This is a great campsite that is not a long drive from home.  We have come here several times.  Because it is a short drive for a lot of people, you tend to have to make a reservation or get there earlier in the week to find a spot.  They also have some pretty good group sites that take reservations.  

The canyon doesn't allow dogs because it is a protected watershed.  There are a couple of great hikes nearby including silver lake that has a boardwalk that you can walk around.  On the north side of that like is a trailhead that takes you up above the lake to Twin Lakes reservoir.  It is a steeper climb, but really pretty.