The best dog-friendly RV campgrounds near Sonora, California

Looking to camp with your furry friends near Sonora, California? Hipcamp has over 2,100 options with RV accommodations and pet-friendly activities to choose from. Top campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews) offer popular amenities such as potable water and campfires, as well as activities like boating, whitewater paddling, and climbing. With an average price per night of $65 and options as low as $10, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your pets to enjoy the great outdoors.

94% (6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp with your furry friends near Sonora, California? Hipcamp has over 2,100 options with RV accommodations and pet-friendly activities to choose from. Top campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews) offer popular amenities such as potable water and campfires, as well as activities like boating, whitewater paddling, and climbing. With an average price per night of $65 and options as low as $10, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your pets to enjoy the great outdoors.

94% (6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. LDMA Italian Bar

93%

(20)

6.9mi from Sonora · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Columbia, CA

The Lost Dutchman Italian Bar Camp is a 160 acres of Priviately Owned Patented Mining land and our priviate campground located in the Stanislaus National Forest and on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which runs through the camp. Camping is available on both side of the river making the Italian Bar camp a destination for campers since we rebuilt the camp from the ground up in the late 1970’s. Whether you want to relax in your campsite listening to the river, dip your toes in the cool waters or try your hand at panning for gold, I-Bar offers all of this and more. There are miles of hiking opportunities around the camp as well, from short river hikes to Trailblazing like the Miners of old. We are betting that you can find the types of hiking you are looking for. You camping includes access to the Bathhouse with commodes and showers. And yes there is even hot water. Little History: The property was discovered and first settled around 1849 as a gold rush mining camp. At one time over 3,000 people lived here and mined for gold. When the gold rush came to an end so did Italian Bar. Until over a hundred years later, In 1976 when our founder fell in love with this remote property and purchased the land and we began rebuilding the I-Bar camp from the ground up and opened it to our members. It didn't hurt that somewhere close by Our founder found a 800oz pocket of gold. Even today, Prospecting for gold is encouraged! If you want to try your hand at “Gettin on some of the shiny” let the Caretakers know! We have a few gold pans we loan out that are just waiting for some color to make you smile. Of course we have pans for sale. If you’re an avid outdoors person, carrying a gold pan with you just makes sense. Big Trees State Park: 1 1/2 hour drive Yosemite National Park: 2 hour drive *We are located approximately 7.5 miles from Columbia State Historic Park. Italian Bar road turns into gravel 5 miles from the park. The camp is 3.5 miles from the start of the gravel.* Please call (209) 213-1485 for any questions

2. Rocksteady Adventures

93%

(192)

21mi from Sonora · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Copperopolis, CA

Off-grid campground adjacent to 1000 acre private reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking & paddle boarding. 70 acres in Sierra Nevada Foothills with Valley Oaks, Gray Pines & Manzanita. Best birding in Calaveras County with over 188 species including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Osprey & waterfowl. Reservoir is a no-wake waterbody created for irrigation of the surrounding private rangeland. Jet Skiing and WaterSkiing is not allowed. Boats of all sizes are welcome for the purposes of fishing. Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing with all of those available for rent on site. Please note we host events throughout the year. Upcoming we have: June 22-23 - APBA Boat Racing - no boats or swimming on water July 4-6th - Rocksteady Campout for Celebrate Americana so expect full campground with a laser show on the 4th and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Sept 20-21 - Rocksteady Campout with Goonies & Pirates so expect full campground with live music on Friday and Saturday night Oct 4-5 - Rocksteady Campout TBD so expect full campground with live music on Friday and Saturday night.

3. Palala Ranch

99%

(35)

37mi from Sonora · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Fiddletown, CA

Palala Ranch is 20 acres of forested and inclined terrain. Located midway between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe, it's a great stop off point on your way to the snow and the mountains. Being in the middle of gold country, there's several small historic gold mining towns that are really fun to visit. The Shenandoah Valley wine country is only 25 minutes away. This property is the beginning of a dream that we want all of our guests to be apart of. Using feedback and suggestions mingled with our vision, we want guests to contribute to the growth of this dream. Everytime guests return there will be new features and improvements for them to enjoy and to provide the best experience we can work the current resources. We look forward to hosting you and can't wait to meet you!

4. Redwood Haven

96%

(28)

39mi from Sonora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Stockton, CA

Tucked deeply beneath the cool serenity of the mature redwood trees surrounded by nature you will find quiet privacy here at Redwood Haven private park. Along with that, providing shelter from the blazing California sun is an important part of this peaceful small gated park. While waking up to the soothing songbirds and going to sleep alongside the serene owl sounds is what you will discover in this relaxing getaway paradise. Nature at it’s finest. Ideally located on your way to or from Yosemite National Park , Woodward Reservoir, Pinecrest, Caswell Park, Sonora , SanFrancisco and many other interesting locations. Great location nearby Manteca, Escalon , Stockton in the agriculture rich Central Valley. Near highways 99 and 120. Gated and safe on this private property. We welcome all Rv,s at our serviced sites, Tents spots as well . During your travels we hope you can stop and visit our Redwood Haven! $85/ night for trailer camping . Tents $70 / night. All Services to the sites. Dry camping offered as well. Guests love staying here: "Very quiet and secluded. Tucked away in a private redwood grove, you feel a million miles from anywhere! The hosts were extremely nice and welcoming. Would highly recommend!"

5. BaseCampByBo!

95%

(342)

16mi from Sonora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Groveland, CA

If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us. It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry. Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping". If you are a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry - Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away. Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far. Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you! -Best Jarrett & Bo

Public campgrounds near Sonora

There is a large BBQ kitchen area that we enjoyed very much

83%

(3)

River Ranch Campground

11mi from Sonora · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

Sand Bar Flat Campground

19mi from Sonora · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

100%

(2)

Hull Creek Campground

20mi from Sonora · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

Nice size fire pits and large picnic tables. The wine was our own addition.

97%

(15)

Oak Hollow Campground

21mi from Sonora · 112 sites · Tents, RVs · in Calaveras Big Trees State Park

My wife and I's first moto camp trip on her new bike.

100%

(26)

North Grove Campground

21mi from Sonora · 64 sites · Tents, RVs · in Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Stories from the community

S

Steve

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Palala Ranch

Great spot with awesome views. Host is outstanding and very accommodating. Highly recommend.

J

James

October 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at BaseCampByBo!

We loved camping at BaseCampByBo! The location and scenery was insane and we got to meet Bo himself! It was easy to find and Jarrett was incredibly helpful. The campsite feels isolated and gives the wild camping feel whilst being not crazy far from civilization. 30 minutes from some amazing hikes in Yosemite.

M

Maria

October 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Rocksteady Adventures

Our campsite (#24) was huge! Flat, compact, clean, and had a lot of tree coverage. Loved the hawks flying all over the place and perching on the huge tree right above our tent. Bathrooms are simple but very clean. Offgrid but hot water is provided at certain times. I will most def go back here.

M

Matt

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

This place is pretty nice. The hosts are pretty friendly and the campsites have a good mix of shade and open views of the night sky. I'll definitely come back.

J

Johan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

We like so much, quiet, good view, clean Host so kind

C

Crista

September 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

21 nights at Redwood Haven

Our time there was very private and safe. We had to leave our RV for a few days to look for property to purchase and everything was left the same when we came back. Our RV was left a few times in a trusting environment behind an electric gate. At arrival, you are given a remote to this gate to come and go as you please. Our spot was secluded and very peaceful. I would definitely recommend this rv park to a friend. I had several dogs with me and they were very happy as well. It’s a beautiful and peaceful location with plenty of room for your furry loved ones.

Eva

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

Really beautiful atmosphere in the morning over the reservoir with all the birds and the steam reflecting off the water.

C

Cory

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

Good and large campsite big enough for our group of 8 guys. Fishing lake was really close and we caught about 8 monster bass. Toilet facilities left a lot to be desired. Frogs jumping in the toilet (eek!) Port-a-John had lots of spider webs and ant inside. (eek!). Other than the toilet situation, it was a cool spot.

B

Brian

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to BaseCampByBo!

Great site. Good views and peaceful and quiet. Shower and bathroom were in good shape.

More awesome campsites. This area is across the river from the main camp area. The river is just to the left of this picture

Hudson

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

We love this place! Emily is super accommodating. This was our second visit and our site was perfect. Secluded and quiet. Right on the river with easy access to swimming holes. Fishing, relaxing, fun for everyone here. Would recommend to anyone. We’ll be back again!

M

Milla

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

Hosts were very nice and met us at the gate to let us in. Our capsite was very large with good shade throughout the days. We did a family trip with 14 people and we had a blast! Water spout and porta potties were great!

J

Jason

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at LDMA Italian Bar

Really cool spot by the river! Definitely a trek to get there, road is rough but a jeep or truck is ideal.

J

Jeremy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

Great space. Not too crowd. Host are great. Certainly would come again.

Sergio

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BaseCampByBo!

Great Host ! Great camping spot! Will definitely recommend! The host was really kind, helpful and informative! His Dog was also pretty awesome! We Had a great experience!

C

Cj

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

Enjoyed our stay here! Lots of shade to chill during the day, beautiful lake, and awesome doggies that are friendly and welcoming. Would definitely be back again to try again for the fish since it was a little slow and didn’t catch anything but plenty of other things to do.

A

Alexander

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

The host was spectacular. Had a good time camping here. Its close by a place called Coyote Creek caves which I highly recommend!

R

Ryan

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to LDMA Italian Bar

The kids had a great time playing in the river and picking berries!

T

Tytus

July 2025

Tent

4 nights at Rocksteady Adventures

My son and I had a great time and loved being right by the reservoir. The hosts were friendly, helpful and a joy to talk to. And the dogs are friendly and fun. I would definitely go back.

E

Eric

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

The site was wonderful plenty of space for all our gear, our dog loved the stream right next the site. Will definitely be back.

N

Nadine Ciara

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rocksteady Adventures

Loved camping here. Such a great experience, the portapotties were clean and stocked with toilet paper and seat covers. The water was walkable and the view of the stars were beautiful! It was also a great place for young kids. I would come back!