If you’re finding it challenging to find a good place to camp with your dog, you’re not alone. Unlike Oregon and Washington, California is not comparatively dog friendly. Especially when it comes to camping. As a native Californian and dog owner, I’ve often wondered, “Where can I take my dog camping in California?” I’ll bet you are wondering too.
There are many dog-friendly camping locations in California and some even have beaches:
- Lawson’s Landing, Dillon Beach
- Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay
- Francis Campground, Half Moon Bay
- Gualala Point Regional Park, Gualala
- Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Jenner
- Lake Solano County Park, Winters
- Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach
- Hearst San Simeon SP – Washburn Campground, Cambria
- Anza Borrego State Park, Borrego Springs
- O’Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon
Because California is a large state, I’ll divide the best camping locations into Northern California and Southern California locations. Here are some of my favorite places to camp with a dog.
Best Places to Camp with a Dog in Northern California
1. Lawson’s Landing, Dillon Beach
Lawson’s Landing is one of our favorite dog-friendly camping destinations in California. It’s located on the coast in Dillon Beach, which is about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Here, there is direct access to the beach. Here are some key things to know about camping with dogs at Lawson’s Landing:
- Pet-friendly camping: The campground allows dogs on a leash.
- Beach access: Lawson’s Landing has direct beach access. This is one of the few beaches where you can take your dog. Just make sure they are on a leash.
- Fishing: Lawson’s Landing is known for its fishing opportunities, and many dog owners enjoy fishing with their pets. Dogs must be on a leash at all times while on the fishing pier.
- Amenities: The campground has basic amenities, including restrooms and a general store. There is also a cafe and a bait and tackle shop on site.
Overall, Lawson’s Landing is a great destination for dog owners who enjoy fishing and want to camp near the coast.
2. Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay
Doran Regional Park is a popular camping destination for dog owners in California. It is located on the coast in Bodega Bay, which is about 70 miles north of San Francisco. Here are some key things to know about camping with dogs at Doran Regional Park:
- Pet-friendly Camping: The park has designated pet-friendly campsites. There is a small fee for camping with your dog. Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. An additional fee is required when you camp with your dog.
- Beach access: One of the main draws of Doran Regional Park is its access to the beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but they must be on a leash at all times. The beach is a great place for dogs to play and swim.
- Hiking trails: The park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coastline and surrounding hills. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be on a leash at all times. Nearby Stockhoff trail, Stillwater Cove Bluff Trail, and Sea to Sky Raptor Ridge Trail are all dog-friendly.
- Amenities: The park has a variety of amenities, including coin-operated showers, restrooms with flushing toilets, picnic areas, and a boat launch. There are also nearby restaurants and shops in Bodega Bay. If you love seafood, my favorite restaurants are Spud Point Crab Company and Fishetarian Fish Market.
3. Francis Campground, Half Moon Bay
One of the places that we really enjoy camping is Francis Beach in Half Moon Bay. Francis Beach Campground is about 30 miles south of San Francisco. Here are some key things to know about camping with dogs at Francis Beach Campground:
- Pet-friendly camping: The campground allows dogs on leashes, and there are designated pet-friendly campsites available. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but there is the nearby California Coastal Trail that allows dogs on leashes. The trail is within walking distance from the campground.
- Beach access: While dogs are not allowed on Francis Beach, the campground is just steps away from the beach, and there are other nearby beaches where dogs are allowed on leashes, such as Poplar Beach.
- Hiking trails: In addition to the California Coastal Trail, there are several hiking trails in the area that allow dogs on leashes, including the Miramontes Point Loop Trail and the Montara Mountain Trail.
- Amenities: The campground has basic amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a dump station. There are also nearby restaurants and shops in Half Moon Bay. If you’re in town during the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, don’t miss it.
4. Gualala Point Regional Park, Gualala
Gualala Point Regional Park is a wonderful camping destination for dog owners located on the coast in Gualala, which is about 120 miles north of San Francisco. Here are some key things to know about camping with dogs at Gualala Point Regional Park:
- Pet-friendly camping: The park has designated pet-friendly campsites, which allow up to two dogs per site. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Beach access: Gualala Point Regional Park has access to the Gualala River and nearby beaches where dogs are allowed on leashes. There are also several nearby beaches, such as Bowling Ball Beach and Schooner Gulch State Beach, where dogs are allowed on leashes.
- Hiking trails: The park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coast and surrounding hills. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be on a leash at all times.
- Amenities: The park has a variety of amenities, including restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, picnic areas, a boat launch, and an RV dump station. There are also nearby restaurants and shops in Gualala.
5. Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Jenner
Stillwater Cove Regional Park is a lovely camping destination for dog owners located on the coast in Jenner, which is about 80 miles north of San Francisco. Here are some key things to know about camping with dogs at Stillwater Cove Regional Park:
- Pet-friendly camping: The park has designated pet-friendly campsites. There is a small fee for camping with your dog. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Beach access: Stillwater Cove Regional Park has access to the beach, but dogs are not allowed on the beach due to nesting birds and wildlife. However, there are several nearby beaches, such as Dillion Beach, where dogs are allowed on leashes.
- Hiking trails: The park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coast and surrounding hills. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be on a leash at all times. Nearby Stockhoff trail, Stillwater Cove Bluff Trail, and Sea to Sky Raptor Ridge Trail are all dog-friendly.
- Amenities: The park has a variety of amenities, including restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, picnic areas, a boat launch, and an RV dump station. There are also nearby restaurants and shops in Jenner.
6. Lake Solano County Park, Winters
Lake Solano County Park is a beautiful camping destination for dog owners located near the town of Winters in Solano County, California. Here are some key things to know about camping with dogs at Lake Solano County Park:
- Pet-friendly camping: The park has designated pet-friendly campsites. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Many sites are located directly on the creek.
- Access to the lake: Lake Solano County Park is situated on the banks of Putah Creek, and there are opportunities for fishing and swimming in the lake. However, dogs are not allowed in the swimming area of the park. They are, however, allowed on the banks of the creek in the camping areas.
- Hiking trails: The park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the creek and surrounding hills. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be on a leash at all times.
- Amenities: The park has a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a boat launch. Some sites have water and electrical hookups. An RV dump station is available to use for a fee. There are also nearby restaurants, breweries, wineries, and shops in Winters.
Best Places to Camp with a Dog in Southern California
1. Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a very popular beach and camping destination located in Huntington Beach, California. Here are some key things to know about visiting Bolsa Chica State Beach:
- Beach activities: Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular spot for a variety of beach activities, including swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and fishing. Dogs are allowed only on the multi-use trail, which is also known as the bike path, and are not allowed on the sand at this location. However, nearby Huntington Dog Beach is a perfect place for your pooch to play on the sand.
- RV camping: The park offers camping sites for self-contained RVs, including several sites with ocean views. No tent camping is available. Water and electrical hookups are available at each site. There is also an RV dump station. The camping sites are available year-round, but reservations are required and should be made well in advance since this is an extremely popular park.
- Amenities: The park offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, fire rings, and a snack bar. There are also several nearby restaurants and shops in Huntington Beach.
- Nature preserve: The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is adjacent to the beach and offers hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities. Dogs are not allowed in the ecological reserve.
2. Hearst San Simeon SP – Washburn Campground, Cambria
Washburn Campground is a popular camping destination located on the central coast of California near the town of San Simeon. Here are some key things to know about camping at Washburn Campground:
- Location: Washburn Campground is located within Hearst San Simeon State Park, which is situated along the Pacific coast and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding hills.
- Tent and RV camping: The campground offers both tent and RV camping sites, with a total of 86 sites available. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
- Pet-friendly camping: Dogs are allowed in the campground, but they must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are allowed only on W.R. Hearst Beach and south to Lone Palm Dr. and on boardwalks and campgrounds.
- Nearby activities: The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is also home to the historic Hearst Castle, which is a popular tourist attraction.
- Amenities: The campground offers several amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is also a camp store nearby where you can purchase firewood, ice, and other supplies.
3. Anza Borrego State Park, Borrego Springs
Anza Borrego State Park is known for its off-road trails and fabulous spring wild-flower display. Anza-Borrego State Park is a great place to camp with your dog, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are some key tips for camping with your dog at Anza-Borrego:
- Location: Anza-Borrego State Park is located in southeastern California, east of San Diego and south of Palm Springs.
- Activities: The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, stargazing, and wildlife watching. If you go, don’t miss the metal art sculptures, called the Sky Art.
- Camping with dogs: Dogs are welcome on a six-foot leash in the campground and on the many dirt roads in the Park. It’s recommended to bring plenty of water for your dog, as temperatures in the park can get very hot.
- Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and roadrunners.
- Camping: The park offers several campgrounds, including a developed campground (Borrego Palm Canyon Campground) with amenities like restrooms and showers. Several primitive campgrounds with limited or no amenities are also available. We camped just outside the park at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park. Nearby Agua Caliente Regional Park has camping and an indoor hot-spring pool. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Dispersed camping is permitted where vehicles are parked no more than one vehicle length off the road.
- Weather: Anza-Borrego State Park can be extremely hot during the summer months, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sunscreen and be prepared for the heat.
4. O’Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon
O’Neill Regional Park is a beautiful park located in Orange County, California. Here are some key things to know about O’Neill Regional Park:
- Location: The park is located in Trabuco Canyon, California, and is easily accessible from several major highways, including Interstate 5 and State Route 241.
- Activities: O’Neill Regional Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The park has over 23 miles of hiking trails that wind through oak and sycamore groves, and there are several trails that lead to scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Camping with dogs: Dogs are allowed in the campground and on all paved trails.
They must be on a leash at all times (six-foot maximum). Dogs are not permitted in wilderness areas, including the Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness Area (including the Tijeras Creek area) and Vedanta Wilderness Area. - Camping: The park offers several campsites, including group and family campsites. The campsites are located in a beautiful wooded area near a stream and offer a peaceful and serene camping experience. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restrooms and showers. An RV dump station is available.
- Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding them.
- Amenities: The park has several amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a nature center. The nature center offers educational programs and exhibits about the park’s wildlife and natural history.
Conclusion
From the coastal views of Bolsa Chica State Beach to the hiking trails of Bodega Bay, California offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences for visitors and their furry friends.