The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Carlsbad, California

94% (6292 reviews)

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!

Popular camping styles for Carlsbad

Top-rated campgrounds

94% (6292 reviews)

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!

Popular camping styles for Carlsbad

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cottonwood Creek Camp

98%

(183)

31mi from Carlsbad · 8 sites · RVs · Temecula, CA

For more than a decade, John and Kim looked for a place within Temecula Wine Country that could be their forever home. When they saw this lush, hilltop property with they knew it was right. But what to do with the separate lower area, bordered by a seasonal stream lined by cottonwoods and big leaf maples? Cottonwood Creek Camp was the answer. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country, you'll be minutes away from 50 wineries. Situated down a quiet rural lane, and secluded by lush California pepper trees, your glamping spot is an ideal getaway for wine lovers who prefer to get away from the city hustle. The camp area has seven spots that can be occupied by other glampers. Onsite parking is available for one vehicle per campsite (additional spots may be available on request). In the morning, grab your coffee and step outside to watch the hot air balloons drift overhead. During the day, sample local vino from the 50+ nearby wineries. In the evening, nosh at one of the great restaurants in Old Town Temecula, and then return to camp for sunset views and fireside relaxation. You should know that there are two free-roaming Blue Heelers who live on the 5-acre property and make regular visits to the camp area. Visiting dogs that socialize well with other dogs are welcome by us and by Molly and Taz as well, but please be honest with yourself and us about your dog's temperament, and book elsewhere if there is ANY chance of canine conflict with our very energetic pups.

2. Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

99%

(113)

32mi from Carlsbad · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Wildomar, CA

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).

3. Skyline Mountain

97%

(45)

33mi from Carlsbad · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · CA

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!

4. Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

99%

(100)

34mi from Carlsbad · 3 sites · Lodging · Aguanga, CA

Welcome to Olive Rock Ranch! Our unique property is nestled on 19.35 acres in Aguanga. This hilltop location has endless views of Dameron Valley and the Palomar Mountains. Come sit and relax on your patio overlooking the stars and sunsets. Our property features an olive grove farm with plenty of hiking trails. You can explore nature at its best with our natural habitat full of quails, white tail rabbits, and natural vegetation. We love animals as well and have horses, ducks, and chickens roaming onsite. We have many nearby points of interest including the Palomar Mountains where you can get outside to take a hike or explore. We are driving distance from Julian, CA where you can check out their famous pies! We are also close to Borrego Trails where you can run and recreate and we’re only 2 miles from Emerald Creek Winery where you can kick back afterwards. Lastly, we are only 18 miles from downtown Temecula and all food and activities they have to offer. Even though we are near to activities you can find great things to do on our property as well. You can explore our 20 acres and hike through the olive groves all afternoon. You can also feed the chickens, ducks, and horses or head out the gate where you can find miles of dirt roads to roam. You can expect some natural noises during your stay. At a distance sometimes you’ll hear coyotes, owls, and the wake-up call from the rooster. Occasionally you will hear a donkey call in the distance. Your hosts live on site and usually plan to meet and greet as needed. Once you are settled you will have plenty of privacy, but we are on-site in our private home and could be reached if needed! This listing is for our spectacular yurt tent set and an RV site called the stables up on 20 acres in a secure and safe olive grove with plenty of privacy. You can expect spectacular views of the valley below, the Palomar mountains and relaxing sunsets under a beautiful blanket of stars. Our main house is about 600 feet from the site, but you will enjoy your own outside shower, compost restroom, picnic table, propane BBQ, large cooler, and fire pit! The tent accommodates up to 4 people and an additional person could bring their tent and set up on the site as well. Amenities listed below: -Private fire pit -Private picnic table -Potable water via spigot -Propane BBQ -Washing sink -Large cooler -Private composting toilet with sink -Good cell service and reception to most cell carriers no Wi-Fi -Pets allowed -Trash bins available Additional details to note Quiet hours being at 10pm, please be mindful after this time. Check in is after 11am and check out is before 10:00AM. Early and late check in or check out are possible but please speak with us ahead of time.

5. Rancho Esquandolas

95%

(20)

35mi from Carlsbad · 1 site · Tent, RV · Warner Springs, CA

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.

Stories from the community

J

Julia

1 week ago

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

2 weeks ago

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

2 weeks ago

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.

Brian

3 weeks ago

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

3 weeks ago

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).

H

Hayden

3 weeks ago

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!

Judith

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Such a beautiful campsite with an amazing view! Shane welcomed us and showed us around the campsite and what it offered. Very sweet host. Thank you!

S

Sam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

One of the best campsites we’ve stayed at! Everything felt so thoughtful and well taken care of. The platform was so nice and there was lots of table space to eat and cook on. Views were beautiful and it felt very serene. Highly recommend and hope to return ASAP!

K

Klaus

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Great campsite with a very friendly host. It gets a bit hot in the afternoon, but turns cloudy and humid at night and in the morning. Nice toilet facilities and water station available.

S

Sophie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

The view over looking the city was amazing. The small shelter was perfect for getting some relief from the heat/sun during the day and protection from the wind at night. The hand washing station and porta toilet was a plus. The only downside to the whole trip (which are out of the host’s control) there were some coyotes howling at night and the road up to the campsite was steep and on a cliff. With that being said as a woman camper the campsite felt safe, and Shane made sure that we knew where the site was when first arriving. Very cool spot!

L

Luis

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Such an amazing camp site with one of the best views I have seen. When I arrived I was greeted and led to my campsite which was a small trek on the property. Thankful for that since I would have second guessed the way I was going :D There are signs though which I could have easily followed. Once on the site the view captures you immediately. Has all the amenities you need with a table, sitting area , handwashing stations and bathroom. Once the sun began to set and the moon began to rise was when you see the true magic of this site. Will definitely come back to stargaze some more!

Another neighbor is an Airstream Signature Series.

D

Deanna

September 2025

21 ft Class B

8 nights at Cottonwood Creek Camp

It’s super quiet. I enjoyed everyone’s dogs and the super friendly vibe between all the campers.

M

Maxim

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Amazing views from the hilltop site. Lots of land around us in every direction so it felt very private. The bathroom and outdoor sink were comfortable. Really great stay!

Sarah

August 2025

22 ft Class C

1 night at Cottonwood Creek Camp

Easy to follow directions, super flat, no leveling needed. The RV area is not super large, and even though all the spots were filled, I still didn't feel too close to neighbors. We had a nice spot with lots of trees, close to vineyards, plus trash and recycling right there. 5 stars!

D

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

This was our last campsite of the trip and it stood out as the best of the four. The host, Shane, was very friendly and helpful. The site is at the top of a steep hill with epic views over the avocado farm and the San Bernardino Valley. The camping area is perfectly flat, and the propane campfire was a nice touch. We visited in August and it was very hot — still very warm at night, despite the breeze, and heating up quickly in the morning. The setting felt dramatic, perched high above the valley.

Savannah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

This land, this view, this campsite 10/10~! Shane was so sweet and welcoming and the property was super fun to explore seeing all the animals and how beautiful the surroundings were. It was perfectly private while not feeling too secluded. The sunrise was AMAZING!

k

kiirah

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

It was a wonderful site with great views of the valley! The host was quick and responsive to our requests. The honey was very good as well as the fire pit is a must! A great spot for the summer with shade and a few fans!

S

Sky

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

My husband and I had an amazing weekend staying here! The campsite truly has everything you need, it really felt like something out of a book. Gorgeous steps made out of tree stumps, lots of room to explore and sit, and the views morning and night were insane. Highly recommend staying during a full moon! Shane was also very helpful, was there to help within minutes any time we needed. Highly recommend !!

I

Ilya

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

Super cool spot up in the mountains . Gorgeous views, though relatively exposed to the sun so it gets warm quick. Very friendly host

M

Mario

July 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cottonwood Creek Camp

John was friendly and helpful with advice on spots, when we arrived. Will be honest, not quite what we expected when we arrived. However, once we settled in we discovered this place was comfortable and well situated for what we had planned. No frills here but worked well for us. Has more of a cozy neighborhood feel.