9 Best Portable Dog Fences for Both Large and Small Dogs in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PORTABLE DOGE FENCE?

You are in the right place because the 9 best portable dog fences are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have done the research and testing to bring you the 9 best options, and they all have excellent reviews. We have also traveled and lived in our camper since 2010 with our dog Storm.

Our dog is super friendly to other dogs and people and always wants to run up and say hello and if your dog is like ours you will want to purchase a dog fence.

Not all campers are dog people, and having them out running in the park is not considerate and can be dangerous. This is one of the many great reasons to have a portable dog fence on your travels. The best portable dog fences are a safe and fantastic way to keep your furry friend outside.

From experience, these dog fences are much better than tie-ups and leashes because the dogs can’t tangle themselves up or pose an accidental trip hazard.

In our comprehensive guide we bring you the best dog fences for camping to consider along with a handy buying guide to help with the selection.

Quick Guide: Best Portable Dog Fence

Portable Dog Fence for Small Dogs 

1. Amazon Basics Foldable Octagonal Dog Pen

Specifications

• Material: Iron wire
• Dimension: 16 square feet
• Height: 24”

The Amazon Basics Foldable Dog Pen is our top pick for the best portable dog fences for small dogs. I suggest you get this fence because the price is right, the product is nice, and it works great with easy setup. It does a great job of containing your dogs without tethers or leashes.

Amazon Basics’ height and space are generally tailored for small dogs, but I love the modular design, which allows users to connect multiple dog fences to make one large area for your dogs to roam. The versatility doesn’t end there! Amazon Basic portable camping dog fence is multi-purpose and can also contain small non-jumping pets such as rabbits, ducks, and chickens. Plus, you could spread it to function as a long gate when you’re not using it as a dog fence.

I like that this portable RV dog fence is rugged enough for outdoor use. The durable iron wire with rust-proof finish survives inclement weather and is durable. Inherently, the folding dog fence seems to work just as well indoors.

The Amazon Basics dog fence also has everything to make your camping fun. It has plenty of frills and frays but for the same price as the basic ones. It includes clips and stakes for added stability, a hook to keep it folded for travel, and top pieces to hold its shape. But the best part for me is the low step-over gate, which works well for small dogs.

➡️ SHOP Amazon Basics Foldable Octagon Dog Pen

2. FXW Rollick Dog Playpen for Camping

Specifications

• Material: Iron rod
• Dimension: 3.5 x 24 x 23.8 inches
• Height: 24”

If you love taking your dogs camping but hate seeing them in the trailer all day, consider the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen for camping.

It makes an awesome portable RV dog fence for camping. I love how it stops the dogs from running out of the camp and gives your pup a safe place to have fun. Your dogs can run free instead of being on chains and getting all tangled up.

The idea of metal rods instead of a chain is nice. It’s fairly sturdy and makes it super simple to operate. Kids can open and close the fence without adult supervision. In addition, it feels secure, and when you stake it down, you don’t have to worry about your pets tipping it.

Size-wise, the XW Rollick dog fence is ideal for small dogs such as chihuahuas. The 24″ height, for example, is perfect for small dogs or well-behaved non-jumpers.

The dog fence is modular, so you can keep adding onto it to expand the size of the dog fence or create a quick fenced yard around your camper. Another nice feature of the fence is that you can orient or configure the panels into different shapes and in almost any direction, which is great for irregularly shaped lots.

Putting and taking apart this portable camping dog fence is also super easy. I love how the tips are designed with rounded ball tops to protect the user and the dog’s claws from injury.

➡️ SHOP FXW Rollick Dog Playpen for Camping

3. Pet Puppy Playpen

Specifications

• Material: Steel frame
• Dimension: 48 x 48 x 24 inches
• Height: 24”

The Pet Puppy Playpen Portable dog fence will fit the needs of your puppies and small dogs. It is large enough for the small dogs to romp and be outside without roaming. It also provides a safe spot to keep your pets contained without you worrying about them knocking it down, falling, or jumping out.

Another thing you’ll love with this portable dog fence is that it’s easy to change the shape of it. You can configure the final shape, which is important if camping in an irregularly-shaped spot. Furthermore, it comes with flexible clasps and thick stakes and can be used with a metal dog crate to expand the living space.

Folding the Pet Puppy dog fence is easy, and it’s easy to transport. It folds up very compact, and it’s easy to see why they’re popular with campers and RVers.

➡ SHOP Pet Puppy Playpen

4. New World Pet Portable Dog Fence

Specifications

• Material: Steel frame
• Dimension: 24 x 24 x 30 inches
• Height: 30”

I would recommend the New World Portable Dog Fence if you need to create a play area while camping instead of having leash cables all over. It works wonderfully and ensures a stress-free camping experience.

The portable dog fence can also be configured to various shapes to fit wherever you need it. It also comes with stakes for added strength, but many users reckon that the dog pen stays upright even without stakes.

However, you must understand that the New World Dog Pen best suits small and medium dogs. The 32″ height works well for most dog breeds. It’s also functional, and in addition to containing dogs, it can also hold non-jumping pets such as ducks and rabbits.

The material on these metal fences is sturdy and is coated with an e-coat finish to prevent rusting. I like that it’s designed very well and easy to use. Folding and unfolding is a snap, and no tools are required.

➡ SHOP New World Pet Portable Dog Fence

5. Pet Stuff Playpen for Small Dogs and Pets

Specifications

• Material: Steel frame
• Dimension: 24 x 24 x 30 inches
• Height: 30”

Fifth on our list of the best portable dog fences for camping is an offering from Pet Stuff. It’s a fantastic product for keeping your small dogs safely contained while traveling or spending an afternoon at the campsite. It keeps them outside while preventing them from wandering or roaming.

I love that the Pet Stuff Portable dog fence can be configured to different shapes to fit my space needs & dog fencing. And once you’re done, the panel folds flat for convenient storage and transport. It’s a great pick for RVers and campers who are usually limited on space.

The Pet Stuff portable outdoor dog fence also comes with an array of extras to make your RVing/Camping experience more fun. For example, it has stakes to anchor the outdoor pet fence on the ground, enhance stability, and fasten snaps to hold everything in place.

Overall, the Pet Stuff portable dog fence is an awesome offering and works as it should.

➡ SHOP Pet Stuff Playpen for Small Dogs and Pets

Portable Dog Fence for Large Dogs

6. Midwest Homes Portable Dog Fence

 Specifications

• Material: Steel frame
• Dimension: 48 x 48 x 48 inches
• Height: 48”

The Midwest Homes portable outdoor dog fence is a high-quality, useful folding dog pen. It’s among the bigger dog fences in the market and, therefore, a perfect fit for the bigger dogs. According to the manufacturer, it’s ideal for 91 to 110 lbs. dogs.

It keeps your dogs contained and out of trouble in the campgrounds, and I loved that you can adapt it to different shapes to fit your space needs.

The material used on this heavy-duty portable dog fence for the outdoors is also robust, and I can’t get enough of the good-size gauge wire. It feels substantial to stand on its own, secure your pets, and take on abuse. It’s also suitable for use on grass, concrete, or rocks.

Yet, the ease of use on this outdoor portable dog fence is unparalleled. It’s ultra-light and easy to carry. It can also be folded into a compact design for transport. Also, no tools or assembly is required outside of clipping the sides to each other.

The 48″ height is also nice enough to stop your big dogs from getting out. It keeps them corralled and ensures they don’t wander away.

➡ SHOP Midwest Homes Portable Dog Fence

7. Tenax Premium Fence

Specifications

• Material: Tough plastic
• Dimension: 5-Ft x 100-Ft
• Height: 48”

The Tenax Premium portable large dog fence is an awesome temporary fence for dogs, which works well in less desirable terrains. If your campsite is too rocky or with too many trees that you can’t set up the traditional dog fence, consider this roll-up premium outdoor portable dog fence.

Tenax roll-up portable dog fence is designed for temporary enclosures but is not flimsy. It’s not hard like chicken wire, but it’s strong and does the job well of keeping your dogs contained.

This large portable dog fence is also flexible and can be wrapped against objects, paired with stakes, or simply attached to your RV. There are so many ways to set it up. And when you’re done, you simply roll it up. It’s lightweight and won’t take up much of your space.

My only concerns are that some dogs can chew through the plastic material. Other than this limitation, it’s a heavy-duty portable dog fence for the outdoors.

➡ SHOP Tenax Premium Fence

8. Dog Playpen Portable Fence

Specifications

• Material: Tough plastic
• Dimension: 27.55 x 0.59 x 31.49 inches
• Height: 32”

The panels on the Dog Playpen portable large dog fence are attractive and a step up from the thin, flimsy wire playpens. Out of the box, you can tell that this dog fence is suitable for safely containing large dogs and can take a beating.

Dog Playpen portable dog fence is multi-purpose and can be used indoors and outdoors. In addition, it’s perfect for containing different non-jumping pets. It’ll serve your rabbits, mini-pigs, and chicken when not containing your dogs.

I’m also impressed with the modular design of the panels, which allows me to set this large portable dog fence in different shapes and dimensions. Setting up and folding this dog pen is also a breeze, and it doesn’t take up a lot of storage space in your RV.

➡ SHOP Dog Playpen Portable Fence

9. PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Pet Fence

Specifications

• Type: Electronic
• Coverage: 22-105 ft in all directions

Our final option on the list of the best portable dog fences for camping is ideal for those who need a stress-free and convenient way to contain their dog. Petsafe portable large dog fence eliminates the hassles of digging or burying fences, making it a great wireless fence to take with you when camping. 

This outdoor portable dog fence is a lifesaver, especially when you’re camping and don’t need your dogs to roam or wander into the woods. These portable invisible fences for a dog work by delivering a static correction (not real shock) to the dogs and alerting them to return to the boundary. The virtual fence boundary can be adjusted to allow for larger or smaller spaces making it versatile and portable for your road trips.  

Benefits of the PetSafe Electric Dog Fence

Installing this portable electric fence for a dog is easy. You simply plug the base in and adjust the different settings. I like that the furthest distance the portable wireless dog fence operates is ¾ acre of circular coverage, and this is more than enough for your dogs to roam and still go back to your campsite without issue.

The fence is easy to store compared to your portable pet fence, which is not wireless. You can use them with larger dogs or smaller dogs, making them great for pet owners with animals of various sizes. 

Furthermore, the PetSafe Electric dog fence is accurate and has plenty of extras, including an LCD to show you how far the dog has wandered and display errors.

The PetSafe portable electric fence for a dog is a nice addition to your RV/camping accessories. It makes handling your dogs much easier and eliminates the hassle of traditional dog fences. This is a great option if you are in your own space camping and you don’t want your dog to get too far from camp.

Something dog owners need to keep in mind when using this type of temporary dog fence is that a wireless dog fence system will not keep other dogs out. If you are in an area where there could be other dogs that can potentially coerce your dog out of the boundary or might go into your dog’s space, your best option will be a physical fence that is not wireless. 

➡ SHOP Petsafe Wireless Pet Fence

What Is a Portable Dog Fence? 

A portable dog fence is exactly as its name suggests; a fence for dogs. It’s simply a dog pen, usually made of fence panels/physical barriers and set next to your RV or in your campsite vicinity. The dog pen is designed to keep your dogs within predefined boundaries.

Portable dog fences are portable, so always bring them on your next outing. Most are collapsible and will compact to a modest size to fit into your RV or car.

The main advantage of a dog fence is that it allows your pets to play, enjoy the sunshine, and exercise without you necessarily having to train your eyes on them. You can get a nap or do your RV chores without worrying that your dogs will stray.

Benefits of Using a Portable Dog Fence

Portable dog fences are versatile in application, and there are numerous benefits of bringing an outdoor portable dog fence on your next camping outing.

Here are some of the top reasons why you consider a portable dog fence:

✔️ Stress-Free Experience: Having a portable dog fence means you won’t have to worry much about the safety or whereabouts of your dogs. It makes your life easier because you’re sure your dogs are safe.

✔️ Playing Area: Depending on the size, portable dog fences can provide a great way for your dogs to play, roam, and release energy. Having a place for your dogs to play while camping is necessary for their health.

✔️ Keep Them Safe: A portable dog fence also plays an important role in keeping your dogs safe. It’s important, especially in a campsite where wildlife can harm them.

✔️ Keeps Them From Wandering Away: A portable dog fence ensures your dogs don’t wander away from your campsite and get lost.

✔️ Drying Space: A multi-use portable dog fence can come in handy for drying your dogs after a bath or a swim. Let them dry on the dog fence rather than have their wet bodies in your RV.

✔️ Portable: Finally, the light design and easy assembly and disassembly allow you to carry the dog fence with a car or RV when going out.

Some Campgrounds Do Not Allow Dog Fences 

An increasing number of campgrounds are banning dog fences, and it’s for a good reason. Some campers/RVers think having a dog fence is a free pass for them to leave their dogs unattended. Exposing your dogs to threats, such as other dogs, fellow campers, and wildlife, is wrong.

Therefore, while traveling with a portable camping dog fence, it’s always a good idea you acknowledge that you can’t always use it in certain campgrounds.

Things to Look for in a Portable Dog Fence

Here are some important things to consider when selecting a portable dog fence. These factors ensure you pick the right portable dog fence for your camping/RVing needs.

Height

The height refers to the physical distance from the ground. Generally, the larger dog breeds need a much higher height fence than the small ones. Also, when choosing the height, consider how tall your dog is while they’re on their hind legs. If your dog is also a jumper, consider a dog fence with a longer height.

Size

The size of a portable dog fence refers to how large it is. A bigger dog fence is necessary because it’s more spacious and provides enough room for your dogs to play.

Generally, campers/RVers who need a bigger dog fence are those with larger dog breeds. Also, consider the larger dog fences if traveling with more than one pet.

On the other hand, if you have a puppy, consider something small. However, remember they’re likely to outgrow the small fence, so find something reasonably sized.

You also need to keep in mind where you are wanting to set the fence up. Do you want the fence to be long enough to go around your entire campsite or just a small pen area for your dog? If you have a large size, you can put other things in it, like camping rugs, a hammock, a table for your portable grill, and other outdoor camping gear.

Material

The material you choose for your dog fence directly influences its durability. Most dog fences are usually constructed from metals such as steel and iron.

Metal-based dog fences are sturdy, durable, and indestructible. Ensure the choice of metal is also galvanized to protect it from the effects of inclement weather-remember the dog fences spend most of their time outdoors.

Molded plastic is also a great choice for dog fences. It’s rugged and can withstand exposure to inclement weather.

Stability

Stability in a portable dog fence for camping refers to how stable a fence is. A stable dog fence isn’t one your dog can easily knock over. Instead, it should resist all attempts of your dog to break away. In addition, it should be strong enough to stand up to inclement weather such as a nasty wind.

Storage Size

The ideal dog fence for camping should be portable. The weight is the first thing to look for in a portable dog fence. It should be light enough for you to carry yet heavy enough for your dog not to knock it over. More importantly, it should be able to be compact to a modest size for storage purposes. In particular, it should be small enough to pack in your RV without consuming too much space.

How Easy Is It to Take Down and Put Up 

Finally, you must consider the ease of setting up and taking down a dog fence. The right portable dog fence should be easy to assemble and disassemble. It shouldn’t be too technical and allow you to set it up without supervision.

FAQ: Portable Dog Fence 

What Can I Use as a Temporary Fence for My Dog

The most common types of temporary dog fences are metal. These fences are great and very modular. We would not recommend a DIY-type temporary fence, especially if you are traveling in an area where there will be other people. Purchase a suitable temporary dog fence, and you will be happy with it for years.

Do Portable Dog Fences Work?

Yes, portable dog fences work. They form an enclosed space where your dogs can roam and play freely. A portable outdoor dog fence also keeps them safe by preventing them from straying and keeping them away from other aggressive dogs, strangers, and wildlife.

Why Do I Need a Portable Dog Fence for Camping?

The greatest benefit of a portable dog fence for camping is the ability to fold and stash it in your car/RV. It allows you to keep your dogs in an enclosed space and relieves you of any stress, knowing that you’re your pets are safe from harm or getting lost.

Another thing that people love about portable dog fences is that they are great for setting a boundary around your area. This works wonders for those with little kids.

How Do I Install a Portable Fence for a Dog? 

Each portable dog fence has a different setup, and it’s, therefore, a good idea to look up their user manual. Even then, most portable dog fences have a similar assembly; it’s not exact, but most will follow similar directions.

Most options are modular, so you simply have to open the individual panels apart and set them to the ground. It’s usually a straightforward method. Plus, they have a door with a locking mechanism, which you simply need to open or close to get your dogs in/out.

Overall, assembling a dog fence is a no-brainer, and the only thing, in my opinion, that you should be concerned about when setting a fence is the location. You must always consider the terrain you’ll be setting your portable outdoor dog fence. Setting the fence on a flat area and clearing debris is much easier.

You must also consider the type of wildlife in your vicinity and what might be a threat to your dog. The dog fences are safe, but leaving your dogs outside in an enclosed space is never a good idea. You must supervise your pups which could come under attack from coyotes or large predatory birds.

Conclusion: Portable Dog Fence 

We hope you have a great time on your camping trip with your pets. An RV pet fence is one of the best ways to keep your dog from getting bored inside your camper. We almost always travel with our dog Storm and appreciate having a good solution to keep her comfortable inside and outside of our 5th wheel.

You are going to enjoy having a designated area for your pet using portable camping dog fences.

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