires no tools or assembly. There are a removable top panel and side pockets where you can store small toys or goods. The product is made from 600D Oxford cloth and polyester.
What We Like About It
- It’s easy to set up, and it folds nice and flat
- The zip-off bottom allows for easy cleaning
- The mesh windows let plenty of fresh air in
- Dogs seem comfortable in it
What We Don't Like
- There’s no place for a water bottle
- The zippers are weak and don’t hold up very long
JESPET Pet Dog Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- 36” x 36” x 24”
- 45’ x 45” x 24”
- 61” x 61” x 30”
What We Like About It
- You can remove the floor to let your pal enjoy the grass/ground when outside
- The roof comes in handy to discourage jumping
- It’s stable and has plenty of room for your pooch to move around
- It’s easy to fold and takes up minimal storage/luggage space
What We Don't Like
- Smart dogs can figure out how to unzip the doors
- It can be hard to fold back up; the instructions aren’t clear
Aivituvin Pet Playpen Portable Foldable
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
- Medium – 36” diameter, 23” height
- Large – 45” diameter, 24” height
What We Like About It
- It’s really easy to set up
- It folds small for easy storage or packing
- It can fit in the back of a minivan when you fold down the back row of seats
- There’s plenty of room for smaller dogs
What We Don't Like
- Some customers report that it’s difficult to fold
- The zippers can be weak
EXPAWLORER Portable Puppy Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range:$$
What We Like About It
- It’s easy to open with one hand
- It folds flat and is easy to store or carry
- It’s compact and great for traveling
What We Don't Like
- It tends to collapse easily if you have an active pup
- The zippers are weak
Yaheetech Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Fence
Our Rankings:
Price Range: $$$
What We Like About It
- It’s easy to set up
- It’s an affordable alternative to permanent fencing for your yard
- It’s very sturdy and won’t tip over
- You can adjust the size or shape to fit your camping space
What We Don't Like
- The gate latches aren’t secure so dogs can play with them and get them open
- The door opening doesn’t go all the way to the ground and can be a tripping hazard
Hepeng Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- It’s well ventilated
- It provides plenty of room for small animals
- It’s easy to set up and fold when traveling with your pooch
- The floor is securely attached, so there’s no way to escape out the bottom
What We Don't Like
- Dogs can figure out how to undo the zipper and escape
- It’s flimsy and easy to knock over
PETMAKER Portable Pop Up Pet Playpen
Our Rankings:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- It sets up by itself - super easy
- It lets your pup be safely near you while you’re outside
- It’s a good value for the money
- The zippered top helps keep pets from jumping out
What We Don't Like
- It can collapse inward on your furbaby
- The zippers are plastic and don’t stand up to chewing
BestPet Heavy Duty Dog Pen Extra Large Dog
Our Rankings:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- It’s very sturdy
- You can reuse the panels, and it can be combined with a second set for more space
- It’s easy to set up
- You can change the shape
What We Don't Like
- Pups can get their paws stuck between panels if they jump up on it
- The connecting bars are too light and tend to bend easily
Face it. We love having our pups with us as much as possible. With a portable fence, dog owners can bring their four-footed friends with them on outings and can keep safe without denying their freedom.
What are the Pros and Cons of Portable Fencing?
There are both advantages and disadvantages associated with having a portable fence for camping. Let’s take a look:
Advantages/Pros
- They’re easy to set up
- They fold up so you can travel with them
- They give your pooch freedom to move without a leash/tie
- You can customize the perimeter
- They don’t require much assembly
- They’re a cost-effective alternative to permanent fencing if you also use it at home
Disadvantages/Cons
- Some brands aren’t attached to anything and could move if your dog jumps on a section
- It adds more bulk and weight to your camping gear – it could be a hindrance if you need to carry your stuff to the campsite!
Height – You’ll want a fence height that’s tall enough to contain your pooch. For smaller breeds like a terrier or toy poodle, a shorter wall may suffice. However, if you have a standard poodle or labrador retriever, look for something tall enough to discourage jumping or climbing.
Size – The size of your enclosure will depend on your pal’s breed and temperament. Some pups don’t need much space to be content. Larger, more active dogs will benefit from a bigger area.
Outdoor applications – You’ll want a product that’s coated or otherwise weather resistant. Additionally, you may want to consider something with a roof to protect your pal from flying insects and direct sunlight.
Weight – If you’re looking at fencing for camping trips, you’ll want something that’s lightweight yet sturdy. Consider a wire mesh model or a strong plastic with reinforcement.
Ease of Setup – The last thing you need when you’re setting up your campsite is to add hours to your time. Fortunately, most portable fences are simple and can be put together fairly quickly. Look for a product that won’t require you to pack special tools and that can be set up in minutes rather than hours.
Material – The most reliable materials will be made with steel or wire that’s coated to be weather-resistant. Look for products that are durable and lightweight.
Design/Shape – Because you’re looking for something you can use while camping, your best bet is to look for a customized, adjustable model. That way, you can remove or add panels and change the shape of the perimeter to fit your space.
Doors – If you have a medium to large breed dog, a door will come in handy. You don’t want to be lifting your furbaby over the panels to put him in and get him out.
When Would I Use a Portable Fence?
Puppy playpens can be used for more than outdoor adventures. You could use a portable fence for a variety of situations, including:
Camping – With a portable pet enclosure, you can set up an exercise area for your pooch right outside your tent or camper. That way he’ll have the freedom to enjoy his surroundings without risk of getting lost.
Visiting relatives/friends – If you’re traveling and staying in someone’s house, they may not have a way to secure Fido when he’s outside. With a portable fence, you can let you pal spend some time in the yard without worrying about him wandering off.
Potty training – A portable fence can help your new pup learn where to go potty.
Protection – Sometimes, you want a way to protect your furry friend from other dogs or people. For example, when a bitch is in heat, a fence can keep males from mating with her.
Indoors – A portable barrier lets you restrict your furbaby from areas in your or someone else’s home. Whether you have spaces that you want to keep pet and fur-free or you don’t want Fido on a freshly shampooed carpet, a fence can help.
Check /Panels Before Each Use
Don’t Leave Fido Unattended
Set up in a Level Area
Provide Fresh Water
Consider the Climate
Is there a way to anchor this to the ground?
Some products come with stakes and loops to anchor the tent to the ground, but others do not. Check with the manufacturer to see if they provide stakes or other anchor mechanisms.
Will this stand up to an aggressive dog that’s trying to get out?
Many of the nylon or Oxford tents can tip easily. Read the product specifications to see if the playpen includes stakes to anchor the fencing. If your pup is a chewer, look for reinforced seams and corners for added stability.
Can I use this as a cage or kennel replacement?
We don’t recommend leaving your pup unattended while in a playpen or portable enclosure outside. It adds to the risk that your pal will try to escape or injure himself. If you have a quiet pooch you may be able to use a playpen in place of a crate, but use your best discretion. You won’t be there if your pal tries to chew or dig through the sides.
Pick of the Litter - Our Top Choice
After reviewing the products and comparing them with our criteria for a reliable travel kennel, we select Yaheetech Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Exercise Fence as our pick for Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping. Here’s Why:
It’s made of durable metal material and has a weather-resistant coating. The panels are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
The design allows you to adjust the size and shape of the pen to suit your needs. You can use as many panels as you need and can buy a second compatible set to make a larger enclosure.
It also includes a doorway for easier access.
You can set the playpen up in a short time period without any tools. Everything you need comes in the kit. When you take it down, the panels stack neatly on top of one another for easy transport and storage.
This kennel will offer your pooch ample space to move around when you’re camping. As long as you don’t leave Fido unattended, it will probably be tall enough to contain him.
For the serious outdoorsman, we recommend Yaheetech as our top pick for a portable dog fence for camping.
