Are you planning a camping trip to Avalon with your dog? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp with your dog in California has never been easier. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Avalon's most popular destinations.
The Moro campground, which is located on a bluff top with unparalleled ocean views, features 27 hookup sites, 30 non-hookup tent sites, both of which include 3 ADA-accessible sites each. We also feature primitive hike-in camping in our backcountry, which has 32 sites spread out across 3 areas. Although it does require a strenuous hike, it provides a peaceful refuge from the urban surroundings.
$75 / night
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located in the heart of Newport Beach CA, along the scenic Back Bay. Our laid-back lux resort offers RV campers access to the same amenities as any hotel guest plus more, including beach access, hydrotherapy pools, beachfront dining, hiking & biking trails, water sports, and one of SoCal’s largest inflatable water park (summer season). We offer planned activities for families to take part in. Allow us to be your basecamp for everything Newport Beach and Orange County has to offer.
$75 - $550 / night
Details here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/647/files/SanMateo082609.pdf San Mateo Campground lies a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include an RV sanitation station, hot, coin-operated indoor showers, and flush toilets. Below are listed a few park rules that will assist you in having a fun and save visit. San Onofre - San Mateo Campground is at 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA, 92672 a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach. A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo camping site to “Trestles Beach,” the world class surfing site. Surfers using redwood boards have visited San Onofre since at least the 1940s; San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. RV Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities includes a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.
$250 / night
North Loop (sites 1-59, 120, 122)
$50 - $350 / night
Campground (sites 32-57)
$60 - $70 / night
Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. The campground is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
The campground offers a nice view of the surrounding hills that are home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Hermit Gulch Trail is accessible from the campground, and there's access to other hiking trails nearby.
Hermit Gulch is great for first-timers and experienced campers alike. Being so close to town allows easy access to groceries, shopping, restaurants, tours, sight seeing and nightlife.
$80 - $85 / night
Guide
Black Jack is the highest campground on catalina. Solid views and sites. I'd recommend it only for backpackers. A bit of a hike from Avalon and Airport in the sky, so pack what you need.
Guide
The location is awesome, two harbors has a summer camp feel. Easy little walk to town, great for those who dock their boats. VERY loud and crowded, my husband and I were exhausted after a long hike from Avalon.
Ranger
Took the ferry from San Clemente to Avalon (45 mins to 1 hour). Then a bus from Avalon to the campsite (1 to 1.5 hours depending the stop at the airport). Went with a group and had to carry all your equipment and food for the weekend. The buses have plenty of room for coolers. Any last minute food items can be bought at the small grocery store in Avalon, but you'll pay for it. Once you leave Avalon, you are at the mercy of the bus schedules in order to get back to a store, which buses only come by the campsite a limited amount of times through the day or week.
Beach and cove is great for spearfishing or snorkeling. Rock cliffs wrap both north and south of the beach for miles and there are kayaks for rent on the beach, but need to pre-order.
Overall a great location to isolate yourself or with company on a sandy beach, BBQ, drink and relax.
Ranger
Hermit Gulch is in a little mountainous valley among Catalina's chapparrel covered slopes.
Pros: the loacion is great, about a mile from Avalon and all of the snorkeling spots, and even closer to Wrigley Botanical Garden (which is a must-see while you're there). The campsite has showers, toilets, and shade (in spots). The sites are ok sized for tents. Wildlife comes through the campsite regularly.
Cons: the pricing is per person rather than per site. Wildlife comes through the campsite regularly (7am about 100 crows fly down the valley squaking and cawing).
Overall I would stay here again though.
GuideInland campground on Trans Catalina Trail, shaded and cool temps. Located approximately 11.5 miles from Avalon on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT). The campground is inland and well shaded with larger trees. Very remote and quiet feeling. You won’t be able to see the coastline when at this campground but definitely will on your travels along the trail to get to the campground. Some nearby campers utilized hammocks and found sufficient trees to hang from. The potable water spigot is located just between site 5 and the bathrooms. We did not use the outdoor cold shower. It was the most unappealing shower sight compared to the other showers at other campgrounds along the TCT. The Airport In The Sky is approximately 2 miles up the trail in which we enjoyed a breakfast/lunch the next day as the trail led us by. The fox are no joke and aren’t afraid to get close. Keep all food and scented items locked up. To be on the safe side we put our entire packs in the critter proof lockers overnight. I did have great cell phone service at the campground (Verizon Wireless). However, areas of the TCT to the campground have limited-no service at times.
Guide
Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree
Legend
Located in Huntington Beach California. This site is right across the street from the beach. Be careful and aware when staying here. My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping. When we asked for camera footage the owners of the campground claimed the cameras were broken and they couldn’t share the footage. There are many homeless folks living in the area. The showers don’t get hot, but the area is clean. There is a pool and a hot tub and a small dog park. It’s expensive to stay here, but a beautiful spot.
Scout
Anaheim RV Resort is close to Disney and is on the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) bus route. They have full hook up sites and room for large rigs - back-in and pull through. They are very pet friendly and even have a dog walking/feeding service (for an extra fee). There is a small pool and hot tub. The restrooms/showers and newly remodeled and very nice! Sites are all level and fairly large. We've stayed here 4 times and will be back again!
Traveler
Beautiful weather, great location, full hook ups, fun activities, family & pet friendly!
Legend
It was ok for one night - would probably try to find another spot for a more relaxing time. They allowed pets, but couldn’t take my dog on the trail down to the beach which was a bummer. Also had to pay for showers - bring cash to get tokens!! The water was hot but when I pay for a campsite like this I don’t want to pay more for a shower. I had a picnic table and fire ring. Wasn’t very quiet - lots of families, but seemed to be a good spot if you did camp with kiddos!
Guide
Lovely campsite with all sites on 30a + water spigot. Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood. Sites are pretty level, gravel and of a good size. My 24’ + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side. They have the “site” and then they have like a lounge area beside it where you have your own table, fire pit and charcoal BBQ. Plenty of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night, signs warning you are now in mountain lion territory. Rangers do the rounds to keep an eye on everything. I really liked it here, only downside is that there is a road quite close and you get some road noise which may bother some - we were both fine. Lots of trees to segment the sites, so even though the neighbors are 30’ ish away... you are quite secluded.
GuideThis campground is cool because you can literally take a bus to it. It is right outside of Avalon and walking distance to everything. This is where the TCT begins.
GuideThis is a traditional, clean, accessible and beautiful. Just an easy option while staying on the island and enjoying all the city of Avalon has to offer. Close to Botanical Gardens, hiking and plenty of money spending opportunities including activities, food and entertainment. Speaking of spending money... you gotta get to the island first and then be prepared to drop some coin. =)
TravelerJust out of the town of San Juan Capistrano, one might think that it is too city like. Once you get into the park however, you feel like you are in a remote woods with the city far behind you. The electric hook up camp area to me unfortunately it’s too close to State Route 74 however I have never stayed there so I do not know what the noise is like. It is a nice area though and much better than camping in a trailer park that is filled with concrete. Live Oak is where my husband and I stay and I am not going to tell you the space because it is the most perfect of all. There is plenty of space between most of the campsites. It is quiet And very scenic. Upon arrival they were fliers and signs that warned us to be careful because they were mountain lions in the area. We have stayed there at least a dozen times and have never seen a mountain lion. There are also rattlesnakes and although we have never seen one, a friend who was visiting us so saw one on the road on their way to our site. We have truly enjoyed this campsite and campground. I have an area where they display the history of the area and the animals in the area. Very beautiful view as well up on the hill. Although we have never gone hiking, I hear there are many many trails that are very beautiful. I am disabled but the sides and the showers and bathrooms are very friendly to those who are disabled. This is one of my favorite campground and you don’t need to get on a year in advance to get a reservation! We did have a coyote one night in our campsite in our kitchen area, while we were sitting around the fire. Once we shooed him away, he ran off. Probably why no pets!
RangerFirst time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California.
Being traveling nomads with 3 kids (five & under), 3 dogs (five & over) that run our company from the road there are some necessities we must have. A place for the kids to play, water, and space. Orangeland has all of these! Not only that you can pick all the oranges you want!
This place will get even better as COVID19 restrictions lift.
It's close to Disney and the ocean.
Things we loved:
Not so much:
Will be staying here again in September and will add another review! I asked if we could bring our third dog and were told no, didn't even get to explain about the size, the breed so if you have 3 furry friends or more you can't stay here. That is why I gave them a 4 star.
GuideSet on the the terraced edges of Catalina, the views last for days. Two Harbors is often overlooked for Avalon, but it's oh so much better. This side of the island features 1 large building that is their general store, bar, and restaurant, and that's it. It's quiet, peaceful, fun, has hiking trails everywhere, and you are almost guaranteed to see buffalo. The campground can get windy, so bring warm close and you have to carry it all in (well- on and off the boat, and if you want to wait they have a small shuttle to the campground although it's only about .5 mile walk). The beach is right off the campground, perfect for snorkeling and paddle boarding. There is also a rental office that can provide you with diving equipment, kayaks, and other fun water activities.
Traveler
Hard to beat the scenery here. Camping cliff side along the beach in Southern California. The camp grounds are a little cramped. Seem more designed for RV’s and trailers but we don’t mind. You can take dogs here and hike down to the beach from trails 1&6. Bathrooms are clean. Only outdoor showers though. I’ll go again!
Legend[ PROS ]
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Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I tested Mountain House’s Homestyle Turkey Casserole. I’ve been a long time fan of Mountain House and their products, so I was really excited to try the casserole. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, so you bet I was stoked to bring a little bit of that holiday comfort food with me while camping. As always with all Mountain House products, this was so easy to make -- literally as easy as boiling water. Directions were simple as to be expected and the ingredients inside looked like real food. Once I add the water, the smell was phenomenal. Everything rehydrated perfectly and evenly. There were very nice large pieces of turkey, lots of harvest vegetables, and a heaping amount of stuffing. For two people, the serving size was generous and this was a very satisfying/filling dish. While my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s not one of my favorite Mountain House meals.
ScoutA really nice campground. Only 30 mins walk or 5 minute bus ride from downtown Avalon. I highly recommend using the bus for the first and last trip when arriving as trying to walk there with all your gear can be quite challenging. If you need food or other provisions you can go to the Vons, or the ranger station(Open 6am-6pm), can provide ice, charcoal or propane. Showers only take quarters so make sure to bring quarters (1 quarter = 1 minute). I reccomend reserving a campsite near the back of the campground as there is more tree cover for shade and it gets you farther away from the main road that receives alot of loud golf cart traffic and can be extremely noisy(usually from 8am-4pm). There is an added bonus that I felt that made this campground unique to others that I've been to, which is there is sooooo much wildlife the frequently visits the campground. In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox. This campsite is positively a must camp if you are on Catalina Island.
Traveler
My 3 dogs and I stay here often, as it's the lowest cost in Orange County and allows dogs. It has several restrooms, showers, equestrian areas, nature trails and picnicking for day use too.
TravelerIf you're looking for primitive dispersed camping, this is probably not your spot.
If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large are private. Will definitely come back.
For our purposes:
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TravelerAmazing ! one of the best i've ever met . Loved . I was with my family and my dog and it was incredible.
Scout
It was nice! Very clean! The boardwalk was endless and great to walk the dog and go for a run! Restaurants all around to have dinner at!
Guide
Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too
GuideBe mindful of their shower token system. Otherwise, a nice spot. Not too close to the highway. We saw a coyote, so watch your dogs.
Legend
Nice campgrounds, lots of privacy between you and your neighbor. Good trails nearby, but only 2 in Onofre Beach that allow dogs. Close to the ocean, restaurants and shopping. The trail between the campground and beach is~1.5 miles.
TravelerStay here every year for dance competitions in Anaheim and Garden Grove. Very reasonable prices for the area. Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops her to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk. Very helpful, friendly staff. Many residents mixed with overnight era or vacationers.
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Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Avalon, California, where several well-reviewed spots welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Avalon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Avalon, CA is Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Avalon, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 dog-friendly camping locations near Avalon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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