K
Kelly G.
Scout
ScoutSun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country
Relaxing stay but the wifi is awful. Tried purchasing online like instructed and didn't work.
California Dog-Friendly Camping: Best Pet-Allowed Campgrounds
Mackerricher State Park Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with pets, providing trash collection and picnic tables across its sites. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet and are prohibited from trails and beach areas to protect local wildlife. Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park similarly allows pets but restricts them from backcountry trails. Alabama Hills Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping with pets and basic toilet facilities, though lacks amenities like trash collection or picnic tables. Many campers report encountering ticks in several California camping areas, particularly at Hardin Flat Road, necessitating thorough pet checks after outdoor activities.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground features tent, RV, and glamping options along the coastline with pet-friendly sites, providing full hookups including electric, water, and trash disposal. Dogs must remain outside sensitive habitat areas but can access designated portions of the campground. Pinnacles Campground in Pinnacles National Park accommodates pets in tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables. When planning pet-friendly camping trips in California, always verify specific pet policies as they vary across campgrounds, with some requiring vaccination records or charging additional pet fees. Weather consideration proves crucial when camping with pets in California's diverse climate zones, from coastal fog to desert heat. The campground at Hardin Flat Road provides comfortable camping despite the presence of many other groups nearby, creating a sense of security while offering proper waste disposal facilities.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in California (2,687)
1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
126 ReviewsTwentynine Palms, CAWebsite+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."
2. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
101 ReviewsPinnacles, CAWebsite+1 (831) 200-1722$44 - $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"
3. Alabama Hills Recreation Area
87 ReviewsLone Pine, CAWebsite+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. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
80 ReviewsCarlsbad, CAWebsite+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."
5. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
74 ReviewsBig Sur, CAWebsite+1 (831) 667-2315$50 - $75 / night
"It was huge, the ground was flat, there was room for multiple tents, and was fairly far away from the closest campsites. This little area of the campground was quiet and well-spaced out."
"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."
6. Morro Bay State Park Campground
73 ReviewsLos Osos, CAWebsite+1 (805) 772-2560$35 - $165 / night
"This is my go to spot when traveling between Northern and Southern California. Conveniently located near to the town of Morrow Bay, but just far enough to feel away from it all."
"Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road. Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."
7. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
68 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CAWebsite+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."
"Close to Happy Isles and Mirror Lake/Meadow, this campground is convenient for day hikers. it's one of the better spots in Yosemite Valley, somewhat off the beaten path, so to speak."
8. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
65 ReviewsTwentynine Palms, CAWebsite+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."
9. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
69 ReviewsGrover Beach, CAWebsite+1 (805) 473-7220$25 - $40 / night
"Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."
"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"
10. San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park
65 ReviewsSan Simeon, CAWebsite+1 (805) 772-6101$35 / night
"kept and a joy to stay at, found out about the gang of trash panda’s (raccoons) by another campers experience, would love to be there when the berries are ready to harvest as there were many vines all around"
"This is a quaint campsite along California’s Central Coast. Not a lot at the site but in great proximity to Hearst Castle, elephant seals, zebras (no joke) and cute towns."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos in California
1787 Photos of 2687 California Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in California
10000 Reviews of 2687 California Campgrounds
Tammy L.ScoutLos Alamitos Army Campground
Nice campground with lots of activities for kids to do
Amy G.
TravelerAcorn Campground
Reduced winter options. Only east camping sites in the back are open. Only 1 dumpstation is open before 63 & only Fiddlehead boat launch operational. 90% of sites are seriously unlevel, some at very severe angles. Scattered water spigots do not allow for any hose connection. No sites have electricity. Sound carries EXTREMELY well so you will hear your neighbor, their kids, their dogs, their music, generators, etc all day/night. Rangers are hands off & not helpful if called for any reason. Bathrooms are clean but original & showers are timed/button operated with low shower heads so tall people will need to contort themselves. POSITIVES Lots of wildlife & sunsets viewable from dock area by 71 are beautiful. Can use America the Beautiful passes as it is a Core of Engineer maintained park making it $10/night for max of 14 nights.
- KKerry B.
GuideMedeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Close to 5 yet quiet
Nice spot to camp quickly with some prairie dogs to watch, ducks and geese.
Jack&CassScoutSan Elijo State Beach Campground
Nice place for surfing! Incredible sunset. 50$/night no hook ups. Access to the beach from the campground is via a set of stairs. Not much privacy between campsites. Some train noise.
Mayli E.GuideBurlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
The campsite is beautiful. Some of the sites as others had mentioned, are right next to the road which can make for some noise. We stayed at site 26. It was close to the bathrooms and not too close to the road. All of the sites are pretty large and come with a picnic table, fire pit with grill, and food storage. The roads are tight so big rigs beware. We arrived after check in with no reservation. There is a self serve system and the camp host came out and walked us through it got us some change and firewood too. The bathrooms were clean but no paper towels or hand dryers. We didnt use the coin showers. Very beautiful views staying in the forest with giant redwoods.
- JJodie R.Guide
Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping
This area is easy to access and you can get some sites that are pretty secluded from others. Some sandy spots. Nice sunsets. Mild hum of the freeway. There’s really easy entrance into Joshua tree national park. Overall pretty nice little get away spot.
- SSusan P.Traveler
Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument
Beautiful so far - very quiet
Craig B.ScoutHole In The Wall Campground — Mojave National Preserve
Nice quiet campground on a Thursday night. Us and three other campers in a 34 Ish site campground. Beautiful views from here. Wifey says the pit toilet is clean.
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.
Keep Exploring