A good night's sleep at camp matters for your dog as much as it does for you. Hard, damp or hot ground makes for a restless dog, and a restless dog makes for a long night in the tent. If you're searching for a large pet camping bed, the most important thing is getting the size right, because a bed that's too small simply won't get used.
This guide covers what to look for in a camping bed for big dogs, how to measure, and which beds in our range genuinely suit large dogs versus cats and small dogs. We'll also cover the extras that make camp more comfortable, such as non-slip and cooling mats, and a travel bowl.
What Makes a Good Pet Camping Bed?
A pet camping bed has a different job from a bed at home. Before you buy, check it against these five points:
- Raised off the ground. A bed that lifts your dog above the dirt keeps them away from damp, ants and hot or cold ground, and lets air move underneath.
- Breathable fabric. Mesh or breathable fabric helps on warm nights, which you'll get plenty of on summer trips.
- Easy to clean. Camping means dust, sand and mud. A removable, washable surface saves a lot of scrubbing.
- Packs down for the car. Look for something that breaks down or folds flat enough to fit in with the rest of your gear.
- The right size. Your dog should be able to lie stretched out on their side without hanging off the edge.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Camping Bed
- Wait until your dog is lying stretched out on their side.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- Add roughly 15 to 20 cm so their legs and head aren't hanging over the edge.
- Compare that number with the bed's length, not just the size label (an "L" from one maker can be an "M" from another).
If your dog sleeps curled in a ball, you can go a little smaller. If they sprawl, size up.
The Best Large Pet Camping Bed for Big Dogs
For medium and large dogs, our honest recommendation is the Comfortable and Versatile Pet Bed with Moisture-proof and Breathable Design. It's a raised bed with an Oxford-cloth sleeping surface on a painted metal tube frame, which is exactly the design that works well at camp.
Why it suits camping:
- Raised frame: keeps your dog up off damp or hot ground.
- Moisture-proof and breathable: the surface is designed to keep your pet dry on damp ground while letting air through.
- Removable and washable: take the surface off and wash away the campsite dust.
- Three sizes: small (56 x 43 x 18 cm), medium (81 x 63.5 x 18 cm) and large (107 x 76 x 18 cm).
- Flexible options: buy the bed frame plus surface, or the surface on its own as a spare.
Which size? Use the measurement from the steps above. The large size (107 x 76 cm) is the one to consider for big breeds that like to stretch out. The medium (81 x 63.5 cm) suits many medium-sized dogs, or larger dogs that sleep curled up.
Because it doubles as an everyday raised bed, it's just as useful on a back verandah or in the laundry between trips.
Our "Pet Camping Bed": Made for Cats and Small Dogs
We also stock a product called the Pet camping bed, and we want to be clear about who it's for. It measures 43 x 43 x 24 cm, which makes it a compact, hammock-style bed suited to cats and small dogs, not large breeds.
What it does well:
- Breathable hammock surface in grey or pink, made from polyester fibre and reinforced nylon.
- Thick steel pipe frame that lifts your pet off the ground.
- Small package size (about 43.5 x 6 x 24.5 cm), so it slips in alongside your camping gear.
If you're camping with a small dog or a travel-confident cat, it's a neat, portable option. For a Labrador, Kelpie or anything bigger, choose the large Comfortable and Versatile Pet Bed above instead.
Quick Comparison
| Bed | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable and Versatile Pet Bed, Large | 107 x 76 x 18 cm | Large dogs who stretch out |
| Comfortable and Versatile Pet Bed, Medium | 81 x 63.5 x 18 cm | Medium dogs, or large dogs that curl up |
| Comfortable and Versatile Pet Bed, Small | 56 x 43 x 18 cm | Small dogs |
| Pet camping bed | 43 x 43 x 24 cm | Cats and small dogs |
Extras That Make Camp More Comfortable
A raised bed covers the basics. A few extras can make a real difference, depending on where and when you camp.
A Non-Slip Mat for Tents and Vans
Tent floors, caravan floors and car boots can be slippery. The Non-Slip Pet Mat for Dog Sleeping has a non-slip design that helps keep it in place, and it's made from rattan mat, sponge and cloth. It comes in five sizes from S (45 x 35 cm) up to XXL (120 x 90 cm), so even large dogs are covered. It's also a handy option to put under a bed or cushion to stop it sliding around on a smooth floor.
A Cooling Mat for Hot Nights
Summer camping can mean warm nights, even after sunset. The Summer Cooling Ice Mat for Pets with Ventilation uses cool nylon fabrics with a breathable, heat-dissipating design. It's 3.5 cm thick and comes in three sizes (28 x 44, 63 x 44 and 73 x 46 cm), so the larger sizes can sit on top of a raised bed or on the tent floor. Always provide shade and fresh water as well; a mat is no substitute for keeping your dog out of the heat.
A Travel Bowl That Folds Flat
The Foldable Silicone Dog Bowl is made from food-grade silicone, has a 14 cm bowl, and folds to about 25.5 x 20 cm, so it packs easily in a day pack or glovebox. Fill it at every stop on the drive and around camp.
A Glowing Ball for Dusk Play
Evening fetch at camp is more fun when you can find the ball. The Luminous Sound-Emitting Dog Toy Ball glows in the dark and makes sounds during play, so it's easier to spot in low light. Pack it away once it's properly dark, and always supervise play.
Camping Comfort Tips for Your Dog
- Practise at home first. Set the bed up in the lounge room or backyard a week before the trip so it already feels familiar.
- Bring something that smells like home. A blanket from their usual bed helps many dogs settle in a strange place.
- Set up in the shade. Position the bed out of direct sun and reposition it as the shade moves.
- Keep the bed inside the tent or annex at night where possible, away from dew and wandering wildlife.
- Check campsite rules. Not every campground or national park allows dogs, so check before you book.
- Watch for heat stress. If your dog is panting heavily, drooling or seems lethargic, move them somewhere cool and contact a vet.
Where to Buy Pet Camping Beds Online
When you buy a pet camping bed online, check the real dimensions rather than the size label, and compare them with your own measurements. If you're after a cheap pet camping bed, remember that the right size matters more than anything else: a well-fitting bed is one your dog will actually use. Bagaton offers same-day dispatch, free shipping on orders over $50 and 30-day returns, so you can check the fit at home before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pet camping bed for a large dog? Look for a raised bed with a breathable, washable surface and a frame big enough for your dog to stretch out on. In our range, the large Comfortable and Versatile Pet Bed (107 x 76 x 18 cm) is the one we recommend for big dogs. Our compact Pet camping bed (43 x 43 x 24 cm) is better suited to cats and small dogs.
What size camping bed does my dog need? Measure your dog lying on their side from nose to the base of the tail, then add around 15 to 20 cm. Compare that with the bed's actual length rather than its size label. Dogs who sleep curled up can manage a slightly smaller bed, while dogs who sprawl will need the next size up.
What is the best anti-slip mat for dogs? A good anti-slip mat should stay put on smooth floors, be comfortable to lie on and come in a size that suits your dog. Our Non-Slip Pet Mat is designed to stay in place, is made from rattan mat, sponge and cloth, and comes in sizes from 45 x 35 cm up to 120 x 90 cm.
What can I put under a dog bed so it doesn't slide? A non-slip mat underneath is a simple fix for a cushion or bed that slides on tiles, timber or a tent floor. Raised beds with a frame tend to stay put better than loose cushions. You can also position the bed against a wall or in a corner so your dog can't push it around.
Are raised beds good for camping with dogs? Raised beds are a popular choice for camping because they keep dogs up off damp, hot or uneven ground and let air move underneath. Look for one with a washable, breathable surface and a frame that breaks down for the car. Give your dog time to get used to it at home before the trip.
Get Your Dog Camp-Ready
The right camping bed is the one that fits your dog. For big dogs, that means a raised bed with room to stretch out; for cats and small dogs, a compact hammock-style bed can be all you need. Browse our full range of pet beds to find the right size before your next trip.
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