The second anyone gets a dog, they immediately begin to fantasize about all the outdoor activities they will get into with their new four-legged companion. Blazing through hiking trails, drifting down a comfortable river channel, tossing any and all balls, frisbees, and toys to see how quickly your dog can bring them back to you, and camping.
For those California dog owners or those soon to adopt in California, you will need to be aware of the many outdoor amenities at your fingertips, as well as the items required for your dog. More importantly, you will need to find places that not only allow dogs, but are campgrounds dedicated to dog owners and have been well-reviewed by other Californians.
This article is going to take a look at some of the best dog-friendly camping in California. We will not be looking at every dog-friendly campground available, but we will cover a few that have distinguished themselves and stand out as some of the best within the state.
What to Look for in a Dog Friendly Campground
If you want to find a great place to spend the weekend with your pup, it is important that you know what to look for. Just because a place allows pets does not mean it is always equipped to help pet owners when they need waste bags or a place to wash out a dog bowl.
Here are some common items and amenities a campground should provide for dogs and their owners:
- Dog Park or Hiking Trails should always be a staple of any place you choose to spend the weekend. While it doesn’t mean that the campground isn’t worthwhile for many people, there are entirely too many camping spots within The Golden State to settle for less.
- Waste Bins With Bags are an absolute necessity for people who plan to stay the night inside a propped-up polyester tent. Most campgrounds that allow for dogs will have some posts that have small dog bags for when nature calls. Due to how many owners forget to bring them, it is a precautionary way to ensure the area remains clean.
- A Camp or Nearby Convenience Store with pet supplies is also an absolute necessity. These will usually feature some small bowls, leashes, and treats to help campers get through the weekend without issue if they overlooked something.
If a campground doesn’t have one of the above, it isn’t the end of the world. If they have none of the above, you should stick with the places suggested below.
Best Dog Friendly Camping in California
The following spots are some of the most well-reviewed and frequently visited spots for dog-lovers in California.
Saddle Mountain Carmel
Saddle Mountain Carmel is a pet-friendly campground that offers its own luxury tent options, RV spots, and a tent area. The facility is notoriously clean, with breathtaking views and plenty of country to lose yourself in. The campsite provides a small area where owners can get pet supplies, and reviews speak to how friendly the campsite is for dog owners.
Grey Oaks
A small but beautiful campsite that offers five locations on twenty acres of breathtaking California wilderness. The campsite features a hot water shower, should you want to wash the day off, and a washing station for dog bowls, food bowls, and dirty hands. Firewood is provided by the campground owners at no cost to campers.
Elkhorn Ranch
For those looking for a rustic getaway close to the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is a hard spot to beat. The campground is overgrown with fertile agriculture like pumpkins, corn, and even a fruit orchard. This campground is less “comfort-focused” than the other two, though there are trash cans and disposal bins throughout the property.
Wrapping up Dog Friendly Camping in California
Camping is a great time, and it is only made better with the company of a dog. If you are looking to spice up your next mini-vacation, take your dog and a few pounds of its favorite food and get away from the city into the brilliant countryside of California. Just ensure that where you go, they can accommodate you and your pooch.
