Whether you like a sleeping bag under the stars or prefer to glamp, every camper can agree on one simple fact: comfy camping chairs for dogs are a must.
As it turns out, this sentiment is also true for our four-legged friends!
While it might sound a little lavish to provide your pup with their own chair, camping chairs for dogs come with endless benefits that will help keep their tails wagging throughout the whole trip.
Our Top 3 Camping Chairs For Dogs
Why Choose a Camping Chair Instead of the Ground for Your Dog?
There are so many reasons to pack a dog-accessible camping chair on your next trip. Whether you have a sprightly puppy or an older dog, you really can’t go wrong.
Health Benefits of Camping Chairs for Dogs
One word: endless!
Raised camping chairs for dogs provide a far more even, balanced surface for pooches to rest on. They relieve your dog of their body weight, reduce exposure to fleas, and assist in the prevention of arthritis later in life.
For older dogs, camping chairs provide a cooling space for them to take some pressure off of their joints. The hard ground isn’t optimal for recovery after a long day of hiking, playing, or swimming.
You might be thinking that your puppy is ready for anything anyway, so why bother? Think again.
Puppies, no matter how sturdy they seem, are at a very delicate stage in their development. The way that their joints develop now can impact them for the rest of their lives. Providing them with an ergonomic resting space is essential. Especially when they’ll be exerting so much energy!
All of these things mean that they’ll be well-rested and ready to get back out there much more quickly.
Still not convinced? Here’s another little bonus: they’ll help your pet stay cleaner. No more collapsing in the mud after a big day.
Providing Your Dog With a Safe Space While Camping
One of my least favorite things about group camping trips is the lack of personal space. The bonding time is fantastic, but we all need a little alone time by the end of it. My dogs don’t feel any different.
We all know that our pooches love their crates at home. They provide a safe space where they can sleep, rest, and just get away from everybody. Our dogs still need this same sort of safe space while out exploring.
While some campers choose to bring their dogs’ crate along for the trip, space constrictions might mean this isn’t a possibility for you.
A dog-friendly camping chair provides a great alternative that often folds down into an even smaller size.
Simply tuck it away in the shade and let your pup retreat when needed.
Choosing a Dog Camping Chair
Choosing a dog-friendly camping chair can be a lot of fun. There are so many cute options on the market: think bold prints, funky colors, and different sizes!
Regardless of your design choices, there are a few key features you want to look out for.
1. Portability
How important portability is to you will vary depending on your style of camping.
If you’re a more relaxed camper and will always have direct access to your car, then something a bit heavier is much more practical for you. Someone who has to hike into their site, however, will need something a bit easier to carry.
Many chairs will come with a portable carry case. Look for waterproof, heavy-duty cases with sturdy handles when choosing a camping chair for your dog.
2. Durability and Materials
Camping isn’t always the most gentle of activities. It definitely isn’t a great way to preserve your favorite items for years to come! This is why camping equipment tends to be made of tough, long-lasting materials such as canvas or steel.
Your pup-friendly camping chair needs to be of the same standard. Your usual dog bed might be fine for one trip, but it won’t last anywhere near as long out in the wild as it would at home.
At the minimum, it’s best to invest in a camping chair with a steel frame. Look for scratch and chew-resistant designs. Canvas materials, reinforced rubber, and double layers of stitching are signs of a great chair.
It’s so important to choose a camping chair that reflects your travel style. A more rough-and-tumble camper will need to invest in hardier materials to get the most bang for their buck.
3. Cooling Capabilities
One of the biggest benefits a camping chair for your dog will provide is extra airflow on a hot day.
Some dog-friendly chairs are more well-equipped for this than others. If your pup struggles with the heat, it’s best to select a well-raised camping chair with a large section of mesh on the bottom.
You’ll also be better off choosing a lighter material like beige or khaki green. Dark brown and black camping chairs will become hotter much faster.
Super luxurious options might even come with a built-in shade!
4. Size and Weight Restrictions
Keep in mind that not all dog camping chairs are made equally.
Just like your standard raised dog bed, many pet-friendly camping chairs will have strict weight limits or be better suited to certain sizes and breeds.
Consider how many dogs you normally travel with. If you have multiple small pooches, you might be better off buying a bed more suited for larger dogs and having them share. This ultimately comes down to your dogs. Do they like their own space, or are they inseparable anyway?
Thinking outside of the box can save you some money (and maybe an extra trip to the car!).
The Comfiest Camping Chairs for Dogs
Best All-Round Dog Camping Chair
1. K&H Pet Products Elevated Cozy Cot
With two fun colorways and a hooded option for smaller pets, the K&H Elevated Cozy Cot is an easy buy. The removable cover can be machine-washed, making this a great camping chair for dogs who like to walk on the wild side.
To ensure maximum comfort, you can choose from multiple sizes: the small 19 inches, a roomier 24 inches, or a 30-inch option for bigger pups. Weight-wise, the 30-inch option can cater to dogs up to 60 lbs. This means that most standard dogs (or even two little ones) could comfortably bunker down in the cushioned crater.
The collapsible frame is simply the cherry on top. You can pop this up and down in one motion. It’s my first grab for busier camping trips for exactly this reason – it saves us so much space in the car.
Best Dog Camping Chair for Puppies
2. Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
Chew resistant. That’s all we need to say when it comes to furniture shopping for a puppy, right?
The Coolaroo Cooling Pet Bed is made of a sturdy steel frame and tough HDPE fabric. This makes it great for the outdoors and tough for tiny teeth to penetrate. If your pup still decides to give it a try, you can rest assured knowing that the fabric used is free of lead and phthalate chemicals.
This bed comes in multiple sizes ranging from small to extra large, with the extra large size being suitable for a Great Dane. Tough stuff!
This puppy-friendly camping chair is a worthy investment at a reasonable price point, that also won’t be outgrown (or destroyed) within six months.
Most Luxurious Dog Camping Chair
3. SweetBin Outdoor Elevated Dog Cot
Three bold colorways, a detachable waterproof canopy, a and side shade with UV protection make the SweetBin Elevated Dog Cot a must for any pampered pup.
You’ll also be treated to non-slip feet on the bed frame and sturdy tent poles to attach the shade. This attention to detail makes for a highly versatile product that, despite its luxurious nature, is suitable for a range of conditions.
Don’t forget to spoil yourself, too! This bed comes at a fantastic price point and is made of easily wipeable 600D Oxford fabric. No wrangling with covers or driving a dirty dog chair home here.
Most Easily Transported Dog Camping Chair
4. Homevative Folding Elevated Pet Bed
The Homevative Folding Elevated Pet Bed is the definition of an easy set-up dog camping chair. Simply pull it out of the case and unfold. Exactly what the busy camper needs.
On top of its easy set-up mechanism, the Homevative bed also boasts non-slip feet, a steel tube frame, and reinforced mesh material that can hold up to 150lbs.
Another great feature of this dog camping chair is its slightly elevated design. It has a height of 5 and a half inches, making it a suitable height for dogs of all ages and abilities.
Although it sits at a slightly higher price point than some of the other options listed, it’s definitely worth it for the convenience of a quick set-up.
5. Outrav Elevated Dog Cot with Steel Frame
This Outrav dog camping chair comes ready for use, with a foldable design and durable branded carry case. Simply unfold on arrival and collapse when you leave.
Don’t mistake collapsible for flimsy, however. You would also be hard-pressed to find a sturdier piece of equipment. The Outrave Elevated Dog Cot is made of alloy steel, reinforced with double stitching, and has a rubber/plastic mixed net to increase airflow.
To increase the comfort factor, this camping chair is designed with no steel beam underneath the middle of the main mattress. This means no hard lumps or bumps for your pet while they play it cool in the shade.
The Outrav sits at a fairly standard price point and is a great balance of cost and convenience.
Best Camping Chair for Old Dogs
6. Petmaker Elevated Dog Bed
A camping chair that is both comfortable and sturdy is crucial for an older dog. They’ll be spending a lot more time on it than a puppy would, so it needs to be able to withstand the extra usage.
Made of coated steel, with PVC T piping and a heavy-duty mesh center panel, the Petmaker Elevated Dog Bed is more than up to the job!
This bed sits 7 inches off of the ground, which is slightly lower than some other options on the market (the standard raised height is 8 inches). This makes it much easier for an older dog to access. It’s also a brilliant dog camping chair for dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues.
If your older pup is particularly prone to heat, you can also choose to add the canopy attachment. Both editions of the bed are cost-effective and come in multiple sizes, so you really can’t go wrong here.
Best Camp Chairs for Small Dogs
7. The Lakeside Collection Folding Pet Bed
Small, comfy, and cozy. The Lakeside Collection Folding Pet Bed is designed for comfort camping and can accommodate dogs up to 20 lbs.
While this chair doesn’t come with a travel case, it folds up so neatly that you’ll barely even notice that it’s come along for the ride. Just tuck it away in the trunk or the footrest of your vehicle.
Designed with a traditional domed camping chair shape, your small dog will fit right in with their human companions in this chair.
It’s a great, affordable option for smaller dogs and shouldn’t be overlooked.
8. Etna Folding Pet Cot Chair
Looking for something a little more bold? The Etna Folding Pet Chair comes in two fun colorways, both with an adorable paw print pattern. Nobody will be confused about who owns this chair when it’s time to settle in for the night!
Luckily, its design is as practical as it is aesthetic. The round, cushioned bucket chair is made of a waterproof polyester that makes it perfect for camping. It can support up to 40lbs, so is slightly more heavy-duty than some other options.
While this smaller choice again does not include a carry case, I promise you won’t miss it. Simply fold the chair down flat and pop it away when departing.
If you’re low on space (but not in taste), then this is the chair for your pup.
Best Camp Chairs for Big Dogs or Multiple Dogs
9. Outrav Portable Elevated Dog Bed
If you’re also the proud owner of a big dog who likes to laze around then you know how important a cushioned dog chair is!
The Outrav Portable Dog Bed can hold up to 100 lbs and is enhanced with thick polyester wadding for added comfort. It’s a great choice for camping throughout the colder months. Throw in an extra blanket if needed and your pooch is as snug as can be.
Although it is large in size, this travel-friendly dog camping chair is easy to transport. Simply fold it down and pack it in the wearable carrier. Done!
This style of carry bag is great for freeing up your hands, making this bed a perfect option for the busy camper.
You also can’t go past such a reasonable price point for a heavily reinforced large dog chair. The reinforced steel frame means you won’t need to worry about any bending or breakages.
10. Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
More of a warm weather camper? The Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed can hold up to 150 lbs and comes with a breezy mesh base. The fabric is designed to keep your dog cool with its heat resistance and breathability.
Even though it has such an airy nature, the Veehoo is still a solid choice structurally. The non-skid feet and powder-coated steel base mean that your dog will be well-supported in all conditions.
While some reviewers felt that the initial assembly was difficult, they also noted that the mesh was easier to fit during later setups. I would recommend setting it up at home for a trial before heading out on a trip. It also lacks a carry case, which is slightly more difficult when dealing with a larger style of bed.
Despite this, the Veehoo can’t be beaten in hot weather! It really is a fantastic choice for the summer and sits at a fair price point, so it’s worth considering if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun.
11. YEP HHO Elevated Folding Pet Bed
The YEP HHO Elevated Folding Pet Bed looks just like a human camping stretcher with a comfy, breathable center. Every little piece of this design has been chosen for the comfort of both you and your dog.
The chair itself is made of a combination of Oxford cloth and Teslin mesh, meaning it has increased tear resistance and won’t fall prey to sharp nails or teeth.
The highlight of this dog camping chair, however, is how easy it is to simply fold away. You’ll also receive a handy travel bag to make transport to and from the car a breeze. The travel bag is designed for the outdoors so there’s no need to worry about the conditions whether it’s rain, hail, or shine!
This bed can hold up to 60 lbs, making it an ideal choice for medium to large dogs.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Invest In Camping Chairs for Dogs
There really is nothing more exciting than going out into the wilderness and exploring with your best friend, but this shouldn’t be at the expense of anybody’s health.
Whether you want to help your puppy through a growth spurt, or your older travel companion just can’t rough it like they used to, a dog camping chair is the solution you’ve been looking for!
The only downside? Once your pup has experienced the increased support of their very own chair, you might find yourself unable to travel without it!
What are your thoughts? Will you be splurging on any camping chairs for dogs this outdoor season?
Jenni and her dog Bailey take every opportunity to go adventuring together. Now their family of pups has grown to 7. Their favorite places to visit are freshwater lakes and mountains.