Gualala Point Regional Park campsites feature shaded redwood settings along the Gualala River where pets are welcome for an additional $2 fee per animal. The park's layout provides spacious camping areas with both river-view and forest-surrounded options, all requiring pets to remain leashed throughout the campground and on trails. Gualala River Redwood Park offers water and electric hookups at most sites with pet-friendly accommodations for tent campers and RV travelers. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with flush toilets and paid showers, though campers should be aware that aggressive raccoons are common and have been known to enter tents. Manchester State Park Campground and Anchor Bay Campground also accept pets, providing additional options for travelers with animals. The spacious sites under redwoods are large enough to fit multiple tents while keeping a reasonable distance from neighbors. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Gualala, California.
A trail network connects Gualala Point Regional Park campground to the beach area approximately one mile away, offering pet owners scenic walking routes through towering redwoods and along the Gualala River. Dogs must be kept on leash when exploring the hiking paths, beach access points, and picnic areas. The river provides a gentle current suitable for pets to wade and cool off during warmer months. Campground hosts sell firewood and provide pet waste disposal options, though facilities are limited to central locations within the parks. Temperature remains moderate year-round with campsite areas maintaining cool conditions around 65 degrees under the dense redwood canopy, even when beach and river areas experience warmer temperatures. Some sites offer better privacy than others, with riverside spots typically providing more separation from neighboring campsites. The regional park's day-use area across Highway 1 offers additional pet-friendly spaces with ocean views.
$35 - $45 / night
"Beautiful campground sitting next to water with dense forest and ground cover. Clean shower and restrooms that include hot water, hand soap, paper towels, mirrors and electrical outlets. "
"There is a trail from the campground to the park and beach area which is nice for a stroll. The campground is amongst the trees along the river."
$66 - $83 / night
"We found this campsite tucked away near Gualala during the lockdown in January. Almost every campground was closed after CA hospitalizations peaked, so this private campground saved our trip!"
"We came in as a drop-in to this location ($66 for full hook ups) and it is absolutely magical! The staff is so friendly that the resort has an excellent community feel."
"My husband and I loved this Redwood forest campground in the town of Gualala. There’s so much to do near by and the general vibe of the campers there was mellow and artistic."
"There's a volley ball area, ping pong tables and lots of great trails to venture out on."
"I've taken my 3 kids a couple of times now, and it's such a great location along the Sonoma Coast."
"The sites are tucked on the hillside amongst mixed evergreen forests, redwoods, ferns, and oaks. The sites all have picnics tables with food lockers, large fire pits, and privacy."
$28 - $280 / night
"Ocean Cove is a private campground right off Highway one. The owners are very friendly and helpful and they also own the grocery store across from the campsites."
"We’ve been here twice now, the second time we brought our dog. Pro/con: it’s first come first serve."
"We loved the quiet, laidback campground, with lovely old pines giving a sense of being in the forest -- even while being walking distance from the water."
"We've spent most of our twenty years of camping together off the beaten path, avoiding the likes of anything KOA, but for our RV's maiden voyage we thought we'd start with the Machester Beach KOA, and"
$35 - $200 / night
"The campsites we stayed in where on the east side of highway 1 and where quiet and nicely spread out. The campground was full but there was very few people on the trails around the camp."
"This area has fascinating California history and this special campground is right in the middle of it."
$45 - $70 / night
"centrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the"
"We stayed one night and lived the site and area surrounding. There were so many beautiful sounding birds in the canopy above and our site was surrounded by redwoods and douglas firs."
$32 - $35 / night
"The site has access to the beach as well as hiking trails through the beautiful redwoods! Dog friendly for a charge of $2 each dog per night. Full electric hookups optional at specific spaces."
"Short walk to a rocky beach across highway 1. Beach is not for swimming since the rip tides are dangerous. Abalone diving for experienced folks."
$35 / night
"Next to koa. Just a power plant between you and the ocean via a long walk."
"The campground is just above the driftwood beach offering walks in solitude with the breaking waves in the background."
TravelerCampsites are decently spaced for the type of campground. Awesome river access, and a short drive to restaurants or the beach. Clean bathrooms and a ton of amenities. The dog parks were clutch, since my dog needs to run. Had some neighbors who were really loud really late and Casini staff were all over it. Beautiful area not far from the bay
Scoutcentrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the Navarro winery. Big bonus for pet owner this park has trails that you can walk your dog on!
ScoutIt is a wonderful campground for familes with children and pets. We have a dog and two very young children. We had a blast there lots to do and see! On Sunday’s the farmers market is nextdoor so you can walk over!
RangerBeautiful campground sitting next to water with dense forest and ground cover. Clean shower and restrooms that include hot water, hand soap, paper towels, mirrors and electrical outlets. Friendly camp host and hike and bike area. Extra fee for pets.
GuideThis spot was a great little find. There is a trail from the campground to the park and beach area which is nice for a stroll. The campground is amongst the trees along the river. I would recommend the spots along the river over those on the inner side. Make sure to get a reservation in advance as it fills up. The spots are a little close together, but the big trees offer some separation. There is a pet fee of $2 per pet fyi.
TravelerMeh…
I had high hopes for this place, but overall, I’m unimpressed.
The good: Park staff is very responsive. Very close to the 101 with no highway nose.
The bad: No reservations. It is first come, first served. Poison Oak EVERYWHERE. No designated pet areas. Very tightly packed with no privacy. Hot with very little shade. Bathrooms are old, outdated, full of cobwebs and dirt. Low water pressure and n the showers.
ScoutWe stayed one night and lived the site and area surrounding. There were so many beautiful sounding birds in the canopy above and our site was surrounded by redwoods and douglas firs. I wanted to stay longer! Needless to say, I'll be back! I think this is my new favorite place. It was a little noisy at times but that's because it's fourth of July weekend and the site next to us had two families having a great time together. I was worried they might keep me up all night but they were respectful of quite hours which was nice. Pets are allowed which I also love. Next time I am bringing my pupper!
Scoutbathrooms where clean, park ranger was super nice, and i love how the trees gave lots of shade. the campsite we got was pretty big as well. also extremely pet friendly
ScoutGualala Point Regional Park Campground is the most beautiful place I've ever been. It's towering redwoods, the Gualala river and the Pacific ocean all in one place. The quaint town of Gualala is 1 short mile north.
Hiker/biker site for $5 a night.
The Sonoma Coast near Gualala features a distinct microclimate where coastal fog rolls in regularly, moderating temperatures to an average of 60-65°F year-round. Camping opportunities span from directly along the Gualala River to elevated bluffs overlooking the Pacific, with most sites situated under dense redwood canopies that provide natural shelter from coastal winds. Several campgrounds maintain fire restrictions during dry summer months when humidity levels drop below 30%.
Fishing along coastal beaches: During low tide at Stillwater Cove Regional Park, access tidepools filled with sea urchins and crabs. "Good surf fishing at the picnic area at Stump Beach," notes one visitor. The cove features a fish cleaning station away from campsites with wash facilities.
Beach exploration: Walk the 1.5-mile coastline at Anchor Bay Campground where protected coves create calm areas for wildlife viewing. "There's a nice wind protected beach. Seems to be a big abalone/fishing spot," reports a camper. Morning hours offer the best opportunity for spotting seals.
Mushroom hunting: Salt Point State Park permits legal mushroom collection with proper identification. "Salt Point state park is a very relaxing place... This last time to salt point I brought a friend who happened to have a skill...Mushroom hunter and classifier," shares one visitor. Over 20 different species grow in the area, though proper identification is critical as some are poisonous.
Stargazing: At Manchester State Park Campground, minimal light pollution creates exceptional conditions for night sky viewing. "No city lights to speak of = incredible stargazing," reports a reviewer. The northern loop sites offer the best views with less interference from Highway 1 traffic.
Ocean-front camping: The overflow area at Salt Point State Park Campground offers unobstructed ocean views. "If you are in a self-contained vehicle, the most stunning place to camp in this park is the 'overflow' camping lot closer to the beach. Here you can camp with a 180 degree view of the ocean," notes a recent visitor. This section costs $30 per night compared to $35 in the developed campground.
Communal facilities: Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA provides exceptional shared amenities. "This KOA has large tent sites and a HUGE kitchen with 3 electric stoves and several sinks and microwaves for camper use," writes one reviewer. The facility also features scheduled evening activities like outdoor movies.
Private sites: Hendy Woods State Park Campground maintains well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "Even with a full campground, everyone was respectful of quiet hours. Great campground host," shares one visitor. The best sites are on the outer edges of each loop where redwoods create natural sound barriers.
Beach access: Ocean Cove Store and Campground offers direct coastal access. "There are many coves or inlets you can climb down into to look at tide pools," explains a regular visitor. The campground sits directly on ocean bluffs with stairs leading to protected beach areas.
Water issues: Facilities at campgrounds may have occasional water quality problems. At Stillwater Cove, one camper noted: "All of the water faucets were placarded with E. Coli warnings! I only brought up about 1/3 of a tank of water along with 6 gallons of drinking water." Bringing extra water is recommended.
Wildlife concerns: Beyond raccoons, campers should secure food properly at all sites. Ocean Cove reports increased wildlife activity after sunset. "There were port-a-potties, coin operated showers, boat launch, fish cleaning station and potable water available," notes a reviewer, but no secure food storage lockers.
Limited amenities: Manchester State Park has basic facilities only. "All bathrooms are vault toilets, and there are no sinks available. Water spigots are located throughout the campground, though," explains a camper. The campground operates on a self-registration basis with cash payment required.
First-come availability: Hendy Woods State Park fills quickly during summer weekends. "We were lucky enough to camp on a Monday when everyone had gone home so we had the place almost all to ourselves," shares one visitor. Weekday arrivals have significantly better chances of securing a spot.
Wheelchair accessible options: Salt Point State Park offers accessible sites with paved surfaces. "The campsites were nice and spacious with a fire ring and picnic table," reports a visitor. Sites 4, 12, and 16 have modified tables suitable for wheelchair users.
Junior Ranger programs: Hendy Woods hosts regular educational activities for children. "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires," shares one parent.
Child-friendly exploration: Ocean Cove Store and Campground offers safe tide pool access. "The trail to the beach area is great for wildlife viewing, we saw sea lions, seals, and even the occasional spout from migrating gray whales," reports a visitor. The beach access paths are moderately steep but manageable for children over 5.
Bike-friendly campground: Manchester State Park provides open spaces for kids to ride. "Kids loved it to ride their bikes around and I stressed less knowing there were few, if any, cars passing by. Site 6 had lots of Cypress trees for the kids to climb, too," notes one family.
Leveling challenges: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Gualala have uneven sites. At Gualala River Redwood Park, one RVer noted: "Numerous dips and slopes made leveling difficult. Electric hookups and water spigots were at odd locations, and if you plan to use these, have long hoses/cables."
Power fluctuations: Inconsistent power delivery affects appliance function in some hookup sites. "Electric power was low - our microwave typically took 25-50% longer to heat, and water pressure was very low," shares an RVer at Gualala River Redwood Park.
Dump station access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds around Gualala have limited dump facilities. "The sewer dump was also there, and no provision was made to easily return to your campsite if you needed to dump mid-stay. You had to drive out of the campground and find a spot to turn around," reports a camper.
Best pet-friendly sites: Anchor Bay Campground offers well-maintained sites for RVers with dogs. "This campground is a private campground which means dogs are more than welcome! There's approximately 30 sites, with a very short walk to a mile and half of coast line," shares a regular visitor. The $50 per night fee includes one dog, with additional charges for more pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gualala, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gualala, CA is Gualala Point Regional Park with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gualala, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 dog-friendly camping locations near Gualala, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
