11 Best Portable Dog Fences for Camping [Reviewed in 2023]

Last Updated on June, 2023

Imagine being on the best camping trip ever with your dog included and suddenly realizing that the dog is missing. You’re in an unfamiliar area, the time is limited, and you don’t know what to do.

Restless situations like these could escalate to horrible endings that no dog parent deserves.

That’s why investing in a dog fence is better, not just any, but a portable one.

But there are so many due to the high demand already. Finding the best fence on your own will take a long time.

So, we did all the research and analysis work for you! All you need is to read through to the end and make a choice.

We’re confident you’ll like our list of the eleven best portable dog fences.

Let’s jump right in!

Editor’s Choice
Halo Collars
Halo 2+
Durability
Coverage
Price

4.9

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

#2nd Best Choice
spoton collar
SpotOn
Durability
Coverage
Price

4.9

4.9

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
wagz collar
Wagz
Durability
Coverage
Price

4.8

4.7

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

11 of the Best Portable Camping Dog Fence for Camping

1. Halo 2+ (Editor’s Choice)

Halo has been a reliable brand within the community I deal with. So, it was nice to hear that they were introducing an all-new Halo 2+.

With two major colors; Graphite or white, the collar comes in 3 neck sizes fits such as,

  • Small: 11’’ – 15’’
  • Medium: 15’’ – 20’’
  • Large: 20’’ – 30’’

Bolt is a bit of a large dog, and I went with the large size.

How does it work as a portable dog fence for camping?

It’s easy to draw the boundaries on the free mobile app. You can zoom in on the camping location with all the details. You won’t need 20 virtual fences for a camping trip but the feature is there. 

Most importantly, you can draw custom-shaped and custom sized virtual fences around your camping site up to 10 square miles of range. That gives enough room for your dog to wander freely.

But what happens when your dog crosses the fence?

As it does, there are two types of feedback responses. One is an audio that plays “come back”. The other one iscorrective feedback with 15 levels. You can choose from static shock, vibration, or sound.

For camping, it’s always better to use static shock because the response is much faster.

You can constantly monitor your dog’s location being inside the camp tent from the app. The GPS tracking feature has a location updating rate of 7-15 seconds.

Oh! I couldn’t mention the activity tracking! Halo 2+ portable dog fence gives you easy access to track the number of steps, the distance covered, the time spent resting vs. active, and so on.

The durability of this camping dog fence is assured by design, especially with the IP67 waterproof rating.

Because it lets you create multiple fences, you can use it to contain your dog while at home. You can also have simultaneous fences around your dog daycare, or any other location you frequently visit. You get 20 virtual fences to create that safe environment.

It’s safe to say that Halo 2+ is the best portable camping dog fence. After all, it is also an activity tracker and a GPS tracker.

KEY SPECS:

  • Feedback features to guide your dog back home
  • Add up to 20 virtual fences 
  • GPS tracking features
  • 21 hours of battery life
  • 3 feet location accuracy 
  • Built-in activity tracker 
  • 1-year warranty

Want to learn more about this device? Checkout this halo review.

Pros

Longer battery life for camping
Ensure safety with virtual fences and correctional feedback (vibration, sound, or shock)
Track your dog accurately with 7-15 seconds of location updating rate
Suitable for small dogs too
Train your dog with Cesar Millan’s training program 
Increased durability with an IP67 waterproof rating
10 square miles of range 

Cons

Not for very small dogs

2. SpotOn GPS Dog Fence (#2nd Best Choice)

SpotOn GPS portable dog fence is my second best portable camping dog fence.

The SpotOn portable dog fence comes in three neck sizes,

  • Small: 10’’ – 14’’
  • Medium: 12’’ -18’’
  • Large: 16’’ – 26’’

I chose the large size because Bolt’s a bigger dog.

As a dog fence, the SpotOn fence meets and exceeds your expectations.

SpotOn GPS Dog Fence

The fence operates based on a free designated app. The users can draw up to 10 custom shaped virtual dog fences. There are two ways to draw the fences.

You can use up to 1500 fence posts to draw fences on the app. If not, you can walk the path of the boundary. Walking might be easier if you want a fence closer to the camping site. But the minimum area is ½ acre and there’s no maximum limit. 

So, you can always have a far away boundary that lets your dog wander safely.

The boundary works the same even you draw one on the water. 

The collar beeps when the dog gets closer to the fence to make it return. This is a warning signal and that makes the SpotOn a unique camping fence.

But if it doesn’t work, you can use optional static shocks and vibration, too; there are 30 levels of correction. 

So, you can use the SpotOn fence even at your home, and at locations where your dog visits frequently. 

You also get GPS location tracking features for free. The location updating rate is 6 seconds with a range of 10 feet.

With an IP67 waterproof rating, this portable dog fence has a battery range of 8-18 hours

KEY SPECS:

  • Three sizes from 10’’ to 26’’ neck size 
  • IP67 waterproof 
  • 18 hours of maximum battery life
  • GPS features (with True Location technology)
  • 1-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

We got you covered with our complete SpotOn review, if you want to know more about this virtual fence.

Pros

Up to 20 custom geofences from ½ acre to 1000+ acres
6 seconds location updating rate with high accuracy 
Operational with the app
Free shipping for the US
Optimized for active dogs

Cons

Works only in the US and Canada
Expensive

3. Wagz Freedom Camping Dog Fence Collar (#3rd Best Choice)

The Wagz collar is my third best portable dog fence recommendation; they market is as the only shock free collar.

The device comes with a collar, but you can replace it. Howeer, it typically fits dogs that are 15 lbs and above.

Drawing the custom shaped geofences in the Wagz mobile app is effortless. You can either have easy setup safe zones or virtual keep-out zones. 

Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar

There is no size limit but has an 10-15ft error margin. For camping, this error margin is not an issue as the considered area will be vast.

If your dog escapes the zone, you will receive phone alerts and corrective feedback will be triggered. You can choose from ultrasonic, sound, and vibration.

Collectively, you can use these features for both indoor and outdoor use. Which means this collar is useful to contain your dog at home as well.

During camping, features like these go a long way in ensuring your dog’s safety.

Location tracking is decent with 10 feet accuracy and 10 seconds location updating rate.

It also has activity tracking with multiple monitoring aspects; the number of calories burnt, steps, walk mapping, sleep time, and much more.

KEY SPECS:

  • Customizable geofences with alerts (with ultrasonic, audible tones, and vibration)
  • 1-year warranty
  • 2.375” (W) x 2” (H) x 1.5” (D) dimensions 
  • 50 grams weight 
  • IP67 waterproof 
  • GPS location tracking
  • Comprehensive activity tracking

Here’s the complete review of Wagz Freedom Camping Dog Fence.

Pros

Shock-free correctional system
Multiple fences
Train your dog better with manual corrections 
Replaceable collar as it wears off
Increased safety with keep out zones
Track your dog’s health better 
Always know the location with GPS tracking

Cons

Heavily depends on the cell service’s signals

Get 15% off using coupon code: iPETGUIDES15 (Exclusive for IPetGuides readers)


4. Yaheetech Dog Barrier Fence

Yaheetech dog playpen portable dog fence is a physical dog fence.

The dog fence comes in seven types based on the number of electrophoresis premium rust proof iron panels; 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, and 32. 

The panels come in 3 sizes; 24’’, 32’’, and 40’’ of height with 0.5’’ thickness. The product is recommended for small, medium, and large animals, including dogs.

Yaheetech Dog Barrier Fence

For camping, you can set the fence around the camping tent easily as it’s foldable. But it reduces the free roaming area for your dog. You must ensure that the dog won’t jump over the fence.

It’s easier to set up the fence to multiple shapes since the panels are connected by metal anchor stakes and the presence of a safety lock. Safety is assured by rounded edges in each panel and anchor.

However, the ground soil condition of campingsites becomes relevant as the stakes need to be driven into the ground. 

If that’s not a problem, the Yaheetech dog playpen is another dog fence suitable for camping.

KEY SPECS:

  • Made from premium iron 
  • Multiple sizes and panels to choose from
  • Rust resistant metal
  • Highly weather resistant

Pros

Dogs will respond to a natural sense of being caged
Know if the dog is actually inside the perimeter instantly
Easy set up, disassembly, and transportation
Requires zero mobile phone literacy to use it
Ideal for regular use as well

Cons

The ground needs to be flat to use it
Stability of the fence depends on the ground condition

5. FXW Portable Dog Fence

FXW dog playpen is my fifth best solution for camping fences for dogs.

The company offers 4 standard sizes; 24, 32, 40, and 50 inches.

The eight configurations are in terms of the number of panels; 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 48.

Each package contains 42 panels, 6 dog gates, 51 stakes, and 3 manuals; that’s more than enough to create a safe fence around your camping site.

FXW Portable Dog Fence

But like all physical fences mentioned in this list, the free roaming area will not be as much as the virtual fences.

Like the Yaheetech, the panels are connected using metal ground anchors. Each stake is 33.5″ in height and 0.4″ in diameter. The secure door increases safety, and it’s easy to install. 

Although products like these do not come with an IP rating, the company claims the product is suitable for all weather conditions, including rainy and snowy.

KEY SPECS:

  • Multiple panel sizes and configurations 
  • Panel door size: 31.5″H x 26.7″W x 0.6″THK
  • Requires no technological knowledge
  • Lasting high-quality metals
  • Highly weather resistant

Pros

Operate with no mobile phones 
The durability of lightweight premium metal 
Suitable for all types of dogs
Easy storage
Fence is very close to the camping tent

Cons

Requires physical installation 
Convenience depends on rigidity and evenness of the ground
No alerts in case the dog escapes the fence

6. AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Playpen

Foldable fences are effective in safeguarding more than one dog in camping.

The AmazonBasics foldable and portable playpen is one such product.

You can buy this portable camping dog fence with or without a dog door by design.

The dog fence is available in six sizes, and the length is the same for each panel which is 59.06″

AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Playpen

The configurations can deliver a 16 square foot enclosure. But unlike the previous physical fences, this fence works better when set up without making your tent as the center. 

I loved the double-wire construction made of durable iron, which is made to be a rust resistant metal. The fence folds flat, ensuring easy portability.

Like the Yaheetech and FXW dog fences, the AmazonBasics come with metal clips to be driven to the ground. But I can’t guarantee that the fence itself will hold bigger dogs since it is pretty light in weight.

The only difference is that the ground soil condition is irrelevant, although the evenness is.

You can create one octagon, two squares, and three rectangles with their eight panels

Overall, the dog fence definitely works both indoors and outdoors. 

KEY SPECS:

  • Made of heavy duty metal
  • Eight panels system
  • 16 square feet enclosure
  • Panel height range: 24’’, 30’’, 36’’, 42’’, 48’’
  • Comes with with-door or without-door

Pros

Ability to pick the suitable size for your need
Folds flat and easy storage
Ground soil condition is irrelevant
Has no sharp edges but only round to reassure safety

Cons

Larger dogs might be able to shake the clips off the ground
Stability always depends on the nature of the ground

7. IRIS USA Dog Playpen

If you dislike metallic camping dog fences, the IRIS USA portable playpen is an ideal alternative. That’s because it’s made from durable molded plastic.

The recommended panel height for small puppies and dogs up to 30lbs is 24″.

Other dogs that are medium and large up to 50lbs can be contained with panels 34″ in height with a pet-proof lock.

IRIS USA Dog Playpen

But you need to set the fence away from the camping tent as due to the small enclosure size. However, the fence comes with non-skid rubber feet and no stakes. So, the camping site’s ground’s soil condition is not that important as long as it is even.

When I was testing it in my yard, keeping it in one place was a bit challenging. 

Its lightweight nature makes it easier to set up, and it’s waterproof too. The long-term durability is certified against harsh camping outdoor conditions.

Ideally, a product like this is suitable for well-tamed dogs who don’t try to break off a cage.

KEY SPECS:

  • Made from lasting molded plastic 
  • Maximum panel height of 34″
  • Customizable sizes
  • The average weight of 21.51 pounds

Pros

The non-metallic nature increases the durability 
Easy assembly
Easier to clean
Has much room
Increased safety with molded plastic 
Folds flat and easy storage

Cons

Larger dogs may damage it faster
Less durable compared to metallic fences

8. North States Mypet Dog Pen

North States Mypet Petyard pet playpen is another physical dog fence that suits some camping situations.

There aren’t multiple sizes as the product’s dimensions are 35.25″ in length, 10.3″ in width, and 26.5″ in height. 

You can purchase the dog playpen as an eight panel or a six panel fence. Similar to the IRIS dog fence, the North States Mypet dog fence is also made from durable plastic. I personally like the brown look of it.

North States Mypet Dog Pen

The lack of ground stakes that should be driven to the ground raises a question; will the dog fence stay in an outdoor area? The answer is, yes. The fence stays pretty stable in outdoor areas as long as the ground is even.

So, don’t worry about using it for your camping trip.

I recommend something other than this dog fence for somewhat larger dogs, as they’d be able to push the fence around.

 Like the IRIS dog fence, this one suits small and medium dogs under 40lbs who are already tamed.

The 8-panel play yard encloses over 30 square feet of the area; this makes the dog fence ideal for caging multiple dogs at once.

Finally, the dog fence is portable and easy to carry since it’s foldable.

KEY SPECS:

  • Made from durable plastic 
  • 35.25″L x 10.3″W x 26.5″H dimensions weighing 22.45 pounds
  • Maximum height of 26.5″ 

Pros

Highly durable with durable plastic
Cage multiple dogs at once
Doesn’t require fixing to the ground

Cons

Comes in only one fixed size
It might be hard to fix to the ground

9. ZENY Dog Play Pen Camping Dog Fence

Zeny dog playpen is quite suitable for small dog owners, as the company recommends. 

This is a physical dog fence or a pet playpen that might be ideal for your next camping trip.

Unlike the physical dog fences mentioned so far, this one comes in one fixed size and one configuration; 16 panels with 31″ in width and 24″ in height. 

So, the overall size would be 66.52 square feet, and the height is enough to hold a small child.

ZENY Dog Play Pen Camping Dog Fence

The slide-latching gate ensures the dog won’t leave from the door.

The fence is designed to work indoors and outdoors. So, it wasn’t so hard to set it up in a camp site. I set it up away from the tent and I could see how Bolt was calm inside it. The only problem was that he didn’t have the freedom of roaming.

The dimensions of the gate of the Zeny playpen are equal to that of the panels. The metallic ground stakes are 23.4″ in height. 

Overall, it’s enough for a decent camping dog fence, but it’s not the best portable dog fence.

KEY SPECS:

  • Package contents: 2 gates, 14 fences, 16 stakes
  • Manufactured from durable metal 
  • 31’’ in width, 24’’ in height
  • Slide-latching gate 
  • 65+ square feet of the area covered 

Pros

Increased durability with premium metal 
Increased protection with the slide-latching gate
Stakes included ensuring stability 
Gate is designed above the ground in the panel (step-through)

Cons

Recommended only for small dogs
Has only one fixed size

10. Midwest Foldable Metal Dog Pen

What caught my eye in the Midwest foldable dog fence is a unique feature; I’ll tell you what that is in a moment.

The Midwest foldable dog fence is another physical dog fence. The standard width of a panel is 24″, and it comes in six height categories.

So, there’s that advantage of buying this premium metal fence depending on your dog’s size.

Midwest Foldable Metal Dog Pen

You can contain your dog in this fence during camping easily. But the moving space is least as it’s almost like a cage unlike the virtual fences we discussed earlier. 

However, protection is ensured with a step-through dog door. This was the first physical dog fence I saw with a company warranty, which is excellent news.

Remember that unique feature that caught my eye? It’s how the fence can be connected to a crate. You can use it as a personal den for your dog, especially in camping and exposed atmospheres. Make it padded with clothes and cover it, and your dog has their own comfortable version of a tent.

With eight metal ground anchors, eight corner stabilizers, and four ground stakes, it was easier for me to set up the fence. 

KEY SPECS:

  • Six height categories: 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, 48″
  • Made from premium durable metal
  • Standard width and multiple heights 
  • 17.8 pounds of weight
  • Comes with company warranty 

Pros

Relatively easier to set on the ground with the anchors 
Easier to assemble
Step-thru door
Connects to a crate
1-year company warranty

Cons

Requires physical setting up
The stability of the fence directly depends on the ground conditions

11. Zampa Dog Playpen Portable Dog Fence

The Zampa dog playpen was unsuitable for my Alsatian; he’s a big dog with strong claws. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a bad dog fence since I checked it out anyway.

It comes in five sizes, and the company itself recommends suitable sizes between 15lbs to 70lbs.

The body of the fence is made from waterproof fabric with eight panels. The enclosure is very suitable for all sorts of dogs (and cats) up to 70lbs.

Zampa Dog Playpen Portable Dog Fence

Camping gets a bit difficult in the night as it gets cold. You can let your pet spend the night warmer with an enclosure like this. But on the flip side, holding dogs in it during day time might require supervision.

With 8 panels, it is a nice enclosed, and spacious own space for a well-tamed dog. Because you don’t want the fabric to be torn away.

The product is portable and comes with a nice pink carrying case. Overall, the dog fence works nicely.

KEY SPECS:

  • Five sizes to choose from: up to 15lbs to 70lbs
  • Suitable for 15 lbs to 70 lbs dogs 
  • Zipper to open and close the entrance
  • Carrying case 

Pros

Requires no assembly; pops up in seconds 
Lightweight and easy to carry
Suitable for small dogs and even cats
Convenient portability with the carrying case
Increased warmth for dog due to the enclosed nature

Cons

The enclosing fabric might tear easily 
The ground ideally should be flat to place the fence properly 
Not suitable for highly active dogs 

Factors to Check When Buying Portable Dog Fences

Portable Dog Fence on the floor

Whether it is a Physical Fence or a Virtual Fence

Setting up a physical camping dog fence takes time and effort, and success always depends on the surrounding. On the other hand, virtual fences require no physical effort; draw the fence on the app, and you’re set.

There are so many smart features in virtual fences that prevent your dog from crossing boundaries. But you need to check the battery life, range, and shape of the virtual fences.

Primary Purpose of the Fence

Is it to contain the dogs in one place overnight? Or all day long? The answer to this question helps you choose a better fence based on the space and comfort factor.

For example, an enclosed dog fence would be better for overnight containment. On the flip side, a virtual fence is the best to contain them during daytime. 

Convenience of Setting Up, Removing, and Transportation

Virtual fences don’t require anything at all except for the collar. But physical fences need to be set up. If so, you should check how easy it is to set them up and whether they can be folded or collapsed.

You also need to consider how much space it takes for transportation as well.

Geological Conditions of Setting Up

Physical fences require the ground to be almost flat. So, you need to know whether that requirement can be entertained before purchasing a fence.

In addition, some fences require stakes to be driven into the ground. If so, the ground condition matters too. Virtual fences don’t require anything similar; some can be drawn on water too.

Build Quality and Durability

Camping sites can get pretty adventurous, and you can’t expect your dog to safeguard the collar or the fence itself.

That’s why it should be built from high-quality materials, completely waterproof (needed for any wet dog), dustproof, and with decent impact resistance. 

Why You Need a Portable Fence?

A camping dog fence alerts you when your dog leaves the safe boundary.

So, the primary purpose of camping dog fences is to make a secure environment for your dog during camping. If not for one, you will have to keep an eye on your dog almost constantly, which is not practical.

Situations Where Portable Fences Can Help

  • When you’re on camping trips
  • When you want to train your dog
  • When you want to ensure your dog stays home 
  • When you don’t have time to guarantee your dog’s safety
  • When you need to take trips, leaving your dog at home
  • And much more

Tips for Using a Portable Fence

some Tips for Using a Portable Fence
  • Pay close attention to the real-world boundary conditions when you set it up
  • Read the operations notes from the manufacturer clearly 
  • Test the dog fence a couple of times without the dog
  • Try out drawing maps in multiple areas to verify their portability 
  • Always double-check for the battery life
  • Ensure there is enough cell service (if applicable) for the dog fence to work

Benefits of a Portable Dog Fence

A portable dog fence has several benefits, and they are not limited to this list.

  1. Free your dog from cages
  2. Free your dog from tying 
  3. Ensure your dog is definitely in a specific location
  4. Focus on your work better
  5. Enjoy camping with your dog to the max
  6. Maximize your dog’s safety at all times
  7. Train your dog better 
  8. Be safe from countless unwanted troubles caused by your dog

In Conclusion 

In conclusion, having a reliable camping dog fence is necessary. The best part is, you can use it at your home too.

It’s obvious how Halo 2+ clearly makes it to the top out of the best portable dog fences. After all, none of the physical dog fences come close to the 3 virtual ones on the list.

You no longer have to tie up your dog or be paranoid about his/her safety on camping trips. All you need is a well-functioning dog fence, and now you know what exactly you should invest in.

FAQs

Usually, you draw a small map on the designated mobile app. Whenever your dog gets closer or tries to leave, the collar gives corrective feedback and alerts you.

Dogs can be trained to respond to corrective feedback, the range is much broader, and setting up is extremely easy.

Setting them up can take a lot of effort and still fail.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Halo 2+
Halo Collars
Durability
Coverage
Price

4.9

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

visa-master-amex-paypal
Pros
Longer battery life for camping
Ensure safety with virtual fences and correctional feedback (vibration, sound, or shock)
Track your dog accurately with 7-15 seconds of location updating rate
10 square miles of range
Increased durability with an IP67 waterproof rating
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of June
Cons
Not for very small dogs

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Thomas
Thomas Villalpando is the main author of IPet Guides. He spends his time reading, training, and working with several Dogs' behaviors. You can find more about him here.

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