Best Camping Dog Beds of 2026
Dog camp beds tested for comfort, warmth, padding, recovery, and cushioning
August 6th, 2026, updated with a year's worth of testing notes, updated pricing and commentary on value
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Just like a good sleeping bag and sleeping pad help you get a good night's rest outdoors, dogs need a good camping bed too. It keeps them insulated from cold ground, padded on rocky terrain, and settled enough to actually rest at a new campsite rather than staying alert all night in unfamiliar territory. For dogs who hike big miles or have orthopedic issues, a supportive bed at basecamp makes a real difference in how they recover.
I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who tested these beds with my own two dogs, Miso and Dashi, plus a friend's Corgi, Oslo, across car camping trips and outings to local breweries and dog-friendly restaurants in Colorado and beyond. My dogs have very different needs: one easily gets cold and values a plush, comfortable bed even while traveling, and one is double-coated, overheats easily, and would happily sleep on the cold hard ground given the choice. Testing across both of their preferences, plus a third dog's, gave me a clearer picture of which beds actually work across different sizes and temperaments.
What separates a genuinely good camping dog bed from one that gets left behind comes down to how well it resists dirt, moisture, and odor without requiring a full wash after every trip, how packable it is for how you actually travel, whether the bottom is waterproof and non-slip, and how supportive it is for dogs who need real joint relief rather than just a soft surface.
Top Pick: The Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Bed earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for a Qshion foam interior that lets dirt, moisture, and odor pass through instead of accumulating, a waterproof and non-slip underside, durable 300-denier recycled polyester construction, and a design my dogs stayed noticeably cooler on than other foam options despite its dark color.
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Comparison table
| DOG BED | TREELINE AWARD | STYLE | WEIGHT(S) | SLEEPING AREA(S) | FILL | TOP MATERIAL | BOTTOM MATERIAL | CLEANING | BEST FOR | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Bed | Best Overall Read why |
Mattress | 3.8 lbs | 34 x 28 in | Polyolefin/ foam | 75D polyester | 300D polyester w/ DWR | Hose down, air dry | Small, medium, large dogs | $175 |
| HEST Dog Bed | Most Comfortable Read why |
Mattress | 4.3 lbs | 26 x 18/ 36 x 24/ 44 x 30 in | Memory foam | Stretch nylon | Nylon w/ PU coating | Cover machine washable | 1-60+ lbs. | $149 |
| Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed | Best Affordable Read why |
Pad | 2.6 lbs | 39 x 30 in | Polyfill | Not listed | Not listed | Machine washable | Small, medium, large dogs | $43 |
| KUMA Lazy Bear Dog Bed | Best Foldable Read why |
Chair | 13 lbs | 21 x 21 in | Not listed | 600D polyester | Aluminum frame/ plastic feet | Hand wash | <175 lbs. | $125 |
| Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad | Best Packable Read why |
Pad | 0.75 / 1.05 lbs | 33.25 x 22.6 / 43.3 x 26.8 in | Closed-cell foam/ polyfill | 150D microsuede | 600D polyester w/ TPE | Hand wash | Medium and large dogs | $50-70 |
| Ruffwear Mount EverRest Dog Cot | Best Elevated Read why |
Cot | 2.6 lbs | 38 x 30 in | No fill | 150D microsuede w/ DWR | Aluminum frame/ urethane feet | Hand wash | < 70 lbs. | $200 |
The winners
Best Overall Camping Dog Bed: Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Bed
Weight: 3.8 lbs
Dimensions: 34 x 28 in
Material: 75D polyester
Suitability for different sized dogs: One size, but good for small, medium, and large dogs. May not be suitable for toy or giant breeds.
What we liked: Can be hosed down, Qshion mattress is well-ventilated and doesn’t absorb dirt, water or odors; durable materials
What we didn’t like: Doesn’t fold or pack down
The Ruffwear Dirtbag dog bed is durable, easy to clean, and will last for many camping seasons to come. The highlight of this bed is how difficult it is to get it dirty and smelly (thanks to an innovative mattress insert) and how easy it is to clean.
Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Bed
The fill of this camp bed is designed to allow dirt, odors, and moisture to pass through the bed without being accumulated inside. Though the cover doesn’t come off, a Ruffwear video shows that the interior of the mattress is made up of multiple layers, and the main Qshion mattress layer looks a lot like the inside of the new Gunner Dog bed. This noodle-like foam drains easily and doesn’t absorb debris or odor. The other layers of this bed include a polyester loft and a bottom level of polyethylene foam for added support.
The exterior of this bed is just as impressive. The underside of the bed is waterproof and nonslip, the sides are recycled 300 denier polyester, and the center is a durable mesh that allows for breathability. I noticed that despite the dark color, my dogs didn’t get as hot on this bed during testing as other foam bed options.
To clean the Dirtbag, just dust it off, hose it down, place it upright in a well-ventilated area with the drainage ports down, and let it dry completely before taking it out on your next adventure.
Overall, the Dirtbag bed is a worthy choice for frequent campers and even vanlifers who need a high-performance dog bed they’re not afraid to get dirty.
Best Affordable Camping Dog Bed: Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 39 x 30 in
Material: Not listed
Suitability for different sized dogs: One size
What we liked: Affordable price; comes with a portable stuff sack; warm and cool sides
What we didn’t like: Only one size; not a lot of support; not waterproof; blue side is slippery on some surfaces
If you don’t want to spend more than $30 on a dog camp bed, this pillow-like Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed is a reliable option. While it’s not the most supportive bed, it’s surprisingly packable.
Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed
It folds down quite small, and comes with a nylon stuff sack for a little extra compression. While I wouldn’t necessarily take it backpacking, it takes up much less space in the car than other options on this list.
If you have a young dog who values a comfortable feel over actual joint support, the Chuckit! bed has a solid amount of cozy polyester fill that makes it feel lofty and cozy. It’s machine washable, and while the instructions don’t specify if it can be machine dried, I didn’t experience any issues from machine drying it on low heat during testing.
This fabric isn’t the most durable, and during my durability test, it saw some minor snags. The bottom blue fabric also feels like a nylon sleeping bag, and it was slippery on some surfaces. I wish this bed had a fully waterproof and non-slip bottom, but at sub-$30, I can’t complain much.
Most Comfortable Camping Dog Bed: HEST Dog Bed
Weight: 4.3 lbs
Dimensions: 26 x 18 / 36 x 24 / 44 x 30 in
Material: Nylon
Suitability for different sized dogs: Three different sizes, suitable for dogs 1-60+ pounds
What we liked: Most supportive and comfortable of the options we tested; rolls up with compression straps for travel; machine washable cover; waterproof base; handle for carrying
What we didn’t like: Top of the cover gets dirty fairly easily; no size option for giant breeds
The HEST Dog Bed is our winner for most comfortable dog bed. It is truly a luxurious spot for your pup to rest on. It’s made of the same memory foam the brand makes its human sleeping pads with, and is ultra insulated and comfortable—great for pups who need extra support.
HEST Dog Bed
I’ve used this bed as a car crate and camp bed for my two dogs for the last 2.5 years. If I leave the trunk and car crate door open on camping trips, my older dog, Miso, will jump right onto the bed, even when given other places to doze. Anecdotally and in my durability tests, both the upper and lower fabrics held up nearly perfectly with little wear and no rips or snags.
Though it’s not the most packable, the HEST bed rolls up and can be compressed with built-in straps for travel, and it has a side handle for easy carrying. It has a waterproof lower fabric that does a good job of keeping moisture from getting into the foam mattress, and the entire cover can be taken off and thrown in the washing machine.
The brand says the cover is hair, dirt, and water-resistant, but during testing, I found it to get pretty dirty while on camping trips. Some dirt and hair can be wiped off, but getting dirty paw stains off requires the washer.
This is a great option for fall and winter car camping trips too, since the foam is built for cold weather insulation. Learn more in our Winter Camping Gear Checklist.
Best Foldable Camping Dog Bed: KUMA Lazy Bear Dog Bed
Weight: 13 lbs
Dimensions: 21 x 21 in
Material: 600D polyester, aluminum frame, plastic feet
Suitability for different sized dogs: Under 175 lbs
What we liked: Comfortable padded back and sides; large, wide base, high weight capacity (175 pounds); folding chair design
What we didn’t like: Too big for most tents; bulky even when packed down; can’t be machine washed
Some people buy Kelty love seats for them and their dogs to sit on, but as someone who did that, not all dogs like human camp chairs. If you want a camp chair-like experience for your dog that’s roomier and more comfortable for your pup, the KUMA Lazy Bear Dog Bed is the way to go.
KUMA Lazy Bear Dog Bed
I have a friend who has one of these beds, and she uses it for her show dog to sit on ringside while waiting to go in the ring. It’s easy to put up and take down and is super sturdy. It has a 175 pound weight limit, which is more than enough for both me and one of my dogs to snuggle up on if I wanted to.
In terms of cleaning, the bed has a removable pad, but everything needs to be spot cleaned or wiped down—it can’t be machine washed. However, because it’s raised off the ground significantly, it gets much less dirty than dog beds that are tossed on the ground at the campsite. Since the bed is significantly raised up though, your dog needs to be comfortable jumping on and off of surfaces for them to want to lay in it.
It’s bulky and may be too big for some tents (unless you have a spacious car camping tent, like the REI Co-op Base Camp Tent), but is a great option for campfire-side hangs.
Best Packable Dog Bed for Backpacking: Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad
Weight: 0.75 lbs / 1.05 lbs
Dimensions: 33.25 x 22.6 / 43.3 x 26.8 in
Material: 150D microsuede, 600D polyester w/ TPE
Suitability for different sized dogs: Two sizes, best for medium and large breeds
What we liked: Small and lightweight (suitable for backpacking); compression straps to keep the pad folded; insulation in a lightweight package; pairs well with the Ruffwear Highlands sleeping bag; durable
What we didn’t like: Not a ton of support; hand wash only
If space-saving design is a must, the Ruffwear Highlands Pad is the most portable option on this list. It has an accordion fold design and a Velcro compression strap to keep it folded up. Though it’s not ultralight, this bed is a good option for backpacking dogs (especially if they carry their own gear).
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad
The Highlands Pad is made of closed cell foam and synthetic insulation with a waterproof bottom, so while it’s thin and doesn’t offer a ton of support, it will keep your pup insulated from the cold ground while camping. I usually use it in conjunction with the Ruffwear Highlands sleeping bag, since it has a dedicated pocket on the bottom that makes it easy to slide in the Highlands pad.
A big downside of this sleeping pad is that it’s hand wash only, and the microsuede material does get stinky after a few backpacking trips. I’ve had my Highlands pad for over five years, and I’ve admittedly tossed it in a front-load washer in cold water on the gentle cycle a few times with no issue.
Best Elevated Camping Dog Bed: Ruffwear Mt. EverRest Dog Cot
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 38 x 30 in
Material: 150D microsuede w/ DWR, aluminum frame, urethane feet
Suitability for different sized dogs: One size, best for medium and large breeds
What we liked: Base is all one piece; very easy to assemble and disassemble; tester dogs loved it; machine washable
What we didn’t like: Microsuede material is cozy but gets dirty easily; sags slightly more in the middle than the Helinox cot
The Mt. EverRest Dog Cot is the easiest to set up of any dog cot I’ve tested. The base is all one piece, and the corners easily snap into the sides thanks to shock cord, like a backpacking chair. It was also easy to stretch the fabric top onto the base, which isn’t always the case with dog cots (or backpacking chairs, for that matter).
The microsuede fabric of this cot is cozy, and my dogs loved it. It’s not as cool as a fully mesh cot like the Helinox, but the tester dogs repeatedly chose this cot over the Helinox. It has a little more give in the center, so while it’s supportive and keeps your dog off the ground, it isn’t rigid and uncomfortable for the dogs.
This cot is fairly packable, as it folds down and stores in a long, thin canvas bag with a shoulder strap for easy carrying. It was easy to throw in my car for camping trips, and the fast setup made it a good choice to take for brewery or park outings with my dogs.
This cot has a max weight capacity of 70 pounds, so it’s best for medium-large dogs. XL and giant breeds will likely be too heavy for this one. It’s a bit bulky to keep inside smaller/lower (unless you have a 4 person or larger tent with room to spare), but this is a great pick for giving your pup somewhere to rest by the fire out at camp. For extra warmth, just toss a dog sleeping bag on top of it.
The main downside of this cot is that the microsuede material, while cozy, gets dirty easily. During testing, much of the dirt and mud that was tracked onto this bed was able to be dusted off it when it was completely dry, but stubborn stains need to be washed out. The top of this cot is machine washable, so even if your pup tracks muddy paws onto it, it’s easy to clean (just make sure you air dry it after washing).
Other camping dog beds we tested
Snow Peak Dog Cot
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Dimensions: 24 x 24 in
Material: Polyester
The Snow Peak dog cot pairs well with the Dog Ofuton Sleeping Bag for a luxury outdoor experience for a small dog. The base is stainless steel and the cover is washable canvas. Both feel durable and high quality and pack down into a canvas bag for travel.
However, this cot is a bit bulky and expensive for its small size and only suitable for dogs under 33 pounds. It’s also a bit tall for really small dogs to jump up onto. I wish that Snow Peak made an option for larger dogs, and it would be nice if the feet were non-slip—during testing, the cot slid around on some surfaces.
Snow Peak Dog Cot
Weight: 3.2 lbs
Dimensions: 36 x 24 in
Material: 50D polyester mesh
The Helinox Dog Cot had a few quirks that disqualified it from our list of winners. First, the assembly is a bit of a hassle. It comes with five separate pieces: two side rods that need to be threaded through the mesh upper, plus two base sections that are clipped onto the sides. Everything aside from the nylon mesh upper is made of the classic lightweight Helinox aluminum alloy, but this cot took over twice the time to assemble and disassemble as the Ruffwear dog cot.
Though the mesh material provides ventilation and is easy to clean, a few of our tester dogs also didn’t love getting on this cot, since they can see through it.
Helinox Elevated Dog Cot
Weight: 15 oz / 1.5 lbs / 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 24 x 18 / 36 x 23 / 48 x 30 in
Material: 150D polyester w/ DWR
The Basecamp bed is a good option for big dogs, since it comes in a large size that’s suitable for large breeds. It has a slip-proof waterproof base and is technically foldable, though there’s no stuff sack or compression straps that keep it folded.
My dogs liked this bed, but it got dirtier on camping trips than some of the other options, thanks to the microsuede upper. The cover also doesn’t come off, so while the whole thing can be thrown in the washer for cleaning, the bigger sizes require a large washing machine.
Ruffwear Basecamp Foldable Dog Bed
What to look for in a camping dog bed
Weight and packed size
The ideal weight and packed size of your dog’s camp bed will depend on how much portability matters. If you’re going backpacking, a small, lightweight bed or mat is essential. If you’re car camping or overlanding and have some room to spare, a bigger bed won’t be a big deal.
Beds that fold in half at minimum save space in the car while traveling, and options that roll up or pack down into a bag or stuff sack are even more portable.
Weather resistance and insulation
For any dog camp bed that will be directly on the ground or in a tent, a waterproof bottom is essential. This will keep your dog’s bed dry (and warm) in case of moisture on the ground or in your tent. It also creates a dirt-proof seal on the bottom of your dog’s bed, preserving the fill for longer.
Insulation will vary depending on the dog bed’s materials and design. Raised cots are “insulated” in the sense that your dog will lose less heat to the cold ground in chilly climates. Foam beds offer a lot of insulation and support, while poly fiber-filled beds offer insulation, but typically less than foam options.
Durability of materials
At the end of the day, a dog camp bed needs to hold up to being used by dogs, and being used outdoors frequently. Choosing washable and durable materials will ensure that your dog’s camp bed will hold up to years of outdoor adventures.
Washability and ease of cleaning
Whether you’re camping, backpacking, or using a bed as an outdoor lounge space for your dog in the backyard or at breweries, a dog camp bed is going to get dirty. The best dog camp beds can easily be washed, whether by tossing the covers in the washing machine or hosing them down outside.
Comfort and padding
Bringing along a dog camp bed is all about comfort for your furry friend. If your dog is older, has orthopedic or joint issues, or is hiking a lot of miles, a supportive bed at basecamp will help them unwind and recover. Young dogs may need less padding in a dog camp bed than older dogs. For additional care, comfort, and preparation, it may also be a good idea to consider a dog first aid kit.
Slip resistance
Non-slip bottoms (or feet for cots) will keep your dog’s bed in place while they get on and off, and if they dig at their beds or spin in circles while getting comfortable. A good non-slip bed will also prevent movement in your tent, especially if your dog switches positions while sleeping.
When does your dog need a camp bed?
Some dogs may be happy to sleep on the ground or share a sleeping bag or sleeping pad with you when camping. Here are the types of dogs that could benefit from having their own bed at camp:
Older dogs who get stiff easily
Dogs with orthopedic or joint issues like hip or elbow dysplasia
Dogs recently recovering from injuries or surgery
Dogs who are cold sensitive and need insulation from the ground
Dogs who have strong nails that may damage your sleeping bag or sleeping pad
Dogs who hog your sleeping bag or sleeping pad while camping
Dogs who are extremely active and need recovery help
Care and maintenance tips for camping dog beds
Always follow the manufacturer's directions when cleaning a camping dog bed, since the cleaning method varies significantly depending on the type of bed. Here's what works for each style.
For foam beds like the Ruffwear Dirtbag, hosing down is the easiest and most effective cleaning method. Dust off any dry debris first, then hose it down thoroughly, stand it upright with the drainage ports facing down, and let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated spot before packing it away or storing it. Never store any dog bed while it's still damp, foam or otherwise. Wet interiors grow mold and mildew fast, which will irritate your dog's skin and ruin the bed.
For beds with removable covers, like the HEST Dog Bed, take the cover off and machine wash it separately according to the tag. The HEST cover in particular accumulates dirt and dog hair with regular use, so washing it every few trips keeps it in better shape. Use a mild, unscented detergent for all dog bed washing. Not every dog appreciates the smell of laundry soap, and some are sensitive enough that a strongly scented detergent will make them avoid the bed entirely.
For microsuede surfaces like those on the Ruffwear Mt. EverRest cot and Highlands pad, let mud and dirt dry completely before trying to clean it off. Dry debris brushes off microsuede much more easily than wet mud does, and scrubbing wet mud in just pushes it deeper into the fibers. Once dry, brush or shake off what you can, then spot clean or machine wash the top according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to air dry microsuede rather than putting it in the dryer.
For cots, wipe down the frame periodically with a damp cloth, especially after sandy or muddy outings. Grit in the joints and hinges will accelerate wear over time. Check the feet and poles periodically for damage, and make sure everything is fully dry before storing.
Between trips, store beds somewhere cool and dry. If you have the space, using the camping bed as a house bed between adventures is a great way to keep your dog familiar and comfortable with it before you're asking them to use it in a new environment.
FAQ
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Yes, your dog can sleep on a camping dog bed in cold weather. Camping dog beds can provide insulation between your dog and the ground, similar to human sleeping pads. If your dog is shivering or curled up into a tiny ball on their camping bed, consider getting them a dog sleeping bag or a dog jacket for cold-weather trips.
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The size of camping dog bed you need depends on your dog’s sleeping preferences. Dogs who generally sleep curled up in a ball will need smaller beds than dogs who like to spread out. Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail and add about six inches to allow them room to spread out.
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Yes, you can use a camping dog bed inside a tent. Most camping dog beds take up a fair bit of room, so they’re best suited for use in multi-person tents.
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Whether you choose an elevated dog cot or a foam mattress for camping with your dog will depend on your dog’s preferences and how much space you have for dog camping gear in both your car and your tent. Generally, an elevated dog cot will keep your dog cool in hot weather and warmer in cold weather than a thin foam camping pad or dog bed, but it will also take up more space in your tent, and isn’t suitable for backpacking trips.
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Yes, you can use a camping dog bed with a puppy, but always supervise them. Certain features like zippers, buckles, and compression straps may be tempting for young pups to chew on, so keep an eye on your puppy to make sure they’re not damaging the camp bed or ingesting any parts of it.
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You can get your dog to use their camping bed by practicing with it at home. Put your dog’s camping bed at home by putting it inside their crate or on top of one of their existing beds to help them get used to it. You can also teach a “place” cue and reward your dog anytime they get on their camping bed.
How we researched and tested
I tested each of the beds on this list with a variety of dogs, including my 5-year-old Border Collie mix, Dashi, my 2 year-old Rough Collie, and a friend’s 4 year-old Corgi, Oslo. I noted which beds my tester dogs seemed to gravitate to.
I tested each bed on various car camping trips and on short outings to local breweries and dog-friendly restaurants. I noted how supportive each bed seemed, how easy it was to set them up, pack them up, and travel with them, how they performed in the wash after getting dirty outside, and how durable they were in real-life scenarios.
I washed/cleaned each bed according to the manufacturers’ instructions, and ran a lab-style durability test where I rubbed each bed on asphalt to check for rips, tears, and pilling. I also sprayed each bed with water to check for weatherproofing.
- Used beds on car camping trips
- Took them to dog-friendly outings
- Cleaned each bed as directed
- Rubbed fabrics on asphalt for wear testing
- Sprayed beds with water for weatherproofing
- Comfort and support
- Packability and setup
- Dirt, moisture, and odor resistance
- Durability and ease of cleaning
- Waterproofing and grip
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas has camped and backpacked with her two dogs, Miso and Dashi, everywhere from Colorado to the Oregon Coast, and more. With one dog who easily gets cold and values plush, comfortable beds (even when traveling) and one double-coated dog who easily overheats, and enjoys sleeping on the cold hard ground, Jae has tried and tested numerous dog travel and camp beds in search of the perfect ones for her two very different dogs.
Jae Thomas is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie, Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
