Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Santa Monica, CA

Dockweiler Beach RV Park allows fires on the beach while accommodating pets at its oceanfront location. This pet-friendly RV campground provides full hookups with water, sewer, and electricity while offering direct beach access for dogs. Malibu Creek State Park Campground, another pet-friendly option, allows alcohol and pets with picnic tables and drinking water available throughout the grounds. Pets must remain leashed at all sites, with most campgrounds requiring a 6-foot maximum leash length. Both tent and RV campers can bring their dogs, though the spaces at Dockweiler are described as packed like sardines despite the prime beachfront setting. The bathrooms and showers remain clean at both locations, making longer stays with pets more comfortable. The Dyrt provides user ratings for locations near Santa Monica, California.

Malibu Creek State Park offers wilderness escapes with pets just minutes from Los Angeles, with multiple trails accessible for leashed dogs. The park connects to several hiking routes where dogs can explore alongside their owners, though the rock pool areas may be restricted for pets during certain seasons. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended due to the hot, dry conditions that can be uncomfortable for dogs. Nearby beaches provide additional recreation opportunities, with the 20+ mile coastal walking/biking path at Dockweiler Beach particularly popular among dog owners. Campground quiet hours are strictly enforced with noise complaints addressed promptly, an important consideration for campers with pets that might bark. All sites require proper disposal of pet waste, with designated stations available throughout the grounds.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Santa Monica, California (94)

    1. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families."

    "Also something to be aware of, they do not allow dogs, big bummer. Years ago, I saw dogs in the park, but the last time I went, they were not even allowed in. Otherwise it’s a very pretty place."

    2. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    20 Reviews
    El Segundo, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 322-4951

    $55 - $80 / night

    "It’s also near Santa Monica and Venice beach. Space is big enough for a bigger RV. The only negative thing is - it is very noise because of the airport right next to it."

    "The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica.

    Check out the local town of El Segundo."

    3. Malibu Beach RV Park

    28 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 622-6052

    $80 - $300 / night

    "Get a spot away from the HWY.
    Short walk to the beach and a short drive to Santa Monica Pier."

    "Easy access to Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    4. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    26 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."

    5. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    34 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    31 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."

    6. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    32 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."

    7. Golden Shore RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Signal Hill, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (562) 435-4646

    $80 - $85 / night

    "However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"

    "Clean, comfortable sites near Long Beach Marina and downtown. Good biking, walking lanes. Pool & jacuzzi are nice."

    8. Tapo Canyon Park

    12 Reviews
    Simi Valley, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."

    "Cleanliness: 10/10 Privacy: 0/10 Location: 5/10 nice park but super close to the street and other vehicles. Service: in some areas, one bar (att) Area: close to food etc just right down the hill."

    9. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    22 miles

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."

    10. Antfarm LA

    2 Reviews
    Verdugo City, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "Very peaceful spot for a long weekend. 5 days was a little much unless you have a car to visit around and did I say it was gated too."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Santa Monica, CA

923 Reviews of 94 Santa Monica Campgrounds


  • BRIAN O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great location

    Get a spot away from the HWY.
    Short walk to the beach and a short drive to Santa Monica Pier.

  • James S.
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Gorgeous Views

    There's really not a bad spot in this campground. It's a little pricey to camp here but it's Malibu so it's expected. Easy access to Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Staff is super friendly and accommodating.

  • Mara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Ocean view

    It’s a beautiful spot with ocean view. It’s also near Santa Monica and Venice beach. Space is big enough for a bigger RV. The only negative thing is - it is very noise because of the airport right next to it.

  • Berton M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2023

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Beach, Sunsets, & Airplanes

    Dockweilder is an awesome camping experience if you love the beach and airplanes. With LAX less than .5 miles away, you get the pleasure of plane spotting 24/7. The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica.

    Check out the local town of El Segundo. It has some great dining options and looks like Mayberry.

    Cell Reception: Great

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Matador Camera Case at Leo Carrillo State Park

    Campground review (3 of 5 stars)

    The Canyon Campground is located on a spectacular stretch of the PCH just north of Malibu. Like most other California State Parks, it is quite expensive. The sites are located in a dusty coastal sage scrub valley, often right on top of each other.  This place is packed with RVs and families on vacation during the summer, so don't expect to find peace and solitude here. There are full facilities (e.g., showers, camp store), but the $45 per night fee is the highest we've paid for any camping.

    One perk is that you can walk to the beach within minutes. Also, one of the few dog beaches in LA is only a couple minutes drive away. Luckily, dogs are allowed in the campground too. If you can look past your nearby neighbors, the views of the nearby Santa Monica Mountains are charming. It's also only a short drive to some spectacular hiking and bouldering. If you bring your crashpad and shoes, the sandbox and temporal boulders are about a 15-30 minute hike upstream, and you certainly won't have any crowds there! Finally, don't forget to reserve your site far in advance (you can do this online), especially for weekends. Otherwise the rangers recommend showing up at 8AM on a Friday or Saturday to try to snag one of the few walk-in sites or a site from cancelled or no-show reservation.

    Product review (4.5 of 5 stars)

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get to test products for review for some of my camping trips. On this trip, we tested the Matador camera base layer case and the lens base layer. See our demo video, presented by my husband, the photography pro. These are two phenomenal products that offer some sleek protection for your camera and lenses. 

    Pros:

    • easily removable from bag
    • modular designs fit most cameras and lenses
    • sleek and unobtrusive
    • high-quality and durable material
    • super lightweight, adds no weight to carry

    Cons:

    • no mechanism to clip the camera base layer to the camera or strap, which can be somewhat cumbersome while attempting to take a quick shot
    • some larger DSLR cameras may have a small gap on the sides of the base layer that lacks complete protection if the lens is left attached

    Overall, these two products provide ample protection while you're trying to snap some great photos in the outdoors. I don't think they provide quite the same level of protection as larger bags with more padding, but that's not what they're aiming for. I felt a tremendous peace of mind having my camera dangling from my neck in the base layer while scurrying down the steep sand dunes, which I certainly wouldn't have felt had I not had the base layer on.

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 21, 2021

    Waterfront RV Park

    Waterfront RV Park, CA

    Located in Huntington Beach California. This site is right across the street from the beach. Be careful and aware when staying here. My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping. When we asked for camera footage the owners of the campground claimed the cameras were broken and they couldn’t share the footage. There are many homeless folks living in the area. The showers don’t get hot, but the area is clean. There is a pool and a hot tub and a small dog park. It’s expensive to stay here, but a beautiful spot.

  • J
    May. 4, 2018

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Lovely get away

    Close to town but no cell signal, this place is amazing! Large camping area and I’ve never felt crowded ! Quarter showers and laundry, and a dog park! Lots of deer in the area and Great Lake to fish at! They also offer some hook ups for the rv campers

  • Alivia R.
    Mar. 11, 2023

    Orangeland RV Park

    Enjoyable, Clean, & Friendly

    Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree


Guide to Santa Monica

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Santa Monica, California, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Malibu Creek State Park Campground

  • This campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for pets, allowing them to join you on your adventures while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • With features like drinking water and picnic tables, you can easily set up a comfortable spot for your family, including your pets, at Malibu Creek State Park Campground.
  • The campground is well-maintained and provides access to hiking trails, perfect for exploring with your dog.

Pet owners like Malibu Beach RV Park

  • Located right by the beach, Malibu Beach RV Park allows pets, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy the sun and surf with their furry companions.
  • The park features clean facilities and a convenient store for any supplies you might need during your stay.
  • While wood fires aren't allowed, propane fires are permitted, so you can still enjoy cozy evenings with your pet by your side.

Dog owners appreciate Tapo Canyon Park

  • Tapo Canyon Park is a hidden gem that welcomes pets, providing a peaceful environment for both you and your dog.
  • The campground is equipped with electric hookups and sanitary dumps, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.
  • With ample space for your pet to roam and explore, this park is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still being close to amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Santa Monica, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Santa Monica, CA is Malibu Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Santa Monica, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 94 dog-friendly camping locations near Santa Monica, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.