The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Buck Meadows, California

Bring your dog and camp near Buck Meadows—this area stands out with over 4,300 pet-friendly campsites, so you won’t need to leave your four-legged sidekick behind. You’ll find sites tucked into pine forests, perched on boulders, or close to swimming holes. Most spots allow campfires and have toilets, so the basics are covered. Prices range from $20 a night for simple clearings to $70 for more developed sites. The scene here attracts hikers, swimmers, and wildlife-watchers who want easy access to trails and creek beds. Locals favor Diamond Gulch (677 reviews) for its big skies and easy trails, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (566 reviews) for its quirky art among the trees, and Yosemite Colfax Spring (533 reviews) for shaded pitches and quiet evenings. Expect to see fellow travelers with their pups—Buck Meadows is a magnet for campers who want both comfort and easy outdoor access.

94% (5.4K) • 415 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Buck Meadows

Bring your dog and camp near Buck Meadows—this area stands out with over 4,300 pet-friendly campsites, so you won’t need to leave your four-legged sidekick behind. You’ll find sites tucked into pine forests, perched on boulders, or close to swimming holes. Most spots allow campfires and have toilets, so the basics are covered. Prices range from $20 a night for simple clearings to $70 for more developed sites. The scene here attracts hikers, swimmers, and wildlife-watchers who want easy access to trails and creek beds. Locals favor Diamond Gulch (677 reviews) for its big skies and easy trails, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (566 reviews) for its quirky art among the trees, and Yosemite Colfax Spring (533 reviews) for shaded pitches and quiet evenings. Expect to see fellow travelers with their pups—Buck Meadows is a magnet for campers who want both comfort and easy outdoor access.

94% (5.4K) • 415 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Buck Meadows

1. Mountain Dimension

100%

(1)

30mi from Buck Meadows · 1 site · Lodging

Mountain Dimension is your own little escape in the forest, perfect for those visiting Yosemite National Park (14 miles away). The trees outside your window evoke treehouse vibes, and the wood-paneled siding, wood-burning fireplace, antler chandeliers, and live-edge furniture will give you all the cabin feels. Take a dip in the hot tub (minimum $150 add-on fee, with an additional charge for stays over 3 days), relax in the hammock, or do some grilling on the large two-story deck. Families of wild turkeys and deer are often spotted.

2. Murray Creek Homestead

100%

(30)

40mi from Buck Meadows · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Learn more about this land Very remote off grid barn with an outhouse, vegetable garden, fruit trees, and small vineyard that I make wine from. There's a creek that runs through the property with Indian grinding holes. We also have volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, and much more! You will be in gold country where you can still find gold in the creek to this day! If you're lucky, you might find a nugget, but there's mostly pickers and fines. The nights are absolutely stunning for viewing the stars with no light pollution.  You will have almost complete privacy, with the exception of an occasional over head aircraft. I have only one group at a time.

3. Little Piece of Yosemite

94%

(98)

29mi from Buck Meadows · 1 site · Tent, RV

Learn more about this land: River status: Swimmable but stopped flowing as of 6/28 Camp on our small piece of paradise located near Yosemite. We are a family of 5 (me, my husband, our two toddlers and our dog, River) living on 5 acres of mountain land in the foothills of the Sierras complete with an outdoor shower and bath and also flowing (seasonal) stream that you can swim in. Feel free to wander around the property on a few of our trails or just chill by the water and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Our property is about a 55 min drive to the Yosemite entrance. PLUS another 15 mins to the main attractions. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they are ok with our dog wandering around. He’s super sweet loves everybody.

4. Rocky Top

100%

(1)

37mi from Buck Meadows · 1 site · Tent, RV

Your very own hilltop! Nice and flat, with easy access and space for multiple towed campers and/or tents. Close by to Angels camp, San Andreas, New Melones lake and more. Come have your family gathering or private retreat today! Land owner stays out of your way but within a holler if you have any questions or needs.

5. LDMA Italian Bar

93%

(20)

23mi from Buck Meadows · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

The Lost Dutchman Italian Bar Camp is a 160 acres of Priviately Owned Patented Mining land and our priviate campground located in the Stanislaus National Forest and on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which runs through the camp. Camping is available on both side of the river making the Italian Bar camp a destination for campers since we rebuilt the camp from the ground up in the late 1970’s. Whether you want to relax in your campsite listening to the river, dip your toes in the cool waters or try your hand at panning for gold, I-Bar offers all of this and more. There are miles of hiking opportunities around the camp as well, from short river hikes to Trailblazing like the Miners of old. We are betting that you can find the types of hiking you are looking for. You camping includes access to the Bathhouse with commodes and showers. And yes there is even hot water. Little History: The property was discovered and first settled around 1849 as a gold rush mining camp. At one time over 3,000 people lived here and mined for gold. When the gold rush came to an end so did Italian Bar. Until over a hundred years later, In 1976 when our founder fell in love with this remote property and purchased the land and we began rebuilding the I-Bar camp from the ground up and opened it to our members. It didn't hurt that somewhere close by Our founder found a 800oz pocket of gold. Even today, Prospecting for gold is encouraged! If you want to try your hand at “Gettin on some of the shiny” let the Caretakers know! We have a few gold pans we loan out that are just waiting for some color to make you smile. Of course we have pans for sale. If you’re an avid outdoors person, carrying a gold pan with you just makes sense. Big Trees State Park: 1 1/2 hour drive Yosemite National Park: 2 hour drive *We are located approximately 7.5 miles from Columbia State Historic Park. Italian Bar road turns into gravel 5 miles from the park. The camp is 3.5 miles from the start of the gravel.* Please call (209) 213-1485 for any questions

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

I

Isabella

2 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mountain Dimension

We loved the cabin!! The owners were very helpful and kind and the home was beautiful :) thank you !!!

S

Samuel

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Murray Creek Homestead

Absolutely amazing place to stay. Scott was very nice and accommodating pack light because almost everything you need is there already. My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful stay there away from everybody and everything. It truly is a hidden gem!

D

Dick

October 2025

29 ft Class A

1 night at Little Piece of Yosemite

Very nice place, beautiful nature and the bath outside is great

L

Lita

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

Such a cool and fun place! Scott was an amazing host, from the first interaction, he was kind and respectful and explained everything to everyone. We really enjoyed the property and will definitely be back in the future.

M

Maya

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Piece of Yosemite

I loved camping on Christian’s property. It was the perfect size for me. The outdoor tub and shower was a treat for me after spending the days prior soaking in hot springs.

More awesome campsites. This area is across the river from the main camp area. The river is just to the left of this picture

Hudson

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

We love this place! Emily is super accommodating. This was our second visit and our site was perfect. Secluded and quiet. Right on the river with easy access to swimming holes. Fishing, relaxing, fun for everyone here. Would recommend to anyone. We’ll be back again!

L

Laura Leigh

September 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Piece of Yosemite

We stayed in our RV and loved it. The scenery was beautiful, the site was level and easy to access, and the rocks were fun to explore. I imagine it’s even better when the creek is flowing. The drive to Yosemite’s Southgate was less than an hour, and I highly recommend a stop at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. We hope to return!

J

Jason

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at LDMA Italian Bar

Really cool spot by the river! Definitely a trek to get there, road is rough but a jeep or truck is ideal.

S

Steve

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Piece of Yosemite

Small, private peaceful location. We only stayed one night but enjoyed our stay.

Steven

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

Amazing spot and host! We'll definitely be back! I'd say this spot is in between glamping and camping. Running portable water, a creek, outhouses (one that actually flushed), shower, pop-up trailer and structures to sleep in and under, the list goes on. So many little spots and buildings to camp and setup at for a scenic, private camping experience.

N

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

Stayed with my wife and kids at Scott's place and had an amazing time. Scott met us at the gate and helped us drive in. Scott is extremely friendly and showed us around the property, then left us to ourselves to enjoy our time there. The place is extremely private with nobody around, it doesn't get any better than this. We had our own private creek where the kids spent a lot of time fishing for crawdads. The campsite is right on the creek, and listening to the creek while sitting around the fire was priceless. If you are looking for a private getaway in the woods, this is the place. Scott has the place setup with multiple fire pits and chopped wood, there was charcoal and propane BBQs. Also camping stoves. Two huge tables with umbrellas. Tons of blackberry bushes with blackberries that taste like candy. We couldn't have found a better place to camp. There is even a small cabin and a barn. On the day we left our car battery died, and Scott was kind enough to send his son out to help us jump our battery. Thank you guys so much! This is truly a hidden gem and we were so lucky to find this spot. Thanks again for everything Scott, appreciate you!

R

Ryan

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

The kids had a great time playing in the river and picking berries!

M

Mira

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Piece of Yosemite

Spot is beautiful, quiet, private, and well located for nature day trips. There was some shade in morning and evening. River is beautiful but was not running (when we visited in July). Deck shown in pictures is not adjacent to camping spot — it’s down the hill in a separate area. Shower was great touch. Come prepared to dig a hole to poop across the road or drive into town. Christian was helpful and quick to respond. It worked very well over all for our group. Thanks Christian!

E

Erick

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

The homestead is a hidden gem just a few minutes from San Andreas, CA. You’ll have to go through a couple of very shallow creeks (our SUVs had no issue crossing — and Scott helped the family navigate!) and you’ll find a rustic campsite perfect for splashing in some creeks, hanging out under the shade of trees, and relaxing under the stars. We had 2 kids with us and they love playing in the creek and swimming with tiny fishes in the watering hole. The 2 dogs were also able to run around freely. The property itself had some very cool amenities like hammocks, swings, volleyball nets, basketball hoops as well as creature comforts like running water and toilets. There’s always something to do to keep the kids busy while enjoying each other’s presence. Thank you so much, Scott, for your warm reception!

R

Raz

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Piece of Yosemite

My boyfriend and I were looking for a little weekend getaway and this was perfect! The camp spot was the perfect size for the two of us, and the outdoor shower/bath added such a magical atmosphere to our trip!

R

Ricardo

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

We had such a great time camping here over the Fourth of July weekend! The views were absolutely beautiful—peaceful, scenic, and the perfect place to unwind. One of the best parts was that it wasn’t overcrowded, which made the whole experience feel more relaxing and enjoyable. What really made our stay stand out was the amazing camp host. Emily was incredibly friendly and welcoming, helping us get settled in right away. We had a couple of minor setbacks (as you sometimes do when camping), and she went above and beyond to help us out. You could really tell she cared about making sure everyone had a good experience. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Main camp camping sites. These sites are not on the river, but river access is close by

P

Pavan

July 2025

30 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

It is a quiet and wonderful campsite, activities include swimming, biking and mining. It has clean toilet and shower. The host Emily is super helpful.

C

Cate

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

We booked a last minute campsite at Italian Bar and were very pleased! Clean bathrooms and amazingly beautiful site, Emily was so nice! Getting there was easy though I echo what other reviews say with the last 3-4 miles being rocky/bumpy but we were able to get through just fine with my 2WD HRV.

A

Austin

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

My wife and our friends had an excellent time for the Fourth of July weekend, beautiful land with a ton of serenity and epic views of the stars.

Raena

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

Scott is a great host. Very attentive to begin with. Gives you the run down. Takes you to your site. Then leaves you alone the rest of the time unless we reached out to him. The site and homestead is beautiful. Truly out in the nature. Real and raw camping. We tent camped. It was perfect. It was 4 adults and one child. And we had so much room. And Although we didn’t need to use it, he had all the amenities like pots and pans and grills. The only thing I will say, the pans and toys and whatever is on the property are not cleaned. The whole property needs to be approached w caution as there are a lot of spiders/ scorpions/ bugs/ mosquitos in/on everything. We came across a few spiders nest. And 2 scorpions in the outhouse toilet. We were creeped out. But we also had butterflies, grasshoppers, kitties and crawdads and enjoyed alot of the critters this place has to offer! Not sure if I saw it on other reviews but once you reach the property it’s about another 30 mins to the campsite. Which requires good tires and going thru a couple a creeks. SUV or truck/4wheel drive is best to have. A real fun drive. Thanks Scott!