Maybe you like the idea of camping but don’t own (or care to own) the requisite equipment. Enter “glamping,” a hybrid word referring to rustic-chic, outdoor-oriented lodging that doesn’t involve pitching your own tent. A standout on the scene, Inn Town Campground, just outside the Gold Country town of Nevada City, does it right with a colony of safari-style tents outfitted with electricity, comfy beds, fresh linens, artsy accessories and outdoor seating.
Eight of the 15 tents are dog-friendly (one is also ADA accessible), and all share amenities including Wi-Fi, camp lodge, kitchen, barbecue area, laundry, showers and camp store. Regular tent and RV sites are dog-welcoming, too. Dogs are allowed off-leash within your campsite but must be leashed in common areas—bring a tie-out stake so your pup can relax outside your tent while you cook dinner. Nevada City and neighboring Grass Valley are outdoor recreation magnets that also host many music and cultural festivals throughout the year.
In Mendocino County, the Mendocino Grove campground, on 37 wooded acres between Mendocino Village and Big River, offers roomy safari tents that come fully outfitted with a queen bed, down comforter, cotton linens, sling-back chairs and fire ring. Showers and restrooms with heated floors and plenty of towels are nearby. The campground requires a two-night minimum stay and operates seasonally—check their website for current dates and availability.
Vintage travel-trailer parks are another glamping trend, offering a fun twist on the RV experience. Dog-friendly examples include the AutoCamp Airstream Parks in downtown Santa Barbara and just outside the Russian River (Sonoma County) town of Guerneville. Smartly refurbished in a variety of styles, from retro to Euro-chic, the trailers moored here come with plush bed linens and bath products, kitchenettes, decks and a gas grill. The outdoor areas between trailers give your dog space to stretch out, and the surrounding neighborhoods are perfect for morning walks.
Moving south to the desert, Kate’s Lazy Desert Airstream Motel, six miles from Joshua Tree National Park near Joshua Tree, is a village of six Airstreams restored “to wacky perfection” by artists Phillip Maberry and Scott Walker, whose house is featured in the B-52’s “Love Shack” video. Three of the trailers are dog-friendly. Small dogs are preferred, so if yours is on the large size, please call first.
No matter which glamping style you choose, the big advantage for dog owners is clear: you get to enjoy the outdoors with your pup without hauling a trailer full of gear. Most of these spots are close to dog-friendly trails and towns, so you can spend the day hiking and exploring before returning to a real bed and a hot shower. For even more ideas, check out our other glamping guides: A-glamping we will go and California glampsites your dog will dig.
Photo Credit: Scott Wallace (CC)
