The best dog-friendly cabin rentals in Lake Casitas

Just outside of Ojai in the hills of Ventura County, Lake Casitas is a massive reservoir that provides drinking water to residents of the region while offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and shorefront camping. Run by the municipal water board, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area has 13 campgrounds with a mix of simple tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up sites, plus two group camps, a bike rental shop, a bait shop, a cafe, and two boat ramps. While visitors aren't allowed to swim in the lake, there is a water park right by the lake with a lazy river and splash playgrounds for kids.

96% (826)

Top-rated campgrounds

Just outside of Ojai in the hills of Ventura County, Lake Casitas is a massive reservoir that provides drinking water to residents of the region while offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and shorefront camping. Run by the municipal water board, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area has 13 campgrounds with a mix of simple tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up sites, plus two group camps, a bike rental shop, a bait shop, a cafe, and two boat ramps. While visitors aren't allowed to swim in the lake, there is a water park right by the lake with a lazy river and splash playgrounds for kids.

96% (826)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lisa S.’s Land

89%

(299)

4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Solvang, CA

This is Glamping at its best! We have two cabins that have kitchens with mini frig, microwaves and sinks. Complimentary coffee and tea as well. Very comfortable queen beds. Each cabin has a living room and table area along with gas fireplaces inside and A/C. Outdoor courtyard area with firepit, picnic tables and string lights to enjoy the days or evenings. Each cabin sleeps two but both can be rented to sleep four. Both cabins are historic to the area. All of this is in the center of the Santa Ynez valley close to Los Olivos , Santa Ynez and Solvang. Wine tasting, bike riding and hiking. Great restaurants and wineries within walking distance.

2. Blue Sky Center

94%

(746)

31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · New Cuyama, CA

1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!

3. Lone Juniper Ranch

97%

(113)

8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA

You will fall in love instantly Camels, Llama ,Guanaco, donkeys, hammock a firepit and grill in the back yard. Book a wood fired sauna (extra)A Perfect mountain cabin retreat next to Tejon Ranch!The private, 100 + acre, mountain-top experience offers a 360-degree view of beautiful Southern California scenery, Super Bloom, Ideal for star gazing and hiking, amazing sunrises/sunsets.This is a 4 seasons paradise!Situated only 8 minutes off Rt. 5, this retreat is quite accessible (4-wheel drive necessary during wintertime snows.

4. Cute Colorful Alpine Cabin w/HotTub

1 site · Lodging · Pine Mountain Club, CA

The Quail's Nest! Cute colorful retro cabin with amazing views and direct access to hiking trails. Lots of toys and games for kids and a relaxing hot tub for the adults. The space Captain's quarters has 1 king bed. The Bunk house has 1 queen bed and a bunkbed with a comfy full size futon on the bottom and a twin bed on top. Guest access The whole house is yours

5. Topanga Oasis

99%

(38)

4 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA

You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California

6. A-Frame Bliss

100%

(25)

1 site · Lodging · Pine Mountain Club, CA

Learn more about this land:Our beautiful and rustic A-Frame cabin is exactly what you imagine when you dream of a mountain getaway. The cabin is nestled amongst the pine trees with two large decks. Inside, you will enjoy relaxing in the family room which has soaring wood vaulted ceilings and forest views from the floor to ceiling windows. You can imagine sitting in front of a roaring fire in the open style wood fireplace on winter nights and enjoying time on the deck just listening to the forest sounds.

Stories from the community

C

Colin

3 weeks ago

With pets

4 nights at Topanga Oasis

Really wonderful spot in a magical part of Topanga! Trails just feet from the front door, nice secluded outdoor spot in front of cabin. David was responsive and kind. I'll be back!

R

Randi

November 2025

2 nights at Topanga Oasis

We absolutely loved the property! The grounds are vast, magical, and green. Our friends rented several cabins which I’d highly recommend for big group. Check in was easy, our cabin was cozy clean, and stocked with coffee which was an unexpected plus.

S

Sheryl

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss

Traveled with family and our dog and loved the fresh air, trails and cozy ambiance of the A-Frame bliss. Would def go again

A closer view. This is unacceptable. The front door also doesn’t lock from the outside.

W

Wendy

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land

It's a really charming little cottage with a comfy single bed with a trundle. Loved the decor with an deer antler rack hanging on the wall, cow hide table covering and lovely lamps, etc. It's rustic for sure but was a great very affordable option right around the corner from the amazing Bob's Well Bread.

G

Grace

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land

The cottage was adorable and was the perfect spot for me to spend the night.

Camille

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Lisa S.’s Land

The cabin is very cute - shabby chic decor with a rustic touch. The bed was very comfortable and the place was clean. We had a great time!

R

Rita

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lone Juniper Ranch

The large cabin was very clean and had everything we needed. I highly recommend buying the carrots and firewood bundle. My kids LOVED feeding the animals and making s'mores!

J

Jordan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss

This cabin was perfect for a weekend getaway for my girlfriend and I. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors

M

Melissa

September 2025

With pets

2 nights at Lisa S.’s Land

Cabin 2 was very charming, clean, and peaceful. The instructions were clear and easy. The location was perfect! A short 5-10 minute drive to Solvang and Los Olivos. I would stay here again. 👍🏼

Eliot

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Lisa S.’s Land

Fantastic old cabin, full of charm on a stunning property! The cabin had everything we needed for one night, the location is within a wonderful distance to Solvang, and the backyard was spectacular.

J

Jackie

August 2025

1 night at Lone Juniper Ranch

It’s a beautiful ranch with such a great atmosphere. Our hosts were very accommodating and the animals were absolutely amazing. The eggs were delivered by their son I think and it was such a wholesome experience. I already miss the view and the air there I would definitely come back(:

Meg

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Oasis

Cute, serene, straightforward little cabin in beautiful surroundings. 3 minutes from town and easy to find! Thanks for a great stay.

L

Liz

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss

We loved our stay at A-Frame Bliss! Jessica was a fantastic host and was super communicative and helpful for making our stay a 10/10. Jessica provided detailed information about the cabin along with fun activities to do in the area. The cabin was absolutely stunning and cozy! The space was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. I would recommend this place to anyone!

s

stacy

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Lisa S.’s Land

We absolutely loved our stay at Lisa’s country cabin!! So cute and cosy and even better than the photos. A peaceful get away

M

Mark

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Oasis

Wonderfully located. Had everything i required. Definitely would stay again!

J

James

July 2025

3 nights at Lone Juniper Ranch

We had a great trip to the Dromedary House. Spent three peaceful days enjoying the exotic animals and scenic views. I loved the fire pit and BBQ area. It was perfect. The hosts were very responsive but not intrusive. We would definitely go again.

s

steve

July 2025

With pets

1 night at Lone Juniper Ranch

This a "hotel" with a pulse. My wife and I (and our Rottweiler, Rami) loved seeing the horses, camels, donkeys peacocks, alpacas etc. It was super low key and the views are wonderful with views from every angle....although next to I-5 you don't hear road noise you are basically on the top of a mountain.. It was a great twist from city life....the room we had was awesome and perfect for a couple although it has bunk beds and can sleep 3 although I think this house can sleep more. If my travels take me through so cal I will definitely stay again, but likely stay longer to do a hike, bike and get more immersed with geographical feel. I have stayed at hundreds of hotels all around the world and would place this location in the top 10 ranked on convenience, geographical presence, uniqueness and appeal.

K

Kimberly

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Lone Juniper Ranch

Our family had the best time at Lone Juniper Ranch. The cabin was well-equipped and comfortable. We enjoyed the fire pit and playground area. The kids loved seeing all the animals up close. The limited interaction we had with Marlin and his family was pleasant and prompt. I only wish the cabin doors had screens to keep the doors open and the bugs out. Minor inconvenience! We will absolutely stay here again!

D

Danica

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Topanga Oasis

Staying on David's property reminded me of what it was like to go to summer camp as a kid. There's probably about 10 different units on his compound that give it a sense of communal living (minus the mess hall). The heart of Topanga is well represented at the compound, from the proximity to nature to the eccentric artistic touches. Loved having a home base we could access hiking trails from and decompress with our pup.

k

kabeth

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Lone Juniper Ranch

Very cute cabin. My girls loved the triple bunk beds. The heating and cooling AC worked perfect. They had condiments, dressings and cooking oil, all the basics. The best past was of course the animals, we all had fun feeding them. The owners were very responsive, even late at night.

Dog-friendly getaways

Lone Juniper Ranch

97%

(113)

8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA

You will fall in love instantly Camels, Llama ,Guanaco, donkeys, hammock a firepit and grill in the back yard. Book a wood fired sauna (extra)A Perfect mountain cabin retreat next to Tejon Ranch!The private, 100 + acre, mountain-top experience offers a 360-degree view of beautiful Southern California scenery, Super Bloom, Ideal for star gazing and hiking, amazing sunrises/sunsets.This is a 4 seasons paradise!Situated only 8 minutes off Rt. 5, this retreat is quite accessible (4-wheel drive necessary during wintertime snows.

Cute Colorful Alpine Cabin w/HotTub

1 site · Lodging · Pine Mountain Club, CA

The Quail's Nest! Cute colorful retro cabin with amazing views and direct access to hiking trails. Lots of toys and games for kids and a relaxing hot tub for the adults. The space Captain's quarters has 1 king bed. The Bunk house has 1 queen bed and a bunkbed with a comfy full size futon on the bottom and a twin bed on top. Guest access The whole house is yours

Lisa S.’s Land

89%

(299)

4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Solvang, CA

This is Glamping at its best! We have two cabins that have kitchens with mini frig, microwaves and sinks. Complimentary coffee and tea as well. Very comfortable queen beds. Each cabin has a living room and table area along with gas fireplaces inside and A/C. Outdoor courtyard area with firepit, picnic tables and string lights to enjoy the days or evenings. Each cabin sleeps two but both can be rented to sleep four. Both cabins are historic to the area. All of this is in the center of the Santa Ynez valley close to Los Olivos , Santa Ynez and Solvang. Wine tasting, bike riding and hiking. Great restaurants and wineries within walking distance.

Blue Sky Center

94%

(746)

31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · New Cuyama, CA

1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!

Topanga Oasis

99%

(38)

4 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA

You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly cabins in Lake Casitas guide

Notable campgrounds

Best for RV campers: Fox Campground (Campground F) has sites with full hookups and 40-foot concrete parking pads.
Best for anglers: Angler Campground (Campground A) is situated right next to a boat ramp and bait-and-tackle store.
Best for families: Mallard Campground (Campground M) has a playground and is right by the model airstrip.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve your campsite up to 90 days before your departure date either online through the Casitas Municipal Water District, over the phone, by email, or even in person.
Summer weekends fill up early, so book as soon as you can to guarantee a spot.
A two-night minimum applies on weekends, and a three- or four-night minimum applies during public holidays.
If campsites are sold out for your preferred date, plenty of options sit in the immediate area, including Ventura County-run campgrounds, campsites in Los Padres National Forest, and privately owned Hipcamps.

When to go

Lake Casitas is a year-round destination, but the best months for camping are from April through October, when there's little chance of rain and temperatures are pleasant. Note that the campgrounds are often at capacity during the summer, so visit before Memorial Day Weekend or after Labor Day to avoid crowds. Anglers should note that the lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout at various points throughout the year. Night fishing is allowed on select evenings every month, weather permitting.

Know before you go

The lake is used as a source of drinking water. Therefore, swimming and other body-contact activities aren't allowed.
You can pick up groceries and other supplies in Ojai, a 10-minute drive from the park entrance.
You can buy shower tokens through a machine at the guest services building. Bring cash (bills only).
Due to droughts in the area, many of the trees in the lake are dry, which increases the likelihood of branches falling. Make sure to camp away from any potential limbs.
Bears have been spotted in the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, so it's vital that you secure your food and cookware in your car when not using it.