Best Tent for Camping With Dogs Buyer’s Guide
Tent Weight
When choosing the best tents for camping with dogs, we prefer heavier models. Heavier tents are made from stronger fabrics that won’t rip as easily when your dog walks across it-or if they paw at the door to be let out.
Number of People and Dogs
You should always factor in how many dogs and people will be coming with you to determine which tent will be the best fit. Many people like to buy a size up for the actual number of people who will be camping.
For example, a 2-person backpacking tent might be a tight fit for two people, but it’s the perfect size for a man and his 40-pound dog.
Deciding whether you need a four-, six-, or eight-person tent can be tricky when kids and dogs are involved. You need to consider how your dogs will be sleeping. We always recommend bringing your dog their dog sleeping bag.
At the same time, we understand some dogs refuse to sleep anywhere except on top of their owners, which ultimately takes up less space.
To get an idea of how much space you need, add up the dimensions of your sleeping bags. Factor in whether you will be using a sleeping pad or air mattress as well since air mattresses take up more room.
We do not recommend using air mattresses when tent camping with dogs because their claws can easily puncture the mattress.
You might be wondering if you should just play it safe and buy the biggest tent. This is not necessary unless you need the space.
Having a tent that is too big has disadvantages, such as being too heavy and not holding up in the wind as well as smaller tents. Larger tents also take more time to heat up in the cooler months. Some campgrounds also charge more for extra large tents.
Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding
A freestanding tent can hold its shape on its own, and a non-freestanding tent needs to be staked out. When selecting a tent for camping with dogs, a freestanding tent is ideal.
Freestanding tents, in general, are sturdier. Instead of stakes, they rely on poles to maintain their shape. You also won’t have to worry about your dog running over the guy lines and collapsing your whole tent.
Even though freestanding tents can be supported by themselves without stakes, it’s still a wise idea to stake them to the ground to make them more stable (and prevent them from blowing away in a heavy wind gust).
Floor Denier
The term denier refers to the material’s thickness. When selecting the best tents for camping with dogs, we looked at the floor durability and denier. The higher the denier, the stronger the floor, which is extremely important for protection from your pup’s claws.
Ease of Entrance
When choosing the best tents for camping with dogs, we looked for tents that were easy to access. The last thing you want is to be fumbling with a zipper when your dog has to go out to do their business!
Best Tent for Camping With Dogs Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring for my dog while tent camping?
We recommend bringing these 15 essential items when tent camping with dogs.
Do dogs get cold in tents?
Absolutely! Dogs may have a fur coat, but they get cold just like we do. That’s why it’s important to create a safe, comfortable environment in your tent for your dog with either a dog bed for camping or a dog sleeping bag.
How do I protect my tent floor from dog nails?
This is the biggest worry pet owners face when tent camping with dogs! If you have a dog who likes to dig and claw at your tent, even the sturdiest tents can wear down. We recommend the following:
- Trim your dog’s nails before every camping trip and bring a pair of nail trimmers for the trip
- Cover your tent floor with a tarp, blanket, ground cloth, or tiles
- Never leave your dog in the tent alone-anxious dogs are more likely to tear up the floor
- Exercise your dog-take an extra long hike. If your pup is exhausted, they will be too tired to do any damage
- Teach your dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it,” so they will learn to be obedient in the tent. Teaching your dog commands will make navigating your camping trip with your dog much easier, period.
Wrapping up the Best Tent for Camping With Dogs
Now you know all about the best tents for camping with dogs. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks about camping with dogs, Camping With Dogs: How to Make the Most of the Great Outdoors will share with you everything you need to know about going into the wilderness with man’s best friend!
