Airstreams, dog-friendly glamping and more

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Dakota at Mendocino Grove. Photo by Jennifer Brierley.

Vintage travel-trailers, “glamping” tents and luxury yurts are part of an outdoorsy trend that is spreading all up and down California. For those who want to be close to nature but not have to wrestle with tent poles or bunk on the ground, it’s a concept that works. A top player is Auto Camp Airstream Parks, which operates three properties in California, Joshua Tree; Guerneville in Sonoma County; and Midpines, not far from Yosemite National Park.

Custom built and smartly decorated in various styles, from retro and mid-century modern to Euro-chic, the dog-friendly trailers come with plush beds and bath products, kitchenettes, a patio and a gas grill. Each AutoCamp also offers luxury tents (not dog-friendly, alas) and/or cabins, communal fire pits and lounge areas, curated food, beer offerings and more. AutoCamp Yosemite also has a heated swimming pool (sorry, no dogs allowed).

Many more “glamping” options have sprung up in recent years, including the multi-faceted and very dog-friendly Inn Town Campground a mile outside Nevada City, offering glamping tents as well as RV sites; and Camp Nauvoo in El Dorado County, where you can pitch your own tent and take advantage of communal facilities or take up residence in a comfortably outfitted, safari-style tent. Mendocino Grove near Big River has dog-friendly platform tents, a dog park, and a pet wash for guest use. And a new one in Lake County as of 2023, Huttopia Wine Country.

Additional resources include Camp California and California RV Parks. For more pet-friendly glamping options, try Glamping Hub, Glamping.com or HipCamp.