- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea
95% (4.3K) • 310 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea
Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
1. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
94%
(293)
36mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.
The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community.
Adventure seekers will find paradise here! Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well! Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.
Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel.
Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here.
The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road. Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities. Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended. It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy.
Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers. Pets are allowed. Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation.
Don't forget your camera!
Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$75
/ night
Redwood Paradise Camping
2. Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
38mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
PLEASE READ:
Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks.
There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding.
THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5!
Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING:
This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area.
CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES
Pack out your trash.
Rinse feet before using the pool.
No pool toys or floaties.
Always supervise kids.
Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box.
Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours).
Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground.
No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required.
No eating in rooms or cabin.
Check out on the deck.
No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas).
Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires.
Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$105
/ night
Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
3. Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
99%
(39)
44mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 1 site
Blooming Echo is a very private, beautifully wooded and wild land. She has a few springs, seasonal creeks, huge trees and a big sunny meadow where we grow our corn. We have a dome for ceremonies and chilling, an outdoor kitchen, two compost toilets, many swings, a trampoline and a slack line. Lots of land to walk and explore, many many wild and native medicinal herbs. This property is totally off grid. You can track wild boar, deer, wild turkeys and mountain lions, and listen to hermit thrush sing in the morning, hawks call during the day and owls hoot at night.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from
$97
/ night
dabudage Big Sur
4. dabudage Big Sur
95%
(733)
47mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
⭐DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. 🌈🌊***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. ⭐
Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes a 15% cut.
Discounts and/or trades may be available if needed. You can visit our site on the web for more information at dabudage.
*We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site.
There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity.
There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers.
A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come.
Children are welcome.
Dogs are welcome off-leash.
Alcohol is discouraged.
No electronic music devices.
Fires in designated pits only.
Pack out trash.
TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from.
*YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED
Requests are usually checked once daily.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$90
/ night
The Little Poppy Cabin! 🌸
5. The Little Poppy Cabin! 🌸
11mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 1 site
Accessible from Carmel.
READ FULL DETAILS OF THE LISTING BEFORE BOOKING
Centrally located between Carmel and the Heart of Big Sur. On a paved road with quick and easy access to Hwy 1. Adorable little cabin in the redwoods, with upstairs lofted sleeping area (double bed), sleeps 2 people. Kitchen, stove, mini fridge, and private bath. The stairs are very steep to the loft, with an open railing upstairs. Please review pics before booking. Adults only.
The larger main cabin on the property is rented separately.
Our cabin is in the Santa Lucia mountains and immersed in nature. Please be aware that wildlife is a part of the rugged Big Sur Coast and mountains. Wildlife encounters are something that is not out of the ordinary. From raccoons, skunks, deer, mountain lions, bats, mice, spiders, snakes, and all types of birds. We have exceeded measures to keep occurrences to a minimum and have monthly pest control services. BUT can't guarantee you will not be met with wildlife. ANY ENCOUNTERS DURING YOUR STAY WILL NOT BE ISSUED A REFUND. If you do not feel comfortable with the paragraph, then please do not book our cabins. Recommendations in Big Sur are Ventana Inn, Post Ranch, or something in Carmel or Monterey.
1 Dog allowed, pre-approved by owner, and $70fee. No aggressive breeds.
Under 50 lbs. Must be leashed, picked up after, not allowed on furniture, or left alone. Not allowed in the lofted sleeping area, due to the stairs and open railings. Not safe for animals! If you have a hairy dog, please keep the hair swept and under control. It is not fair for our cleaners to do de-fur the cabin. We allow dogs as a wonderful courtesy and don't want them abused.
There is NO cell reception in our area due to the mountain range. You lose reception once you leave Carmel and head south, or leave Big Sur and travel north to the property.
WIFI is available but can be intermittent due to the rural location. Text and wifi available, no cell reception, once logged into our internet. INTERNET IS NOT GUARANTEED DURING YOUR STAY.
At the beginning of our road, it has a "road closed" sign. You CAN get to our cabin. Our road is residential and a dead end. So there is no need to go past our cabin. All hiking and sightseeing is along Hwy 1.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$259
/ night
95% (4.3K) • 310 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea
Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
1. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
94%
(293)
36mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.
The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community.
Adventure seekers will find paradise here! Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well! Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.
Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel.
Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here.
The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road. Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities. Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended. It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy.
Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers. Pets are allowed. Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation.
Don't forget your camera!
Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$75
/ night
Redwood Paradise Camping
2. Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
38mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
PLEASE READ:
Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks.
There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding.
THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5!
Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING:
This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area.
CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES
Pack out your trash.
Rinse feet before using the pool.
No pool toys or floaties.
Always supervise kids.
Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box.
Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours).
Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground.
No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required.
No eating in rooms or cabin.
Check out on the deck.
No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas).
Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires.
Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$105
/ night
Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
3. Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
99%
(39)
44mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 1 site
Blooming Echo is a very private, beautifully wooded and wild land. She has a few springs, seasonal creeks, huge trees and a big sunny meadow where we grow our corn. We have a dome for ceremonies and chilling, an outdoor kitchen, two compost toilets, many swings, a trampoline and a slack line. Lots of land to walk and explore, many many wild and native medicinal herbs. This property is totally off grid. You can track wild boar, deer, wild turkeys and mountain lions, and listen to hermit thrush sing in the morning, hawks call during the day and owls hoot at night.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from
$97
/ night
dabudage Big Sur
4. dabudage Big Sur
95%
(733)
47mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
⭐DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. 🌈🌊***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. ⭐
Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes a 15% cut.
Discounts and/or trades may be available if needed. You can visit our site on the web for more information at dabudage.
*We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site.
There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity.
There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers.
A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come.
Children are welcome.
Dogs are welcome off-leash.
Alcohol is discouraged.
No electronic music devices.
Fires in designated pits only.
Pack out trash.
TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from.
*YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED
Requests are usually checked once daily.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$90
/ night
The Little Poppy Cabin! 🌸
5. The Little Poppy Cabin! 🌸
11mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 1 site
Accessible from Carmel.
READ FULL DETAILS OF THE LISTING BEFORE BOOKING
Centrally located between Carmel and the Heart of Big Sur. On a paved road with quick and easy access to Hwy 1. Adorable little cabin in the redwoods, with upstairs lofted sleeping area (double bed), sleeps 2 people. Kitchen, stove, mini fridge, and private bath. The stairs are very steep to the loft, with an open railing upstairs. Please review pics before booking. Adults only.
The larger main cabin on the property is rented separately.
Our cabin is in the Santa Lucia mountains and immersed in nature. Please be aware that wildlife is a part of the rugged Big Sur Coast and mountains. Wildlife encounters are something that is not out of the ordinary. From raccoons, skunks, deer, mountain lions, bats, mice, spiders, snakes, and all types of birds. We have exceeded measures to keep occurrences to a minimum and have monthly pest control services. BUT can't guarantee you will not be met with wildlife. ANY ENCOUNTERS DURING YOUR STAY WILL NOT BE ISSUED A REFUND. If you do not feel comfortable with the paragraph, then please do not book our cabins. Recommendations in Big Sur are Ventana Inn, Post Ranch, or something in Carmel or Monterey.
1 Dog allowed, pre-approved by owner, and $70fee. No aggressive breeds.
Under 50 lbs. Must be leashed, picked up after, not allowed on furniture, or left alone. Not allowed in the lofted sleeping area, due to the stairs and open railings. Not safe for animals! If you have a hairy dog, please keep the hair swept and under control. It is not fair for our cleaners to do de-fur the cabin. We allow dogs as a wonderful courtesy and don't want them abused.
There is NO cell reception in our area due to the mountain range. You lose reception once you leave Carmel and head south, or leave Big Sur and travel north to the property.
WIFI is available but can be intermittent due to the rural location. Text and wifi available, no cell reception, once logged into our internet. INTERNET IS NOT GUARANTEED DURING YOUR STAY.
At the beginning of our road, it has a "road closed" sign. You CAN get to our cabin. Our road is residential and a dead end. So there is no need to go past our cabin. All hiking and sightseeing is along Hwy 1.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$259
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Juliette
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur
Great property! I enjoyed using the kitchen, walking along the creek, and seeing the chickens. The redwood room itself is in good condition and was cozy for a night stay. A great view of the water as well.
See more
C
Carina
2 weeks ago
Tent
We stayed here in a camper van in February for two nights, and it was such a lovely stay. The property feels so welcoming and eclectic, with easy to use amenities, a beautiful riverfront area, and just a short walk to the beach. We could hear the rush of the river each night. More folks seemed to be tent camping, but as it wasn't super busy, the host showed us a great private location for our campervan that we loved. The property itself is in an ideal location from other landmark spots on Big Sur; close to bigger beaches, hikes, and day spots. We will absolutely come back here!
See more
Benny
2 weeks ago
Tent
This is an awesome spot to camp. Great amenities, amazing views, would absolutely recommend!
See more
Savannah
3 weeks ago
With pets
we absolutely loved this campsite. we stayed at redwood cabin on the top of the hill. from the most low-key and private “glamping” we could have hoped for booking last minute- and couldn’t find anywhere else. you wake up to see the ocean, to hawks and a beautiful breeze. the fire pit and kitchen were everything we needed. the property is quaint and intentional.
we got in at night so the detailed instructions were much appreciated. brought our dog and she loved it. gene and his son umi were good company. we will be back!
See moreN
Nancy
February 2026
Tent
With pets
The camping site we picked was right by the river. I didn’t realize that you just show up and find a spot to camp, but luckily for us there was someone that let us know. We didn’t explore the camping grounds but we used the little trail to walk down to the beach and watch the sunset.
The camping site had a lot of overgrown grass/weeds but regardless it was a very pleasant stay. I would recommend and come back!
See moreA
Anthony
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Enjoyed my quick stay! The property has a few locations to park camper vans and I found a great spot by one of the bonfire pits nearby the creek. Will definitely return!
See moreC
Chloe
January 2026
Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur
Redwood Gazebo was awesome. A bit of a trek up to the room but 100% worth it.
See more
Birender
December 2025
Tent
With kids
I went there on a weekend for just one night. The next day i had a dream about this site and i was running and chasing my toddler son. This is an amazing campsite. I will definitely come again.
See moreR
RAJASHREE
November 2025
Tent
I loved camping at Gene's land , highly recommend it. Great host and beautiful location close to the beach.
See more
C
Cath
November 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed our stay here! The campsite is spacious, private, and wonderfully quiet — exactly what we were looking for. Our anxious dog actually slept better here than at any other campsite we’ve been to, which says a lot. He didn’t wake up every few minutes to check the surroundings; he was completely at peace.
A couple of things to note: the kitchen area could use a bit of attention. Also, make sure to arrive before dark. The driveway is very steep, but my 2WD was able to make it with careful driving.
Overall, a beautiful and peaceful spot, and we would definitely come back!
See more
H
Hayley
November 2025
Tent
We had an incredible few days on Gene’s land. A few highlights include a lovely outdoor kitchen, easy creek access and a nice grassy area for our tent.
See more
C
Chase
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
We really love the idea that this space was in a lot of nature, but also had just enough amenities to keep our big group from having to work too hard on our relaxing weekend away
See more
T
Tiansong
October 2025
Tent
Thanks Ruth and her family for offering us a great camping experience!
See more
Sophia
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Ruth and Marshall were both great hosts! They were responsive to messages prior to arrival and were friendly and accommodating during our visit. When booking, I wondered if the pool would be visible from our campsite, but I was glad to find that it was very nice and private (a bit removed from the common areas and surrounded by trees). We loved the zipline and hammocks.
See moreG
Gary
October 2025
Tent
Great location on North Hwy 1/Big Sur with a running creek 'soundtrack' in a great location especially when finding availability at the big (State or Nationals) Parks are sold out.
See moreM
Matthew
September 2025
B
Bo
September 2025
1 night at dabudage Big Sur
My partner and I loved the redwood gazebo at Gene’s camp site. The view from the site is gorgeous. Gene is responsive and friendly. I would love to go back when possible - also highly recommend it to anyone looking for a calm and therapeutic experience.
See more
A
Adeline
September 2025
Tent
What a lovely camp site! We were in the Redwood Paradise Campsite #1 (not by the pool) and it was amazing. Secluded and right in the lush redwoods. Definitely a bit of a hike from the car camping so wouldn’t recommend for anyone unable to trek their gear to their site, but it was worth it for the lovely spot. Ruth & Marshall were so welcoming and kind, serving delicious coffee every morning and Marshall played beautiful piano which was a nice touch. The pool is not heated but we didn’t mind it was a nice cold plunge at the end of a hot sweaty day. Shower and flushing toilet was nice to have; don’t expect anything extravagant but it was just fine for the weekend - much nicer than state park bathrooms/showers. Overall would 100% recommend and return!
See more
K
Kelly
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great location along the creek with easy access to beach! Quirky, unique spot that offers several campsites tucked along the creek and hillside. It’s first come, first serve, so recommend getting there early to scope out the best spot and get a parking spot. Kitchen and water available around property, although we brought our own stuff so didn’t use it. Fire pits are around but not at each site. Overall, we enjoyed our time and would come back!
Couple things to note:
- LOTS of dogs off leash, which is awesome, but if you don’t enjoy dogs or are looking for a pristine campground, this may not be your spot.
- It’s unclear where to go when you arrive. We just walked up toward a group of structures and a woman who lives there came out and briefly explained we could basically just find any spot. There was no check-in so I’m not even sure how they account for people being there. Definitely follow their instruction to be there before dark as you’ll struggle to find where to go.
- Some spots are up the hillside so if you have a lot of stuff, just be prepared for some exercise!
- Very kid-friendly and it seems several kids live there. That said, they are out and about being kiddos throughout the day and into the evening so you’ll hear them!
- Lots of raccoons! Make sure all your food is secure and trash put away before bed!
Have fun!!
See more
S
Shefali
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful site! Drive down is relaxing and the peace and quiet is something you can’t beat! There is an enjoyable common area with very nicely placed hammocks that allow you to observe the redwoods and enjoy what they offer! Would recommend this spot!
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