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The best dog-friendly camping in Central Coast

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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% (7.8K) 2,472 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Central Coast

Saddle Mountain Carmel

1. Saddle Mountain Carmel

92%
(708)
Carmel, CA · 52 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. Please note, all our sites are pet friendly, but there are additional fees and size limitations depending on the type of site. Please add to the reservation or message us. On site seasonally heated pool (Memorial Day weekend in May through October). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, ping pong table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!
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Full hookups
Camp Arroyo Grande

2. Camp Arroyo Grande

96%
(989)
Arroyo Grande, CA · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Enjoy 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the Village of Arroyo Grande where you will find restaurants, coffee, shopping, parks and Roosters. The property is home to many youth groups and local non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as an Event Center and Retreat Space. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, dinners, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, festivals and more since 1897. Community Events are likely to be taking place but follow quiet time guidelines. *pool is seasonal and subject to availability
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Felton Open Space Camp Sites

3. Felton Open Space Camp Sites

95%
(660)
Felton, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited up to 4 adults only. PET POLICY: Aggressive dogs, Pitbulls and pitbull mixes are not allowed. Rescue dogs that have issues with people or other dogs are not allowed. Children are welcome.
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Los Padres National Forest

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(462)
National forest in California · 762 sites
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
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Seacliff State Beach

5. Seacliff State Beach

100%
(7)
State park in California · 35 sites
Yeah, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is just up the coast, but you may not want to leave this sandy haven home to a WWI-era tanker.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley

6. Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley

95%
(129)
La Selva Beach, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Peaceful Valley Glamping Near the Beach & Redwoods Welcome to our peaceful slice of paradise—tucked away in a quiet valley just one street over from one of North America’s top-ranked KOAs and less than a mile from the beach (with a walking path to get you there!). Surrounded by state parks, beaches, and scenic trails, our property offers the perfect mix of convenience and serenity. The land is a mostly flat, open field bordered by a redwood tree line and adjacent to a national wildlife reserve. Neighboring properties have horses and sheep, giving the area a tranquil, rural charm. It truly is a hidden gem—and we're excited to now share it with campers after years of hosting only weddings and private events. Great destination if you want to be close to hikes in the redwoods, access to to some of the most beautiful beaches on the central coast and more. Great fishing along the beaches for striper and perch along with some great surf spots just a few minutes a way. 🏕 The Campsites: 4 available sites – book solo or with friends. Site can accommodate large groups but price set for up to 4 people. These sites are close. Equipped with a fire pit, string lights, bocce ball, horseshoes, and more PLEASE NOTE: Fire ban can come into effect at anytime w/o notice if there is windy weather making it dangerous. Well water available (for fire safety and non-potable uses) One clean, regularly serviced porta-potty Sites are primarily self-contained, so please come prepared 🐎 The Vibe: Our venue is occasionally used for weddings and events, and we can host up to 300 guests if you're looking for a retreat or celebration space. Tables, benches, bars, and decor are available for special bookings—reach out if you'd like to plan something big! 🏡 About Your Host: The host lives on-site but values privacy and keeps a low profile. You likely won’t run into them during your stay unless you need something. 🐾 Pet Policy: Friendly, well-behaved pets are welcome—just check with us first. We ask that you fully clean up after them and ensure they get along with other animals and guests. 🔇 Quiet Hours: Please respect quiet hours starting at 9 PM (Santa Cruz County noise ordinance begins at 10 PM). Be courteous to fellow campers and nearby residents.
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Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

7. Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

94%
(365)
Day Valley, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We created this space for everyone to enjoy.
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Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

8. Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

89%
(130)
Los Gatos, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
PLEASE READ FULLY AND COMPLETELY. Patchen Farm is a 6 acre, choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Since the farm is only open during the holiday season, in the off season you'll find a working farm (work being done, cars coming and going, etc.). THIS IS A NO FRILLS STAY. NO ATTENDANT ON SITE. NO NEED TO CHECK IN OR OUT. NO RESTROOM. Patchen is located only 10 mins from downtown Los Gatos in one direction and the Santa Cruz beach in the other direction. Perched at the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Patchen offers the scenic beauty of lush redwood forests and views of the surrounding area. There are several wonderful wineries within 5 miles and great hiking and biking trails. The one and only store in the mountains is the Summit Store and just 3 miles down Summit Road. They have plenty of the essentials plus an excellent deli, wine collection and coffee bar. NO CHECK IN OR CHECK OUT NECESSARY NO RESTROOM ON SITE NO ATTENDANT ON SITE WATER and POWER are marked with signs (EACH SERVICE IS $20 PER NIGHT) NO TRASH SHOULD BE LEFT AT THE PROPERTY Payment envelopes at red barn door or Venmo 408-605-1522 Zelle 408-605-1522 Water can be found near the giant wreath just inside entrance and on either end of the red barn. Power is 15 amp and can be found near the giant wreath just inside the entrance, mid-way up the parking lot on the in the wood chips and at the tiny red shack.
Potable water
Picnic table
Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

9. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

88%
(813)
Cambria, CA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enterGate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.
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Santa Margarita Lake

10. Santa Margarita Lake

100%
(9)
Park in California · 57 sites
Do a bit of hiking, fishing, or boat-in camping at this popular California lake.
Electrical hookup
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Limekiln State Park

11. Limekiln State Park

99%
(108)
State park in California · 28 sites
A perfect intro to Big Sur, Limekiln serves up peaceful walks, crashing surf, and scenic camping "from the Redwoods to the Sea."
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New Brighton State Beach

12. New Brighton State Beach

99%
(70)
State park in California · 110 sites
Wake up to stunning views of Monterey Bay in New Brighton, one of California's best beaches.
Electrical hookup
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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

13. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

100%
(2)
State park in California · 2 sites
Behold natural wonders aplenty in the Forest of Nisene Marks.
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Picnic table
Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

14. Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Buellton, CA · 333 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
With a s’more in your hand and a brand new friend at your side, you might not remember all the things that inspired you to visit Flying Flags in the first place. Like the fact that it’s surrounded by miles and miles of lush, Central Coast vineyards. Or the fact that it’s just down the road from an outrageously charming ostrich refuge. Or the fact that it’s on the edge of the village of Buellton—the home of split pea soup. Because when you’re at Flying Flags, you’ll see that these grounds create a village in themselves. Here, poolside cabanas keep families cool late into the afternoon. And expertly groomed bocce courts host brackets late into the evening. Front porches foster interactions between neighbors. And fire pits tend to spark a few stories among them too. Sure, the beauty of this place is more than enough to inspire you to come for a vacation. But the beauty of our community is what just might inspire you to come back. At Flying Flags, we’ve built our grounds to help you find fun around every corner. Our playground and splash zone bring kids and kids at heart together from all corners of the property. Our bocce ball courts host some seriously impressive brackets. And our pools see more cannonballs and Marco Polo calls than we can count. But we also know that all that fun can wear you out. So we offer some enticing relaxation stations too. Like poolside cabanas and loungers. Or gather around our fully furnished gas-powered fire pits. And be sure to check out the simply stunning watering hole at our sister property next door: Sideways Inn and Lounge. With our complimentary Wi-Fi, you can stay connected whenever you want to. And with our general store and laundry facilities, you can stock up and clean up whenever you need to. From supplying communal yard games to scheduling incredible food trucks, we go to great lengths to ensure that you don’t have to go anywhere at all.
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Elkhorn Ranch

15. Elkhorn Ranch

96%
(383)
CA · 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!
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Picnic table
Arber-Moore's Ranch

16. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(659)
Oak View, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Electrical hookup
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Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

17. Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

98%
(436)
Santa Margarita, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our ranch consists of 142 acres located at the top of East Cuesta Grade, elevation approximately 2100 ft. We are secluded and it feels like you're far away from city life yet San Luis Obispo is only a twenty minute drive away. We neighbor Los Padres National Forest which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. On our farm we have 10 sheep, 10 goats, 29 chickens, 2 pigs, 5 dogs and a cat. Interaction with farm animals is common place as most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)
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Water hookup
Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

18. Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

99%
(1250)
Gaviota, CA · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Howdy, campers, Welcome to our rustic resort. We look forward to hosting you. We place campers on a first come first serve bases. Larger groups and campers booking more than one night take priority. Feel free to ask any questions, we will get back to you ASAP. Answers to the most common questions below... Yes, we an outdoor shower at cactus flower beach (our version of a beach with cold dunk tubs, shade trees, day bed cabaña and lounge chairs for when it's hot.) Yes, you can use a propane camp stove or cook at our common area bbq in front of the barn where we light a real wood fire for campers to socialize with us, other campers and visit our speakeasy. Yes, we provide propane for the propane fire pits. Yes, your dog can run off-leash. Yes, each site has a picnic table, umbrella, propane fire pit. Most sites have a hammock and hammock stand. Please pack your trash out there is a dumpster at the front gate entrance/exit for your trash. You can support our farm by buying eggs, hats, stickers, and other items, all for sale in the barn. Sincerely, Sierra, Darin, and The Freedog Crew! By booking and agreeing to camp, you accept the waiver and release of liability, without a wet signature. The Entire Waiver can be found under the "Rules" section of our listing.
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The Hobbit Hideout

19. The Hobbit Hideout

96%
(336)
Watsonville, CA · 7 sites
This campground just got a major upgrade. This used to be called Feel Good Camp and now we dedicate it to the natural green building and clean living. There were many beautiful hands put their energies into each cobbin here and we built it with Love a lot of love and your comfort in mind! This property is best experienced by couples from Friday - Sunday and Familys during the week only. This allows for a fun environment for everyone and dedicated family time as well as quite time. We made our decision based on our love to create an inspiration for arts and creating beautiful buildings using materials that you can find around you such as pallets, clay, sands, straws, etc. Everything is made out of non toxic materials, we even made our own paint out of cooking flours! Being inside these cob buildings feels like being in the womb of Mother Earth: the scent, the calm, the grounding, etc. The woods come from one of our properties and we milled them ourselves. We upcycle almost everything: The tree barks, the branches, even the furnitures were secured from non-profit organizations. We'd like you to come to be inspired! One of the buildings is there as a demonstration site till its done and we'll have the cob builder to be there to show you around. Cob working party is held by a master cob builder. We made your Camping and Glamping experience easy. We provide clean showers, restrooms, toilet paper, paper towels, barbecue, fridge, freezer, popcorn kettles, , utensils, plates, bowls, mugs, coffee maker, pots and pans, cutleries, etc. Yes, there is hot water as well with no coins needed. The campground is located in a serene oak grove area of the property. Its a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional wild turkeys passing through. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. The amenities are: Outdoor kitchen, 2 fire pits, outdoor showers and bathrooms, electricity in each cobin, Board games, Yard Games, dog park and an outdoor library for little ones to grown ups. In Winter 2026 we'll add sauna and outdoor tubs for warm winter experience. Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there are wagons for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.
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Redwood Paradise Camping

20. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%
(321)
CA · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging
PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION: 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 (kids only), and hammocks. Our check in window is strict: 3-6pm. Only later check in is allowed if discussed previously with host. There is no 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). THERE IS A 2-3 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. 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 at the deck. -No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas). -Propane grills only: no open flames or campfires or charcoal. Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field