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Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California

Dog Friendly Campgrounds

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Categories:
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Travel

After spending the last two months at home, we’re all ready to hit the road. Luckily there’s no better a place to get out in nature. California has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and with our list of dog-friendly camping locations, you can experience it with your furry best friend in tow.

Whether you explore Southern California’s Mountain region, Northern California’s Bluff’s or our precious National Forests and lakes, you’re going to have an amazing time. Here is our list of 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California, so you can stay local or make an adventure of it!

We’ve also created a handy icon guide for the various amenities these eight dog-friendly camping locations offer.

Camping Icons PNG | Fitdog Blog: Off the Leash

8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California

Dogwood Campground, Plaskett Creek Campground, Girard Ridge Lookout, Pineknot, William Kent Campgrounds, Twin Lakes Campground, Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma) & Upper Pines

 

1. Dogwood Campground

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains just 5 minutes from Lake Arrowhead this dog-friendly camping site even has “dog” in its name!  A full service campground with full amenities, provides for family friendly camping for all members of your household.  Great place for a quick no frills getaway not far from Los Angeles.

Dog-Friendly Camping Dogwood campground San Bernardino Mountains | Fitdog Blog

 

Amenities:

Camp Amenities Upper Pines | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

Ample Hiking through the surrounding cedar, pine and oak tree filled forest.   You can also take a short trip to Lake arrowhead to visit quaint shops. Feeling more adventurous? Cruise 15 minutes to Lake Gregory for boating, fishing and a waterslide park.

Book Your Stay at Dogwood Campground

 

2.  Plaskett Creek Campground

This beautiful campground is located in the Los Padres National Forest in Big Sur.   Just minutes away from the famous (and dog-friendly) Sand Dollar Beach, this campground is perfect to unplug, hangout with wildlife, hike with your four legged BFF and hit the largest sandy beach in Big Sur.  After a stroll down the sandy beach hike up one of the many hiking trails to take a breathtaking look at California coast lines iconic bluffs.

 

Sand Dollar Beach Stairs | Fitdog Blog

Amenities:

Camping Icons Plaskett Creek | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

Hit the beach for a swim, surfing, or fishing (permits required for all fishers over 16).  A short drive from the campground you can access hiking trails, to scenic views of waterfalls, redwood groves, mountain meadows and streams.

Book Your Stay at Plaskett Creek Campground

 

3. Girard Ridge Lookout

This 1931 Structure is nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.  It is a one of a kind experience with panoramic views to enjoy while you sleep in a primitive cabin like setting 13ft off the ground.  This historical and cultural landmark hideaway does feature two twin beds with mattresses (bring your own bedding) and in cabin heating.  You will also need to pack out your trash from the site and come prepared with your own drinking water.  This is a very Dog-friendly Camping experience with no additional fees for dogs, and dogs of all sizes welcome! 

 

Girard Lookout | Fitdog Blog

 

Amenities:

Camping Amenities Girard Ridge | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

A short three mile hike from your private hideaway you can reach the Pacific Crest Trail.  The PCT is a 2,650 mile unbroken trail that spans from Mexico to Canada, it has been walked by countless number of travelers and holds so much west coast history. You will also only be a short distance from the Castle Crags National park.

Book your stay at Girard Ridge Lookout

 

4. Pineknot

A quick getaway spot for Angelenos, this dog-friendly campground is located in Big Bear right by Big Bear Lake.  While it does accommodate RV’s this campground is much better suited for tent camping and appeals to nature enthusiasts of all levels.  Tucked away in a forest canopy by fir, pine and oak trees you’ll feel engulfed by nature just a couple hours away from the hustle and bustle of the City.

Pineknot Campground | Fitdog Blog

 

Amenities:

Camping Amenities Pineknot | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

Located at the base of a ski mountain, you can easily find and numerous hiking trails at various levels of difficulty to suit your abilities.  Big Bear Lake is a great destination for water sports. Located just  5 miles away is a Marina.  You and your pooch might enjoy a peaceful canoe ride or SUP adventure.

Book Your Stay at Pineknot

 

5. William Kent Campground

Nestled on Lake Tahoe’s west shore just a few minutes from Tahoe City.  There are plenty of camping spaces available for both RV’s and tents!  They even have a few Yurts on the property that would suit a family of 5-6.  Yurts do come with beds and futons with mattresses but no bedding. Sites are private, lined by shrubs, fir, pine and wonderfully scented cedar trees.

 

William Kent Campground | Fitdog Blog

Amenities:

Camping Amenities William Kent | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

It is just across the street from beautiful Lake Tahoe, known for boating, great swimming and fishing!  Plan to spend some time by the lake enjoying water related recreation, sun bathing and quality time with your doggo.

Book your stay at William Kent

6. Twin Lakes Campground

Prepare yourself for a breathtaking experience.  Twin Lakes Campground is split into three different sites around the lakes.  Just a few minutes from Mammoth Lakes, the scenery is one of a kind.  This campsite sits at 8,600ft elevation at the base of Mammoth mountain. Picturesque waterfalls cascade into one of the lakes making for epic “camping with your dog” selfies.

 

Dog-Friendly Camping At Twin Lakes CA | Fitdog Blog

 

Amenities:

Camping Amenities Twin Lakes | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

A variety of recreational activities are available with dog friendly hiking trails that connect you to the other mountain basin lakes.  Plenty of fishing to be had and calm waters that call out for canoes and kayaks. Don’t have your own canoe? No problem! Rent one for the historic General Store and off you go.

Book Your Stay at Twin Lakes Campground

 

Join Our Pack | Fitdog Blog

7. Liberty Glen Campground

Head north to enjoy the coastline’s world famous vineyards.  An icon of California culture Sonoma Valley is home to vineyards and Wineries and this Pet Friendly Campground!  Enjoy peaceful lake views from single, double tent sites or get a dog-friendly cabin for your stay.  Plus side, no bears to worry about for this camping experience.

 

Lake Sonoma Dog-Friendly Camping | Fitdog Blog

Amenities:

Camping Amenities Lake Sonoma | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

Lake Sonoma is just a mile away from the campsite and offers a variety of recreational activities, including a Dog Park!  Try your hand at archery, if you’re into that sort of thing. You could also enjoy a swim with your pupper in the inviting lake.  Check out several dog friendly hikes, including Stillwater Cove Trail.

Book Your Stay at Liberty Glen Campground

 

8. Upper Pines

One of three campgrounds located  in Yosemite Valley this popular Dog-friendly camping spot has 238 campsites to claim all year round.  Gaze upon sheer granite cliffs, waterfalls, deep valleys, ancient giant sequoias, grand meadows, vast wilderness areas and much more.  Yosemite Valley is a breathtaking adventure through some of California’s most beautiful forest land. 

 

Upper Pines Dog-Friendly Yosemite Camping | Fitdog Blog

 

Amenities:

Camp Amenities Upper Pines | Fitdog Blog

Recreation:

Explore the vast Yosemite valley on foot, see amazing cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls.  Enjoy a stroll on any of its many paved roads and pet designated areas.  With Museums, an art center and various recreational activities including horseback riding, this campground is a great fit for the entire family.

Book Your Stay at Upper Pines

 

 

Feeling like flying solo? Fitdog can help! Bring your dog to us for their own “camp” experience.  With beach excursion, pack hikes and open play, your dog will enjoy their dog centric getaway while you enjoy a little time away from your dog.

Related Article: Bring your dog camping

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5

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Andrea Servadio

Last updated on June 09, 2020
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