Best Dog-Friendly Camping in California

Yosemite. The redwoods. Big Sur. World-famous outdoor destinations abound in California. There are so many that you couldn’t possibly explore all the richness the state offers in one lifetime. The trick when camping in California is managing so many possibilities. Once you've visited the famous sites, try some creative approaches to camping in California.

When you think Napa Valley, you think of wine, not camping. But you can plan a wine vacation from behind the flap of your tent. Set up in one of the valley’s campgrounds then visit the many casual tasting rooms that won't mind dirt under your fingernails. When you tire of drinking wine, hike Mt. St Helena, a dormant volcano. Or walk through the Petrified Forest, a forest that was turned to stone by the last eruption of the volcano. Or visit California’s Old Faithful, a nearby geyser.

Once you have found camping in California’s Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, center yourself in Tuolumne Meadows, a more remote section of the park with its own collection of charming granite domes. Here's a secret: Instead of joining the crowds of day hikers on the meadow's most popular trails, follow the backpackers north on the famed John Muir Trail. The trail meanders through meadows, along a river below alpine peaks. And best of all, the first 8 miles of this trail out of Tuolumne are flat. Hike until you find a spot to watch the marmots, then return to your campsite. For more, backpack another 23 miles to Reds Meadow where you can catch a shuttle back up to Tuolumne.

With a little effort, you can spend the rest of your life camping in California and have a new adventure every time.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in California (2,512)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA

    $200 / night

    "This state park was so much fun, very dog friendly! Campgrounds were nice and well kept, and just a short walk to the beach! I highly recommend:)"

    "There are many sites next to the ocean."

    2. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    116 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "It is roughly in between the northern and western entrances of the park, which means that it's essentially on the eastern edge of most of the rock climbing areas."

    3. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "Very cool rock formations all around you. Nice short trail nearby that takes you by a stream.

    Nearby to lone pine where I had one of the best patty melts ever."

    "Be prepared for to pack it all in and out coz you aren’t digging many cat holes. Tons of privacy at many sites."

    4. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    88 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $43 - $164 / night

    "The campground loop we were in was full and the sites are fairly close to your neighbor but it wasn't bad. The main reason being absolutely NO generators allowed so it was peaceful."

    "Per my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more  The only"

    5. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "South Carlsbad State Beach is extremely crowded (like many coastal campsites in Southern California), but has very easy access to your own space on the beach below the cliffs."

    6. Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    67 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    $80 / night

    "This was my favorite campground in our northern california tour. Campimg among the redwoods, so quiet and shady we slept in late each morning."

    "There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere."

    7. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $75 / night

    "No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean. We didn’t have a river site but the river was right across from us."

    "I think it's a California State Park and Covid thing right now. There is some construction going on but it didn't effect our stay at all. We had a river site."

    8. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    63 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 / night

    "Campground is close to curry village where showers, pool, market and pizza are available. Campground is near happy isles, where the trailheads for vernal falls, Nevada falls and half dome begin."

    "FYI, they are not joking about wildlife here, bear lockers are there for a reason and the animals are so comfortable and used to people they get close to camp."

    9. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    62 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $55 / night

    "The sites are tucked into the rocks which block wind and kept us nice and warm at night. Bats flew just overhead for a couple hours and I thought it was magical!"

    "Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills."

    10. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    63 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $40 / night

    "It started raining cats and dogs during the night, 7am the rangers advised that evacuations could be in store....3pm we had to leave the campground and we were directed further down the coast to Oceana"

    "You can drive two miles up the road to North Beach and use their dump station and water fill for $10.  "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 2,512 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in California

10000 Reviews of 2512 California Campgrounds



Guide to California

California offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends by your side.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Jumbo Rocks Campground

  • At Jumbo Rocks Campground, pets are welcome, making it a great spot for families traveling with dogs.
  • This campground features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a cozy evening with your pet after a day of exploring.
  • With numerous hiking trails nearby, you can enjoy scenic walks with your dog while taking in the stunning rock formations.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Pinnacles National Park

  • Pinnacles Campground allows pets, and the surrounding area offers fantastic trails for hiking with your dog.
  • The campground has a pool, providing a refreshing spot for the whole family, including your four-legged companions.
  • Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the park, where your dog can accompany you on many trails.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

  • South Carlsbad State Beach Campground features easy beach access, allowing you to take your dog for a fun day by the ocean.
  • The campground includes clean restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • With a nearby camp store and restaurant, you can grab snacks and supplies without leaving your furry friend behind.