The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Channel Islands National Park

691 Reviews

A camping trip to California should include a visit to Channel Islands National Park. Near Ventura, CA, the park is made up of five islands and offers some of the best camping experiences. On Santa Cruz Island you can visit the Painted Cave — one of many sea caves in the area. Camp underneath the rare pines on Santa Rosa Island. On Anacapa Island you can wander the trails to Inspiration Point and camp by the 1932 lighthouse. Santa Barbara Island is known for nesting birds and San Miguel Island draws seals. RV campsites not available on the islands but can be found near Channel Islands National Park in the Ventura area.

Map showing campgrounds near Channel Islands National Park, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Channel Islands National Park (46)

    1. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    50 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "Beautiful location. Close to town. Walkable, hike-able, bike-able, rideable via paths. No dogs on beach. There is a dog beach further up the coast. Sites are pretty tight."

    "Anacapa section is right next to a large grassy area and park.  We like to take our dog to play fetch there and we take out daughter to the park at least a few times a day. "

    2. Emma Wood State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "Emma Woods was a nice little get away, we stayed for one night, we couldn't leave the cats behind for too long.

     "

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).  

    The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    3. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "Fire pit at 409 put in a strange location so that we is located on the back side of our trailer. Really no other way we could have configured it."

    "There are tent sites overlooking Lake Cachuma, and tent sites in the shady grass, and almost everything in between."

    4. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "Casitas Lake near Ojai in Ventura County has something for everyone, especially parents with children off from school in the summertime."

    "Our site had Two picnic tables and a fire ring situated under a pine tree with excellent views of the lake. We were glad to discover the park was dog friendly."

    5. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Wonderful area with good hiking spots, beach access for both you and your dogs."

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    6. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "We had a dog and newly walking baby with us, so we REALLY had to keep an eye on both of them.  We brought little baby gates which helped. "

    "  This is one of our favorite spots, incredible ocean views and 1 1/2 mile dog friendly beach. Each site, along old PCH, is 45' long. Spots along the seawall can accommodate bigger rigs."

    7. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $35 / night

    "Even though you are lined up next to your neighbors, noise just doesn’t carry because the roar of the ocean is so loud! It’s amazing to fall asleep to."

    "They don’t smell bad when using them though….. so maybe it was one of the nearby rvs?? Not sure. Love that the beach is dog friendly."

    8. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    34 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 / night

    "In addition, you're right next to the beach! Dogs are allowed on the beach and campsites, but not allowed on the trails. Park Rangers advised me this was due to rattle snakes on trails."

    "Fantastic body surfing, some good surf waves up the highway a bit. There is a backpacking access site as well up the canyon about 3 miles."

    9. Faria Beach Park

    12 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Dolphins passing by constantly, small campground so few people around even when full. Limited hours but cute little cafe. Quarter hott showers and clean bathrooms. It was 70’ in December."

    "Location: right off the highway, don’t hear the highway though, low traffic and loud waves Cleanliness: sites and bathrooms kept very clean. Bathrooms/showers: great and clean !!"

    10. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Summerland, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 966-9954

    "We needed an overnight in Santa Barbara and chose this convenient location. Yes, there is highway noise but it is like white noise to me."

    "It's right in the city - near to the beach and zoo (biking distance for us).  Only flaw is it's right next to the freeway.  But it's ideal if you want to visit Santa Barbara!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 46 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Channel Islands National Park Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Channel Islands National Park

98 Photos of 46 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Channel Islands National Park

691 Reviews of 46 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds

  • Kristi D.
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Seems like a popular place

    Economical for California and the area. Off the beaten path from all the craziness by the beach.

    We are just passing through CA or it would not be my top spot. They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets. We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets including a cat that doesn't leave the camper. Was not thrilled about that.

    Otherwise, it was scenic, had a camp store, was close to restaurants, had a gate to drive into, so the place was pretty secure. Seemed like a lot of people gathered on the weekends.

    We had the dirt campground which wasn't my favorite but all that was left, while the other campgrounds had cement pads. It was still pretty level.We did have cell reception, nice views and they had a water park for kids during summer months, though wasn't open while we were there.

  • K
    May. 8, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Would stay here again!

    Lovely place and lovely staff! It’s a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. They also have heated pool and jacuzzi, clean showers, and bathrooms. Trail and dog park available. Just kinda sucks you hear the cars passing at the 101. But I’d still come back.

  • Rick L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Better than the typical RV park

    Everything‘s clean and orderly. Pool area is nice with a nice hot tub. Friendly staff and the grounds are well kept. Nice dog park. Not much road noise from the 101. Has all the modern conveniences. And all this comes with a price. It is pricey, but there’s a lot of amenities.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Mostly a good camp

    Huge campground! Variety of sites from dry to full hookups. Anything with hookups is cramped though. We originally booked FHU and opted out for much more spacious dry site. Dry sites really vary but all are largish. Fire pit at 409 put in a strange location so that we is located on the back side of our trailer. Really no other way we could have configured it. For such a large park with so many amenities I cannot believe the dog park is downright tiny. But park during week is largely vacant so a lot of space to let your dog run (which is against policy). Sure the place is a muddy mess is the rain. Ground squirrels got the place all torn up but hey they were there first. Generally this is a great destination resort! Go see the monarch butterflies in Goleta in winter months. They overwinter there!

  • t
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Nice place but dog owners beware

    Just to be clear, I love lake Casitas. I grew up camping here with my family. The reason I’m writing this review is to warn pet owners about the abundance of foxtails and burs. We have 2 poodle mixes with med-long hair and they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails. So much that it required a vet visit. This was from a weekend camp in our RV that had a large rug and they have raised dog cots.

  • Heather L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2020

    Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    Nothing like sleeping right on the beach!

    Even though you are lined up next to your neighbors, noise just doesn’t carry because the roar of the ocean is so loud! It’s amazing to fall asleep to. We loved exploring the sand dunes across the street and even saw a pod of dolphins! Restrooms were well maintained and staff was friendly. A huge bonus is that it was pet friendly, but most of the trails around are not.

  • Brandon S.
    Nov. 13, 2019

    Dennison Park

    Great for beginners

    It's easy to get yourself into nature out here near Ojai and this spread out campground is also easy to get to. Right off a main road just out of town, with running water and bathrooms.

    This site allows both fires and pets. Plenty of spaces for all types of campers.

    It gets three stars because it's usually crowded and can be loud at night depending on road traffic and other campers

  • Margo A.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Camping, fishing, boating and a water park

    Casitas Lake near Ojai in Ventura County has something for everyone, especially parents with children off from school in the summertime. The campgrounds are spacious and clean and there are at least six different types from basic tent on dirt all the way up to executive motorhome with all hook ups. Prices vary from 35 to 55$ for tents on dirt to 65-75$ for RVs with hook ups.There is also a charge for a vehicle, boat, pet, etc. The highlight for families though is the waterpark. Open during the summer, it’s perfect for the younger kids when it’s hot.Always check current Covid restrictions as most water parks are closed.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2023

    Foster Residence Campground

    Nice and small

    This is a small Ventura County campground close to Ojai. We stayed in #9, which is in an odd spot right in the middle of the tight loop. If we’d had our awning out I think bigger vehicles would have knocked into it as they made the loop around us, and the loop is so tight that you can’t really do it without backing up and repositioning yourself. I’m surprised there’s no length limit for this campground, not because of the size of the spots, but because of the small loop. #9 is also unlevel and our blocks weren’t enough to fix it. Sites 1 and 2 are off by themselves on the other side of the campground, so it would be a good setup for a group of friends but too awkwardly close to each other otherwise. 

    The dry camping/ tent sites are off on the other end, and though we usually prefer these sites to full hookup sites, I don’t think they’d work for an RV. The spots are small, all dirt, all in a row, and parking would be awkward. #14 is kind of a walk-up situation, where you park along the road and set up camp down by the creek. 

    There’s no dump station here. There are garbage and mixed recycling dumpsters. Host on site. No onsite payment, you have to reserve online. We paid $42/night for a full hookup site, plus a $10 reservation fee, plus $2.50 per pet per night. 

    Good Verizon service but ATT was usable but pretty weak.

Guide to Channel Islands National Park

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Channel Islands National Park in California, where several pet-friendly campgrounds offer a perfect blend of nature and comfort.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

  • This campground allows pets and features amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families traveling with dogs.
  • Located just steps from the beach, Santa Cruz Campground offers easy access for beach walks with your pet.
  • With a market nearby, you can stock up on supplies without leaving your four-legged companion behind.

Pet owners like Emma Wood State Beach

  • Emma Wood State Beach is a great spot for pet owners, as dogs are allowed on leashes, allowing you to enjoy the scenic coastal views together.
  • The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, where the sound of the ocean drowns out nearby train noise, creating a relaxing environment for both you and your pet.
  • While there are no showers or bathrooms, the proximity to the beach makes it an ideal location for a fun day out with your dog.

Tips for camping with dogs near Channel Islands National Park

  • Consider staying at Rincon Parkway RV Overnight, where pets are welcome and you can enjoy stunning ocean views right from your RV.
  • At Ventura Beach RV Resort, you’ll find a variety of amenities, including electric hookups and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
  • Hobson Beach Park offers a great location with easy beach access, perfect for letting your dog run and play while you soak in the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Channel Islands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Channel Islands National Park is Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 50 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Channel Islands National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Channel Islands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring