Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Monterey, CA
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground accepts pets at its centrally located facility nestled in the Monterey hills. The campground provides convenient access to downtown while offering a secluded feel for campers with dogs. Multiple pet-friendly sites accommodate both tent and small RV camping, with a 21-foot length limit for recreational vehicles. Sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly those along the open field area where dogs have more room to roam. Free hot showers and clean restroom facilities support longer stays with pets. Campground visitors note the park includes a large lawn area where dogs can run off-leash, unusual for California campgrounds that typically enforce strict leash requirements.
Hiking trails accessible directly from the campground provide exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners without needing to drive elsewhere. Monterey County Fairgrounds offers an alternative pet-friendly camping option with full hookups, though some RV spaces back up to livestock areas with occasional noise and odor issues. Travelers camping with pets should arrive early at Veteran's Memorial Park, as the campground frequently fills by late afternoon even on weekdays. The park's location balances natural surroundings with proximity to veterinary services in Monterey, allowing for a one-mile walk downhill into town for supplies or emergency pet care. Campfire restrictions apply during dry seasons, which can impact evening activities with pets. Most sites lack significant privacy between neighbors, requiring good pet management to maintain positive relations with fellow campers.
