HOUND Journal: Practical advice for dogs who camp, travel, swim and compete outdoors.
Compare dog camping beds, raised cots, sleeping bags and simple ground setups to find the sleeping system that best suits your dog and your style of camping.
Quick Answer
There is no single best sleeping setup for every camping dog. In warm, dry conditions, a mat or simple bed may be enough. A raised cot helps separate a dog from damp or uneven ground, while insulated bedding or a sleeping bag becomes more useful as temperatures fall. Many campers combine a raised surface with warm bedding for versatility.
Option 1: Sleeping directly on a mat or blanket
This is the simplest and cheapest option. It can work well in warm, dry weather on a protected surface, particularly for dogs that are comfortable sleeping almost anywhere.
The downside is that the dog remains close to cold, damp or dirty ground. Thin bedding can also compress quickly and provide less insulation than expected.
Option 2: A raised dog camp cot
A raised cot creates a defined resting place and lifts your dog away from dirt, moisture and uneven ground. It can be particularly useful around busy campsites because it gives the dog somewhere consistent to settle during the day as well as overnight.
The HOUND Camp Cot is one example of a portable raised bed. It can be used by itself in warmer conditions or paired with warmer bedding when temperatures drop.
For more detail, read Dog Camp Cot vs Sleeping on the Ground.
Option 3: A dog sleeping bag
A sleeping bag adds insulation and creates a warmer, more enclosed sleeping space. This can be useful for short-coated dogs, dogs accustomed to sleeping indoors and trips where overnight temperatures are cooler.
The HOUND Adventure Sleeping Bag is designed as an outdoor sleeping layer, but blankets or other suitable insulated bedding can also work depending on the conditions.
Option 4: Raised cot plus sleeping bag
Combining elevation with insulation can be a versatile setup. The cot separates the dog from the ground while the sleeping bag or warm bedding provides insulation.
The HOUND Camp Kit combines a cot and sleeping bag for owners who prefer a matched setup, but the same principle applies to other compatible camping beds and bedding.
What matters most?
When choosing a setup, think about:
- Temperature: check the overnight low, not just the daytime forecast.
- Moisture: wet grass, dew and rain can quickly make ground bedding uncomfortable.
- Your dog's coat and age: short-coated, older or less mobile dogs may need more support or insulation.
- Pack space: choose gear that fits realistically in your vehicle or camping setup.
- Settling behaviour: a defined bed can help a dog switch off in an unfamiliar environment.
Inside or outside the tent?
Where possible, keep your dog's overnight sleeping area protected from weather and wind. Some dogs sleep inside the tent or caravan, while others settle in an enclosed awning or sheltered section of camp.
If your dog sleeps outside your immediate sleeping area, make sure they are secure, protected from wildlife and weather, and compliant with campground rules.
Test the setup before your trip
Do not wait until the first night away to introduce new sleeping gear. Set it up at home and reward your dog for resting on it. Familiarity can make the transition to camp much easier.
There is no need to overcomplicate it
The right sleep system is simply the one that keeps your dog dry, comfortable and appropriately warm for the conditions. Some dogs need very little. Others settle noticeably better with a familiar raised bed and insulated bedding.
Related Reading
- How to Keep Your Dog Warm While Camping
- What to Pack When Camping With Your Dog
- Dog Camp Cot vs Sleeping on the Ground
More practical dog adventure guides.
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