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!

94% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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!

94% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Up Shit Creek

95%

(156)

39mi from Monterey · 11 sites · Tents · Boulder Creek, CA

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.

2. Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

100%

(8)

35mi from Monterey · 1 site · Lodging · Lexington Hills, CA

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this serene retreat is surrounded by natural beauty and offers the perfect escape into nature. Conveniently located between Downtown Los Gatos and Downtown Santa Cruz—just 25 minutes from each—you’ll have easy access to the best of both mountain charm and coastal energy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being just minutes from the renowned mountain biking trails of Demonstration Forest, scenic hiking routes, and the beloved Summit Store for local provisions. Note that no open fires are allowed by our county but guests are allowed to have a gas or propane stove for cooking. Water is 125' front tent. Toilet is 100' front tent. Power plug is 140' from tent to charge your phone, etc. This time of year, please consider this COLD CAMPING. Our tent has 4 extra blankets but you should be prepared to keep yourself warm and prepared for winter weather. In November, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods, walking along West Cliff Drive, and visiting Natural Bridges State Beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open year-round, offering a chance to experience it with fewer crowds and more deals. You can also visit local attractions like the Mystery Spot, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Shadowbrook Restaurant, Located in charming Capitola, 4-miles south of Santa Cruz, the world-famous Shadowbrook opened in October of 1947 with the theme of Romance in Dining. Shadowbrook today is not only the most romantic place to dine in northern California but was designated as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in all of America by the 5 million voters of Open Table.

3. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%

(283)

35mi from Monterey · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · CA

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!

4. The Little Poppy Cabin! 🌸

14mi from Monterey · 1 site · Lodging · Carmel, CA

Accessible from Carmel. READ FULL DETAILS OF LISTING BEFORE BOOKING Centrally located between Carmel and the Heart of Big Sur. On a paved road with quick and easy access to Hwy 1. Adorable little cabin in the redwoods, with upstairs lofted sleeping area (double bed), sleeps 2 people. Kitchen, stove, mini fridge and private bath. Stairs are very steep to loft, with open railing upstairs. Please review pic's before booking. Adults only. The larger main cabin on property, is rented separately. Our cabin is in the Santa Lucia mountains and immersed in nature. Please be aware that wildlife is apart of the rugged Big Sur Coast and mountains. Wildlife encounters are something that is not out of the ordinary. From raccoons, skunks, deer, mountain lions, bats, mice, spiders snakes and all types of birds. We have exceeded measures of to keep occurrances to a minimum and have monthly pest control services. BUT can't guarantee you will not be met with wildlife. ANY ENCOUNTERS DURING YOUR STAY, WILL NOT BE ISSUED A REFUND. If you do not feel comfortable with the paragraph, then please do not book our cabins. Recommendations in Big Sur is Ventana Inn, Post Ranch or something in Carmel or Monterey. 1 Dog allowed, pre-approved by owner and $70fee. No aggressive breeds. Under 50 lbs. Must be leashed, picked up after, not allowed on furniture or left alone. Not allowed in the lofted sleeping area, due to step stairs, open railings. Not safe for animals! If you have a hairy dog, please keep the hair swept and under control. It is not fair for our cleaners to do de-fur the cabin. We allow dogs as a wonderful courtesy and don't want it abused. There is NO cell reception in our area, due to the mountain range. You loose reception once you leave Carmel and head south, or leave Big Sur and travel north to the property. WIFI is available but can be intermittent due to rural location. Text and wifi available, no cell reception, once logged into our internet. INTERNET IS NOT GUARANTEED DURING YOUR STAY. At the beginning of our road, it has a "road closed sign". You CAN get to our cabin. Our road is residential and a dead end. So there is not need to go past our cabin. All hiking and site seeing is along Hwy 1.

5. Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat

100%

(37)

41mi from Monterey · 1 site · Tent · Boulder Creek, CA

Blooming Echo is a very private, beautifully wooded and wild land. She has a few springs, seasonal creeks, huge trees and a big sunny meadow where we grow our corn. We have a dome for ceremonies and chilling, an outdoor kitchen, two compost toilets, many swings, a trampoline and a slack line. Lots of land to walk and explore, many many wild and native medicinal herbs. This property is totally off grid. You can track wild boar, deer, wild turkeys and mountain lions, and listen to hermit thrush sing in the morning, hawks call during the day and owls hoot at night.

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

Stories from the community

C

Cath

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat

We really enjoyed our stay here! The campsite is spacious, private, and wonderfully quiet — exactly what we were looking for. Our anxious dog actually slept better here than at any other campsite we’ve been to, which says a lot. He didn’t wake up every few minutes to check the surroundings; he was completely at peace. A couple of things to note: the kitchen area could use a bit of attention. Also, make sure to arrive before dark. The driveway is very steep, but my 2WD was able to make it with careful driving. Overall, a beautiful and peaceful spot, and we would definitely come back!

N

Noah

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

The tent and bed were very spacious. The view of the stars at night and the mountains in the mornings was beautiful. In November it was very cold at night as expected but it was much easier to stay comfortable and warm here than in a regular tent.

C

Chase

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat

We really love the idea that this space was in a lot of nature, but also had just enough amenities to keep our big group from having to work too hard on our relaxing weekend away

S

Sophia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

cute stay. it was clean and easy to get to for the weekend visiting santa cruz.

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.

J

Jeff

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Easy in, easy out. Bedroom was made nicely. Property manager was very kind.

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)

Lisa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Very clean site with a beautiful view. Instructions were clear making it easy to find. One of the best hipcamp sites I've stayed at so far.

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!

Bethany

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

This is a great getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful private retreat! The land has some beautiful views and the glamping setup is clean and simple! Shelly is also a very welcoming host, she came down to the campsite to check on me and we ended up chatting for a long time. This little hideaway in the mountains is a place I’d love to come back to! Bonus - I saw deer on my drive out two mornings in a row!

啟

啟榮

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat

It's really beautiful place, lovely and private, it's just 1 hours away from San Jose.

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!

M

Michael

September 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat

Spacious, private, with more outdoor amenities available than I’m used to. A beautiful, comfortable spot.

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.

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.