- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping near Jackson
97% (11.5K) • 520 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Jackson
Dog Woods
1. Dog Woods
94%
(99)
25mi from Jackson · 1 site
Come enjoy the fresh air and quiet at this relaxing and serene 3bd/1.5 bath 1968 groovy A-frame cabin. Great WIFI! Located on 1.5 wooded acres, the backyard is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The cabin has a huge redwood deck surrounded by blooming Dogwoods during the springtime. Our year-round Moran Creek runs on the edge of the property. IAll wood inside: tongue-in-groove pine ceilings and walnut paneling, large wood-burning stove which has three flat places to cook. We offer a fully stocked kitchen with vintage pink and white formica counters and breakfast bar which seats four. Dining on resin-topped circular table made by designer of first chair-lift in Squaw Valley. Gigantic redwood wrap-around deck set up with comfy furniture, table and chairs to enjoy the bliss of Big Trees-Calaveras State Park. On the main floor there are two bedrooms: both with queen beds, a full bath with large bathtub/shower; in loft: one queen and one twin, and a 1/2 bath. Extra airbeds are located in the closet. Sofa is down filled. Retro decor with orange glass lamps, kilim rugs and down comforters on all beds. Vintage electric keyboard and full stereo system. Can sleep 7-8. You can enjoy weekend dinners at Snowflake lodge or make use of the
full kitchen or gas barbecue at the cabin. 35" to Bear Valley Ski Area, downhill or cross country, Lake Alpine in Summer. 20" to wine tasting in 1850's historic Murphys. So much to do or not!
Overlook Trail is 1/2 mile from the cabin.
Cabin has access to Snowflake Lodge (weekend dinners), Recreation area (swimming, tennis, basketball, ping-pong, beach volleyball) and Fly-In Lake for lake-swimming.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$225
/ night
Jason R.’s Land
2. Jason R.’s Land
94%
(51)
29mi from Jackson · 1 site · Tent, RV
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Squirrel Rock RV Campground
3. Squirrel Rock RV Campground
100%
(174)
30mi from Jackson · 2 sites
Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines".
There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS
NO LONG TERM STAYS.
Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP
NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE.
Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins.
Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions.
Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor.
Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area.
Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza.
Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$65
/ night
LDMA Italian Bar
4. LDMA Italian Bar
93%
(21)
30mi from Jackson · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
The Lost Dutchman Italian Bar Camp is a 160 acres of Priviately Owned Patented Mining land and our priviate campground located in the Stanislaus National Forest and on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which runs through the camp.
Camping is available on both side of the river making the Italian Bar camp a destination for campers since we rebuilt the camp from the ground up in the late 1970’s.
Whether you want to relax in your campsite listening to the river, dip your toes in the cool waters or try your hand at panning for gold, I-Bar offers all of this and more. There are miles of hiking opportunities around the camp as well, from short river hikes to Trailblazing like the Miners of old. We are betting that you can find the types of hiking you are looking for.
You camping includes access to the Bathhouse with commodes and showers. And yes there is even hot water.
Little History:
The property was discovered and first settled around 1849 as a gold rush mining camp. At one time over 3,000 people lived here and mined for gold. When the gold rush came to an end so did Italian Bar. Until over a hundred years later, In 1976 when our founder fell in love with this remote property and purchased the land and we began rebuilding the I-Bar camp from the ground up and opened it to our members. It didn't hurt that somewhere close by Our founder found a 800oz pocket of gold. Even today, Prospecting for gold is encouraged!
If you want to try your hand at “Gettin on some of the shiny” let the Caretakers know! We have a few gold pans we loan out that are just waiting for some color to make you smile.
Of course we have pans for sale.
If you’re an avid outdoors person, carrying a gold pan with you just makes sense.
Big Trees State Park: 1 1/2 hour drive
Yosemite National Park: 2 hour drive
*We are located approximately 7.5 miles from Columbia State Historic Park. Italian Bar road turns into gravel 5 miles from the park. The camp is 3.5 miles from the start of the gravel.*
Please call (209) 213-1485 for any questions
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$60
/ night
Joyful Heart
5. Joyful Heart
99%
(69)
32mi from Jackson · 1 site
When we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we found this cozy, little spot on the property and we set up a campsite for friends and family.
People loved the space so much that we decided to build this cozy cabin and host other guests as well...
The hot tub can be filled with fresh water and be heated by wood and/or be filled using the on demand hot water heater.
The private outdoor shower is in a beautiful garden setting.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$95
/ night
97% (11.5K) • 520 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Jackson
Dog Woods
1. Dog Woods
94%
(99)
25mi from Jackson · 1 site
Come enjoy the fresh air and quiet at this relaxing and serene 3bd/1.5 bath 1968 groovy A-frame cabin. Great WIFI! Located on 1.5 wooded acres, the backyard is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The cabin has a huge redwood deck surrounded by blooming Dogwoods during the springtime. Our year-round Moran Creek runs on the edge of the property. IAll wood inside: tongue-in-groove pine ceilings and walnut paneling, large wood-burning stove which has three flat places to cook. We offer a fully stocked kitchen with vintage pink and white formica counters and breakfast bar which seats four. Dining on resin-topped circular table made by designer of first chair-lift in Squaw Valley. Gigantic redwood wrap-around deck set up with comfy furniture, table and chairs to enjoy the bliss of Big Trees-Calaveras State Park. On the main floor there are two bedrooms: both with queen beds, a full bath with large bathtub/shower; in loft: one queen and one twin, and a 1/2 bath. Extra airbeds are located in the closet. Sofa is down filled. Retro decor with orange glass lamps, kilim rugs and down comforters on all beds. Vintage electric keyboard and full stereo system. Can sleep 7-8. You can enjoy weekend dinners at Snowflake lodge or make use of the
full kitchen or gas barbecue at the cabin. 35" to Bear Valley Ski Area, downhill or cross country, Lake Alpine in Summer. 20" to wine tasting in 1850's historic Murphys. So much to do or not!
Overlook Trail is 1/2 mile from the cabin.
Cabin has access to Snowflake Lodge (weekend dinners), Recreation area (swimming, tennis, basketball, ping-pong, beach volleyball) and Fly-In Lake for lake-swimming.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$225
/ night
Jason R.’s Land
2. Jason R.’s Land
94%
(51)
29mi from Jackson · 1 site · Tent, RV
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Squirrel Rock RV Campground
3. Squirrel Rock RV Campground
100%
(174)
30mi from Jackson · 2 sites
Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines".
There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS
NO LONG TERM STAYS.
Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP
NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE.
Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins.
Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions.
Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor.
Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area.
Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza.
Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$65
/ night
LDMA Italian Bar
4. LDMA Italian Bar
93%
(21)
30mi from Jackson · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
The Lost Dutchman Italian Bar Camp is a 160 acres of Priviately Owned Patented Mining land and our priviate campground located in the Stanislaus National Forest and on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which runs through the camp.
Camping is available on both side of the river making the Italian Bar camp a destination for campers since we rebuilt the camp from the ground up in the late 1970’s.
Whether you want to relax in your campsite listening to the river, dip your toes in the cool waters or try your hand at panning for gold, I-Bar offers all of this and more. There are miles of hiking opportunities around the camp as well, from short river hikes to Trailblazing like the Miners of old. We are betting that you can find the types of hiking you are looking for.
You camping includes access to the Bathhouse with commodes and showers. And yes there is even hot water.
Little History:
The property was discovered and first settled around 1849 as a gold rush mining camp. At one time over 3,000 people lived here and mined for gold. When the gold rush came to an end so did Italian Bar. Until over a hundred years later, In 1976 when our founder fell in love with this remote property and purchased the land and we began rebuilding the I-Bar camp from the ground up and opened it to our members. It didn't hurt that somewhere close by Our founder found a 800oz pocket of gold. Even today, Prospecting for gold is encouraged!
If you want to try your hand at “Gettin on some of the shiny” let the Caretakers know! We have a few gold pans we loan out that are just waiting for some color to make you smile.
Of course we have pans for sale.
If you’re an avid outdoors person, carrying a gold pan with you just makes sense.
Big Trees State Park: 1 1/2 hour drive
Yosemite National Park: 2 hour drive
*We are located approximately 7.5 miles from Columbia State Historic Park. Italian Bar road turns into gravel 5 miles from the park. The camp is 3.5 miles from the start of the gravel.*
Please call (209) 213-1485 for any questions
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$60
/ night
Joyful Heart
5. Joyful Heart
99%
(69)
32mi from Jackson · 1 site
When we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we found this cozy, little spot on the property and we set up a campsite for friends and family.
People loved the space so much that we decided to build this cozy cabin and host other guests as well...
The hot tub can be filled with fresh water and be heated by wood and/or be filled using the on demand hot water heater.
The private outdoor shower is in a beautiful garden setting.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$95
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Elizabeth
January 2026
16 ft car
This was our third time here and we loved every second of it! As usual, Emily went above and beyond to make us have the best stay possible! We even got there late to check in and she helped us get settled in the dark. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a getaway by the river. Thank you so much Emily, as always! We will be back soon 😊
See more
J
Jenny
January 2026
With pets
Malaina was a super responsive, thoughtful and accommodating host! Absolutely a delight.
I've never slept in a more comfortable bed! The heater kept the space warm and cozy. The plush bathrobes and towels were a nice touch.
Just a shame we couldn't enjoy the property fully on our first day NYE (no fault of Malaina obviously). The heavy rain made it a pain to walk to the outhouse, use the kitchen area and sit by the fire pit. New Year's Day was perfect though and we welcomed the New Year with a nice, relaxing soak.
It is the perfect place to unwind, reflect, do minimal things (I did start to get a little stir crazy with the rain pounding on our roof). I'd recommend lots of reading materials, a lantern (one was provided) and more candles.
See more
A
Artur
December 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
What an amazing spot. Had everything we needed and was extremely clean. Lot's of things to do around town. Highly recommended.
See more
N
Nichol
December 2025
With pets
Malaina was a great host, respected our privacy and wow both my boyfriend and I were significantly impressed with the hot tub. Cool area to explore, malaina recommended a hike that gave a beautiful view of Lake New Malones. The bed was a comfy and there was a gate we could close off our space with for optimal privacy/comfort for puppy off leash. Thanks for a great adventure!
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K
Kenneth
December 2025
29 ft Class A
With pets
Best campground in Gold Country.
We always stay here when visit this area of California.
See moreM
Michael
December 2025
33 ft travel trailer
With pets
Our stay at Squirrel Rock was absolutely fantastic. Julie was super nice and gave us the perfect balance of attention and privacy. The campground is beautiful and so well maintained plus there are lots of things to see in the Columbia area. We will definitely be coming back and recommend Squirrel Rock to everyone else looking for a quiet getaway in the gold country.
See moreG
Gwendal
November 2025
25 ft Class C
With kids
Beautiful camp, extremely well maintained. Our 2 families had a great time and the kids loved climbing the rocks!
Walking distance to Columbia state park as well!
Highly recommend
See more
M
Megan
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Joyful Heart
Malaina’s space was magical and Malaina was a fantastic, attentive host. We arrived a bit late and Malaina had started a fire and heated up the cabin for our arrival. The hot tub was a fun touch, the instant hot water was great, and we loved the outdoor shower! Perfect spot for a romantic, private getaway with spectacular stargazing and waking up to the birds singing.
See moreD
Dennis
November 2025
25 ft travel trailer
Everything was awesome, only I forgot my water hose and Julie called and let me know. I picked it up the next time I was in the area.
See moreB
Brian
October 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
This spot is an absolute gem! It’s so nicely appointed and private. Perfect spot as a home base to explore gold country! We will absolutely be back!
See more
J
Jean
October 2025
30 ft Class C
This is by far the best place we have stayed on hipcamp. Beautiful, peaceful, private and easy to get to. We had a wonderful time with our dogs and will definitely be back!
See moreM
Mary
October 2025
3 nights at Joyful Heart
There was everything to love and appreciate about this Jamestown getaway. I felt so close to nature, so relaxed, and so taken by the bird chorus surrounding me. Truly special. And the host, Malaina, was amazing: gracious, kind, caring.
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R
Roger
October 2025
31 ft Class C
With pets
This was our second stay at Squirrel Rock and we love it. Quiet, clean, easily accessible and very well appointed. Easy walking distance to town is also great for us because once we set up the RV that’s where it stays till we leave. We look forward to coming back soon!
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M
Maxwell
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Excellent space! Jason was very responsive and helpful
See more
T
Tarianna
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Perfect space for family camping trip. Water, electricity, and wifi available 🤩 Jason, our host, was very accommodating and answered any questions we had. This spot is also close to a really nice lake! About 15-20 min walk to the lake or 5min by car.
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J
Jordan
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Joyful Heart
We absolutely love it there!! This was our second time and we plan on going back multiple times in the future. Malaina it is such an amazing host. She makes you feel right at home. It’s so comfortable there. The bed is super comfy and It’s so peaceful. The hot tub is amazing and the outdoor shower as well. We went in the winter and again in the summer and we will be back in the winter again. Definitely one of our favorite spots. We went Just one day and we feel so relaxed. Thank you Malaina!
See moreT
Timothy
September 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
We recently did a trip to some Calaveras County attractions and found Squirrel Rock for our stay with our 25' trailer. The owners did a great job setting up the site for visitors. Parking and hooking up was very easy. The site had a bunch of cool things to do while hanging out (introduced my kids to horseshoes and they loved the games bin). They gave us some recommendations for nearby food (which were awesome!). We would definitely stay here again and recommend it for others too!!
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Kurt
September 2025
36 ft Class A
With pets
This is an outstanding HipCamp. The hosts are incredible and the facilities are best in class. A must stop if you are in the area!
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L
Larry
September 2025
30 ft fifth wheel
With pets
Clean, well kept, private quiet place to relax
Larry
See moreV
Vithiet
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
What a great campground! Plenty of space for you and your friends to set up tents with enough space in between for privacy even! Porta-potty was clean and well-maintained. Plenty of branches and wood you can grab around for a campfire, and you can even buy some from Jason if you prefer the convenience. Easy to find and great communication with Jason as well. And access to the cute lake is definitely a plus!
Love the outdoor shower as well but the addition of a small curtain for extra privacy would be extra perfect!
All in all it was a great home base for our Winnemuca lake hike; highly recommended!
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The best dog-friendly camping near Jackson guide
Where to go
Eldorado National Forest
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Eldorado National Forest is a favored stop for anglers. Its pristine lakes and rivers teem with trout, bass, and catfish. Campers can also boat, kayak, or canoe to enjoy the serene waters of Union Valley Reservoir or Jenkinson Lake. Or take an off-road adventure through the forest's extensive network of trails, including the challenging terrain of Rubicon Trail. Campgrounds such as Stumpy Meadows, Ice House, and the waterfront Loon Lake site offer a range of amenities for tent and RV campers including picnic tables and firepits.
Yosemite National Park
Two hours from Jackson is Yosemite National Park—full of rich landscapes and abundant outdoor activities. Marvel at the iconic granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, hike along Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls, or embark on scenic drives to Glacier Point and Tioga Road. After a day exploring, set up at one of the on-site campgrounds that provide tent and RV options, picnic areas, and amenities such as restrooms and water. For a more secluded experience, consider pitching a tent around a campfire at Bridalveil Creek or parking the RV at Hodgdon Meadow.
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Encompassing the stunning Lake Tahoe region, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit surrounds the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Known for cold-water swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer and snowboarding and skiing in the winter, campers can visit year-round for outdoor California fun. Explore the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, such as the famous Tahoe Rim Trail. RVers can set up at campgrounds like Camp Richardson and Nevada Beach Campground. For a winter chalet, try Fallen Leaf Campground to secure a cabin rental.
When to go
Spring and fall in Jackson showcase vibrant foliage among mild temperatures, which is great for long hikes in nearby parks. Summers are warm and dry with average temperatures in the high 80s to mid 90s, perfect for swimming and boating. Winter brings cooler temperatures averaging 45°F, providing opportunities for snow sports in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains as well as around Lake Tahoe.