6 Best Portable Dog Kennels For RV Living That Maximize Space

You’ve finally found the perfect spot, the slide-outs are humming, and you’re ready to relax—but first, you have to navigate the dog kennel shuffle. Every RVer with a four-legged copilot knows this dance of collapsing, stowing, and re-deploying a bulky crate. The right kennel isn’t just a box; it’s a crucial piece of gear that has to earn its square footage in a home where every inch counts.

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Choosing Kennels for Limited RV Floor Space

Floor space is the most valuable currency in an RV. Anything that sits on it permanently needs a very good reason to be there. A dog kennel, especially for a larger breed, can dominate a small living area, turning your cozy cabin into an obstacle course. The goal is to find a solution that provides your dog a safe space without forcing you to live around it.

The central trade-off is structure versus stowability. A heavy-duty kennel provides security for an anxious dog but is often a nightmare to break down and store. A lightweight soft crate, on the other hand, might fold down to nothing but won’t contain a determined pup. You have to be brutally honest about your dog’s temperament. A calm, crate-trained golden retriever has very different needs than a young, energetic cattle dog still learning the rules.

Before you even look at models, grab a tape measure. Identify exactly where a kennel could live when it’s set up and, just as importantly, where it will go when it’s collapsed. Can it slide under the dinette? Fit in the passthrough storage bay? Stand on its side in a closet? Knowing your stowed dimensions is the single most important step in choosing a kennel that won’t drive you crazy.

EliteField Soft Crate: Top Lightweight Pick

The EliteField soft crate is a favorite in the RV community for good reason. It hits the sweet spot between a flimsy pop-up and a cumbersome wire crate. Its foundation is a strong but lightweight steel tube frame that locks into place, giving the fabric structure and stability. With three mesh doors—front, side, and top—you have multiple options for access, which is a lifesaver in a tight RV layout.

This crate’s real magic is in its daily usability. It folds down completely flat in under a minute. This isn’t a theoretical feature; it’s a practical design that makes it easy to put away every morning. You can slide it behind the sofa or under the bed, instantly reclaiming your living space for the day. For full-timers who need to set up and break down a kennel daily, this convenience is a game-changer.

However, it’s crucial to match this crate to the right dog. The fabric and mesh are durable for a calm animal, but they are not chew-proof. If you have a dog with separation anxiety or a habit of scratching and biting to escape, this is not the kennel for you. The EliteField is best suited for dogs who already see their crate as a safe den, not a jail cell.

MidWest iCrate: Classic Fold-and-Carry Design

Sometimes the classic solution is the best one. The MidWest iCrate is the quintessential wire kennel, and its simple, robust design has several advantages for RV living. Its biggest strength is its slim profile when collapsed. It folds down into a single, flat "suitcase-style" panel that can be easily slid into narrow spaces, like against a wall in a storage bay or under a raised bed.

The open-wire design provides maximum airflow. RVs can get stuffy, especially in warm climates or when you’re boondocking without AC. Superior ventilation helps keep your dog comfortable and prevents overheating. The removable plastic pan also makes cleanup simple, which is a huge plus when dealing with muddy paws after a hike.

Of course, it has its downsides. Wire crates are heavier than their soft-sided counterparts, and they can rattle annoyingly on travel days if not properly secured. You’ll also want a crate cover or blanket to create that cozy, den-like environment many dogs prefer. But for pure durability and a slim storage footprint, the iCrate is a reliable workhorse that can handle the rigors of the road.

Diggs Revol Crate: Premium Collapsible Safety

The Diggs Revol is in a class of its own, and you feel it the moment you use it. Inspired by baby industry safety standards, it’s designed to be both incredibly safe and ridiculously easy to use. The diamond-shaped mesh pattern prevents paws and jaws from getting stuck—a real risk with some traditional wire crates. For RVers who prioritize safety above all else, the Revol is a serious contender.

Its design is a small-space dweller’s dream. It collapses with a simple one-handed motion and includes wheels and a handle, so you can easily roll it from the living area to a storage spot. The ceiling hatch is another brilliant feature, allowing you to access your dog without them bolting out the front door. This is perfect for giving treats or comforting a nervous pup in a new, strange-sounding campground.

Let’s be direct: this is a premium product with a premium price tag. It’s a significant investment. The Revol is for the RVer who uses a crate daily, moves it frequently, and wants the absolute best in terms of safety and build quality. If you only need a kennel for occasional use, this is likely overkill. But if the crate is an integral part of your daily routine, the Revol’s thoughtful engineering can make life on the road significantly easier.

SportPet Pop-Up Crate: Ultimate Portability

Think of the SportPet Pop-Up Crate less as a kennel and more as a portable "safe zone." This is the lightest and most compact option on the list by a wide margin. It uses a flexible wire frame that twists down into a small, flat circular bag, similar to a car sunshade. You can stash it in a drawer, behind a seat, or in an overhead cabinet with ease.

Its best use is for temporary, supervised containment. It’s perfect for keeping your dog out from under your feet while you’re cooking, or for giving them a familiar space to rest during a quick visit with friends. We’ve used ours to create a calm spot for our dog on a ferry ride and at busy outdoor events. It pops open in two seconds, providing an instant boundary.

It is critical to understand what this crate is not. It offers zero security for an unsupervised dog. The lightweight fabric and mesh can be easily chewed through or pushed over by a determined animal. This is a management tool for well-behaved dogs, not a secure enclosure for containment. For quick trips and temporary setups, it’s unbeatable, but it cannot replace a more structured kennel for overnight use or for when you need to leave your dog alone.

ESK Playpen: Secure Outdoor Containment Option

Your RV living space doesn’t end at the door. An outdoor playpen like the ESK model effectively doubles your pet-friendly square footage at the campsite. This isn’t for inside the rig; it’s for creating a safe, portable yard right outside your door. It allows your dog to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without being tethered to a picnic table, which can be stressful for both dog and owner.

This type of containment is a lifesaver in campgrounds with strict leash rules or when you’re set up near a busy road. It gives your dog freedom to move around and play while you’re grilling, setting up chairs, or just relaxing. You can relax too, knowing they are secure and not at risk of wandering off to greet every squirrel and passing dog.

The ESK playpen is made of heavy-duty metal panels that are more secure than fabric alternatives. It breaks down for travel, with the panels stacking flat for storage in a passthrough bay or the back of a tow vehicle. While it takes a few minutes to set up, the benefit is immense. It transforms a simple campsite into a true home base for you and your pet.

AmazonBasics Soft Crate: A Solid Budget Choice

If you’re looking for a functional, no-frills soft crate that gets the job done, the AmazonBasics model is a strong contender. It delivers the core features you need for RV life—a collapsible steel frame, multiple doors for flexible placement, and lightweight construction—at a very accessible price point. It’s an excellent entry point for people who want to try a soft crate without a major financial commitment.

This crate is ideal for the RVer with a calm, well-behaved dog who just needs a designated sleeping spot. It functions nearly identically to more expensive models, folding down flat for daytime storage and setting up quickly for nighttime. If you only need a kennel for occasional travel or for a dog that is already perfectly crate trained, there’s little reason to spend more.

The lower price does come with some tradeoffs. The zippers, mesh, and fabric may not have the same long-term durability as premium brands like EliteField. For a full-time RVer using it every single day, you might see wear and tear sooner. However, for weekend warriors or those with gentle dogs, it offers fantastic value and proves you don’t need to break the bank to find a space-efficient kennel solution.

Key Features for Space-Saving RV Dog Kennels

Choosing the right kennel isn’t about finding a single "best" product. It’s about finding the product with the right features for your specific dog, your RV layout, and your style of travel. The perfect kennel for a 15-pound terrier in a Class B van is completely different from the one for a 70-pound Labrador in a fifth wheel.

Focus on these key decision-making factors. Get these right, and you’ll find a kennel that integrates seamlessly into your life on the road.

• Collapsibility: How fast and how easily does it break down? A one-handed fold is great; needing three hands and a manual is not.
• Stowed Dimensions: This is non-negotiable. Measure your intended storage spot before you buy, and compare it to the product’s folded dimensions.
• Weight: If you plan to move it daily, a few extra pounds makes a huge difference. A lightweight soft crate is far easier to shuffle around than a 30-pound wire cage.
• Durability vs. Dog’s Temperament: Be honest. Is your dog a "denner" or a "destroyer"? A fabric crate is for the former; a metal crate is for the latter.
• Ventilation: Look for plenty of mesh or open wire. Good airflow is a matter of safety and comfort, especially in a vehicle that can heat up quickly.

Ultimately, the best dog kennel is one you’ll actually use because it doesn’t add friction to your daily routine. It should feel like a natural part of your RV’s ecosystem—providing safety for your dog and convenience for you. By prioritizing how a kennel stows, moves, and fits your dog’s personality, you can reclaim your floor space and make small-space living with your best friend a whole lot easier.