The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Carmel Valley Village, California

Planning a camping trip near Carmel Valley Village, California with your furry friends? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 600 pet-friendly options in the area, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to set up camp. Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Enney's Ranch (327 reviews) to see why they're so highly rated. Plus, with popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly areas, and toilets, and activities like wind sports, swimming, and historic sites, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $80 per night. So pack up your gear, grab your four-legged companions, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Carmel Valley Village!

94% (3.9K) • 237 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carmel Valley Village

Planning a camping trip near Carmel Valley Village, California with your furry friends? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 600 pet-friendly options in the area, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to set up camp. Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Enney's Ranch (327 reviews) to see why they're so highly rated. Plus, with popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly areas, and toilets, and activities like wind sports, swimming, and historic sites, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $80 per night. So pack up your gear, grab your four-legged companions, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Carmel Valley Village!

94% (3.9K) • 237 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carmel Valley Village

1. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%

(283)

45mi from Carmel Valley Village · 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!

2. Masoods Lodge

100%

(2)

48mi from Carmel Valley Village · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Masoods Lodge, located in the beautiful redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful spot to relax close to nature. The year-round ideal climate makes this charming, enchanted property the perfect weekend getaway. Enjoy peace and quiet with great views from furnished individual cottages surrounded by redwood trees and sparkling mountain stream providing a full nature experience. Sit out and enjoy the stars at night. This property offers an abundance of fern and wildflowers showcasing their natural beauty. Masoods lodge has a "log cabin feel", with a stylish flair, and features wood paneling, open beam ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. Imagine relaxing on your private deck, enjoying a BBQ with family and friends, surrounded by redwood trees, either in sunny summers or during cold winters. All large units – living room, bedroom, kitchen - that accommodate from two to four persons. All units come with a ﬁreplace and electric heat, and are completely equipped for your every need. Also included are spacious single rooms with morning coffee, a microwave oven, and a small refrigerator, with complete privacy. Planning a wedding, retreat, family reunion, or another special event? Masoods lodge can host your next event. The possibilities are endless. If you have an idea to host your next event and would like to utilize the lodge, we would love to help coordinate and host your event! The lodge is a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz beaches, a 45-minute drive from Silicon Valley, and a one-hour drive from San Francisco. There are many hiking trails, parks, and attractions close by.

3. Elkhorn Ranch

96%

(339)

22mi from Carmel Valley Village · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep. In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop. Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life. Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast. After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238 Thanks and hope to see you soon!

4. The Campground at Chez Serendip

43mi from Carmel Valley Village · 1 site · Tent, RV

Beneath mature oak trees and surrounded by towering redwoods, the Campground at Chez Serendip offers a peaceful, spacious place to land in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This flat, unpaved lot sits within a six-acre creative and land-stewarded sanctuary designed for campers who value quiet, nature, and room to breathe. The site accommodates up to 10 tents or up to 3 RVs, trailers, or fifth wheels (maximum length 30’). The ground is level with generous spacing between setups, making it ideal for groups traveling together or those seeking a private, uncrowded camping experience. Guests enjoy direct access to Glenwood Preserve and Redwood Glen hiking trails, with miles of forest paths just beyond the property. Despite the secluded feel, Chez Serendip is minutes from Highway 17 and downtown Scotts Valley, and only 15 minutes from Santa Cruz beaches. Hosts can also help coordinate optional beach picnic experiences for guests who want a simple, relaxed coastal day. Amenities & Utilities - Power hookups included - Water available for an additional fee - Septic dump access available (portable RV dump tank required; not provided) - On-site host Chez Serendip is an equestrian-friendly property and can accommodate travelers arriving with horses by prior arrangement. The land is home to a small herd, and equine experiences such as gentle encounters, groundwork, arena riding, or trail rides may be available depending on season and conditions. The property also features the Lotus Dome, a stunning 36-foot geodesic dome tucked into the redwoods. The Dome is available for hourly or daily rental (separately) and is ideal for movement, meditation, sound experiences, workshops, or creative practice. This is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly campground, assuming dogs are comfortable around other dogs, animals, and children. Dogs must remain on leash or a lead line at all times due to shared land use and resident animals. After booking, guests may explore a range of optional add-on experiences, including massage therapy, equine encounters, sound bowls in the Dome, guided creative sessions, and private meals in the garden. Chez Serendip is not just a place to camp. It’s a place to rest, create, and reconnect—with nature, creativity, and a slower rhythm beneath the redwoods.

5. Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

100%

(6)

39mi from Carmel Valley Village · 1 site · Tent, RV

This is a great place to get away and come camp here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a perfect location for tent camping or come park your trailer or Motorhome/Bus. We have great hiking in the near area and 5 miles away there is great mountain biking trails. A world renoun mountain bike spot with intermediate to experienced trails for riders of all levels. 5 miles down the road as well is buzzard lagoon and is a great Dirt biking/4-wheeling location. It is a fun spot for all off road inthusiast! Your camping site is on a flat plateu and is an ideal spot to park your trailer, motorhome or tent camp. With Complete privacy with views of the pacific ocean and South county's Monterey bay with a 180 degree view as well as San jose and Morgan Hill. For the wine inthusiast, Loma Prieta winery is 5.5 miles away along with Windy Oaks Winery that is 3.7 miles away that is located on the "Wine trail" that has alots of winerys to offer in a beautiful location. A Day of fun for the family at Gilroy Gardens that is 15.5 miles away. The beach is 30-40 minutes away with great surfing and body boarding up and down the coastline. We will see you soon!

from

$60

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Mike

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

Beautiful view at sunrise. Whether you come up from the Los Gatos or the Morgan Hill/Gilroy side, it will go off road but you just have to take it slow and the average car would do just fine. Great spot tho, perfect space for tent camping.

I

Ian

October 2025

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

Beautiful spot. Definitely off grid - the last 3ish miles of the road are pretty gnarly but we saw Priuses at the top and we were just fine in our 2wd camper.

S

Shari

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Elkhorn Ranch

This was my second time camping on Norris and Roberta’s land. They are both so welcoming, and I just love all their goats and sheep and chickens…and the new baby llama! My campsite was very private, making it easy for me to walk my dogs. This is my go-to HipCamp when I am in the area.

T

Tiansong

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Thanks Ruth and her family for offering us a great camping experience!

Sophia

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

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.

P

Patrick

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

This place was so much fun. Great people to hang out with and the animals are so friendly.

B

Beth

September 2025

13 ft Class C

With kids

2 nights at Elkhorn Ranch

Norris and Roberta were so welcoming and awesome. Our 6yr old LOVED all the animals and it was an easy trip into Moss Landing and Monterey!

J

Justin

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Norris and Roberta were the friendliest host. Our family had such a wonderful time at their site, exploring the farm. They welcomed us as if we were old friends and gave took our kids around to hang out with their animals, pick fresh fruits, and run around the property. Our kids loved their dogs too! Norris and Roberta took extra effort to make sure we were comfortable, which we greatly appreciated. The campsite we used was shaded and peaceful with plenty of space for a 6 person tent. Folding tables were available too. The communal fire-pit was nice with some mood string lighting around the area, and Norris/Roberta spent extra time making sure our kids were having fun. So grateful to them for opening up their home and hosting us!

K

Kristen

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Loved this place!! Will definitely be back :) the hosts were so friendly and welcoming too

A

Adeline

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

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!

S

Shefali

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

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!

C

Crystal

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Elkhorn Ranch HIP Camp is absolutely a hidden gem for families especially if kids are wild about animals. My children came home with stories about goats, lamas, sheep, cows, dogs, cats, and even the friendly farm dogs who take their sheep-protecting duties seriously (but only bark at night because those coyotes are out there somewhere, plotting a sheep heist!). During the day, those dogs were like gentle, furry tour guides, happy to let my kids snuggle and play. The children hit the jackpot when the owner's grandkids showed up. They roamed from hay to sunflower patch, chasing each other in farm freedom. The owner, a super helpful and kind Jamaican gentleman, even made us feel like part of the family. You can zip over to Moss Landing for some beach fun, and the apple farms in Watsonville or Salinas are just up the road, so picking fresh apples was the icing on our farm-fresh cake. We also took the Ottertunity to kayak in Elkhorn Slough to see the sea otters. Our only “complaint” (if you can call it one) was a little nighttime puppy concert. The dogs only bark when the sheep need guarding, and it felt reassuring, like farm security on furry paws. I was annoyed at first because I was tired. Then he stopped and I was mostly reassured that there were not coyotes around us. We’ll be back for more s’mores, sunflower selfies, and sheep serenades.

a

april

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Very nice host. Calm environment and fun for the kids.

Naomi

September 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Very welcoming hosts and spacious camping area. Has everything you need clean outhouse, warm water to wash dishes, and communal fire pit. The animals were friendly and fun to have around. Thanks Norris and Roberta!

A

Adam

September 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth and Marshall are amazing hosts! Very accommodating. They have created quite the camping experience that was perfect for my family. Great balance of being out in nature but having facilities and community activities nearby. The pool was pristine and such a relief for when it became hot in the afternoon. Daughter enjoyed the trampolines as well. We all took a nap on the hammocks. The live classical piano music with coffee on the deck was an unexpected but welcomed treat. We read and were prepared for the hike to campsite 5 with all of our belongings. It was made easier with a wagon we brought but they also provide a wheelbarrow. “Hiking in” is often a requirement to get into nature that we welcomed but there are closer campsites if you’re not up for that. The bugs are also a part of camping but we came prepared with spray etc. The stars at night were amazing and all the sounds of wildlife. One deer joined us briefly. Any store you need is just half an hour away for example when the camp stove I bought was defective and I needed to quick replace it. Overall we had the best time and hope to come back again!

D

Dalton

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Redwood Paradise Camping

The Host was super friendly and helpful and the area was super beautiful and amazing Forrest

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Redwood Paradise Camping

Incredible property and such welcoming hosts! We had a great time

C

Cheyenne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

We had an exceptional experience camping at Ruth’s place. From the rich aroma of morning Peruvian coffee to refreshing last-minute swims in the pristine pool, every detail was thoughtfully curated. Marshal’s eclectic and phenomenal piano repertoire was the perfect finishing touch to an already unforgettable stay. This is truly a special place, and we look forward to returning.

C

Corianne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

We love camping here! It was our second time and our kids can't wait to come back next year. We love all the animals, super friendly people, nice camp sites, camp fires and the location: perfect to explore Elkhorn slough and the coast.

G

Gabriel

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Absolutely incredible. Beautiful, stunning site with massive gorgeous redwoods as soon as you come in. Very amenable and kind host who made us delicisious Peruvian coffee in the morning! Beautiful sunset and views from deck on house open to guests at campsite, and super nice to have a pool available. Quiet sites with no loud talking/drinking etc. Definitely recommend for families, couples, or friends seeking a quiet and peaceful getaway with amenities. Only note is that there were a bit more bees/flies than one might typically expect camping at our site, which were slightly annoying getting into food, but that's nature and can't really be helped! (and might be a site specific thing, probably) Really wasn't a big deal, just beware in case you have a bee allergy.