The best dog-friendly cabins in Southern California

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The Pacific shoreline, vast deserts, snow-capped mountains—Southern California has it all. Whether you're looking to hike or surf, the state parks, and beaches are a great starting point for your SoCal adventure.

If you want to hear the waves from your tent, stake your claim at a beach campground with epic ocean views. There are tons of state beaches in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. One local favorite is Carpinteria State Beach. Windsurfing, fishing, and surfing are a few ways to enjoy this sandy stretch of the ocean shore.

If you're looking for adventure, Joshua Tree National Park may be calling your name. The rocky desert landscape is a hot spot for hiking and rock climbing. For those who want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of remote places to pitch a tent across the Mojave Desert.

For spectacular mountain views, venture into San Bernardino National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles. In this sprawling wilderness, you find tons of cabins and camping spots, especially near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.

If you're looking for something just outside Malibu, you can't beat Malibu Creek State Park. The 8,000-acre rocky wilderness hosts 15 miles of hiking trails and a volcanic swimming hole.

While the rugged landscape lends itself to tent camping, Glamping is also a big deal in SoCal. Keep an eye out for decked-out yurts, cabins, and cottages with spectacular views.

Southern California is known for its fair weather year round. That said, it can get chilly in the winter. Remember to bring a jacket (and a wet suit if you plan on surfing). To beat the summer rush, try to plan your camping trip for late spring or early fall.

97% (523)

Top-rated campgrounds near Southern California

2. Pool Ranch

100%
(1)
3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ranchita, CA
🌌 Pool Ranch: Your 30-Acre Dark Sky Gateway to Anza-Borrego Escape to true high-desert solitude at Pool Ranch, a 30-acre private property in the unique mountain community of Ranchita, CA. Our property offers almost complete isolation, making it the perfect sanctuary to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. We share a direct border with the vast, untouched wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, putting millions of acres of adventure right at your doorstep. ✨ Experience the Magic of the High Desert Pool Ranch is not just a place to camp; it's a place to experience the raw, dramatic beauty of the Colorado Desert in all its forms. Our elevation provides a stunning four-season climate. 🌌 World-Class Stargazing: As part of an official Dark Sky Community, our skies are free of light pollution. On a clear night, the Milky Way is breathtakingly bright. 🌸 Spring Wildflowers: Witness the desert floor explode in a riot of color during the annual superbloom. ❄️ Winter Snow: Experience the rare and magical sight of snow blanketing the desert landscape. 🏜️ Direct Park Access: Forget driving to a trailhead. Our property line directly borders Anza-Borrego State Park. Step off our land and directly into the wilderness for hiking, exploring, and mountain biking. Your Private Wilderness Sanctuary This 30-acre property is your playground. Find your perfect spot, set up camp, and enjoy the silence, the expansive views, and the feeling of having the wilderness all to yourself. If you are seeking profound quiet, unparalleled starry nights, and a direct gateway to one of California's largest state parks, Pool Ranch is waiting for you.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from 
$36
 / night

3. Desert Escape Horizons

91%
(48)
6 sites · Lodging · Landers, CA
A beautiful afternoon in the Mojave Desert is a scene of stark yet captivating beauty. The sky is a brilliant, unbroken blue, stretching endlessly over the vast, rugged landscape. The sun hangs high, casting a golden hue over the desert floor, where the sandy earth is punctuated by scattered rocks and hardy shrubs like creosote bush and sagebrush. The weather is clear and dry, creating shimmering mirages on the horizon. The air is filled with the subtle, earthy scent of sun-baked soil and desert flora. In the distance, jagged mountains and mesas rise against the sky, their contours softened by the afternoon light. A gentle breeze stirs, bringing a slight but welcome relief from the sun. Occasionally, a desert hare or a roadrunner darts across the scene, moving quickly among the shadows of the sparse Joshua trees and cholla cacti. The quiet is profound, broken only by the rustling of the wind and the faint calls of distant birds. As the afternoon progresses, the shadows lengthen, adding depth and contrast to the landscape. The play of light and shadow reveals the intricate textures of the desert, from the ripples in the sand to the rugged sent of the creosote bush. The overall effect is one of serene, almost surreal beauty, a testament to the unique and enduring allure of the Mojave Desert. A beautiful night unfolds under a vast, star-studded sky. As the sun sets, the sky transitions through a breathtaking palette of colors—deep purples, fiery oranges, and soft pinks—before settling into the rich, velvety darkness of night. The air cools significantly, bringing a refreshing chill that contrasts sharply with the day’s warmth. The stillness of the desert night is profound, broken only by the occasional whisper of a breeze rustling through the creosote bushes and Joshua trees. The scent of sagebrush becomes more pronounced, mingling with the crisp, clean air. The stars shine with remarkable clarity and brightness, un-obscured by city lights. Constellations are easily visible, and the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a luminous river. The desert’s elevated vantage point offers an unparalleled view of the cosmos, making stargazing a mesmerizing experience. The moon, if present, casts a soft, silvery glow over the landscape, illuminating the rugged terrain and casting long, ethereal shadows. The light plays off the rocky outcrops and sand, creating a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Coyotes might be heard in the distance, their calls echoing across the open expanse. Occasionally, the silhouette of a nocturnal creature—such as a jackrabbit or a desert fox—can be seen moving quietly through the underbrush. This tranquil and awe-inspiring setting invites quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature, showcasing the high desert’s stark yet captivating beauty under the infinite night sky.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

5. Glamp in Tiny Cabin #2

85%
(10)
2 sites · Lodging · Alpine, CA
Tiny Cabin #2 (TC2) sits on top of the property with Mountain to Ocean views. It's a great place for a weekend getaway for Star gazing, watch a sunset and City lights. A place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. A short drive away is the towns of Alpine and Descanso, Cuyamaca State Park and Laguna Mountain. San Diego Beaches are down I-8 . TC2 has two seating areas for your privacy. Plus, plenty of space to roam around. It's above the common game and dining area. Inside has a queen size bed, a small refrigerator, sink, Coffee maker, and cabinet with cooking supplies. There is a microwave, one burner hot plate. The BBQ is propane. We have made some improvements to the TC put in new sturdy steps, bed frame and lights. While a campfire ban is on we do allow Duraflame type logs. The property is located in a high risk fire zone.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night

The Pacific shoreline, vast deserts, snow-capped mountains—Southern California has it all. Whether you're looking to hike or surf, the state parks, and beaches are a great starting point for your SoCal adventure.

If you want to hear the waves from your tent, stake your claim at a beach campground with epic ocean views. There are tons of state beaches in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. One local favorite is Carpinteria State Beach. Windsurfing, fishing, and surfing are a few ways to enjoy this sandy stretch of the ocean shore.

If you're looking for adventure, Joshua Tree National Park may be calling your name. The rocky desert landscape is a hot spot for hiking and rock climbing. For those who want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of remote places to pitch a tent across the Mojave Desert.

For spectacular mountain views, venture into San Bernardino National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles. In this sprawling wilderness, you find tons of cabins and camping spots, especially near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.

If you're looking for something just outside Malibu, you can't beat Malibu Creek State Park. The 8,000-acre rocky wilderness hosts 15 miles of hiking trails and a volcanic swimming hole.

While the rugged landscape lends itself to tent camping, Glamping is also a big deal in SoCal. Keep an eye out for decked-out yurts, cabins, and cottages with spectacular views.

Southern California is known for its fair weather year round. That said, it can get chilly in the winter. Remember to bring a jacket (and a wet suit if you plan on surfing). To beat the summer rush, try to plan your camping trip for late spring or early fall.

97% (523)

Top-rated campgrounds near Southern California

2. Pool Ranch

100%
(1)
3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ranchita, CA
🌌 Pool Ranch: Your 30-Acre Dark Sky Gateway to Anza-Borrego Escape to true high-desert solitude at Pool Ranch, a 30-acre private property in the unique mountain community of Ranchita, CA. Our property offers almost complete isolation, making it the perfect sanctuary to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. We share a direct border with the vast, untouched wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, putting millions of acres of adventure right at your doorstep. ✨ Experience the Magic of the High Desert Pool Ranch is not just a place to camp; it's a place to experience the raw, dramatic beauty of the Colorado Desert in all its forms. Our elevation provides a stunning four-season climate. 🌌 World-Class Stargazing: As part of an official Dark Sky Community, our skies are free of light pollution. On a clear night, the Milky Way is breathtakingly bright. 🌸 Spring Wildflowers: Witness the desert floor explode in a riot of color during the annual superbloom. ❄️ Winter Snow: Experience the rare and magical sight of snow blanketing the desert landscape. 🏜️ Direct Park Access: Forget driving to a trailhead. Our property line directly borders Anza-Borrego State Park. Step off our land and directly into the wilderness for hiking, exploring, and mountain biking. Your Private Wilderness Sanctuary This 30-acre property is your playground. Find your perfect spot, set up camp, and enjoy the silence, the expansive views, and the feeling of having the wilderness all to yourself. If you are seeking profound quiet, unparalleled starry nights, and a direct gateway to one of California's largest state parks, Pool Ranch is waiting for you.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from 
$36
 / night

3. Desert Escape Horizons

91%
(48)
6 sites · Lodging · Landers, CA
A beautiful afternoon in the Mojave Desert is a scene of stark yet captivating beauty. The sky is a brilliant, unbroken blue, stretching endlessly over the vast, rugged landscape. The sun hangs high, casting a golden hue over the desert floor, where the sandy earth is punctuated by scattered rocks and hardy shrubs like creosote bush and sagebrush. The weather is clear and dry, creating shimmering mirages on the horizon. The air is filled with the subtle, earthy scent of sun-baked soil and desert flora. In the distance, jagged mountains and mesas rise against the sky, their contours softened by the afternoon light. A gentle breeze stirs, bringing a slight but welcome relief from the sun. Occasionally, a desert hare or a roadrunner darts across the scene, moving quickly among the shadows of the sparse Joshua trees and cholla cacti. The quiet is profound, broken only by the rustling of the wind and the faint calls of distant birds. As the afternoon progresses, the shadows lengthen, adding depth and contrast to the landscape. The play of light and shadow reveals the intricate textures of the desert, from the ripples in the sand to the rugged sent of the creosote bush. The overall effect is one of serene, almost surreal beauty, a testament to the unique and enduring allure of the Mojave Desert. A beautiful night unfolds under a vast, star-studded sky. As the sun sets, the sky transitions through a breathtaking palette of colors—deep purples, fiery oranges, and soft pinks—before settling into the rich, velvety darkness of night. The air cools significantly, bringing a refreshing chill that contrasts sharply with the day’s warmth. The stillness of the desert night is profound, broken only by the occasional whisper of a breeze rustling through the creosote bushes and Joshua trees. The scent of sagebrush becomes more pronounced, mingling with the crisp, clean air. The stars shine with remarkable clarity and brightness, un-obscured by city lights. Constellations are easily visible, and the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a luminous river. The desert’s elevated vantage point offers an unparalleled view of the cosmos, making stargazing a mesmerizing experience. The moon, if present, casts a soft, silvery glow over the landscape, illuminating the rugged terrain and casting long, ethereal shadows. The light plays off the rocky outcrops and sand, creating a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Coyotes might be heard in the distance, their calls echoing across the open expanse. Occasionally, the silhouette of a nocturnal creature—such as a jackrabbit or a desert fox—can be seen moving quietly through the underbrush. This tranquil and awe-inspiring setting invites quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature, showcasing the high desert’s stark yet captivating beauty under the infinite night sky.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

5. Glamp in Tiny Cabin #2

85%
(10)
2 sites · Lodging · Alpine, CA
Tiny Cabin #2 (TC2) sits on top of the property with Mountain to Ocean views. It's a great place for a weekend getaway for Star gazing, watch a sunset and City lights. A place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. A short drive away is the towns of Alpine and Descanso, Cuyamaca State Park and Laguna Mountain. San Diego Beaches are down I-8 . TC2 has two seating areas for your privacy. Plus, plenty of space to roam around. It's above the common game and dining area. Inside has a queen size bed, a small refrigerator, sink, Coffee maker, and cabinet with cooking supplies. There is a microwave, one burner hot plate. The BBQ is propane. We have made some improvements to the TC put in new sturdy steps, bed frame and lights. While a campfire ban is on we do allow Duraflame type logs. The property is located in a high risk fire zone.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night

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Exploring the beautiful vast landscapes with friends, family, or a solo adventure will be an experience you won’t soon forget.