The best dog-friendly glamping in Lake Don Pedro

94% (1852 reviews)

In the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada, Lake Don Pedro is popular among boaters, campers, and anglers. With 160 miles of shoreline, 13,000 surface acres, and numerous coves and inlets, there’s plenty of space for houseboating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Two full service marinas, three boat ramps, and boat rentals make it easy to launch a boat. A renowned bass fishing lake, Don Pedro is also home to trout, salmon, catfish, and bluegill. As for camping, three developed campgrounds cater to tent and RV campers with full amenities, while unlimited dispersed camping is available along the undeveloped shoreline.

Popular camping styles for Lake Don Pedro

Top-rated campgrounds

94% (1852 reviews)

In the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada, Lake Don Pedro is popular among boaters, campers, and anglers. With 160 miles of shoreline, 13,000 surface acres, and numerous coves and inlets, there’s plenty of space for houseboating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Two full service marinas, three boat ramps, and boat rentals make it easy to launch a boat. A renowned bass fishing lake, Don Pedro is also home to trout, salmon, catfish, and bluegill. As for camping, three developed campgrounds cater to tent and RV campers with full amenities, while unlimited dispersed camping is available along the undeveloped shoreline.

Popular camping styles for Lake Don Pedro

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mountain Dimension

1 site · Lodging · Mariposa, CA

Mountain Dimension is your own little escape in the forest, perfect for those visiting Yosemite National Park (14 miles away). The trees outside your window evoke treehouse vibes, and the wood-paneled siding, wood-burning fireplace, antler chandeliers, and live-edge furniture will give you all the cabin feels. Take a dip in the hot tub (minimum $150 add-on fee, with an additional charge for stays over 3 days), relax in the hammock, or do some grilling on the large two-story deck. Families of wild turkeys and deer are often spotted.

2. Sunset Serenity

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Mountain Ranch, CA

Off-grid ten-acre ranch with views to the west. Quiet, private, and serene, with hiking trails along the creek bed and abundant wildlife. Enjoy an outdoor shower, clean outhouse, fire pit, picnic tables, camp tent sites, and a darling tiny cottage. Enjoy culinary delights by snipping fresh organic herbs on site, to add to your campfire meal. Stargazing here at night is incredible, with no city lights to dim the view. Rich in 1850s Gold Rush history, the area was once a tent town of 6,000 gold miners.

3. River Bluff Retreat

100%

(4)

3 sites · Lodging · Coarsegold, CA

Escape to the tranquil beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills at our secluded, riverfront, nature-rich property. Tucked away just three miles down a private, maintained dirt road and secured by a locked gate, this spacious retreat ensures peace, privacy, and the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. The river is less than 50 feet from the camp, so you can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water right from your site. Unwind as you explore scenic hiking trails, where you may spot deer, wild turkeys, and even a eagle or two. Take a refreshing dip or simply relax by the serene river that winds through the property—ideal for hot summer days or quiet evenings by the water. Stay in a cozy cabin with rustic charm, or a comfy RV with all the essentials perfect for larger gatherings or extended stays. The site is equipped with electricity and running water, so you can enjoy modern conveniences while staying immersed in nature. An outdoor kitchen, complete with cookware and utensils, allows you to prepare meals under the stars, a BBQ and fire pit make for memorable evenings with friends and family. With sweeping mountain views and breathtaking stargazing at night, this retreat is designed to rejuvenate the soul. Immersed in nature, you may even catch a glimpse or hear the sounds of local wildlife, like foxes, coyotes calling in the distance, or the occasional shy bobcat or bear passing by. Rest assured, these animals tend to keep to themselves, adding to the magic of the experience without disturbing your peace or safety. Just 50 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite, it’s a prime location for day trips to the park or simply relaxing in your own private slice of paradise. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a gathering with friends, we look forward to welcoming you to this hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

4. Yosemite Rocky Ridge Road Cabin

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Coarsegold, CA

Our spacious lofted Yosemite cabin has high 18ft ceilings which gives the sense of abundance and space. Relax and unwind on our large outdoor deck with cool valley breezes. Chill time to let go and recharge. We renovated our cabin fully in the summer of 2024, knocking out lots of closed in walls and gutting the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms completely changing a dated 80’s style cabin into a modern contemporary home. The renovation took us 6 months in total to complete, from the time we knocked out our first wall til the last appliance was installed. This is our family’s cabin we love to spend quality time together exploring outside, catching bugs, cooking s’mores on our large deck and stargazing at night! We love to share it with other families.

5. Charming Mountain Cottage / Arnold

100%

(3)

1 site · Lodging · Arnold, CA

Charming, small, pet-friendly cottage located in Blue Lake Springs in beautiful Arnold, CA. Enjoy relaxing on the deck w/outdoor speakers or the peaceful quiet of nature. Newly remodeled and impeccably decorated for a peaceful experience. In winter make snowmen or sled down the hills. Bear Valley Ski resort is just 30 minutes away. In warmer months enjoy private access to Fly In Lake just minutes away. Murphy's and Big Trees are 10 minutes away. Also golf, fishing, hiking, wine tasting, nice restaurants and much more! The space This newly-remodeled cabin is equipped with new stainless steel appliances and modern decor. The living room is open with a brand new queen-size sofa bed and the windows bring in lots of light and fresh air. Our cozy cabin is only 452 square feet of indoor space and is ideal for 2 adults. The sofa bed in the main room can sleep one or maybe two small children, but there is not much room for additional luggage and the bathroom is accessible through the bedroom. The private back patio is huge and is a perfect place to relax, bbq, sit under the trees and enjoy a glass of wine. There are even outdoor Bluetooth speakers to enjoy your favorite music! The bedroom has a new queen bed and a large closet to store your belongings. Nestled on a half acre, the rustic yard welcomes lots of deer and wildlife. In the fall and spring enjoy the outdoor fire pit with a relaxing bench swing. You will enjoy your stay and get some much needed peace and quiet in this cozy mountain hideaway! We are pet friendly & happy to host your favorite house-trained 4-legged friend, (just 1 please) for an addl $50 pet fee. You will need to let us know if you have a dog when you book. Dog food and food/water bowls provided. Guest access Guests have access to the entire cabin. Guests also have year round access to the private Fly In Acres Lake, with sand volleyball courts and lifeguards. The lake has two docks a sandy beach and is the perfect place to play in the water or enjoy a little floating. The water stays much warmer than the chilly nearby rivers. Please note that guests do not have access to Snowflake Lodge facilities

Stories from the community

A

Annette

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to River Bluff Retreat

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Magical Getaway! This campsite was everything we hoped for and more! It was peaceful, absolutely beautiful, and incredibly private—the perfect place to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with nature. The entire experience felt enlightening and refreshing. The RV was extremely comfortable and homey, with cozy touches that made it feel like a true retreat. The kitchen was stocked with every utensil we could’ve possibly needed, which made cooking super easy and enjoyable. The views were breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset. One of the best parts was being able to hike along the river and explore nature without seeing another person—just pure tranquility and wide-open space. Other things we loved: ✅ Super clean and well-maintained space ✅ Thoughtful host who clearly care about the guest experience ✅ Perfect balance of comfort and “outdoor adventure” ✅ A hidden gem that feels private but still safe and welcoming If you’re looking for a beautiful, serene escape where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy nature in complete privacy, this is the place. We didn’t want to leave and will definitely be coming back! 🌲✨

J

Jennifer

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Charming Mountain Cottage / Arnold

This place is super cute! Perfect for two people and our dog. I enjoyed how quiet and peaceful it was. The state park is really close and fun to hike around, dogs have to hike the fire trails but that was ok with us. There was great communication from the host who also replied timely. We would definitely stay here again.

M

Milagro

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to River Bluff Retreat

From the beginning the host was really answering all my questions about the land… this place is a gem, we celebrate my friend birthday and we got an amazing time. We found everything we need there! The river was a plus. Definitely we would love to comeback.

Cassia

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Charming Mountain Cottage / Arnold

We had such a special time at Kami’s cabin! The place was clean, well equipped, and communicating with Kami was super easy. My husband and I stayed with my two boys ages 5 and 1 and the space was perfect. The area is safe and fun! We definitely recommend and will come back! Thank you Kami :)

Available this weekend

Squirrels Leap Lodge Near Yosemite

1 site · Lodging · Pine Mountain Lake, CA

Beautiful cabin at Pine Mountain Lake right down the street from beach. This 2-bedroom 2-bath cabin is very cozy. It features large deck,two couches, fire pit table, and a propane heater. The master bedroom has a king bed, full bathroom. Bedroom 2 has a queen bed and a single bed. Each bedroom has a smart TV in it. The family room has a smart TV as well. The Wi-Fi is strong and can stream movies, video games, emails, cell phones etc. The space Guests have access to the whole house as well as Pine Mountain Lake amenities. There is a $44 fee per car to enter the gate. This gives you access to the amenities for the length of your stay up to 7 days. Dogs are limited to 3. We do not allow Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls, chows, and wolf breeds. Also any dog mixed with these breeds are not permitted. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at Pine Mountain Lake, they must be on a leash at all times. Please do not leave in the home unattended without a crate. If staying with more than 6 guests please contact me with details, we can approve this depending on the situation. There is a wood burning stove in the living room, Do not use this. The house is equipped with a full HVAC system, Wood burning stove is to only be used if the power goes out and it is the only source of heat. We do not supply wood. EV charging station available in the town of Groveland 11878 Ponderosa Lane Groveland Ca 95321

Mighty Farm & Camp

95%

(58)

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Forest Meadows, CA

We have 155 acres of the Sierra foothills just ~12 minutes from downtown Murphys. This is a working farm where we specialize in cut flowers and also grow a little food. When available we offer bouquets/eggs/veggies as an add-on. There are a few different listings, so make sure to read the details on your specific listing! -End of The Driveway -1 Pine -2 Pine The End of The Driveway is one big site for buses/RVs/big vans next to the Soup Kitchen. 1 Pine and 2 Pine are up a separate driveway on the ridge. The driveway spot is down the driveway a couple hundred yards from where we usually are so you’ll more or less be on your own, depending on if we have work to do down there or if there are other campers. We are happy to chat or leave you be, just let us know what your needs are. If you’re looking for a more isolated spot, see the listings for 1 Pine or 2 Pine. The 2nd area is “1 Pine” accessed by our second driveway that is 100 yards down the road from the farm. The driveway is kind of rough but definitely manageable with a truck, SUV or sedan if you’re willing to go for it. The drive goes up a couple hundred yards to the hilltop where there is a clearing and, you guessed it, 1 pine tree. From the back of the clearing there is a trail that leads you to 2 Pine, which is a walk that takes just a few minutes. 2 Pine is walk-in only but has great views of the sunset and is totally secluded and private and would be a good spot to either bring some friends for a little sunset party or for someone who wants to seriously unplug. There are plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent. **if you are a teacher or Pacific Crest Trail hiker let us know! We are happy to offer a discount :)

The Painted Lake

97%

(126)

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Angels Camp, CA

Dog Woods

94%

(99)

1 site · Lodging · Arnold, CA

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. All 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.

gold country camping

2 sites · Lodging · Jackson, CA

This site is situated at the base of sinal mountain in Jackson Ca, just 3 miles off highway 88 and 49. It’s feels like it’s miles away from civilization, with a beautiful country road that meanders through gold country. Raley’s , tractor supply and lake tabeaud are only 3 miles away. We personally live here on 5 acres and have one acre dedicated to RV camping. Kirkwood ski resort is a 40 minute drive and South Lake Tahoe is 1.5 hours up 88. There are wonderful wineries in the Shenandoah Valley about 25 minutes away and the beautiful town of Sutter creek with shops, antiques and restaurants. The camp site is surrounded by oak trees and has a gravel ground to help keep dust down.

Other options in and near Lake Don Pedro

South Lake Tulloch Campground

43 sites · Jamestown, CA

Nestled in the picturesque rolling foothills of Jamestown, CA, Lake Tulloch R.V. Campground & Marina stands out for its breathtaking views and diverse recreational opportunities. Situated on the south shore of Lake Tulloch, this campground features over 55 miles of stunning shoreline dotted with serene coves, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding Table Mountain range enhances the natural beauty of the area, providing a stunning backdrop for a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, boating, water-skiing, and personal watercraft riding. For those who prefer a quieter experience, options like non-motorized boating, paddle boarding, hiking, and fishing are also available. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot osprey, herons, and eagles throughout the year. With over 110 sites, Lake Tulloch Campground offers a range of accommodations, including cozy cabins and lakefront rentals. An onsite boat rental service ensures that guests have everything they need for a memorable visit. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Lake Tulloch R.V. Campground & Marina is the perfect getaway destination.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

AutoCamp Yosemite

69 sites · Midpines, CA

AutoCamp Yosemite stands out as a unique glamping destination, seamlessly blending luxury with the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. Nestled just outside the park's entrance, this stunning property offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in California's iconic landscapes while enjoying the comforts of modern accommodations. Surrounded by lush forests, AutoCamp features a variety of beautifully designed lodging options, including opulent tents, stylish Airstream trailers, and spacious cabins, each equipped with private outdoor spaces to soak in the breathtaking scenery. The contemporary design of the property is enhanced by thoughtful amenities that promote relaxation and comfort. Guests can unwind on their private decks or patios, gather around cozy fire pits, or simply admire the awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. AutoCamp Yosemite also boasts impressive communal spaces, including a chic clubhouse that serves as a social hub for guests to connect, play games, and savor local food and beverages. This inviting mid-century modern space acts as a perfect starting point for your adventures in this year-round destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, with activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and exploring nearby waterfalls. Whether you choose to hike through the stunning landscape, embark on a snowshoe trek, or join a guided climbing experience, there’s no shortage of excitement

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Toilets

Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly glamping in Lake Don Pedro guide

Where to go

River and Creek Arms

The very northern park of Lake Don Pedro is split between the Tuolumne River Arm and the Woods Creek Arm. The developed Moccasin Point Campground is on the eastern end, near highways 120 and 49, and offers tent and RV sites with full hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Dispersed shoreline camping can be found along both the Woods Creek Arm and Tuolumne River Arms, especially toward the extreme ends of the lake.

Upper Bay, Middle Bay, and East Bay

The Upper Bay, East Bay, and Middle Bay make up the central portion of Lake Don Pedro. The Wreck-Bay Boat-in Camp Area sits at the western end of the Upper Bay offering fire rings and vault toilets, while the Graveyard Creek Boat-in Camp Area is near Rock Island in the Middle Bay. Dispersed camping is also available at most of the shoreline in this region.

South Bay and West Bay

The southern end of Don Pedro Reservoir offers the most amenities for campers. At the western end, find tent and RV sites with electricity and water hookups at Blue Oaks Campground, also home to BBQ grills, restrooms, showers, a store, and a dump station. A nearby group campground has space for up to 200 people, and the Fleming Meadows Campground, near the visitor center and dam, also offers campsites with full amenities. Dispersed camping is available in certain actions of the southern and western shorelines.