140 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground accepts pets at all 223 sites, with gravel pads spacious enough for various RV configurations. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the campground, though they must remain on maximum 6-foot leads at all times. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with pet waste stations positioned at convenient intervals along the mile-and-a-half stretch of coastline. The campground maintains strict barking policies during quiet hours, as sites are positioned close together with limited privacy separation. Fees for pets remain modest compared to the site costs, which range from $50 for standard dry camping to $140 for oceanfront full-hookup sites. Guests have reported occasional wildlife encounters requiring vigilant pet supervision, especially at dawn and dusk.
Several stairs provide beach access throughout the campground, though dogs are restricted from the shoreline itself except at designated dog beaches nearby. Guajome Regional Park offers alternative pet-friendly accommodations including cabins and tent sites where dogs can remain with their owners overnight. San Elijo State Beach Campground provides similar oceanfront pet-friendly camping with token-operated showers and clean restroom facilities. The camp store at South Carlsbad sells basic pet supplies and often hosts evening entertainment from 5-7pm while campers walk their dogs along the perimeter. Local veterinary services can be found within a short drive in Carlsbad proper, and the level terrain throughout the campgrounds makes for comfortable dog walking, especially during cooler morning hours when coastal temperatures remain moderate.
"Best of all, your 5 minutes away from Carlsbad Village if you want to go out to dinner."
"If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."
from $50 - $650 / night
Check Availability"Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side Trash, recycling, and sewage disposal ($10) nearby."
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
from $50 - $520 / night
Check Availability"For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too."
"The campground was nice and quiet, yet close to all. There were plenty of trails for walking dogs. Spaces had nice separation between them."
from $29 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Overall liked this rv park, close to town for us to explore all the restaurants close by. Beach is a 5-10 minute walk. Staff was friendly ask for Diana sweetheart."
"After circling back and now coming from the east, the narrow drive with the street light and curb wasn't enough for us to turn...so backed it up and went to the wider entrance down the street."
"You can drive right up and park and camp! Nice beautiful lake to look at and fish. You must purchase a license, which they sell there for a few bucks. Bon fires allowed as well."
"We come here to hike all the time, our dog especially loves this trail! The campsites looks dispersed and absolutely beautiful! The views are worth taking in."
from $39 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We stayed a little longer than a month and enjoyed how accessible everything was from this location."
"BUT- go out the locked gate at the back of the grounds, walk thru a park and across a (not too busy) street and there is the Pacific Ocean."
"Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking."
"Dog park, pool, clubhouse. We loved site 3 so close to the amenities and restrooms. Overall amazing stay"
"The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass."
"But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!"
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Pets welcome. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Tent camping available as well."
"The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."
from $24 - $100 / night
Check Availability"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
"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."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability
TravelerIt was our first time camping there with our 30’ foot travel trailer. The overall stay was great! Clean facilities and beautiful scenery. My only complaint is that their road is small and so for newbies backing into a a spot when the campsite is packed, can be nerve racking. Though, I’d would highly recommend it. Best of all, your 5 minutes away from Carlsbad Village if you want to go out to dinner.
GuideThis place is nice, clean and quiet with newer RVs. It’s only a few miles off 78, about 10-15 miles from Carlsbad beach and the same distance to Escondido. We are long-time San Diego residents living out of state and came home to visit family. This is not a park like private site setting. It’s an RV parking lot with sewer and water hook-ups. If you want a location and North County works for you, this is a good place. There are two mobile homes but the RVs are all newer. Sites are narrow and close together, but this is the city in San Diego, not a spacious national park! Bathrooms in pool area are clean.
GuideAmenities isn’t all that great when they’re not maintained well. Gym has damaged equipment, pool has lose hand rails and heated pool is filthy. Pool furniture is outdated, broken and dirty. They will only play country music at the pool. The shower house looks like it has recently been updated but smells and has mold growing already. They do not allow any kind of camper except big rigs/trailers. They have a “dog park”, which is very small and smell horrendous due to there only being fake plastic grass. Most owners will also not clean up after their pets, so you or your dog may step into feces quite often there. RV park is between highway and main road - no quiet found here. Rules on what you’re allowed to put up for shade will vary depending on how much management likes you there. All in all an Ok place if you aren’t actually spending you time there.
Current update 12/13/25 The road is being repaved and resealed. They are also doing movie nights in the weekends for kids and have the occasional arts and crafts for them. For that I have added an extra star since there isn’t much for smaller children in general.
LegendLocation near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking. 🔹For sure we will stay again and recommend🔹
GuideNice park, huge grassy area..dog park near by. Sites are close but there is open space behind your unit..NOT on a base, but bathhouse is coded entry to only allow registered guests use..
GuideRV spots are arranged in a horseshoe around a park with a playground. Sites on outside of horseshoe have to walk between interior sites to get to the park, bathrooms and laundry. Wi-Fi is good enough to work remotely. We didn’t try streaming.
Adjacent to the RV park are sports fields, picnic areas and a golf course.
The dog park is nice and clean and is reserved for RV park guests. The pool is beautiful and has a two-story tall slide. The pool is closed this summer and next (2022-23) but is normally open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
RV park is open to military and retired military.
ScoutFirst, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.
For the down sides;
1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.
2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.
3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.
TravelerPeople are complaining about freeway noise, we stayed in site 3 (the closest site to the freeway) and it was quiet as a mouse from inside our (insulated) RV. Amazing amenities. Dog park, pool, clubhouse. We loved site 3 so close to the amenities and restrooms. Overall amazing stay
Legend🔹location in front of Pala Casino. 🔹Great guest services. Full hookups sites. Propano fills available. The spot are big as well, each spot have a picnic table! Resort-style amenities. Nice Pool, kids playground and dog park great! Near Gas station and small market! 🔹We sure
will stay again and recommend
Pet friendly camping near Carlsbad, California provides access to both coastal and inland camping options within San Diego County. The region maintains moderate year-round temperatures averaging 65-75°F, with slightly cooler coastal areas than inland campgrounds. Winter brings occasional rainfall but remains mild enough for comfortable camping, while summer inland temperatures can reach the high 80s.
Hiking trails with dogs: San Elijo State Beach Campground offers access to coastal walking paths where leashed pets can join you. "There are a lot of option and facilities with showers, bathrooms and laundry," notes Alicia F., who enjoyed exploring the surrounding area with her pet.
Fishing spots: At Dixon Lake Campground, visitors can fish without a California fishing license. "No CA fishing license needed! Just the lake permit of $7 per adult. Big fish in this lake," shares one camper who enjoyed this cost-effective activity with his son.
Water activities: While dogs aren't allowed on many beaches, the San Mateo Campground provides access to nearby surfing spots. "A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach. The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" reports Brianne S., highlighting the short trail connecting camp to shore.
Ocean proximity: Many campers value waterfront options at Paradise By The Sea RV Resort. "You can walk to a beach. They have movies, a pool and hot tub and cozy little hang out spots," notes one reviewer who appreciated the convenient beach access despite tight camping spaces.
Clean facilities: The well-maintained bathrooms at Guajome Regional Park receive consistent praise. "First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping," writes one tent camper who was impressed by the maintenance standards.
Diverse camping settings: Dos Picos County Park offers a different experience from coastal options. "The well-maintained campground boasts paved pads for most sites, making setup a breeze. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for cozy campfires and outdoor meals," writes Colleen D. about this inland alternative.
Reservation planning: Securing sites at popular beaches requires advance planning. "Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground," explains Dane H. about San Elijo State Beach Campground.
Urban proximity: Many campgrounds balance nature with urban convenience. "Great place to camp in Southern California with an easy 1/2 hour (12 mile) drive from Legoland," notes one reviewer about Guajome Regional Park.
Environmental concerns: Seasonal challenges exist at various campgrounds. "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! We learned that comet around all points of contact with the ground keeps them down," advises C.M. about controlling pests at San Mateo Campground.
Playground access: Escondido RV Resort provides amenities specifically for children. "Amazing amenities. Dog park, pool, clubhouse," reports Jeff T., highlighting features that keep children entertained.
Educational opportunities: The nature trails at Guajome Regional Park offer learning experiences. "We have a 19ft Jayflight trailer. The spots are level and I had no trouble backing into one. The staff in the office was helpful and nice," notes Diane H., who found the park's natural setting perfect for family exploration.
Budget considerations: State parks often provide more affordable pet-friendly options. "For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths," writes Stephanie W. about Guajome Regional Park.
Site selection strategy: At San Elijo State Beach Campground, location matters. "Street is loud in the mornings - don't recommend the east side," advises Andrew P., suggesting oceanside sites for a better experience despite higher costs.
Hookup details: Oceanside RV Resort provides comprehensive services for longer stays. "Close to lots of restaurants and a 15 min walk to the beach. Friendly office staff and lots of amenities on site including newly renovated bathrooms, a pool and hot tub, and a nice dog run area complete with dog wash station," mentions cheriana G., highlighting the pet-friendly facilities.
Storage considerations: Several RVers mention security concerns. "High theft area!!! Even if you lock your generators up, securing with cable and locks and securing in the back of a covered pickup there are thieves cutting through truck covers, cutting locks and stealing generators," warns Mark M., suggesting extra precautions at certain locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Carlsbad, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Carlsbad, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 80 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Carlsbad, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 140 dog-friendly camping locations near Carlsbad, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
