The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Carlsbad, California

Looking for a pet-friendly camping experience near Carlsbad, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 2600 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friend. Whether you prefer a rustic campground or a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with options starting as low as $5 per night, you won't have to break the bank to enjoy the great outdoors. Check out top campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews) for tried and true favorites. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, as well as exciting activities such as wildlife watching, whitewater paddling, and hiking. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure with Hipcamp!

95% (6.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlsbad

Looking for a pet-friendly camping experience near Carlsbad, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 2600 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friend. Whether you prefer a rustic campground or a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with options starting as low as $5 per night, you won't have to break the bank to enjoy the great outdoors. Check out top campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews) for tried and true favorites. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, as well as exciting activities such as wildlife watching, whitewater paddling, and hiking. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure with Hipcamp!

95% (6.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlsbad

1. Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

99%

(118)

32mi from Carlsbad · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Just 15 minutes from restaurants, climb 700 feet up a mountainous access road in only 1.5 miles to a secluded Mountainous farm camping experience on a Regenerative Organic Avocado and Citrus grove, 501c3 Animal sanctuary and views of the city lights at night. The farm has over 700 avocados trees, citrus and nut trees. With pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and plenty of wildlife including: hawks, Owls, bunnies and more which all contribute to Regenerative Organic farming and offer viewing pleasure. The local area provides hiking, wildlife, mountain biking, lakes and 35 minutes to the nearest wine tasting in Temecula. We are an hour from the beach and roughly an hour and half to Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. High. Minutes away from Santa Rosa Plateau for hiking. You are also a 15-30 minute drive to explore the amenities of the local cities, wine country and 45 minutes to the beach. The 21 acre property provides amazing views as well as biking and hiking along the local fire and farm roads. We offer Camping supplies such as tents or chairs if needed for a small rental fee as well as the ability to purchase fresh avocados, citrus or Farm fresh eggs from the grove. See camp host for information as well as the groves website (zephyrmountaingrove.com) for available Eggs and Merchandise as well as Avocados and Citrus to see whats in season. Get away for a short trip for a relaxing destress weekend. If you have a larger party you can message us at 951-477-5114 and we can work with you on another camp location we have for special occasions (summer months of June through September can be hot so bring shade or you can rent an ez up from us, please check the weather in Wildomar Ca before camping).

2. Skyline Mountain

97%

(46)

33mi from Carlsbad · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

This little farm is being brought back to life! Once part of an 160 acre avocado farm now it is a 15 acre little slice of heaven purchased in 2019. Previously the farm had been let go and now our duty is to get it back in shape. We are making steady progress and fall in love with the land more everyday. Currently we are also planting about an acre of lavender which should be a beautiful backdrop come 2024. Time up here gives you a chance to unwind, unplug, and explore some remaining wildlife in southern California. Come and join us!

3. Rancho Esquandolas

95%

(21)

35mi from Carlsbad · 1 site · Tent, RV

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

4. Bierbaum Pepper Farm w/Goats!

98%

(536)

36mi from Carlsbad · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

We are a small homestead/farm just outside Temecula Valley Wine Country in California. Primarily we raise our mini dairy goats and host BYO Tent or RV camping.In October of 2016 we began our journey to create our small farm/homestead. With absolutely no experience and coming from a tiny condo in the city we decided to leave that life behind and buy 11 acres in the middle of no where!We weren't sure what to do with 11 acres. We don't come from a farming family but we had the drive to learn. With the help of YouTube, books, blogs, vlogs and friendly neighbors we began to teach ourselves how to run a small farm, inching into the lifestyle a little at a time.We started off with 15 chickens, many failed gardens and then fell in love with Nigerian Dwarf Goats!We found Hipcamp over a year later and in April 2018 opened up our home to strangers wanting to camp on private property.Since we are in the middle of Temecula Wine Country we figure that our farm is the perfect family friendly environment to relax in nature but still be close to some great attractions. Play with baby goats, chickens and rabbits. Explore the property and star gaze at night without light pollution from the city!This was an empty lot that was first purchased in 2014. We are the second owners of the property and want to be as self sustaining as possible. We are on a well and have converted to solar power. We will be building up the camp sites as well, gradually adding more amenities as we go to create a unique experience for our guests.More about me:I had a great and successful career at a very large CPA firm in San Diego but with city living comes pressure and stress. Due to deadlines and even more stress created by the partners of the firm, I ignored what my body was telling me. I put off going to the doctor for months telling myself I didn't have time and, after this next deadline I'll get a check up.I knew that I needed to change my lifestyle but I wasn't doing it fast enough. We closed escrow on the property in October of 2016 and that November I was in the ER. I almost died. Spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in the hospital.Soon after that I quit my job at the CPA firm and started working from home. Still suffering from complications, that summer in June/July I ended up in the ER again. Even closer to death this time. Since then I've turned around my health. Focused on life on the farm. Raising my animals, my garden and creating a unique experience with the campers. I enjoy sharing this life and my home with like-minded people who want to escape the city and feel a little closer to nature. 

5. Hidden Falls Preserve

97%

(169)

38mi from Carlsbad · 16 sites · Tents

This secret off-grid getaway on 80 acres provides stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden seasonal waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or potable water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.

Public campgrounds near Carlsbad

96%

(83)

South Carlsbad Campground

2.6mi from Carlsbad · 212 sites · Tents, RVs · in South Carlsbad State Beach

96%

(91)

San Elijo Campground

7.1mi from Carlsbad · 156 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Elijo State Beach

89%

(55)

San Onofre Bluffs Campground

21mi from Carlsbad · 162 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Onofre State Beach

88%

(48)

San Mateo Campground

26mi from Carlsbad · 309 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Onofre State Beach

Classic view from San Clemente Campground.

92%

(85)

San Clemente Campground

27mi from Carlsbad · 144 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Clemente State Beach

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Thomas

3 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Had a great stay at this campsite! The surroundings were beautiful, the site was well maintained, and it was peaceful and relaxing. Everything was clean and easy to access, and the atmosphere made it a perfect place to unwind. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a nice outdoor getaway.

J

Janell

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Found another cool camp spot! We enjoyed how secluded it was and the view was amazing! The farm animals were fun to see! Will definitely come back.

C

Carl

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

Beautiful property with and Jordan was a very cool and Mellow guy; greeted us with his family and adorable dog. They have been developing a disc golf course, which we took advantage of. They take pride in their property and ensuring people enjoy their stay. I hope all who stay there can respect this Great little gem Jordan and his family have tucked in a valley, as we will be returning in the future.

M

Mario

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

Another great stay. Great views at this campsite. Very relaxing.

Brandon

3 weeks ago

17 ft campervan

2 nights at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Great view and lots of extras available for this site. The drive up the mountain was half the fun. Glad we got to check this spot out over the weekend.

Katharine

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Super well appointed, well maintained campsite! Wayfinding was easy, you have phone service the whole time and posted signs are very easy to follow. I was slightly worried it would be loud because of the cityscape down in the valley, but it was very quiet at night, and watching the city lights at night was like watching a campfire!

Nga

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Beautiful place to camp especially during the rainy season! Views are great and Shane was very communicative and friendly. He made sure we were comfortable and promptly addressed all of our needs during our stay.

Adrian

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

Absolutely beautiful property. The scenery was amazing and very quiet. Jordan and Rheanna were very responsive. I plan on coming here again.

Alexa

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

We loved our quick one night stay at Valley View 1. We found this site to be a bit more private and had a great view. Would recommend!

N

Nicholas

November 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Hidden Falls Preserve

Second time I have stayed at this location with my kids. Great, private place, only sound at night is the crickets chirping and coyotes off in the distance. Love this place.

m

manuel

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Rancho Esquandolas

We had a great time. The place is easy to access and quiet

P

Parker

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Skyline Mountain

Had a great time celebrating my 30th birthday here. Our hosts were very friendly and hospitable. I appreciated having a clean porta potty, running water and a well lit area already set up for us. Amazing views as well. Definitely would come back!

J

Julia

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Such a cool campsite! The views were spectacular and the site felt really private, while also being close enough to town that we got to enjoy Wildomar, Murrieta, and Temecula really easily. We loved hanging out in the shelter and watching the sunrise and sunset. We’d love to stay here again!

w

wayne

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

I really enjoyed my stay here! The site had an incredible view which was perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. It was easy to get to, well laid out, and had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The area felt very safe and quiet, which made it easy to relax and unwind. Overall, a great spot that I’d definitely come back to. Highly recommend!

Seana

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Rancho Esquandolas

This place is absolutely incredible. The views were stunning and it was fantastic letting the dogs off leash to romp around. Todd was nice enough to share hiking, winery and food recommendations in the area that led us to a breathtaking hike to Eagle Rock via the PCT and a delicious winery (Sierra Roble) right next door. Also Garage 79 is a great spot to grab a beer and some tacos. This trip was the exact reset we needed. Rate to find a place with full hookups and complete privacy. We will 100% be returning.

M

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

Beautiful location with nice spacing between camp sites. Didn't feel our neighbors were too close. Host's were exceptional. Definitely camping there again. Rustic and primitive camping.

Brian

October 2025

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Excellent place to camp, nice views, the city lights are nice to look at in the night. The spot is more than big enough to acomodate a couple vehicles with tents, its easy enough to find a level spot to set up on. There is a hand wash station and an outhouse building with a porta potty in it that is very convenient. The ground is pretty smooth and holds a spike very well. The host Shane was very nice and led us to the spot. let me clarify the road a little its a little bumpy but nothing crazy, there are ruts on the side and some bushes, nothing that warrants special vehicle or 4x4 as long as you pay attention and use common sense the road is no problem, at a couple places it looks steep but its really not anything to be concerned with. If you come up at night as long as you go slow and have good lights its not a problem, its a refuge and farm and has some cools stuff to look at, there are pigs, a goose, ducks, chicken, they have lots of fruit trees as well. As for wild life you may encounter we were told the usual you would expect for the area, we saw some hawks, a couple frogs at night and a baby snake, nothing to be concerned with. Pros, great host, clean well managed camping spot, nice view of the city lights. Cell service works at the camp site so if you want to make a call or stream you can. Cons, not really cons but if you are looking for super dark sky there is some light pollution from the city lights, just all about what you are looking for HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

n

noah

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Beautiful land and views! It gets hot, but the shade structure is nice and cool. Shane was wonderful, and we loved walking on the property after watching the sun rise. Overall very positive and super-responsive and friendly host, but watch out for fire ants when walking the roads (we did not see any at the campsite, only on the roads).

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

Gnatcatcher Flats was absolutely perfect for our Trail Life group of about 30 boys and dads! Jordan was fantastic—helpful and welcoming—and the site itself is tucked away from everything, making it peaceful and private. We couldn’t have asked for a better location or value. Thank you for an amazing experience!

H

Hayden

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Skyline Mountain

Such a cool sight with just the right amount of amenities to make for a great casual camping experience. The road up is no joke and you got to be unafraid to get up a dirt road that goes up quickly, but our cars could do it, even when we came in at night. Caleb was great and communicative and we will definitley coming back for the next time do our retreat, the amphitheater so well positioned and the town at night was beautiful to look at. Great sunrises and sunsets too!