The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Monterey, California

Looking to camp near Monterey, California with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 596 options specifically catered to pets in this location, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your four-legged companion. And the best part? The average price per night is just $80, with options as low as $25. Don't just take our word for it, check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Terminal 4 (387 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and campfires. And if you're looking for adventure, you'll find activities like climbing, exploring historic sites, and boating. So pack up your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Monterey

Looking to camp near Monterey, California with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 596 options specifically catered to pets in this location, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your four-legged companion. And the best part? The average price per night is just $80, with options as low as $25. Don't just take our word for it, check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Terminal 4 (387 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and campfires. And if you're looking for adventure, you'll find activities like climbing, exploring historic sites, and boating. So pack up your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Monterey

1. Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

98%

(176)

15mi from Monterey · 38 sites · Lodging

The Camp was started in 1925 by Mrs. Douglas as a girls camp to teach young girls the beautiful wonders of the outdoors including horseback riding, swimming, archery, and camping. She felt that boys had plenty of opportunity to explore Mother Nature but at the time, girls had no such camp to attend. This 115 acre, beautiful, rolling hills ranch has been a camp ever since and now offers camping for the young and old, girls and boys, families and singles…. You name it… a camp for everyone. Located on 115 acres historic boys and girls summer camp complete with pool, tennis, and hiking in Carmel Valley, CA. Re-connect to nature and nostalgia! There is plenty to do at the Camp as well as surrounding areas. 2.5 miles from Carmel Village known for its many wine tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. 14.5 miles inland from Carmel by-the-sea and Carmel Beach. Perfect locations for day excursion to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Individual Glamping sessions are available on select dates. Breakfast included in the stay. Length of stay may be required. We highly recommend you stay for more than one day as it is difficult to take part in all activities when at the camp for only one day. Imagine! your own private off the grid cabin where you can enjoy tent camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. Numerous activities for you to take advantage of or simple step outside your cabin and wonder on our 115 acres and connect to nature. Welcome to The Camp. CABINS Solstice and Sunrise cabins recently re-built cabins have one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) and are located near a shared communal bathhouses. Sunset village cabins have access to a bathhouse with designated full baths with private shower and bathroom for each cabin. Each cabin has power and one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) Like tent camping without the hassle of having to set up a tent. You bring your sleeping bag, bedding and towels. Or we can provide you with a bedding/towel pack for an extra cost. POWER All cabins and bathhouses have power Wi-Fi Free wi-fi in central camp not at cabins. FOOD and DRINK 2024 Glamping Includes breakfast. Lunch and Dinner optional at an additional cost. ACTIVITIES Self guided activities include: Pool, pool deck, basketball half court, tennis courts, yard games, hiking trails and many areas to connect to nature. Guided activities: Hosted campfire nightly, Yoga, Archery and Tie Dye sessions available on Saturday. (holiday weekends additional sessions available) FIRE No individual fires. We do offer hosted campfires nightly. DOG Two dogs are welcome per cabin $50 per dog. MUSIC No speakers, amplification or radios. Acoustic instruments are allowed. RESERVATIONS Glamping weekends may require multiple night stays. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will send you an email prior to arrival with additional information. Please note Hipcamp site assignments do not correspond to the actual cabin you will be assigned. Our Camp cabin names and assignments are a little different. If you are reserving multiple cabins please let us know so we can try and assign you near each other. Parking is a short walk away from the Cabins. The Camp is private property and for registered guests only. Gate is closed 9PM-7PM. Campers are free to come and go as these please between 7AM-PM, but all Campers must be back onsite before 9PM. WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag or bedding or rent linen pack Towels and Toiletries Flashlight Water Bottle

2. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%

(283)

35mi from Monterey · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging

PLEASE READ: 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, and hammocks. There is not 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). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: 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 on the deck. No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas). Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires. Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!

3. Up Shit Creek

95%

(156)

39mi from Monterey · 11 sites · Tents

Nestled on beautiful Bear creek. Tent sites are first come first served. Disclaimer: this is not a state park campground or an Airbnb, this is an off grid Homestead and I have lots of junk lying around such as tools, materials, equipment, etc., outhouse/porta potty only. You must take your trash with you. The directions provided by Hipcamp are not accurate. Please contact me the day before your listing and I will provide directions. 12 Acres in the Redwoods. Creekside. We have a private driveway with lots of secluded Space. Lots of chickens. Small campfires available.

4. Golden Sky Retreat

49mi from Monterey · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Golden Sky Retreat sits on a private stretch of rolling hills with wide-open valley views, peaceful quiet, and some of the clearest night skies in California. The land offers beautiful sunrises and sunsets, natural rock formations, gentle trails, and plenty of space to explore, relax, and disconnect. Guests can roam the property freely — hike up ridgelines, enjoy panoramic overlooks, meditate, take photos, or simply sit back and enjoy the stillness. At night, the sky fills with stars thanks to extremely low light pollution, making this a perfect stargazing location. ⭐ Distance to Pinnacles National Park From the property gate to Highway 25 takes about 25 minutes depending on your vehicle and driving pace. Once you reach Highway 25, it’s a straight, scenic drive to the eastern entrance of Pinnacles National Park, one of the most unique and underrated national parks in California. Golden Sky Retreat is a great basecamp if you plan to explore the park by day and return to total peace, privacy, and starlit skies at night. ⭐ What Guests Can Expect Here • Expansive views of hills, valleys, and open sky • Total quiet and privacy — no crowds, no neighbors • Clear stargazing conditions ideal for photography • Natural terrain with oak trees, native grasses, and rock outcrops • Drive-in access for vans, trucks, rooftop tents, or overland rigs • A raw, untouched environment perfect for nature lovers ⭐ Best For • Stargazers & photographers • Couples seeking a peaceful escape • Camping groups & families • Visitors exploring Pinnacles National Park • Anyone who wants open land, quiet nights, and beautiful natural scenery Shared Community Space: Guests staying at this site are welcome to enjoy a shared community hangout area beneath mature oak trees. This is a common space for relaxing, connecting, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Please be respectful of other campers when using this area.

5. Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

100%

(10)

31mi from Monterey · 3 sites · Lodging

We only book one group at a time so whether you are a couple or a large group, you get the whole place privately to yourself. Our home is a short distance away in case you need anything. Located an hour drive from the bay area, Camp Cruz is a year-round glamping retreat in the redwoods ideal for people who want a private outdoor getaway in the forest without giving up basic living comforts. It is a perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and create special memories in nature. We are also only 30 minutes from Monterey/Santa Cruz for guests who want to enjoy the coastal cities. We offer guests 2 private bedrooms: the Raven’s Nest (an aircrete dome) and/or the Owl’s Nest (a yurt). More guests are welcome if you bring your own camping tents. There is a fully equipped covered kitchen with stove, fridge, barbecue grill, electric coffee maker, tables and chairs, and more. The kitchen also has a ping pong table. There is also a large geodome furnished as a game room with couches, a lounge area, pool table, foosball table, a stereo, games, and music equipment. There are clean composting toilets, hot showers, a propane fire pit, heaters for the cold, a hammock bungalow, a meditation pagoda, a deck overlooking a creek, and disc golf baskets. With a fair balance of sunlight and shade, we have a garden, some outdoor play equipment, and lots of open space to spread out and relax. Free wifi is available. We run a nonprofit outdoor education camp for underprivileged youth, and your stay supports our work. Winter lodging.... It can get seasonably cold in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter. If visiting in the winter, rest assured we have everything covered to enjoy your stay. We have propane heaters in all main spaces for your comfort. If the power goes out, we have a standby generator that will power up camp provided we are home to turn it on. We have a woodstoves in the Owl's Nest and Eagle's Nest. We provide a fire starter log for each woodstove for each night of your stay, and guests are responsible for bringing firewood to keep the woodstoves going for continued warmth throughout each evening.

Public campgrounds near Monterey

Pretty cool when you wake up and you are above the clouds...

83%

(3)

Bottchers Gap Campground

17mi from Monterey · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

95%

(53)

Sunset Campground

21mi from Monterey · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sunset State Beach

97%

(18)

Bay Camps

22mi from Monterey · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manresa State Beach

96%

(13)

Lupine Camps

22mi from Monterey · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manresa State Beach

The campsite has it own private beach access

88%

(8)

Willow Camps

22mi from Monterey · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manresa State Beach

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

The outdoor kitchen with Eagle’s Nest/Game Dome in the background

F

Fiona

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

We loved camping at Camp Cruz! We had a wonderful weekend in the peaceful woods and were able to spend amazing quality time together <3. This property was incredible in ways we couldn't have imagined! Thank you for having us for Renee's 30th birthday.

T

Tiansong

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Thanks Ruth and her family for offering us a great camping experience!

Sophia

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth and Marshall were both great hosts! They were responsive to messages prior to arrival and were friendly and accommodating during our visit. When booking, I wondered if the pool would be visible from our campsite, but I was glad to find that it was very nice and private (a bit removed from the common areas and surrounded by trees). We loved the zipline and hammocks.

Michelle

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Up Shit Creek

It's a great little spot for experienced campers. Perfect for hammock camping. Its about 1/8 mile walk through the property to get to the camp spot from your car. Keep in mind this is a work in progress and someone's homestead. Thor and Emily were very nice. Loved the animals (chickens and large guard dog)

C

Cristina

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

The Safari Rustic Tent exceeded my expectations. Impeccably clean and excellent creature comforts like a shower and bathroom. Hosts are informative and made the location easy to find. The property is gated and feels safe. Thank you so much!

A

Adeline

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

What a lovely camp site! We were in the Redwood Paradise Campsite #1 (not by the pool) and it was amazing. Secluded and right in the lush redwoods. Definitely a bit of a hike from the car camping so wouldn’t recommend for anyone unable to trek their gear to their site, but it was worth it for the lovely spot. Ruth & Marshall were so welcoming and kind, serving delicious coffee every morning and Marshall played beautiful piano which was a nice touch. The pool is not heated but we didn’t mind it was a nice cold plunge at the end of a hot sweaty day. Shower and flushing toilet was nice to have; don’t expect anything extravagant but it was just fine for the weekend - much nicer than state park bathrooms/showers. Overall would 100% recommend and return!

S

Shefali

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Beautiful site! Drive down is relaxing and the peace and quiet is something you can’t beat! There is an enjoyable common area with very nicely placed hammocks that allow you to observe the redwoods and enjoy what they offer! Would recommend this spot!

A

Adam

September 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth and Marshall are amazing hosts! Very accommodating. They have created quite the camping experience that was perfect for my family. Great balance of being out in nature but having facilities and community activities nearby. The pool was pristine and such a relief for when it became hot in the afternoon. Daughter enjoyed the trampolines as well. We all took a nap on the hammocks. The live classical piano music with coffee on the deck was an unexpected but welcomed treat. We read and were prepared for the hike to campsite 5 with all of our belongings. It was made easier with a wagon we brought but they also provide a wheelbarrow. “Hiking in” is often a requirement to get into nature that we welcomed but there are closer campsites if you’re not up for that. The bugs are also a part of camping but we came prepared with spray etc. The stars at night were amazing and all the sounds of wildlife. One deer joined us briefly. Any store you need is just half an hour away for example when the camp stove I bought was defective and I needed to quick replace it. Overall we had the best time and hope to come back again!

D

Dalton

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Redwood Paradise Camping

The Host was super friendly and helpful and the area was super beautiful and amazing Forrest

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Redwood Paradise Camping

Incredible property and such welcoming hosts! We had a great time

C

Cheyenne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

We had an exceptional experience camping at Ruth’s place. From the rich aroma of morning Peruvian coffee to refreshing last-minute swims in the pristine pool, every detail was thoughtfully curated. Marshal’s eclectic and phenomenal piano repertoire was the perfect finishing touch to an already unforgettable stay. This is truly a special place, and we look forward to returning.

C

Cindy

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

This is a really cool place and the kids had tons of fun. So much to explore for them - they loved the variety. It was a great joy to see them covered in mud and laughing loudly in the middle of the trees. The facilities are very functional and convenient. We don’t have to pack much and it is a very smooth camping experience. It is definitely on the pricier side; we will come back with a larger group to optimize the experience next time! Thank you for having us!

G

Gabriel

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Absolutely incredible. Beautiful, stunning site with massive gorgeous redwoods as soon as you come in. Very amenable and kind host who made us delicisious Peruvian coffee in the morning! Beautiful sunset and views from deck on house open to guests at campsite, and super nice to have a pool available. Quiet sites with no loud talking/drinking etc. Definitely recommend for families, couples, or friends seeking a quiet and peaceful getaway with amenities. Only note is that there were a bit more bees/flies than one might typically expect camping at our site, which were slightly annoying getting into food, but that's nature and can't really be helped! (and might be a site specific thing, probably) Really wasn't a big deal, just beware in case you have a bee allergy.

Jeannette

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Myself and my Adult daughter stayed 2 nights , it was a Mom and daughter weekend. We had no difficulty finding the location. Having a shower, bathroom and pool was a plus especially during the unuasl heat we had over the Labor Day weekend. And it just a short drive to the beach and shopping. Im glad we packed very light because even though the walk to our site was not very long it is a bit up and down and having to make too many trips back and fourth to the car would have been exhausting. I would'nt recommend some sites for anyone with walking disabilities or balance issues. Keep that in mind. It is noted in the description as well. Everything was mostly as described and Ruth and her family are gracious hosts. They open their home to campers and its visible that they do enjoy their position. We very much enjoyed Marshall's piano talent and the amazing coffee in the am's. Thank you for having us. It was a very nice change of scenery.

Spacious site, can fit 2 4-person tents comfortably. Near a private road so will hear the occasional car (15mph speed limit)

D

Dane

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth's camp was located in the middle of the redwoods and was a joy to stay at. The pool was a great bonus and it was nice to have bathrooms and a shower.

J

Jessi

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

My kiddos loved the trampolines. Our camp spot was private and woodsy. Everyone was really kind and we had a wonderful time.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Camp sites were clean and quite. Hosts were great. Pool was nice to have a round. It is a little bit of a walk to the sites so pack light. Over all a nice trip

Alexander

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth’s site was wonderful! She was very accommodating and generous. The campsite itself was beautifully nestled in a redwood grove. In the morning, we were treated to a piano being played and some of the best coffee I’ve had in a while. I’d definitely come back again!

P

Philioppa

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Friendly host that worked with flexibility in my arrival time. Showed me the camp area’s invited me up to their deck for sunset as well as coffee in the morning. Lovely people. Fun slightly funky. Retreat pool trampolines. And lovely quiet in the redwoods.

C

Cole

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

It was a beautiful piece of property, the redwoods on property did not disappoint. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating, with some excellent coffee being served in the morning.