Heading off to Murphys Creek Escape with your dog on a camping trip? Dogs are welcome at our family friendly campground and caravan park, and a good collapsible bowl is one of those small bits of kit that makes every camping trip easier.
Below is a quick buyer’s guide, with our top collapsible bowl picks with practical specs.
Why a collapsible bowl is a must for camping
Collapsible dog bowls save space, weigh next-to-nothing and are easy to clip to a pack or stash in your trailer. When you’re planning for camping with dogs it’s one of those core items that keeps your site tidy and your dog hydrated. Add this to your dog camping gear list before you head out.
What to look for in a collapsible camping bowl
Material & durability
- Silicone — rugged, often dishwasher-safe and easy to rinse.
- Fabric with waterproof lining — packs flatter and is lighter, but check the lining’s durability.
Capacity
- Small dogs: 250–500 mL
- Medium dogs: 500–800 mL
- Large dogs: 1 L+
Note: for long hikes, plan to carry extra water — bowls only hold what you bring.
Portability & attachment
Look for carabiner tabs, loops or compact shapes that tuck into your daypack pocket.
Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe silicone bowls make campsite cleanup easiest; fabric bowls rinse out quickly and dry in the sun.
Top collapsible bowls for camping
1) Ruffwear, Quencher (packable fabric bowl)
Best for: Base camp / leaving at your site
Sizes: Small / Medium / Large
Capacity: Small ≈ 0.5 L, Medium ≈ 1.0 L, Large ≈ 2.0 L
Collapsed size / packability: Folds completely flat to pocket size
Material: Durable nylon shell with waterproof inner liner
Weight: Very light (varies by size)
Cleaning: Rinse; spot clean recommended
Carry/clip: No rigid rim — slips into pack pockets or trailer kitchen hooks
The Quencher is purpose-built for camp life. Its waterproof liner lets you leave short amounts of water down at your site while you’re out exploring — handy if you’re juggling multiple dogs or families. The soft fabric rim is comfortable for most dogs and far less likely to clang against gear than metal or hard plastic.
Because it folds flat it tucks neatly into a drawer or daypack pocket, and it’s robust enough to take knocks around a trailer kitchen.
Care tip: avoid sharp objects that could puncture the liner, rinse after muddy use and air dry in the sun to prevent odours. Not dishwasher-safe, so bring a small brush or cloth for cleaning.
2) Kurgo, Collaps-A-Bowl (silicone pop-bowl)
Best for: Everyday use — walks, day trips & campsite
Capacity: ~700–710 mL (24 oz)
Collapsed size: < ~2.5 cm tall when collapsed
Material: Food-grade silicone (BPA/PVC free)
Weight: Lightweight and packable
Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe (top rack)
Carry/clip: Often has a hole or notch to attach with a carabiner
Kurgo’s Collaps-A-Bowl is a durable, fuss-free all-rounder. The reinforced rim keeps the bowl open on uneven ground, making drinking easier for dogs who don’t like leaning their heads down into floppy sides. Because it’s dishwasher-safe, you can quickly wash it after a greasy dinner at camp without worry.
In cold weather the silicone can stiffen a touch; warming it briefly in sunlight or under your jacket makes it more pliable. It’s robust for frequent use, but the fold seams can collect grit if you don’t rinse after muddy hikes—give it a quick scrub now and then.
3) Sea to Summit, Frontier / X-Bowl (ultralight)
Best for: Backpacking & weight-conscious hikes
Capacity: Medium ≈ 680 mL (other sizes available)
Collapsed size: < 2 cm — extremely compact
Material: Glass-reinforced nylon rim + food-grade silicone walls (some X models have a cut-resistant base)
Weight: Very light — medium ≈ 62 g
Cleaning: Rinse or handwash; heat-safe for food
Carry/clip: Packs flat; nests with cookware
Sea to Summit engineered the Frontier/X bowl for minimal weight without compromising usability: the reinforced rim keeps the bowl open and stable on uneven ground, while the cut-resistant base holds up better to playful noses.
This bowl tucks inside cookware or a stuff-sack and is a great choice if you’re carrying everything on your back.
For long treks, remember its smaller capacity — you’ll need to carry additional water for thirsty big dogs. Quick rinses clean most muck; use biodegradable soap for greasy residues.
4) Zee.Dog, Go Bowl (silicone with carabiner)
Best for: Quick water breaks, spare bowl or kiddie use
Capacity: ≈ 600 mL (model dependent)
Collapsed size: Packs to a few centimetres thick
Material: Food-grade silicone
Weight: Light
Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe on many models
Carry/clip: Built-in clip loop for attaching to leads or bags
The Go Bowl is a cheap, colourful option that’s easy to find and easy to use as a spare in the car or for the kids to grab on the way to the playground. The built-in clip makes it ideal for pop-up water stops while walking or exploring.
It’s not designed to be a long-term filled bowl in hot sun, but it handles quick hydration stops very well. Rinse it after meals so food doesn’t collect in the folds.
5) Dexas, Popware / Pop-Out bowls
Best for: Base camp feeding & family setups
Capacity: Varies — single and double formats available
Collapsed size: Collapses flat but with a firmer profile than thin silicone
Material: Silicone combined with more rigid rims or reinforcement
Weight: Moderate — heavier than ultralight bowls but still packable
Cleaning: Many models dishwasher-safe — check the label
Carry/clip: Often have handles or holes for hanging
Dexas Popware behaves more like a permanent dish when in use — the sides don’t cave in, which makes mealtimes less fiddly for multiple dogs or excitable eaters. The double bowl options (food + water) are perfect for family campers who want to serve meals quickly and neatly.
These bowls take up more storage space, so they suit car campers or van travellers more than backpackers. They’re sturdy, easy to clean and stable on picnic tables or ute trays.
6) Outward Hound, Port-A-Bowl
Best for: Casual trips, glove-box spare or beach days
Capacity: Small–medium sizes common
Collapsed size: Very compact and flat
Material: Silicone
Weight: Light
Cleaning: Rinseable; many are dishwasher-safe
Carry/clip: Hanging loop/carabiner compatible on some models
The Port-A-Bowl is a dependable, low-cost option you’ll find in lots of cars and campsites. It’s ideal for quick water breaks, beach runs, or as an emergency spare.
Many campers keep one permanently in each vehicle because they’re so economical — perfect if you want an easy backup. They’re not intended for extended filled use at camp but are great for ad-hoc needs.
Using dog bowls at Murphys Creek Escape
We’re a community park, a few good habits is what makes our park work:
- Fold & stow between uses so pathways stay clear.
- Fresh water only — don’t leave food bowls unattended where they might attract wildlife.
- Be mindful of quiet hours when doing late-night activities.
- Containment options: If your dog needs a secure space while you pop to the amenities, consider portable dog fences to keep them safe and your neighbours comfortable.
Quick packing checklist for bowls & water
- Collapsible bowl per dog (+ spare)
- Extra bottled/filtered water for walks
- Small towel to dry the bowl and your dog’s face
- Carabiner/clip for carry
- Biodegradable dish soap / small brush for cleaning
Match the bowl to your trip
Backpackers: Sea to Summit (ultralight).
Family & car campers: Ruffwear Quencher or Kurgo Collaps-A-Bowl.
Spare/emergency: Zee.Dog Go Bowl or Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl.
Feeding station/base camp: Dexas Popware.
Add the right bowl to your dog camping gear checklist and you’ll be set for a smooth, enjoyable stay. For more on how we welcome pets and our on-site rules, read our full guide to camping with dogs.
Ready to book your dog-friendly stay?
We can’t wait to welcome your family and your dog to Murphys Creek Escape on your next camping trip. There’s nothing quite like a day of fun filled activities around the campgrounds for the kids and an evening by the campfire. Pets are always welcome but respect the campsite rules.
Book a pet-friendly site now and give yourselves a simple, joyful short-break you’ll both remember.
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Jared Jeffery, the digital marketing specialist at Murphys Creek Escape, is a seasoned professional in the field of SEO-driven marketing. With over 10+ years of experience, he possesses a well-rounded background in the digital realm. Throughout his career, Jared has worked in agencies specializing in Travel, Finance, and Event Planning, lending his expertise to major projects involving prominent hotel chains. In addition, he has contributed his writing skills to the creation of numerous articles spanning across a wide range of industries. With his wealth of knowledge and extensive experience, Jared brings a valuable skill set to the table.