The best dog-friendly campgrounds in Central Coast

On California’s Central Coast, you’ll find over 1,180 pet-friendly campsites where dogs aren’t just allowed—they’re part of the adventure. Expect options from $25 a night, with the average site running $77. Hike coastal bluffs, spot deer at sunrise, or saddle up for horseback rides. Most sites have showers and toilets, so you won’t need to rough it. Standouts like Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch (857 reviews), Camp Arroyo Grande (674 reviews), and SLO Country Camp (670 reviews) make it easy to explore the region with your pup. Bring a leash, pack extra water, and don’t forget waste bags—these trails and beaches stay inviting because campers keep them clean. The Central Coast isn’t just pet-friendly; it’s set up for you and your dog to roam.

94% (7.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Central Coast

On California’s Central Coast, you’ll find over 1,180 pet-friendly campsites where dogs aren’t just allowed—they’re part of the adventure. Expect options from $25 a night, with the average site running $77. Hike coastal bluffs, spot deer at sunrise, or saddle up for horseback rides. Most sites have showers and toilets, so you won’t need to rough it. Standouts like Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch (857 reviews), Camp Arroyo Grande (674 reviews), and SLO Country Camp (670 reviews) make it easy to explore the region with your pup. Bring a leash, pack extra water, and don’t forget waste bags—these trails and beaches stay inviting because campers keep them clean. The Central Coast isn’t just pet-friendly; it’s set up for you and your dog to roam.

94% (7.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Central Coast

1. Harmony's Glamping

95%

(347)

11 sites · Lodging · Santa Barbara, CA

Nestled along a spring fed creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen (stove and sink ) please bring pots/ pans and all necessary cooking supplies, and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. We provide a list of things to explore off-site, but our on-site amenities include things like disc golf, corn hole, ping pong, puzzles in the yurts, books, and more! We do require a liability waiver to be signed, and by booking, you are agreeing to and signing to the waiver. We will also send you a waiver via your welcome message. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping

2. Rancho de Granville

92%

(87)

6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA

Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.

3. Prospector Ranch

100%

(45)

5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Thousand Oaks, CA

Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. We purchased the ranch 8 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!

4. The Ganja Getaway

1 site · Lodging · Callender, CA

Two-bedroom cottage with kitchen and bathroom. WE CATER TO THE 420-FRIENDLY CROWD! Take a trip back in time and experience a 1970s-style California cannabis farm! Chill out, play some old-school vinyl records, and enjoy that sweet, sweet California ganja. This was a medical cannabis farm prior to legalization. A blast from the past—the halcyon days of analog music, groovy style, and rock-and-roll rebellion. Cool vibes and free, beautiful human beings. This is an off-grid antique farmhouse. Unplug from the Matrix and come live real life! This is a family farm that has been in our family for five generations. No smoking tobacco in the house—ganja is okay inside. There is a deck with a large umbrella, table, and chairs. It has an ashtray and you can smoke cigarettes or tobacco there. We are 420 friendly… very 420 friendly. The gardens, back field, and grape arbor are available for guests to enjoy. Our well supplies all the water to the property. The driveway is not paved. The farm is about a century old. I remodeled the inside of the cottage in 2019. It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable, clean, and peaceful. We’re 10 minutes or less from pretty much everything. We were a medicinal cannabis farm during the medical era, and after legalization we decided to offer 420-friendly hospitality to tourists enjoying the Central Coast. My place isn’t for everyone, but if it sounds good to you, then you’re our kind of people—free, beautiful human beings! This is a place where you can relax and be yourself. Come visit and enjoy! Bring positive vibes and leave your troubles at the gate. NOTE: This is an antique farmhouse built around 1934. It is still mostly off-grid (there is electricity and Wi-Fi).

5. Leap Lab Farm

100%

(52)

1 site · Tent, RV · Santa Paula, CA

15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into, as well as a hookup for water. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Public campgrounds in and near Central Coast

92%

(60)

Oceano Campground

74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pismo Beach State Beach

100%

(1)

Oceano

1 site · in Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

95%

(37)

North Beach Campground

174 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pismo Beach State Beach

Hi Mountain Campground

11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(9)

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Margarita Lake

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

hugh

November 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

This place is epic, super quiet at night with great views over the valley.

l

ly

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Catherine was such a wonderful host. She made sure we were comfortable and let our kids explore her ranch. Our kids loved the horses. It was really quiet at night. We will come back.

Scott

October 2025

17 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Great Place! Very interesting dinosaur exhibit on the grounds. The campsites are spacious and well-maintained — perfect for groups. I was lucky enough to get the highest site, which offered incredible views of the valley and city lights at night. The host was very accommodating, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I’ll definitely be back!

C

Clayton

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

This was an awesome, secluded but easy to get to camp site. 10/10

Christina

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

We had such a great stay at Harmony’s Glamping! It’s incredible that you can feel completely tucked away in nature while being just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The property is beautiful — surrounded by trees, with a creek running alongside the sites — and the yurts (we stayed in the Luxury Yurt + Creekside Fairy Dome) struck a perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Harmony was an excellent host and made sure we felt well-prepared before arriving, especially with helpful notes about the drive in and things to bring. Definitely make sure you bring pots/pan and foil for cooking, and headlamps for light. Harmony had alot of the other essentials there for us such was, silverware, soap, sponge, shampoo, lighter, instant coffee, and paper towels. This spot is ideal for anyone looking for an easy, nature-filled getaway without going too far off the grid. We left feeling refreshed and already talking about when we could come back!

J

Jennifer

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

I can’t say enough about our time at the creekside fairy dome! It was a magical location, Harmony was an amazing host and the hike to the waterfall was unforgettable! Loved it and will definitely be going back! 💕

K

Kenny

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Great camp site on a bluff overlooking Santa Paula. Quiet with no neighboring sites. Our kids had an amazing learning opportunity with the hosts and even got to pick out dinosaur bones to take home! Would come back often

T

Toby

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Beautiful property with wonderful hosts! Adorable goats and cool dinosaur bones! Super excited to see where Leap Lab goes next

S

Shaun

October 2025

3 nights at Harmony's Glamping

Harmony was very accommodating and even allowed for an upgrade to a different site. The drive down to the site is a little sketchy, but well worth it. We had the entire site to ourselves and was one of our best experiences camping/glamping ever. The dip in the water was refreshing and the nights were peaceful. We didn’t make it to the waterfall because of small dogs, but it didn’t bring our experience down. The ping pong and freezbie golf was a high light as well.

Isabella

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

We enjoyed our stay at Harmony's Glamping. Harmony was very responsive online whenever I had questions and she was warm and friendly in person. The site at the Luxury Yurt was very attractive and the kitchen had everything we expected. The Yurt itself was very comfortable, pretty, and well-furnished. We enjoyed showering outside on the hill. Though the site had enough visual privacy, there was a lot of noise from the other sites. I imagine this could vary a lot depending on the other guests. The hike to the waterfall is short and the creek crossings and boulder hopping make it pretty fun. It's easier on the way back to see which way you're supposed to go. The waterfall and swimming hole is very nice and worth spending the whole day at. The drive down into the camp is very bumpy with sharp turns - a few spots would be tricky in a car with low clearance. The one downside about the camp for me (besides noise from the other sites) was the port-a-potties, which are obviously never a pleasant experience. These ones are at least kept clean, but a compost toilet or fancy port-a-potty with a flush toilet bowl would have been much nicer.

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Leap Lab Farm

We had a great stay in the dome! Very easy, clear instructions, and a friendly welcome from the owners and dogs. Would have liked to have a picnic table as was shown in some of the pictures. Very private space which we enjoyed, and an easy 25 minute commute to the harbor to take the boat over to the Channel Islands!

E

Erin

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

Loved this place! I would definitely go back. You can really tell how much the hosts care about taking care of the environment and making it a wonderful place for people to experience. 10/10

B

Brad

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

My wife and I had an amazing time at Harmony's. It was so peaceful, relaxing and fun. Our area was clean and equipped with nice touches that made the stay more enjoyable. Our site felt very private and the community area was fun to hang out in and play games or just relax.

L

Lauren

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

Gosh, this is such a serene and lovely place. The location-- along a running creek with steelhead trout, lush trees and ample swimming holes-- feels magical given it's set in the midst of a much dryer and arid landscape. I will certainly return.

C

Catherine

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping

Was a truly magical spot. You could tell Harmony has really put a lot of thought into the spaces she’s created for guests. It was a great place to unplug and will definitely go again!

Daniel

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Has a really nice time camping at The Ford. The site is large and has lots of shaded, usable space. Tons of greenery and birds. It is close to a road and cars can be loud at night. Bring white noise or earplugs. The chickens were really fun to have nearby, and the frogs and crickets go crazy at night. Bugs are present, but not aggressive. Had a really nice stay.

J

Judith

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Super cool dome structures at each site made this Hipcamp extra special! Anna was accommodating of my request for an extra car and a quick communicator. I would love to come back to the land!

Loretta

August 2025

1 night at Harmony's Glamping

We absolutely LOVED our experience here! The road down is an adventure in itself and we couldn't believe the oasis that is Harmony's land! The hermit dome was so cute and cozy! Watching the stars as we fell asleep and waking up to birds chirping was such a relaxing experience. The hike to the waterfall is a must do and a fun challenge. Make sure you are good at identifying poison oak! They graciously have poison oak wash at the site which was so appreciated. Will def be back!

Loretta

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Harmony's Glamping

This is one of the coolest and most special camping spots we have ever stayed at! It’s the perfect combo of adventure and gorgeous nature with some really nice and thoughtful amenities! The flowing water is so refreshing and the group area has so many little gems and activities. We did the hike to the waterfall and it was a challenge with some risk and poison oak but the perfect adventure to really feel accomplished by the time you get to the stunning waterfall! We will be back for sure! Highly recommend!

M

Miriam

August 2025

2 nights at Harmony's Glamping

We stayed in the yurt and we absolutely loved it! The campground itself had plenty of things to do for all ages. The waterfall trail is a must! Harmony and her boyfriend were super helpful and even sent us a recommended packing list. This along with the maps, pdf guide & equipped campsite made the trip so much more easy to plan and relaxing. We booked during the week, lucked out and got to enjoy the entire campsite to ourselves! We will definitely be coming back but with friends this time. Thank you Harmony & team for this amazing campground!