Beach and dog-friendly camping near Novato
This charming North Bay city offers a wealth of culture, nature, and outdoor adventures.
98% (1891 reviews)
- Novato
98% (1891 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Novato
Dog-friendly getaways
6 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Novato
98%
(293)
Blackberry Farm
5 sites · Tents7 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm.
Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you.
We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site.
Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by:
Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub.
Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden.
Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other)
Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.)
Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site.
The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper.
Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow.
Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please.
15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
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$75
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97%
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Salmon Creek Ranch
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
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$120
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98%
(407)
Glamping in the Redwoods 🐶🐕💃🕺🏼
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Occidental, CA
Welcome to West Sonoma County Adults-Only Hipcamping in the Redwoods!
We are located just a 2-minute drive or a 15-minute walk away from the quaint little hamlet of Occidental, where you'll find terrific restaurants with take-out, and two nice markets (one organic) and a liquor/convenience store. In town, you'll also find a terrific independent local meat market that has been in operation for over 100 years!
25 minutes from the ocean, 20 minutes to the Russian River and kayaking, and 30 minutes from HWY 101 or HWY 1. A perfect stop-over if you are travelling up the coast of California.
We have 2 campsites to choose from. (Both are clothing optional). 😉
Both sites are separate, very private and NOT SHARED with other campers.
Both sites have a capacity of 2 adults (maximum) per night.
Written permission for additional campers/guests/friends on site is required before additional people come to the property.
1. TREEHOUSE: (glamping stay with Hot Tub, Pool and Sauna). Bring your own bedding… We supply fresh fitted top sheets on upscale memory foam mattresses. Full kitchen and bath, gas barbecue, flush toilet and hot water shower.
2. VANCAMP: RV/tent site (bring your own camp stove, gas or charcoal barbecue, cooking utensils, tent or RV, and enjoy a Hot Tub and a heated Tiki Tent). (
No access to the pool). Enjoy a real bathroom with a (short) hot shower, sink and toilet.
Please see each site description below for more information.
Our property is the perfect stopover in Northern California’s Redwoods and wine country. A terrific camp spot to recharge and unwind. Quiet, exclusive, secure, gated, sunny- and in a very friendly and safe forest setting. ⛺️🏕️🌲
NOTE: Although wood campfires are not allowed in our county, we have 2 wonderful gas fire pits for your year-round enjoyment. Both the Treehouse and Vancamp have their own private hot tub and gas fire pit.
We are pet-friendly and LGBTQ-friendly! ALL ARE WELCOME 🙋♀️🙋♂️
Come and experience our little slice of heaven. We look forward to serving up a very fun and relaxing time for you and yours! Please check out our reviews and photos.
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$119
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Wackalulu's Wonderland
2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Monte Rio, CA
A Russian River Rustic and Very Private Retreat. This 1 1/2 acre Paradise that many of our friends call An Adult Disneyland is a magical place to visit. Each of our areas, whether for entertaining or residing, has its own theme and is decorated with care. Each of the listings has it's own private deck or patio and then you have access to all of the common areas on the propertyWe promise you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but you are minutes from everything.Lulu’s Landing and Captain Wack’s Cove is a pirate-themed Creekside hangout, where you can enjoy a fire, except during banned season. Also a great place to capture a glimpse of the numerous critters that cruise our creek. Foxes, Deer, Squirrels, Otters, Ducks and Herons as well as numerous songbirds that feed from our bird feeder.Lulu’s Lanai is a Flamingo-themed outdoor living room and dining area with fun vintage furniture and décor.The Take- A -Liki- Tiki Shower Shack is a great place to cool off and clean up after a day on the river or exploring tidepools at the coast. There is even a puppy bath station behind it for your furry friends!The Wack Shack is our outdoor bar and grill, full of fun, colorful lights and signs. There’s plenty of equipment to cook there: appliances, a BBQ, sink, fridge and walk-up bar.We also have several apple trees, a pear tree, and tons of blackberries when in season to share with our guest. Our Veggie Garden will be available next season to enjoy also. We are constantly improving our property so please stay in the finished designated guest areas only until we open up the coming attractions.There are plenty of sites and destinations within minutes from our home too! We have Tennis, Pickle Ball, and Basketball Courts around the corner. The Russian River/ Monte Rio public beach is a short walk past the Parks and Recreation Center, and they rent Kayaks and Canoes during the summer months. The Redwood Alliance camp is just a few miles up Bohemian Hwy if you dare to zip line through the redwood canopy forest or Armstrong woods in Guerneville for those that would rather keep their feet on the ground and take a hike to enjoy the majestic beauties. Duncan's Mill is a quaint town (less than 3 miles from us) on your way to Jenner by the Sea which is just about 9 miles to the west of us. You can take a gorgeous coastal drive to Bodega that is only 15 miles away. Historic Fort Ross is another beautiful 20 mile coastal drive. Bike Enthusiast love the back roads out here and the Biggest Attraction Is… Wait for it…. Wineries are everywhere! During the summer there are several Music Venues close by too. The Rio Nido Roadhouse has outdoor music on the weekends. Rockin the River is every other Thursday in Guerneville. The Monte Rio Variety Show just celebrated it 111th year to a sold-out crowd. Zac Brown, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor are just a few Headliners that have been here in the past.We have a great Lightwave coffee shop across the creek that is a quick 5 minute walk. There are several restaurants along the river as well as a small grocery store, movie theater, and a Homemade Ice Cream Parlor that are all close enough to walk to or drive. Guerneville is a quick 4 mile drive and has a Safeway and many restaurants and quaint shops too.Adults of 21 years or older only please. TOT#4440N
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$99
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Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping
122 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, CA
Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty.
Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and unobstructed views towards the Mayacamas mountains.
Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music.
The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops.
We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River.
We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.
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$259
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Delta Respite
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Sherman Island, CA
The perfect solo escape!
Treat yourself to a quiet getaway for one at this cozy, clean and comfortable cabin on our rural farm, between two rivers, on Sherman Island. Located in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area at the confluence of the San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, and the eastern terminus of San Francisco Bay, Sherman Island is known for its wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets, and its dark sky for stargazing opportunities.
The property is surrounded by alfalfa fields, grazing cattle, sheep, and a wildland habitat populated with migratory and native birds, animals, and plants.
The one-room cabin has a bed and clawfoot bathtub with hot water offering a peaceful escape on our 5-acre tree-lined farm. Here you can listen to birdsong instead of the sounds of the city. This is an ideal cabin for birdwatchers, plein air painters, nature photographers, stargazing, windsurfers/kiteboarders, meditation, or some stress-free, peaceful reset time.
The private cottage has a refrigerator, microwave, compostable dinnerware, drinking water, and a coffeemaker with coffee. It is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.
Pets are welcome and free to enjoy being off-leash in the cabin's fenced yard. The hosts raise free-range chickens and bees on their farm and also conduct a nonprofit rescue and hospice for senior pets.
The property is in the Pacific Migratory Flyway, surrounded by a 1000-acre
state habitat/preserve populated by seasonal bird populations.
Downtown San Francisco and Sacramento are each about 55 miles away in opposite directions. Mount Diablo, viewed from the property, is about 15 miles south and offers hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
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$135
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Star Hosts in Novato
Beach and dog-friendly camping near Novato guide
Overview
Set in the North Bay just north of San Francisco, Novato offers a wide range of cultural options for its size. Walk around the historic Old Town, sample wine, and enjoy a vibrant food scene before heading out into nature. Outdoor lovers can enjoy plenty of open spaces, wildlife parks, and three golf courses. Campers are spoiled for choice, with a wide range of public parks and beaches offering campsites along the coast, in wine country, among the redwoods, and in the bay area, in addition to the Novato Park.
Where to go
North Bay
Head to the coast to camp at Point Reyes National Seashore, where options include a boat-in campground and several hike-in sites. Just inland, camp along the Russian River at Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Camp among the redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Explore Muir Woods, or choose from walk-in tent sites and rustic bluffside cabins at Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are four campgrounds on the Marin Headlands in Marin county, including three free, primitive backpacking campgrounds. China Camp State Park offers a scenic campground in the woodlands.
Wine Country
Head to wine country for tastings and scenic camping, often with access to cabins and full hookups. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County offers a family-friendly campground, while the Skyline Wilderness Park near Napa offers tent, RV, and equestrian sites. Enjoy lakeside campsites with mountain views at Spring Lake Regional Park near Santa Rosa. Further north, you can camp near redwoods and a pretty stream at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or choose from tent, RV, walk-in, and boat-in sites at Lake Sonoma. Near Lake Berryessa, options include campsites around the lake, Lake Solano Park and Lower Hunting Creek on BLM land.
San Francisco and South Bay
In San Francisco, groups can stay at walk-in campsites at the Presidio. Further south, camp near the beach at pretty Half Moon Bay State Beach. For solitude and hike-in campsites, head to Pescadero Creek County Park. There are also plenty of options for camping among the redwoods, including at Butano Redwoods State Park, Memorial County Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
East Bay
In the East Bay, head to Mount Diablo State Park to enjoy sweeping views and three different campgrounds. At Del Valle Regional Park, enjoy water play, a variety of outdoor recreation. Overnight options include both cabins and campsites, including some RV sites with full hookups. Camp on the hillside at Anthony Chabot Regional Park with lake views or backpack into the Sunol Regional Wilderness for solitude, hikes, and wildflowers.
When to go
Spring to fall offers the most pleasant weather in Novato. From May to September, a popular farmer’s market is held weekly. Summer also sees a series of outdoor concerts and several car races. In the fall, outdoor movies are popular. Visit in the winter to forage for mushrooms. Special family-friendly events are held near the Christmas holidays.
Know before you go
- There is some public transportation in and around Novato, but a car will make it easier to visit other areas in the region.
- Reservations are required for certain campgrounds, and it’s best to book ahead, especially over the summer.
- Permits may be required for mushroom foraging and some parks do not permit it.
- Many parts of the northern California coast are not safe for swimming and there are very few lifeguards on duty.
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