Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Palo Alto? Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Palo Alto, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Palo Alto's most popular destinations.
CAMPGROUND CLOSED DUE TO FIRE:
Public access to Big Basin has been severely impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and ongoing fire recovery work, but the park is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations for parking are not required, but are encouraged due to the limited amount of first-come, first-served parking available. Reserve a parking space. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee or $10 per vehicle without a reservation. No reservations or fees are required for visitors arriving by foot, bike, or bus. Read the FAQs for more information on the reservation system and visiting Big Basin.
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin camping's biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, and a fascinating natural and cultural history.
The park has more than 80 miles of trails. Some of these trails link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The Skyline to the Sea Trail threads its way through the park along Waddell Creek to the beach and adjacent Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve, a freshwater marsh.
The park has a number of waterfalls, a variety of habitats (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes), many animals (deer, raccoons, bobcats) and lots of bird life—including Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.
$35 / night
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, located near Santa Cruz, CA, is a fantastic spot for camping all year round. This place is a haven for nature lovers, offering a serene environment surrounded by towering redwoods and lush greenery. The campground is equipped with essential amenities like flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and picnic tables. You can also bring your pets along, but keep in mind that they aren't allowed on the trails.
One of the standout features here is the abundance of beautiful trails nearby. Whether you're into hiking or just want a peaceful walk, you'll find plenty of options to explore. The campground itself is spacious, with sites that provide a decent amount of privacy thanks to the dense tree cover. However, some sites might be a bit shaded, which could be a downside if you're relying on solar panels.
Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the overall maintenance of the campground. It's a family-friendly spot, safe and enjoyable for all ages. If you're into campfires, you'll be happy to know that fires are allowed, and you can even purchase firewood on-site.
For those who like a bit of convenience, the campground is just a short drive from the South Bay area, making it easy to pop into town for supplies or a quick bite. Plus, it's close to attractions like Roaring Camp, which adds a fun element to your stay.
In summary, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers a great mix of natural beauty, essential amenities, and convenient access to nearby attractions. It's a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
$7 - $35 / night
New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular beachfront campgrounds in California, offering over 100 developed campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites. With bluff top views of the the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, a visitor center museum, shade ramada for group picnics and special events, and campfire center with free summer programs, it’s no wonder New Brighton State Beach is such a favorite destination!
$50 / night
Sanborn County Park, nestled near Saratoga, CA, offers a solid camping experience with a mix of tent, RV, and glamping accommodations. The RV area features around 20 sites, each equipped with water and 30-amp hookups. While the RVs are parked close together, the setup isn't overly intrusive. The park's restrooms and showers are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay.
One of the standout features here is the park's free Wi-Fi, which, despite some reports of instability, can handle video conferencing. However, cell reception is pretty much non-existent, so plan accordingly. The park also has multiple picnic areas and plenty of space for kids to run around and play. For those who enjoy hiking, there are several trails ranging from short walks to longer hikes.
The tent and group camp sites are currently closed for forest restoration, but the RV spots are still available. Just a heads-up, the road leading up to the park is narrow, so take it slow, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the frequent sightings of deer and wild turkeys. If you're planning to cook, remember that only charcoal fires are allowed—no wood fires here. The park's quiet, especially midweek, and the gate closes at 8 PM, so make sure to arrive before then.
Overall, Sanborn County Park is a great spot for a family getaway, offering a mix of nature, convenience, and a touch of adventure.
$33 / night
BEN REIS CAMPINPGROUND is CLOSED as a result of fire-related damage to the park's water system.
Updated Nov 2022: This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536
Due to the CZU Fire, areas of Butano State Park will remain closed. The fire has left many trees compromised and other trail hazards exist. Crews are continuing to work on repairs. For your safety, please stay out of closed areas.
$35 / night
Anthony Chabot Family Campground, overlooking Lake Chabot, is a year-round getaway only 35 minutes from downtown Oakland and Oakland International Airport. The campground features 53 drive-to tent campsites, 10 walk-to tent campsites, and 12 RV/trailer campsites with full hookups (sewer, water, and 30 amp electrical). All sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Restrooms include hot showers. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase. The campground provides access to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, along with fishing at nearby Lake Chabot.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park features seven group camps ranging in capacity from 35 to 300 campers, reservations required (a minimum of 9 people to use the group campsites). All group camps include picnic tables, BBQ, fire ring, water, and chemical/vault toilets. Equestrian camping is available by reservation at Bort Meadow Group Camp. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2. Group campsites cannot be reserved online.
Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, nestled near Pescadero, CA, is a gem for those looking to camp with a touch of comfort. This place is open year-round and offers a variety of accommodations, from tents and RVs to cabins, yurts, and even glamping options.
One of the standout features here is the cleanliness. Visitors consistently rave about the immaculate grounds and ultra-clean bathrooms. If you're traveling with kids, they'll love the playground and the bike rentals. The campground also has a market, so you can grab essentials without venturing too far.
For those who enjoy a good meal, the on-site restaurant, Cascade, is a pleasant surprise. The food is top-notch, with fresh vegetables straight from the garden and expertly prepared dishes that rival some of the best restaurants in San Francisco and Oakland. The cocktails are equally impressive, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
The campground is big-rig friendly and offers amenities like electric and water hookups, showers, and a sanitary dump. Pets are welcome, and there's even a fire ring and picnic table at each site. If you're planning to stay, consider splurging on a site with a patio for a bit more space and comfort.
While the Wi-Fi can be spotty and cell service limited, the natural beauty and serene environment more than make up for it. The sunsets are breathtaking, and a short hike will take you to the beach, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a bit of exploration.
Overall, Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA is a fantastic spot for families and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a few added comforts.
$55 - $88 / night
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Situated on the beautiful San Lorenzo River, and backed by Henry Cowell State Park, our clean and well maintained RV Park and campground offers guests a year-round, family-oriented, place to relax. Or a comfortable base camp for your outdoor adventure. We welcome families, groups, and RV clubs of most sizes.
Experience the richness of Santa Cruz County where a hiking journey begins in an old-growth redwood forest, winds past graceful waterfalls, and ends on a pristine beach. Great outdoor fun awaits you with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding.
All RV sites come equipped with full hookups (electric, water, & sewer) and cable TV. There's also a spacious clubhouse on-site, clean bathrooms, hot showers, and much more.
In the summer, first-come, first-serve camping is available for only $15 per night. The day use picnic area is free. Although the picnic and camping area is closed during the winter months, the first access point adjacent to Highway 2 is open year-round (limited parking). When snow makes the high country is inaccessible, give this park a try for snowshoeing or a winter stroll. In the spring, return to see the wildflowers. Trail names like Ladyslipper, Arrowleaf Ridge, and Pentstemon Point give a hint about which flowers may be glimpsed along the route.
$15 / night
Del Valle campgrounds will be closed until further notice, due to storm damage.
Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like a lakeside resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.
The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.
Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites (two accessible), 21 of them with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). The sites are served by centrally located toilets and shower facilities.
Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more.
Equestrian camps: The Little Chaparral horse camp area has 4 small paddocks. The reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp as Little Chaparral is not designed for group use. Please note that horses are not allowed in developed areas of the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular pet-friendly campsite near Palo Alto, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular pet-friendly campground near Palo Alto, CA is Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find pet-friendly camping near Palo Alto, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 101 pet-friendly camping locations near Palo Alto, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
