7 best dog camping beds for holidays in 2023
Perfect for outdoor and on-the-go use, these dog beds will give your pup a good nights sleep no matter where you roam.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
A dog bed is just one item in the long list of essentials you need to invest in for the wellbeing of your fur baby – and given the uniqueness of every pup, finding their ideal one can be a chore.
You need to consider their size, sleeping style, and other personality quirks before you hit “add to cart”.
RELATED: Best dog harnesses to keep your pup companion safe
If your dog is an outdoorsy type (and what dog isn’t, really?) then you’ll want an option that keeps them comfortable and supported while they snooze in the open air. Plus, if you like to take them with you on every adventure, from visiting family and friends to camping in the great outdoors, you need an option that’s durable, easy to clean, and portable too. Enter, the dog camping bed.
BEST DOG CAMPING BED
Similar to human camping cots, but sized down for canines, dog camping beds generally feature a durable woven material stretched over a sturdy metal structure. We’ve rounded up our favourite picks for you to buy, from the stylish options that look good indoors and out, to the collapsible designs that are perfect for your next trip away.
BEST AFFORDABLE DOG CAMPING BED
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Complete with a fitted velcro hessian bed cover that’s easy to remove, replace or tighten, this raised bed improves ventilation to reduce odour, while supporting your dog’s joints. It’s available in multiple sizes to suit all dogs.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“This is the second bed that we have bought for our elderly dog. It is nice and sturdy, which means it lasts quite awhile in the outside elements,” wrote one five-star reviewer, with another commenting, “The frame is sturdy and the replacement covers are less than $20. We bought a large one and our Dane sleeps comfortably on it. In fact, I’m thinking of buying another for inside the house!”.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Available in a wide range of colours and three sizes, Coolaroo’s Original Elevated Pet Bed has earned almost 25,000 five star ratings.
It’s flea, mite, mould and mildew resistant to keep your dog healthy, and the lightweight frame is made from powder-coated steel for durability.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“My Samoyed girl loves this bed, it is brilliant that this can stay outdoor can you can just use a hose to washing everything off,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I leave mine outside all the time as my girl prefers to sit in the garden to watch the world goes by.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This camping bed is designed to keep small to medium dogs comfortable wherever you go. It’s constructed from a reinforced polyester fabric with a PVC coating and easily packs down into a convenient carry bag. You can also buy it in a large size for bigger dogs.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
It has a 4.8-star average rating, with one five-star reviewer writing, “I bought two of these for a camping trip (one for a friend) got it home to test drive it and our dog loves it. It’s sturdy, easy to fold and very light and compact. Not only great for camping but for watching weekend cricket games”.
BEST COVERED DOG CAMPING BED
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Give your pup a little extra protection from the elements with this dog bed that comes with a removable canopy. It comes in multiple sizes and colours and is made from breathable polyester and a sturdy steel frame.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Great bed. Comfortable and offers dog a bit of shelter from the elements outside. I am actually using this in our lounge room at night and it offers a darker place for dog to sleep which is close to the family,” wrote one reviewer.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Looking for the next-level, “glamping” option? We’re a little obsessed with this Tipi Tent style bed, which features an anti-slip bottom and easy assembly. It’s machine washable for easy cleaning, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use, and includes a comfy pillow for your pup to lie on. It’s also available in multiple sizes and colours.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
One five-star reviewer on the Pet House website said “I foster two senior cats they are a bonded couple. Dusty took to it straight away and there’s enough room for when Chloe wants to snuggle with her boyfriend. It’s the perfect size for two cats.”
BEST WATER-RESISTANT DOG CAMPING BED
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This deluxe pet bed is perfect for outdoor use with its hard-wearing powder-coated steel frame and flea resistant mesh. It has a padded sleep area to keep your pooch comfortable, is water resistant and easy to clean, and comes in four sizes.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
One five-star reviewer on the Catch website described this bed as being “fantastic, sturdy, good colour and a big size! Perfect for my American Staffy.”
BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR DOG CAMPING BED
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Another chic option for the fancy fur babies out there, the T & S Nordic Butterfly Raised Bed has a collapsible strong metal frame that makes it perfect for on-the-go use, but it also looks stylish enough to work with your indoors decor. It’s easy to clean, too – just unzip the cover, machine wash and line dry.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Awesome product my pug absolutely loves it,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars.
If your dog is a little bigger, check out the large size on sale at House right now – get it for $110 (down from $199.99).
ARE RAISED BEDS BETTER FOR DOGS?
There are a number of benefits to a raised dog bed. Firstly, they allow for airflow underneath your pooch, which both reduces odour (a plus for you) and keeps things cool and breathable (a plus for them). Raised beds can also offer improved support for your dog’s joints, which is particularly important for ageing pups.
DO DOGS PREFER HARD OR SOFT BEDS?
Similar to humans, a slightly firmer sleeping surface is ideal for dogs. Super plush beds might be cosy and soothing, but they can be difficult for older dogs to get in and out of, and they don’t offer adequate joint support. Similarly, just letting them sleep on the floor is too hard – that’s where a raised bed is ideal, as it provides firm yet comfortable support.
WHERE CAN I KEEP MY DOG WHILE CAMPING?
You’ll want to keep your dog close at hand while camping, both to keep them calm in the new environment, and to ensure they stay out of trouble! At night, you should ideally keep them in the front portion of your tent or nearby in your camper van, to keep them away from any local wildlife. Make sure the campsite you’re going to allows dogs to tag along, too.
Get the best deal on every purchase by visiting news.com.au Coupons. There, you’ll find discounts on top stores from Pet Circle to Budget Pet Products.
Lastly, never miss out on another shopping tip – sign up to our free newsletter here.