The Best RV Dog Fences For Big and Small Dogs

Have you seen pet enclosures while walking around a campground? These RV dog fences provide a place for dogs to play, enjoy the sunshine, and be present with their family outside. We think a pet fence is a great addition to your camping gear if you want to bring along your furry friend. Today, we’ll tell you why and give you our recommendations! Let’s dive in!

What Is An RV Dog Fence?

Also known as a portable pet fence, an RV dog fence is a small enclosure allowing pets to play and exercise. These enclosures give pets a safe outdoor space right outside your RV. Just like you enjoy being outside, your dog does, too!

Since most campgrounds always require dogs to be leashed, an RV dog fence gives pets a place where they can roam freely and a safe place where you don’t have to supervise them as much. You can sit around a campfire with friends or watch an afternoon football game without holding onto a leash.

Are RV Dog Fences Allowed At Campgrounds?

However, not all campgrounds or RV parks permit these dog fences. We have been to numerous places where “no pet fences” or “no pet enclosures” are listed on the rules sheet. Therefore, before you set up your RV dog fence, make sure to check the rules at your particular campground.

You may even choose a different RV park because of this rule. Having a safe place for your pet to roam freely is important. If there’s another nearby location, it might be worth the additional cost or extra miles to be able to set up your enclosure upon arrival.

Pro Tip: If you’re bringing the pup along, be sure to check out Dog Camping Gear You’ll Actually Use for more great tips and ideas!

What Are the Benefits Of Having An RV Dog Fence?

Do you have a dog that likes to jump on everyone? An RV dog fence is an excellent way to keep your pets away from visitors. If your friends are coming over for a cookout, your pet can also join you outside without worrying about whether or not he’ll jump up on your guests or knock over a small child. You don’t want to punish your pet by keeping him inside while you’re enjoying yourself outside. So, a pet enclosure is the perfect addition to your camping gear.

This safe space also allows your furry friend to stretch his legs. These RV dog fences aren’t large, so your lab won’t be running around in it. But he can walk around in more space than inside your RV.

If you can secure your pet fence near the entry door, you can let your dog go out and use the bathroom without going out yourself. This is ideal when it’s raining, and you don’t want to have to leash your pet and go for a walk.

Finally, if you go swimming with your pup or need to bathe him using the outdoor shower, an RV dog fence provides a place where he can dry off before coming inside. No one likes the smell of a wet dog. This enclosure provides a place where he can enjoy the sunshine or take a nap before entering your rig.

However, while an RV dog fence allows your pet to enjoy the outdoors safely, we don’t recommend leaving your pet outside unattended. Don’t go inside and take a nap. Don’t go for a walk around the campground. Certainly, don’t leave the campground and go exploring. Too many things can go wrong, from wildlife getting inside the pen to an unattended child coming by and getting bitten.

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Things To Look For In A Portable Dog Fence

If you’ve decided that an RV dog fence is right for you, there are a few things to consider before purchasing. First, you want to get the right size. If you have a chihuahua, you don’t need as large of a space as someone who might have a golden retriever.

But you also don’t want to get a pet fence that is too big for your storage space. If you’re going to stow it in an outdoor storage bay, make sure it fits. If you’re going to put it in the back of your truck, make sure it fits.

Next, consider the material. You want a durable, rust-proof, weather-proof fence if you plan on using it often. Metal is one of the best options. If your dog chews, you don’t want a soft-sided enclosure. But these softer fabrics are much lighter, which may be better for RVers who can’t maneuver large metal panels.

You’ll also want to decide if you want a door or not. A door may not be necessary if you can easily step over the enclosure with a small dog. But you likely won’t be lifting your husky. Higher panels are required for larger dogs, so you won’t be able to step over them. You’ll want a door for easy access.

Finally, how easy is the setup? If you’re a solo traveler, you want to find an RV dog fence that’s easy to assemble and take apart on your own. Make sure it’s not too heavy or too complicated. You don’t want to add more work to your long list of things to do when you arrive at a campsite.

3 Best RV Dog Fences For Big Dogs

Below, we’ve listed three of the best RV dog fences for big dogs. Large breed dogs usually weigh 40 pounds or more and stand about 24 inches or higher. Boxers, labradors, German shepherds, golden retrievers, huskies, and poodles will usually fit into this category. These fences feature higher panels to prevent big dogs from escaping.

1. MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen

This MidWest Homes RV Pet Fence doesn’t have a door, which may eliminate it from some people’s lists. But if you can get your pet in and out without a door, it’s a great option. The panels are 36 inches high. Each panel is 24 inches long, and eight panels form a 16-square-foot play space. Four ground anchors secure it at the campsite.

We love that this pen connects to a crate. So, if your pet enjoys the comfort of his crate, you can join it to the pen to allow him to roam freely in the enclosure or curl up in his crate whenever he wants. When folded flat for storage, this exercise pen weighs about 22 pounds.

2. Petmaker Foldable Metal Exercise Puppy Play Pen

If you prefer an RV dog fence with a door, we recommend the Petmaker Pen. The door operates like the door to a crate, so it’s easy to open and close. Each panel is 24 inches long but only 30 inches high. If you have a taller dog or a pet who likes to jump, you may want to choose the MidWest Homes or BestPet fence instead. However, we like that there are eight stakes to secure this pet enclosure at the campsite rather than the four of the MidWest Homes pen.

3. BestPet Dog Fence

Another RV dog fence with a door is the BestPet Outdoor Enclosure. It’s the largest of the three options, but that also means it takes up the most space at the campsite. If you’re in a tight site, you might be unable to use it. But if you’re boondocking on BLM land, this is an excellent option. However, a larger pet fence also means you need more storage when it’s not in use. These 16 panels will take up a lot of space in your storage bay or the back of your truck.

We love that this fence is made of premium powder-coated iron panels, making it durable and weather-resistant. The panels measure 40 inches high, the tallest of the three options. So if you have a large breed, this BestPet dog fence may be the best solution.

Best RV Dog Fences For Little Dogs

If you have a smaller dog, buying a pet fence with 30-inch panels is unnecessary. You also may want a smaller space, making it easier to set up, tear down, and stow away. These three RV dog fences are best for small breeds like terriers, pugs, chihuahuas, and cocker spaniels.

1. New World Foldable Black Metal Dog Exercise Pen

The New World Pen has no door, but the 24-inch tall panels should be easy for most RVers to step over. There are eight panels and four ground stakes, similar to the MidWest Homes fence listed above. Each panel is 24 inches long and 24 inches tall, providing 16 square feet of play space. It weighs about 16-17 pounds.

2. FXW Rollick Dog Playpen

If you prefer a door, the FXW Rollick Enclosure is the same size as the New World pen but has a door for easy access. It’s about twice as expensive, though, and may be out of the price range for some RVers. However, we love that this playpen is made of high-quality, durable metal, making it sturdier than the New World pet fence.

3. IRIS USA Exercise Pet Playpen

The IRIS USA Dog Fence only has four panels, providing a smaller space than the previous two options. However, this may be large enough for some small dogs. It also has a door for easy access.

We like that this playpen can be used both indoors and outdoors. The non-skid rubber feet keep it from sliding across the floor inside your RV. The panels are 24 inches tall and 35 inches wide, creating an 8-square-foot enclosure. You can also buy add-on panels to create a larger space.

Is A Portable Dog Fence Worth It?

We believe an RV dog fence is worth it to create a safe space where your pup can roam without being on a leash. Some campgrounds don’t have dog parks. Even though these pet enclosures aren’t huge, they provide more space than nothing at all.

Protecting your pet from wildlife or other dogs is also important. Allowing them time in the sunshine brings them joy just like it does us. Therefore, we feel like a portable dog fence is worth the money and time to set it up.

Do you have an RV dog fence to give your pet plenty of outdoor time?

Last update on 2025-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API