Lodging and camping Blog
The DogTrekker.com research and editorial teams are experts at California dog travel, with great stories about the best lodging and camping places across the state to stay where your dogs are as welcome as you are. Get the scoop on dog-friendly hotels and lodging, from luxury resorts to economical motels, rustic cabins to campgrounds, vacation rentals to B&B’s.
Gourmet chow-downs with your pup
Napa Valley's dog-friendly dining scene goes well beyond picnic tables. Michelin-starred Bouchon, farm-to-fork Farmstead, and acclaimed Morimoto all welcome diners with leashed companions on their outdoor patios, alongside local favorites like Gott's Roadside and Napa General Store.
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Sacramento DIY tasting tours with an artsy twist
Sacramento's thriving craft beer scene and easy access to top wine producers make it a tasting tour hotspot, with dog-friendly taprooms and Instagram-worthy murals along the way. Start at the Hyatt Centric Downtown and explore patio breweries within walking distance.
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Four-paw fun, from harvest into the holidays
Fall on California's North Coast shines at the Stanford Inn and throughout Mendocino County, with Harvest Mendocino events from late October through mid-November. Sample regional bounty, ride the Mushroom Train through redwoods, and stay for holiday sparkle into the new…
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Family fun with a pup-friendly pedigree
The Stanford Inn is a family-friendly retreat with four state parks within two miles, a heated saltwater pool, scavenger hunts, and canine cruiser canoes on Big River. Dogs perch on a stable middle deck while families paddle miles of estuary…
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Borrow a buddy at the Beachcomber Properties, Fort Bragg
The Borrow a Buddy program at Fort Bragg's Beachcomber Hotel Group lets guests without dogs spend time with adoptable pups from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Take a deserving shelter dog to a local beach, winery, or state park for…
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A dreamy setting for romantic retreats
Couples choose the Stanford Inn by the Sea for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic reconnections, drawn by its coastal beauty, garden setting, and dog-friendly hospitality in Mendocino. Wake to ocean views, unwind with spa treatments, and stroll the bluffs with your…
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Mindful hospitality with a pet-centric pedigree
The Stanford Inn practices mindful, personal hospitality in an era of screens and contactless check-ins, putting people, pups, and the planet first. This family-run Mendocino resort has spent forty-five years curating genuine guest experiences rooted in warmth and environmental care.
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On the go in pup-centric Sacramento
Sacramento's parks and multi-use trails are a dog lover's paradise, from the 32-mile American River Parkway to the tree-lined paths around Capitol Park. The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel welcomes dogs with no pet fees, no size limits, and evening wine receptions.
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The ulti-mutt in farm-fresh dining in Sacramento
Sacramento earns its title as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital with 1.5 million acres of farmland and incredible local chefs serving fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dog-friendly Citizen Hotel puts you two blocks from Capitol Park and steps from Michelin-recommended dining.
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Happy New Year from DogTrekker!
DogTrekker kicks off 2026 with a look ahead at the coastal walks, mountain trails, and welcoming patios waiting for you and your dog across California. More hotels, trails, and restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for pups than ever…
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Dog-friendly dining on a riverfront patio
Noyo Harbor Inn's HarborView Bistro and Bar in Fort Bragg serves fresh seafood and California wines on a riverfront patio where dogs are welcome. Watch fishing boats drift by over brunch, happy hour, or a locally sourced dinner with sunset…
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Sit, stay and splash in Siskiyou County
Siskiyou County raises the bar for dog-friendly travel with swimming holes, brewery patios, waterfall hikes, and cozy lodging near Mount Shasta. Follow the McCloud River past three waterfalls, explore old-growth forests, and unwind with a pint at a dog-welcoming alehouse.
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Dog-friendly Bishop, California: Small town, big adventures
Bishop sits at 4,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra, offering dog-friendly trails, alpine lakes, budget-friendly hotels, and outdoor dining patios. From Bishop Creek Canyon hikes to peaceful Owens River walks, this small town delivers big adventures for dogs and their…
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Wags and wine in Lake County
Lake County boasts the most dog-friendly wine country in the U.S., with over 30 wineries welcoming pups. Explore private trails at Six Sigma Ranch, paddle spring-fed Blue Lakes, and linger over alfresco dining at patio restaurants throughout the county.
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Reserving a spot for you and Spot
Snagging a campsite in California takes planning, especially at popular coastal and mountain locations that book six months out. Here are strategies for securing reservations, from cancellation windows and first-come sites to lottery systems and midweek flexibility.
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Reserve summer campsites now
Summer campsites at California's coast and mountain hotspots fill up fast, so book early. Here is a roundup of reservation resources, from Reserve America and Recreation.gov to utility-district campgrounds, dog-friendly KOA cabins, and tips for snagging last-minute spots.
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Ways to snag prime reservations
Snagging a prime campsite or hotel room in California's most popular destinations takes strategy. Here are seven tips for working cancellation windows, wait lists and first-come sites to land that perfect spot with your dog.
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Wandering El Dorado County
El Dorado County offers everything from Echo Lake hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail to five sparkling lakes in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. With over 700 dog-friendly campsites and trails into Desolation Wilderness, summer adventures abound.
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Dog-friendly riverside trails: Truckee River and American River Parkway
Two of California's best paved riverside trails welcome dogs year-round. The Truckee River Legacy Trail offers off-leash walking near downtown Truckee, while Sacramento's 32-mile American River Parkway winds through shady greenbelts alive with spring wildflowers and wildlife.
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Slivers of silver
South of Lake Tahoe along the Carson Pass corridor, Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and Bear River Reservoir offer fall hiking through golden aspens and forest campgrounds. Pet-friendly cabins at Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley make a great base for exploring…
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Tips and tricks for reserving a dog-friendly campsite
California's best campgrounds book up months ahead, but persistence pays off. From working cancellation windows and first-come sites to trying midweek stays and lesser-known campgrounds run by utility companies, these strategies can land you a summer spot.
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The splashy side of Placer County
Placer County is full of dog-friendly water fun, from rafting the American River and fishing at French Meadows Reservoir to kayaking on Lake Tahoe. Folsom Lake and Sugar Pine Reservoir also welcome leashed pups for swimming, hiking, and boating.
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What it’s all about, Ralphie?
Wild Blue funds canine cancer research and provides treatment grants to dog owners who can't afford care. Their week-long dog camps at Lake Tahoe raise money while giving you and your pup an unforgettable vacation for a meaningful cause.
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Crystal blue perfection
Long Lake near Soda Springs is a crystal-clear swimming hole ringed by granite slabs with Devils Peak as a backdrop. A short hike from Cascade Lakes gets you there, and on weekdays you may have it to yourself.
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