There’s nothing quite like camping under a canopy of stars with your dog curled up nearby. Whether you're roasting marshmallows or watching the sunrise, sharing the outdoors with your pup can be pure magic. But as any seasoned camper knows, nature comes with its own set of surprises — and not all of them are welcome at 2 a.m.
We’ve camped in the rain, heard coyotes in the distance, and scrambled to keep gear dry during unexpected storms. Through it all, one thing has given us peace of mind every time: a secure, well-ventilated crate that keeps our dogs safe and comfortable in the wild.
Why a Crate Is Your Dog’s Best Campsite Den
When you're outdoors, your dog’s crate becomes more than just a place to rest — it becomes their home base. A familiar, enclosed space can provide comfort in unfamiliar environments filled with new sounds, smells, and movement.
Crate training your dog while camping helps in several key ways:
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Shelter: A solid-sided crate offers protection from wind, bugs, and passing rain.
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Security: It prevents your pup from wandering, bolting after wildlife, or getting into unsafe terrain.
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Comfort: Dogs relax more easily when they have a consistent place to retreat, especially in overstimulating environments like a busy campsite.
We’ve heard too many stories of dogs slipping off-leash at campsites and getting lost in the woods. A sturdy, properly-sized crate creates a safe haven that helps both of you sleep better at night.
Choosing the Right Impact Crate for Camping
We offer a few crate styles, and the right one for your camping setup depends on how — and where — you camp. Here’s how our most popular models stack up:
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Collapsible Dog Crate: Ideal for tent and car campers who need portability. It folds down flat in under 60 seconds, making it easy to store in tight vehicle spaces. Still offers the same durability and ventilation as our stationary crates.
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Stationary Crate: Best for RV or base-camp-style camping where space isn’t tight and you want max durability. Built like a tank, this crate can double as a table or gear stand and is great for longer trips where you set up camp in one spot.
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High Anxiety Crate: A great choice if your dog tends to panic or break out of traditional crates. Reinforced for escape artists and equipped with extra ventilation, this crate offers both physical and emotional security in high-stimulation environments.
Whichever you choose, every Impact crate is engineered with aluminum construction, rust-resistant hardware, and industry-leading safety features — made for real-world use, not just the backyard.
Essential Crate Camping Gear & Setup Tips
Setting up your dog’s crate properly can make a huge difference in both comfort and safety. Here are some must-haves we always pack:
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Ground tarp or mat: Keeps the crate level and dry from moisture or mud underneath.
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Crate fan: Keeps airflow moving on warmer nights or in stuffy tents.
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Pad liner or mat: Adds comfort for overnight stays, especially on gravel or hard-packed ground.
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Rain cover or waterproof tarp: For open-air camping, protect the crate and your dog from sudden downpours.
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Anchoring stakes or sandbags: Secure the crate in place to avoid tipping in uneven or windy terrain.
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Reflective tape or glow sticks: Add visibility around the crate perimeter to prevent nighttime tripping.
These extras help you build a cozy, secure space for your dog — something that matters even more when you’re far from home.
Safety Checklist Before You Zzz
Before you zip up your tent or settle by the fire, run through this quick checklist to make sure your dog’s crate setup is camp-ready:
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Choose a level, shaded location.
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Scan for wildlife hazards.
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Ensure ventilation.
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Monitor temperature.
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Secure all crate doors.
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Have an emergency plan.
Being proactive about safety means you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying that morning hike or stargazing session.
Real-World Camper Stories
We’ve heard from countless customers who say their Impact crate changed the way they camp with dogs — for the better.
One camper shared how his husky mix chewed through two soft-sided crates before switching to an Impact Collapsible Crate. “We finally slept through the night without a crate escape — and it folded up fast when we packed up at sunrise.”
And then there’s Travis and his Belgian Malinois, Nova, who battled extreme separation anxiety — to the point of destroying furniture, curtains, and even a door. Travis tried multiple soft-sided crates before making the switch:
“We tried those cheaper crates, and after the first night away (3 hours), we wouldn’t do it again. Plus, the fact of having to run zip ties just to make sure she doesn’t bust down the door or even worse, get stuck and suffocate herself.”
After getting their Impact High Anxiety Crate, Nova was finally secure and able to rest — and so were her humans. “She now has an Impact Dog Crate to prioritize her comfort and safety,” Travis shared. “It’s the only crate that could contain our destructive dog.”
(Read more of Nova's story here.)
It’s stories like these that remind us why we do what we do.
Safer, Smoother Camping With Impact
Camping with your dog should be a joy, not a juggling act of safety concerns. Having a rugged, reliable crate as part of your gear gives both you and your dog the confidence to enjoy every mile, nap, and campfire cuddle.
Ready to find the crate that fits your outdoor style? Take our Crate Quiz or explore our full lineup to see what makes Impact crates a campsite essential.
