Best Dog-Friendly Camping near El Cajon, CA

Lake Jennings allows pets throughout its 97-site campground where the metal picnic tables and fire rings accommodate both tent and RV campers. Campers appreciate the privacy of full hookup spots surrounded by trees, making it one of the more peaceful pet-friendly options near El Cajon. Circle RV Resort provides a small artificial turf dog park, though some visitors note it often has maintenance issues and can smell due to owners not cleaning up after their pets. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park accepts pets at its campsites with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. San Diego Metro KOA welcomes pets at tent sites, RV spaces, and within their cabin accommodations. Most facilities enforce standard leash policies and may have restrictions on the number of pets permitted per site.

The campgrounds around El Cajon maintain varying pet amenities with differing quality levels. Dos Picos County Park features hiking trails suitable for leashed dogs, while Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve's 300 campsites include pet-friendly cabins. Thousand Trails Pio Pico in nearby Jamul allows pets but prohibits fires and alcohol, important considerations when planning activities with pets. The military-accessible Fiddlers Cove RV Park provides designated pet areas. Several campgrounds sit between highways or major roads, creating potential noise concerns for pets sensitive to traffic sounds. Many facilities feature heated pools and recreation areas for humans, though these typically don't allow pets. Most campgrounds require vaccination records and enforce quiet hours that include barking restrictions.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near El Cajon, California (128)

    1. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 390-1623

    $35 - $140 / night

    "Tennis courts dog parks. The list just goes on and on"

    "This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."

    2. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."

    "This campground is very close to downtown and beaches in San Diego. I paid $36 a night for electricity and water hookups plus my pet."

    3. San Diego Metro KOA

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    "It was about 20 minutes from two beaches where we could take our dog. Great place for families and lots of options other than RV’s or trailers. We are going back in two weeks!"

    "The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.

    + During the week it felt spacious.

    + We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"

    4. Dos Picos County Park

    35 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 789-2220

    $24 - $100 / night

    "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."

    5. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    16 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    "The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus."

    6. Silver Strand State Beach

    23 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Great choice for camping along the ocean in Southern California."

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

    7. Fiddlers Cove RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 522-8680

    "Very friendly staff extremely clean pets are welcome. They have the bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean across the street"

    "Pet friendly with disposal stations, and the park has a nice mini-mart."

    8. Campland on the Bay

    21 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 581-4205

    $60 / night

    "There’s a pool, a park, a dog park, the beach, a bar, an arcade, and so many things you can rent for the water and on land."

    "It's a beautiful location with lots of amenities. Many people don't know about the dog park, which is quite large! There is also a well equipped gym."

    9. Circle RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    San Diego, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 648-1966

    "Short walking distance to numerous stores, fast food joints, and to make you feel safe, a Highway Patrol office is right across the street."

    10. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."

    "Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near El Cajon, CA

1146 Reviews of 128 El Cajon Campgrounds


  • Richard T.
    Mar. 21, 2023

    Lilac Oaks Campground

    Great setting amongst the Oaks with some sites next to a large pond

    Actually, if you are able to stand a lot of defered maintenance to the hookups this park is enjoyable.  There are a large number of full time RVers and Mobile homes living there who work at the local Casino.  When we were there (twice) the RV daily rental spaces were empty.  

    There are trails for walking and it is relatively close to I8 and El Cajon

  • Sabrina V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Circle RV Resort

    It’s OK for a couple weeks

    Amenities 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.

  • Milagros B.
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Escondido RV Resort

    🚙Campground🔹

    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. 🔹For sure we will stay again and recommend🔹

  • Chuck T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2018

    Admiral Baker RV Park

    Centrally located near Mission Valley

    Nice 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..

  • C
    Apr. 7, 2022

    Admiral Baker RV Park

    Beautiful clean RV park within a park

    RV 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.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, 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.

  • Jeff T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Escondido RV Resort

    Amazing resort style amenities. Spacious sites

    People 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

  • Chad C.
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Loomerland

    Excellent little getaway with animals!

    Our family of 3 just left the campground this morning, and we had a great time during our 1 night stay.  To find it, just plug the GPS coordinates into Google maps and follow the instructions.  It’s fairly primitive (outhouse and water spigot), but the sky is clear and the whole place is very serene with trees and nature. They have several protective, very human-friendly dogs on the property.  They also open the barn around 0800 and allow campers to pet the rabbits, chickens, cats, pigs, turkey, ducks, and even feed the goats.  Sites have campfire rings (bring your own wood), picnic table, and a couple Adirondack style chairs.  The staff is also very friendly and informative.  We will certainly be back.

  • Beaux B.
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Lake Jennings

    Mission bay

    It's wonderful! A very big rv park with lots of things to do. Hot tub heated pools several shower rooms, bathrooms. Tennis courts dog parks. The list just goes on and on


Guide to El Cajon

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near El Cajon, California, there are several great spots where you can enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities and activities that cater to both pets and their owners.

Tips for camping with dogs near El Cajon

  • Ensure your dog is leashed at all times, especially in campgrounds like San Elijo State Beach Campground, where pets are allowed but must be kept under control.
  • Bring plenty of water and food for your pet, as facilities may not always provide these essentials; Lake Jennings offers drinking water but it's best to have your own supply.
  • Pack a pet first-aid kit and familiarize yourself with the nearest vet locations in case of emergencies while staying at places like Dos Picos County Park.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near El Cajon

  • Enjoy scenic walks and trails at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, where dogs are welcome to explore the beautiful surroundings.
  • Take your dog for a swim at designated areas near Silver Strand State Beach, where pets can enjoy the water south of Tower 16.
  • Participate in family-friendly activities at Campland on the Bay, which features a dog park and plenty of space for your pet to play.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

  • San Diego Metro KOA, which is well-reviewed for its amenities and friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
  • Fiddlers Cove RV Park offers waterfront views and a welcoming environment for pets, ensuring a pleasant stay for both you and your furry companion.
  • Thousand Trails Pio Pico provides a range of activities and amenities, making it a solid option for those looking to camp with their pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near El Cajon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near El Cajon, CA is Lake Jennings with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near El Cajon, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 128 dog-friendly camping locations near El Cajon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.