RV Campers Swear By This Outdoor Item To Keep Dogs Safe And Secure

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For many RV travelers with four-legged companions, keeping their dogs safe by their side is a top priority. Even the best pet-friendly campgrounds across the U.S. typically have leash requirements for pets, and letting your furry bestie wander around is never a good idea. From disturbing other campers to potentially attracting an unwanted predator, an unsecured pet can lead to all sorts of problems. So many RV campers say a portable dog pen is a must-have for any successful camping trip with your dog.

One option recommended by YouTube creator Modern Canine is the FXW Instant Unleashed Dog Playpen. Modern Canine says they like how this fence breaks down for storage and uses rods to easily set up the perimeter section by section. "With soft ground ... you can even use the rods to anchor the fencing into the ground for more stability," he adds.

To make his setup even roomier, the creator pushes the fence up flush with the side of their fifth wheel. However, that leaves an open space underneath the camper. Commenter @dane9871 points this out, asking, "How do [you] keep the dogs from sneaking behind the steps and under the camper to freedom?" Modern Canine explains that they use a piece of chicken wire to block that section — an easy enough hack that only requires a trip to the hardware store.

A portable pet pen gives your pup space to move around and stretch out safely without being tied up. That means you get to enjoy camping with one less thing to worry about. TikTok creator @courtneygaraguso lists a dog pen in her video of Amazon camping favorites, saying: "We absolutely love having this because we can just let him right out, because the pen comes up to our steps." RVers looking for an instant "backyard" for their pup can check out tall portable options like this 40-inch TMEE Dog Playpen.

Still, not every RV park welcomes dog pens. Redditor u/captainfav implied they had a problem finding parks that allowed them, writing in the r/GoRVing community: "Any one have any experience with north east campgrounds that allow dog fences? Im trying to compile a list." That said, Facebook user Cari Moselina said, "We have camped in over a hundred parks and only 2or3 didn't allow." To cover your bases, be sure to check the rules of the campground before setting up your pet area.

Also, having a pet pen doesn't mean you should leave your pets unsupervised. As Redditor u/CandleTiger shared: "Most everywhere I've been requires dogs to be on a leash and not outside unattended, fence or no. I haven't seen rules against fences, but the fence doesn't negate the leash rule." Some dogs may be able to escape, and the last thing anyone wants is for the family dog to run away on a road trip or vacation. Excited dogs can also be noisy, so owners should supervise pets at all times to keep them safe and prevent any issues with fellow campers. With a portable pet pen and these simple tips, camping with the family pet can be a lot more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.