Best Dog-Friendly Camping near El Dorado Lake
El Dorado State Park campgrounds welcome pets throughout all camping areas, with six distinct locations offering pet-friendly accommodations. Boulder Bluff, Bluestem Point, Walnut River, and Shady Creek areas each maintain pet-friendly sites for tent camping and RVs, while select cabins at Bluestem Point also permit dogs. The bathrooms at Walnut River's Big Oak Campground often go uncleaned and lack privacy in shower areas. Campground hosts at Sunflower Meadows provide helpful information for campers with dogs. Each camping area features picnic tables, fire rings, and water access, though placement can be inconsistent at the equestrian loop sites.
Hiking trails through wooded areas near Walnut River and Boulder Bluff provide exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with many campsites positioned close enough to the water for dogs to swim. The Equestrian Loop at Boulder Bluff offers waterfront sites where visitors can hear waves hitting the shore throughout the night, creating a peaceful environment for pets and owners. During peak summer months, basic campground rules including pet policies often go unenforced, with some campers reporting dogs on the designated dog-free swim beach. The park spans a massive area with multiple camping loops, making it advisable to secure printed maps from the ranger station when camping with pets. Veterinary services are available in the nearby city of El Dorado, about 15 minutes from most campground locations.
