The best dog-friendly campgrounds in California

Want to bring your dog on a California camping trip? This list has you covered. From the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles and all the way out to Lake Tahoe and Joshua Tree, its possible to find pet-friendly campsites across the state where you and your pooch are both welcome to enjoy the outdoors together. While many California state parks and national parks allow leashed pets in campgrounds, dogs arent typically permitted on trails. For more freedom, opt for a pet-friendly Hipcamp RV site, cabin, or tent campsite where you can get more space and privacy. Many campsites are within a short distance of California highlights like pet-friendly hiking trails and beaches. Make sure to consider the time of year and weather forecast when booking your California pet camping trip. Summer heat or winter lows could mean a cozy cabin or glamping site are more comfortable for you and your pet than tent camping.

94% (74.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Want to bring your dog on a California camping trip? This list has you covered. From the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles and all the way out to Lake Tahoe and Joshua Tree, its possible to find pet-friendly campsites across the state where you and your pooch are both welcome to enjoy the outdoors together. While many California state parks and national parks allow leashed pets in campgrounds, dogs arent typically permitted on trails. For more freedom, opt for a pet-friendly Hipcamp RV site, cabin, or tent campsite where you can get more space and privacy. Many campsites are within a short distance of California highlights like pet-friendly hiking trails and beaches. Make sure to consider the time of year and weather forecast when booking your California pet camping trip. Summer heat or winter lows could mean a cozy cabin or glamping site are more comfortable for you and your pet than tent camping.

94% (74.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Baby Banana Slug Farm

98%

(775)

10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Albion, CA

Private camping, glamping, and retreats in the redwood forest. Our two tent camping sites are tucked in the trees offering a very peaceful and private way to connect to nature with the family. Our three small cabins are perfect for anyone looking to escape from the hustle of daily life, and redwood retreat is the perfect size for the whole family. This property is hosted by a three generational family who live on-site and are available for any questions and concerns as they may arise. Pets welcome.

2. Heartwood Mendocino

99%

(501)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mendocino, CA

Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike or a beach day and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!" Please remember that we are in the woods and there is wildlife around. We don't want them to get into your food items, and recommend that you place food items in the enclosed common room or in the critter proof cupboards in the outdoor kitchen.

3. Enney's Ranch

98%

(714)

4 sites · Lodging · San Miguel, CA

Enney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast.  We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries.   We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields.  Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.

4. The Retreat At Redwood Shores

121 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bayside, CA

Escape to Northern California's Redwood Coast and enjoy a family-friendly stay that perfectly blends nature and comfort. Whether you're in a cozy cabin or parked under towering redwoods, adventure and relaxation await. Amenities You Can Enjoy Whether you’re cooling off in the pool, playing a round of mini golf, or grilling at your site, our resort offers something for everyone. Tent Sites Sleep under the stars at our spacious tent sites, nestled in a quiet, wooded setting. Perfect for those wanting a true camping experience with modern conveniences nearby. RV Park Park in comfort at one of our full-hookup RV sites, some with scenic views. Pull-through options and clean, quiet surroundings ensure a relaxing stay. Cozy Cabins Enjoy rustic charm and modern amenities in our cabins. Whether you’re a couple or a family, our cozy lodging options bring the comforts of home to the Redwood Coast.

5. Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

99%

(1139)

38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gaviota, CA

Howdy, campers, We removed our 10-paragraph description, our reviews and photos say it all. Feel free to ask any questions, we will get back to you ASAP. Before you ask: Yes, we have two outdoor showers. Yes, you can use a propane camp stove or cook at our common area bbq in front of the barn where we light a real wood fire for campers to socialize with us, other campers and visit our speakeasy. Yes, we provide propane for the propane fire pits. Yes, your dog can run off-leash. Yes, each site has a picnic table, umbrella, propane fire pit. Most sites have a hammock and hammock stand. Please pack your trash out there is a dumpster at the front gate entrance/exit for your trash. Please close your umbrella when your not at the site, especially when it's windy. We have lost far to many very expensive solar light umbrellas due to the wind when it picks up. Please support our farm by buying eggs, hats, stickers, and other items, all for sale in the barn. We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, Sierra, Darin, and The Freedog Crew!

Public campgrounds in California

Great place to camp. High elevation so be prepared for it to be colder!

100%

(18)

Bridalveil Creek Group and Horse Campground

5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yosemite National Park

100%

(14)

Tamarack Flat Campground

104 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yosemite National Park

100%

(30)

White Wolf Campground

148 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yosemite National Park

The A loop of campgrounds are right next to the Tuolumne River.

100%

(104)

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

148 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yosemite National Park

100%

(6)

Butte Lake Campground

39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Stories from the community

Cabin 5 is the largest of our cabins with a queen and bunked twins. It’s also taller than the others.

U

Ujjwal

5 days ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Definitely one of the best places I have stayed in a while!

Sierra and Bandit Doing Perimeter Check.

F

Francisco

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

What an awesome place, and the hosts were amazing. So much more than the pictures can do justice.

S

Sheridan

2 weeks ago

1 night at Enney's Ranch

Kenneth was a fantastic host. Such a sweet spot with gorgeous views and a really awesome bath! Thank you for hosting us Kenneth!

CRISTIAN

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

Darin was the most welcoming and genuinely great host I’ve ever had the pleasure to deal with on HipCamp. Their property is beautiful and it was exciting seeing all of the farm animals, especially for my two year old. The fresh chicken and duck eggs were better than you could buy anywhere and the ribeye steak that Darin was so generous to grill and share with the rest of the guests was to die for. I will never forget this experience and sure to come back next spring.

Seana

2 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

Everything about this place is absolute perfection. Will be coming back again and again.

C

Citlali

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

We had a great time car camping with our dog at Heartwood this weekend. Beautiful site, with many handy amenities. The heated bathrooms were a lifesaver this chilly weekend, but we still took advantage of the redwood shower! It was great to chat with other campers and easy to drive out to explore beaches and hikes during the day, and run to Harvest Market if we needed anything. We will definitely come back again to camp or stay in a cabin.

S

Steve

2 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

A true gem in the forest of Mendocino. The attention to details and hospitality was amazing. The communal spaces are well thought out and create an almost hostel like experience. Being pet friendly was a huge plus. We can't wait to visit again!

Anna

2 weeks ago

3 nights at Baby Banana Slug Farm

Nathan was an incredible host and everything was better than we had imagined. This is a beautiful place and we had a great visit. Looking forward to coming back again!

b

bhavna

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

I loved the campsite. It’s amazing would definitely come back

H

Hillary

2 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Baby Banana Slug Farm

I really enjoyed my time at Baby Banana Slug Farm! I stayed in the sunshine cabin and it was lovely, very cozy. I traveled on my own and I felt safe and comfortable the whole time.

W

Wylie

3 weeks ago

1 night at Enney's Ranch

Enney's Ranch is a truly lovely spot. Secluded, quiet, and with stunning views, the Blue Bonnet Ridge tent was a delight on a chilly fall night for my partner and I. Kenney, our host, welcomed us when we arrived and was also lovely. If you're a baker or bread-maker like I am, you'll be delighted to learn about the artisanal wheat varieties he grows on the farm (and makes bread with)! I want to come back when the wheat fields are lush and fully grown. Can't recommend enough!

Cathleen

3 weeks ago

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

We brought our trailer and two dogs. Absolutely gorgeous place with amazing views. Hosts are very friendly and helpful. We will definitely be returning!

Rick

3 weeks ago

4 nights at Baby Banana Slug Farm

The Redwood Retreat cabin was again an amazing stay for my friends and I. It was nice and cozy and the beds were nice and comfy. We were able to cook all different kinds of stuff and had a great time exploring more of the area.

Nicholas

3 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at Enney's Ranch

Beautiful view and hot showers! Highly recommended. Hosts was friendly and even provided us with some fire wood. and there were plenty of friendly dogs around! Thank so much!

Stephanie

3 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Great stay, the cutest camp site. He kids loved finding gnomes on the trail!

covered porch is a great place to listen to the birds and enjoy the sunlight coming through the trees

I

Ian

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Baby Banana Slug Farm

Amazing amenities and location—would definitely stay again!

A

Alam

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Enney's Ranch

My stay at Lirio Cottage was great! Fair prices, great amenities, and great views!

A

Amelia

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Baby Banana Slug Farm

My husband, our dog and I enjoyed staying here in one of the cabins. The host was helpful and friendly. The cabin was clean and comfortable as well. It is situated on a lovely wooded property. We would definitely visit again!

E

Ernesto

November 2025

3 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

Beautiful place. The room was nice. The bed was comfy. The bathrooms were well maintained. The place had an awesome view of the night sky. Defiantly will be planning a future stay there. Mendocino is like 10 minutes away and fort brag is about 20. There’s not even a real need to bring food so long as u wanna go buy food everyday.

M

Madison

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

Beautiful property and amazing amenities. The bathrooms were the nicest and cleanest of any facility I've ever seen. The redwood shower made it all with it! So magical! Would definitely camp here again!