Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in California

Top Picks: Northern California

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Crescent City, Del Norte County) is one of California's most spectacular campgrounds. Dogs are allowed at the campground and on the unpaved Howland Hill Road corridor through the old-growth redwoods. The Smith River runs alongside the sites — swimming holes for dogs are plentiful.

Bodega Dunes Campground at Bodega Bay (Sonoma Coast State Park) allows leashed dogs in the campground. While the adjacent Bodega Dunes beach restricts dogs during peak season, Doran Beach just south is a county-operated beach where dogs are permitted year-round on a 6-foot leash.

Plumas-Eureka State Park near Blairsden (Plumas County) is a hidden gem in the northern Sierra Nevada. Dogs are allowed in the campground and on some trails. Elevation is around 5,000 feet — cool summers perfect for dogs.

Top Picks: Central and Bay Area

Point Reyes National Seashore — Sky Camp, Coast Camp, and Glen Camp all allow dogs at the campground but not on most trails. The exception is Limantour Beach, where leashed dogs are permitted, making Point Reyes one of the few NPS units in California with dog-accessible ocean frontage.

Pinnacles National Park (San Benito County) allows dogs in campgrounds (including the excellent Bear Gulch area) and on the paved connector road. Dogs are not allowed on trails, but the drive-in campsite scenery — surrounded by volcanic spires — more than compensates.

Lake Nacimiento Resort near Paso Obispo offers full-hookup RV sites on a dog-friendly reservoir in the Central Coast wine country. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the resort grounds.

Top Picks: Southern California

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Borrego Springs, San Diego County) is California's largest state park and one of the most dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on primitive roads and open desert areas — the vast open bajada desert is effectively accessible. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground allows dogs at campsites.

Sequoia National Forest — Stony Creek Campground (Kings Canyon vicinity, Fresno County) is on national forest land, where dogs are generally allowed on trails. The nearby giant sequoia groves are in the national park (dogs prohibited on trails), but the forest campground itself is fully pet-accessible.

Emma Wood State Beach (Ventura) is a rare California State Beach where dogs are allowed in the campground AND on the beach itself on a 6-foot leash. Set right on the Pacific Coast Highway with ocean views from every site.

Top Picks: Inland and Mountain

D.L. Bliss State Park (Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County) allows leashed dogs in the campground and on some trails. Rubicon Trail access is restricted, but the campground — set in pine forest 50 yards from Tahoe's crystal water — is outstanding. Reserve months in advance for summer sites.

Grandview Campground in White-Inyo National Forest (Bishop, Inyo County) is a free dispersed-style campground at 8,600 feet in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest area. Dogs are fully welcome on trails in the national forest. No hookups, but a spectacular high-desert base for exploring the Owens Valley.

Planning Tips for California Dog Campers

California State Park reservations open 6 months in advance at ReserveCalifornia.com. Popular dog-friendly sites (Bodega Dunes, Jedediah Smith) fill within hours of opening. Set a calendar alert for exactly six months before your travel dates.

Bring a California Dog Pack: a 30-foot tie-out cable (many campgrounds require dogs to be on leash or cable when unattended at sites), a collapsible water bowl, paw wax for hot sand, and flea/tick preventative appropriate for California's year-round warm climate.

Water access: Northern California streams (Smith River, Eel River) are generally safe for dogs to drink in camping areas. Southern California desert sources are often alkaline or contaminated — carry your own or use filtered campground water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which California campground is best for dogs near the beach?

Thornton Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore and Emma Wood State Beach near Ventura both allow leashed dogs on the beach and at campsites.

Can dogs hike in any California state parks?

A few. Humboldt Redwoods, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mount Tamalpais State Park have some dog-friendly trails. Most California State Park trails prohibit dogs.

What is the pet fee at California State Park campgrounds?

Most California State Park campgrounds charge $5–$10 per pet per night in addition to the standard site fee.

Are dogs allowed at Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds?

Yes. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads at Joshua Tree. They are not permitted on any trails or in the backcountry.

What's the best season for camping with a dog in California?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal — mild temperatures across most of the state. Summers in the desert and Central Valley can be dangerously hot for dogs.