Pet Beds, Crates, Ramps & Camping Comfort Gear — Australian Guide 2026

A portable pet bed provides a familiar, comfortable sleeping surface for a dog at a campsite. Familiarity with a specific bed or blanket can help a dog settle in a new environment. Look for beds with a washable, removable cover — camping conditions involve mud, water and general outdoor mess. Water-resistant or waterproof bases prevent moisture from the ground soaking through.

For car camping and caravanning, a larger, more comfortable bed is practical. For hiking and backpacking, a lightweight, compressible bed that packs small is preferable. Some beds are designed to fold or roll for packing.

Elevated beds raise the dog off the ground on a fabric or mesh surface stretched over a frame. They provide airflow underneath the dog, which helps with cooling in hot conditions and keeps the dog off cold or wet ground in cooler conditions. Elevated beds are practical for camping as they keep the dog off damp grass, sand and dirt.

Look for a frame that is stable on uneven ground and a fabric surface that is easy to clean. Some elevated beds fold flat for transport. Check the weight rating — elevated beds are available in sizes suitable for large dogs, but ensure the frame and fabric are rated for your dog's weight.

A portable crate provides a contained, den-like space for a dog at a campsite. Dogs that are crate-trained often settle more readily in a crate in an unfamiliar environment. Soft crates use fabric panels over a collapsible frame and pack down flat for transport. Folding metal crates provide more structural rigidity but are heavier and bulkier.

For camping use, a soft crate is generally more practical than a metal crate due to its lighter weight and smaller packed size. Ensure the crate is large enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. A crate with a removable, washable floor pad is easier to keep clean.

A portable pen provides a larger contained area than a crate — suitable for a dog that needs more space to move around while remaining contained at a campsite. Portable pens are available in folding metal or fabric panel designs. They can be set up on grass, gravel or sand.

Portable pens are useful for containing a dog at a campsite while the owner is setting up camp, cooking or engaged in other tasks that require the dog to be out of the way. They are not suitable for leaving a dog unattended for extended periods, particularly in hot conditions where shade and ventilation must be ensured.

A tie-out system allows a dog to move within a defined radius while remaining attached to a fixed point. Ground anchors (spiral stakes or corkscrew anchors) can be driven into the ground at a campsite and a lead or cable attached. Tie-out cables are available in various lengths.

Animals should not be left tethered unattended. A tethered animal cannot escape from hazards — other animals, extreme weather, entanglement — and cannot access water or shelter independently. Tie-out systems are appropriate for supervised use only, such as keeping a dog close while the owner is at the campsite.

A portable ramp allows a dog to enter and exit a vehicle, caravan or elevated surface without jumping. Ramps are particularly useful for older dogs, dogs with joint problems, and large dogs that may injure themselves jumping in and out of a high vehicle.

Look for a ramp with a non-slip surface, a weight rating appropriate for your dog, and a length that provides a gentle enough angle for comfortable use. Foldable ramps are more practical for transport. Some dogs require training to use a ramp — introduce the ramp gradually at home before relying on it in the field.

Portable pet steps provide a series of smaller steps as an alternative to a ramp. Steps are generally more compact than ramps but require the dog to have sufficient mobility to use them. For dogs with significant mobility limitations, a ramp is usually more appropriate than steps.

For caravans with a high entry step, a portable step or ramp positioned at the entry can reduce the strain on a dog's joints. Ensure any step or ramp is stable and will not slip on the surface it is placed on.

A familiar blanket provides comfort and warmth for a dog in a tent or caravan. Washable fleece blankets are practical for camping — they are lightweight, dry quickly and can be washed easily. In cold conditions, a dog coat or jacket provides additional warmth for short-coated breeds or older dogs.

In wet conditions, a waterproof dog coat keeps the dog drier and reduces the amount of wet dog smell and mud brought into the tent or caravan. Dry the dog thoroughly before allowing it into sleeping areas.

Camping with a dog involves mud, water, sand and general outdoor mess. Choose gear with washable, removable covers wherever possible. Machine-washable covers are the most practical. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are easier to wipe clean in the field. Avoid gear with complex construction that traps dirt and is difficult to clean.

Older dogs and dogs with arthritis or other joint conditions require additional consideration when camping. Hard ground, cold temperatures and the physical demands of getting in and out of vehicles can exacerbate joint pain. An orthopedic or memory foam bed provides better joint support than a standard flat bed. A ramp reduces the strain of entering and exiting vehicles. Plan rest stops on long journeys and avoid activities that place excessive strain on the dog's joints.