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. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%

(563)

6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA

Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"

2. Bayside Cabin

98%

(315)

1 site · Lodging · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

3. Lone Juniper Ranch

97%

(116)

8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA

You will fall in love instantly Camels, Llama ,Guanaco, donkeys, hammock a firepit and grill in the back yard. Book a wood fired sauna (extra)A Perfect mountain cabin retreat next to Tejon Ranch!The private, 100 + acre, mountain-top experience offers a 360-degree view of beautiful Southern California scenery, Super Bloom, Ideal for star gazing and hiking, amazing sunrises/sunsets.This is a 4 seasons paradise!Situated only 8 minutes off Rt. 5, this retreat is quite accessible (4-wheel drive necessary during wintertime snows.

4. Three Pines Cabin | Boulder Bay

100%

(1)

12 sites · Lodging · Big Bear Lake, CA

DISCOVER THREE PINES Here sits the original building from the historic Three Pines Lodge in Big Bear Lake. Three Pines Cabins — Lodge and Hotel’s ideal location is just a few blocks from the lake or a short drive to the shops in Big Bear Lake Village and the Alpine Slide Mountain Coaster. Be inspired by the beauty this vintage property and the lake have to offer. The "Three Pines Cabins" concept was imagined by the visionaries at Sierra Blue Ventures and transformed into a unique destination hotel experience, once serving as one of the original rest stops on the historic Pacific Crest Trail. We feature a selection of cabins, suites, and studios in the heart of Boulder Bay in Big Bear Lake, CA, nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest. We are just under six miles from Bear Mountain and Snow Summit Ski Resorts, offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, and snow play — and still close to Los Angeles for easy access.

5. Root's End

96%

(311)

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

Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!

Public campgrounds in California

100%

(1)

Oceano

1 site · in Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

100%

(3)

Scott Mountain Campground

7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

100%

(3)

Stoney Point Campground

22 sites · in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

100%

(9)

Trinity River Campground

7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

100%

(6)

Deerlick Springs Campground

13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Matt

3 weeks ago

24 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lone Juniper Ranch

This was our second stay and it doesn't disappoint. The hosts are great - responsive, kind and helpful. We'll be back.

L

Lela

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lone Juniper Ranch

We loved the cabin and quiet secluded view. a family of 2 adults and 3 kids fit and it was well equipped in the kitchen, clean, warm and so fun to visit the animals!

Matthew

3 weeks ago

3 nights at Three Pines Cabin | Boulder Bay

We loved our stay at Three Pines, Very convenient, inexpensive cabins right in the heart of Boulder Bay, just down the street from Boulder Bay Park and the lake. Just a 15 or 20 minute walk to Big Bear central district, restaurants and activities. Our cabin had a very comfortable bed, cute accommodating kitchen, and a modernized bathroom with excellent hot water and rainfall shower head. The owners were very kind to us on booking, as they were new to the online system, and Hipcamp accidentally double booked, but the owners made room for us on an upgraded cabin at no cost. This made our 3 nights in Big Bear special for me and my daughter. Thank you Three Pines Cabins!

C

Christina

3 weeks ago

18 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Root's End

Delightfully clean and private campground in the redwoods. The host was quick to communicate and respond to any needs. Very convenient to town while tucked away in a quiet and peaceful setting. We’ll be back.

A

Artsiom

3 weeks ago

18 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Arber-Moore's Ranch

good place, worm shower, have all needed connections of water and electrisity

C

Conor

November 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

We ended up having to leave late and so arrived to the campsite much later than expected. Vivian was extremely accommodating. The outdoor shower was hot and just what we needed after a day of surfing too. It was a beautiful site in general

J

Jerrica

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

The cabin is so quaint and beautiful. It’s quite cold this time of year so starting a fire was imperative! The shower and outdoor space was lovely and the slugs were the sweetest visitors. Ted and Emily were responsive hosts — thanks for much for an unforgettable experience!

D

Drew

November 2025

4 nights at Bayside Cabin

My stay at Ted and Emily’s cabin was so peaceful, exactly what I was looking for! Directions were very clear, cabin was well cared for, and boy can that wood stove heat the room!! Emily and Ted were fantastic hosts, I definitely will be back next time I’m in the area.

T

Tzuni

November 2025

With pets

1 night at Bayside Cabin

So beautiful, romantic, and equipped! It really has everything you could need while remaining pretty minimalist. The steamy outdoor shower on a cold morning was healing, and the privacy of the toilet was ideal (totally worth it to walk outside the cabin for a moment, and you’re still totally protected from rain and dirt on the couple of steps it takes to reach it.) Can’t wait to come back.

F

Fiona

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

We love Ted and Emily’s place! It’s so cozy and wonderfully located. It has everything you need and is the perfect little getaway for a relaxing trip.

M

Meg

November 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Lone Juniper Ranch

Nice guy. Great location. Would return without a doubt

A

Alex

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

Cool place - was exactly as advertised! Wood fireplace kept me warm, fresh well water on tap, and an outdoor shower. Great for one or two people who plan on spending their time adventuring and not hunkering down until they have used all the daylight.

A

Andres

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Location is incredibly convenient to Lake Casitas, Ojai and Oak View, but still feels remote and secluded. Site was spacious, clean and beautiful, but could definitely use some improvements. More restrooms and showers, for one, and definitely a line of trees to block out the noise from the main road would be major upgrades. We were lucky to be the only group there that weekend, but I could imagine it being frustrating trying to schedule bathroom/shower time if the sites were full. From my brief conversations with the the owner, Vivian, however, it sounds like they're actively working towards those things already. Other than that, the toilet and shower were both very clean and functional. Shower was hot and pressure was good. Light pollution from Ojai is visible on the horizon, but the property itself is very dark and conducive to star gazing. Host was friendly, helpful, accommodating and communicative, but pretty hands-off otherwise.

L

Lisa

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

This glamping situation rocks! It is unassuming, super quiet, simple, with wood and windows. The bonus is there is running water, a toilet and a shower.

a

angela greenaway

November 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Root's End

Molly was a great host! Convenient to downtown Mendocino. The site was situated in a redwood grove and felt very tranquil!

A

Abby

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at Bayside Cabin

Had a wonderful stay! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for some glamping in the area.

A

Alissa

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

Cute cabin - really nice to have heat (wood stove), electricity, and a real sink, shower, toilet. This is my oversight but reiterating the alert to others: they do not provide bedding! The pics all show a made bed so I guess my brain just glazed over that part in the description. Glad they left dry wood, kindling and a throw blanket for the cool night. Slept with a strong fire going and my jacket as a pillow. Could be improved: Whole place smelled a little bit like cat pee. Looks dreamy in the warmer months. Under 10 mins to downtown arcata.

B

Benjamin

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Root's End

I stayed at the woods site, and it was fantastic. It’s a short walk from the parking spot and gives you your own private area in the woods. Would stay again!

K

Kim

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

My husband and I absolutely loved this magical space! Even in such a short stay this place gave to us serenity, inspiration, wonderment, and peace. It definitely made for a sweet celebration of my birthday that I will cherish forever! Thank you! We will definitely return soon!