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% (75.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near 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% (75.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near California

1. Saddle Mountain Carmel

91%

(560)

41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Carmel, CA

Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. We charge $15 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!

2. The Castle House: Estate

95%

(883)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Joshua Tree, CA

Units designed to make the everyday extraordinary. Step into a realm where luxury meets rugged beauty at The Castle House: Estate, your gateway to the ULTIMATE "GLAMPING" experience! As seen on HGTV, our tiny home oasis in Joshua Tree redefines accommodation with a unique medieval twist, seamlessly blending indoor-outdoor living and exceptional entertainment. Nestled in the heart of Joshua Tree and just minutes away from the awe-inspiring Joshua Tree National Park, The Castle House: Estate stands as a testament to opulence in the desert. Set on 12 picturesque acres, surrounded by vast private undeveloped land, our estate offers an unparalleled sense of tranquility and exclusivity. Experience a stay like no other in our award-winning haven, recognized with The BNB's prestigious Traveler Best Reviewed Property. But the enchantment doesn't end there—immerse yourself in the rejuvenating embrace of our tiered hexagonal aqua blue cowboy pool, strategically placed on a stunning IPE wood deck. This artistic oasis is a visual masterpiece, inviting you to bask in the sun or stargaze by night. Indulge in the luxury of our room service, available until midnight, offering a curated selection of local fare to tantalize your taste buds. At The Castle House: Estate, we redefine glamping by marrying comfort and adventure, creating an unforgettable escape that transcends the ordinary. Elevate your stay, reinvent yourself, and make memories that last a lifetime at The Castle House: Estate—where every moment is a masterpiece waiting to unfold. Book your extraordinary desert retreat now and be a part of an experience that's truly fit for royalty!Campers will be required to complete a check-in waiver before the date of their stay - providing a valid ID, DOB, and address.

3. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

98%

(366)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Shaver Lake, CA

Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing & Off-Grid Luxury Near Shaver Lake Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness adventure awaits. Welcome to Musick Creek Falls—40 acres of sunsets, serenity, and the occasional Sasquatch. Each of our four private campsites has a gazebo, fresh spring water, and its own waterfall view. Nestled at the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. Swim in natural pools, stargaze through our telescope, or nap in a hammock under towering cedars. Bring your pup—our off-leash policy and open terrain make tails wag. Explore private hiking trails, try gold panning, climb granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. As the region’s first carbon-negative campground, we honor the land’s rich history—from the Native Nuumm (Mono) people who gathered here for its medicine to the Musick family’s 1848 gold strike. Today, every stay supports forest restoration and replanting projects that keep this place wild. Rugged but accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and crystal-clear skies for the best stargazing in the Sierras. Four secluded sites ensure privacy and a light footprint—complete with composting toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reconnect with nature, your partner, and your inner explorer. 🌲 Book your stay today and discover why even Sasquatch never left. Learn more at MusickCreekFalls.com Activities: 🌌 Stargazing with telescope 🥾 Private hiking trails 🐾 Off-leash dog adventures 💧 Waterfall swimming holes 🧗 Granite rock climbing 🪶 Wildlife & bird watching ⛏️ Gold panning 🚴 Mountain biking 🛶 Free kayaks for Shaver Lake Terrain: Cascading waterfalls weave through cedar and manzanita groves. Rugged granite outcrops, mossy creek beds, and forest clearings create endless photo ops. Expect elevation around 4,500 ft, crisp air, and incredible night skies. Essentials: Four secluded sites with gazebos, composting toilet, and spring water. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. No hookups—off-grid experience. Cell service limited. 4×4 helpful but not required except after snowstorms. Shaver Lake 6 min away for supplies.

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. 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.

Public campgrounds in California

100%

(1)

Oceano

1 site · in Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

100%

(2)

Kirch Flat Campground

18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Bootleg Campground

63 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(7)

Buckeye Campground

68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(2)

Green Creek Campground

13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

U

Ujjwal

1 week ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

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

M

Mike

3 weeks ago

22 ft Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Communication was great. She helped us get situated late at night. Site was a short walk to stream water. Had plenty of firewood too. Great trip

k

kevin

3 weeks ago

18 ft Class B

With kids

4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

We loved camping here. We took our RV and Popo-Up camper. The hikes were fun and we did great at fishing Huntington Lake. Shaver Lake town is awesome and close.

C

Citlali

3 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

3 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!

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!

b

bhavna

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

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

J

Justin

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

This was an exceptional experience. This location stands out as the most picturesque I have encountered for camping. The hosts are remarkably supportive and dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay for our family. I anticipate returning for another adventure.

Stephanie

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

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

Rebeca

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Castle House: Estate

We had a wonderful trip! The campsite was beautiful and cozy. We’re definitely planning to stay here again the next time we visit J Tree!

R

Robin

November 2025

4 nights at The Castle House: Estate

Lovely property! Well maintained and private. Great location. Looking forward to going back.

A

Alex

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Great host, even with poor weather it was beautiful and enjoyable

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.

J

Jay

November 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Amazing campsites all along a fantastic creek and falls !!

A

Andrew

November 2025

1 night at The Castle House: Estate

Loved the experience, the hosts are very helpful and their property is as advertised. If you're looking for a unique experience out in the middle of Joshua Tree I highly recommend.

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!

H

Hamid

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Pretty epic spot and peaceful. Randy is supper helpful!

Jasmine

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

This land is so very well loved by Shandie. It really is a hidden world from everything else. Not only was Shandie a wonderful host but her land is truly a gift to the heart. The road to the property is mostly paved and ends with gravel with some larger humps and bumps. But was plenty doable with my boat of a sedan with its questionable clearance. Just take it slow for the more nervous of drivers. Musick Cove is smack dab right next to the falls, and even in the late fall, is roaring with life. It's perfectly intimate for two. It's tucked away with plenty of trees and brush for privacy. If you do wander a bit you can see the other sites, one above the falls and Midway Lookout but like I said the brush and trees provide plenty of privacy. It had a charcoal grill and a fire pit for use. I can see maybe two tents fitting in the area but I would say it comfortably fits one much better. Outhouse is not too far from the site and is clean and cared after frequently. Go explore the land! Of course safely and respectfully but so many things to discover just by walking around. So happy to see the lands returning after the Creek Fire. Could not recommend this enough. Will be returning when the snow melts and brings more life to the already beautiful world Shandie and her crew take so much care for.

Jessi

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Everyone was so nice, camp sites are beautiful, bathrooms are very clean. There are no private fire pits for camp sites, but the large communal one comes with fire wood💚

J

Jeanna

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

The Redwood Campsite was truly magical! Surrounded by a beautiful forest and it had everything we needed. The redwood shower was an incredible experience. There were also 2 bathrooms, 2 indoor showers, and a sink for washing dishes, which were lovely and helpful as well. It felt so luxurious! This spot is about a 10 minute drive from downtown Mendocino, so it was nice to explore during the day with nearby hikes, beaches, and shops. We can’t wait to come back!