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.
Bone appétit: Dog-friendly dining in Yosemite Mariposa County
After a day exploring Yosemite Mariposa County, you and your dog will have earned a good meal. Pup-friendly restaurants along the way serve everything from craft beer and burgers to farm-to-table plates and steaming bowls of ramen.
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Your dog’s California bucket list!
Five California towns every dog should visit at least once: Carmel-by-the-Sea for off-leash beach bliss, Mendocino for coastal trails, South Lake Tahoe for mountain adventures, Santa Barbara for elegant seaside strolls, and one more surprise.
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Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you
Lake Tahoe is a dream for dogs and their people, with pristine beaches, mountain trails and pet-friendly lodging from South Lake to quieter spots like Tahoma. Here's how to plan the perfect Tahoe trip with your pup.
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Peak fun for pups and people in Plumas County
Plumas County sits between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe, with national forest covering over 75% of the land. Dogs can hike canyons and ridges, splash in Lake Almanor, explore charming Quincy and enjoy pet-friendly lodges and breweries throughout the county.
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Moving south in the Eastern Sierra
Mono Lake's otherworldly tufa towers and Lee Vining's gateway to Yosemite's Tioga Road highlight this stretch of the Eastern Sierra. Don't miss the Saddlebag Lake Loop Trail or the famous Whoa Nellie Deli, where road food reaches gourmet heights.
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To Bridgeport and beyond in the Eastern Sierra
Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierra offers dog-friendly lodges, the ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park, and the pristine Virginia Lakes at 9,000 feet. With rustic cabins, trout-filled waters, and quiet mountain scenery, it's an unforgettable stop on Highway 395.
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Dreamy Placer County hotels for dogs and their families
Placer County has dog-friendly hotels and rentals from Roseville to Lake Tahoe. Options range from the retro-cool Foothills Motel in Auburn and modern Basecamp Hotel in Tahoe City to pet-welcoming cabin and lakefront home rentals throughout the region.
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Dog-friendly adventures along Highway 395 to Mammoth Lakes
Highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra serves up stunning scenery, dog-friendly trails around Convict Lake and Mono Lake, cross-country skiing near Mammoth Lakes and even a genuine ghost town at Bodie State Historic Park.
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DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind --…
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Dog-friendly wineries: Just a click away
DogTrekker.com highlights the best dog-friendly wine regions across California, from Mendocino and Sonoma to Napa, Gold Country, and the Central Coast, with an interactive map to help you plan your next tasting adventure with your pup.
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Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches: Your ultimate summer guide
From Carnelian Bay coffee shops to secluded coves on the Nevada side, here is your guide to the best dog-friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe. Both shores offer sandy spots where your pup can splash all summer long.
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Reserving a camp spot for Spot
Planning a camping trip with your dog? Here are key resources for reserving sites in California, plus tips for snagging last-minute spots at popular coastal and mountain campgrounds that often book out six months in advance.
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On the way to Yosemite: East entrance
The drive to Yosemite through the east entrance via Highway 120 and scenic Highway 395 is a destination in itself. Mono Lake, Lee Vining, and the off-leash trails around Saddlebag Lake offer stunning Sierra scenery your dog can actually enjoy.
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Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.
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Close encounters in Nevada County
Nevada County is packed with dog-friendly fun, from cozy inns and patio dining in historic Nevada City to the unique wooden flumes of the Independence Trail, where a switchback ramp leads to a scenic swimming hole your dog will love.
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California glamping your dog will dig
From coastal safari tents and redwood Airstreams to vineyard cabins and desert retreats, California's dog-friendly glamping scene offers the best of outdoor adventure without sacrificing creature comforts. Pack the treats and let the tail-wagging begin.
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On the road to Yosemite
The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
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Dogtrekker’s best river adventures
California rivers offer some of the best warm-weather fun you can have with your dog. Paddle inflatable canoes on the Russian River, float the Truckee River from Tahoe City, or raft the American River in Sacramento.
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Make a splash at North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about, from Carnelian Bay and Coon Street Beach to secluded Chimney Beach on the Nevada side. Pebble Beach on the West Shore rounds out the options.
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Dogs love Tahoe
Tahoe Keys Resort is a top pick for dog-loving visitors to South Lake Tahoe. This private marina community offers cabins, condos, and homes with boat docks, easy lake access, and a staff that genuinely loves welcoming four-legged guests.
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Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and more
South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offer space and flexibility for dog-friendly getaways. Tahoe Keys Resort provides private marina access, while properties ranging from cozy cabins to mansions sleeping 22 put you close to the lake and miles of hiking trails.
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Find a dog-friendly place in Placer County
Placer County stretches from near Sacramento to Tahoe's north shore, offering dog-friendly trails at Auburn State Recreation Area and the lesser-known Cronan Ranch. Near the lake, Truckee and Palisades Tahoe round out the options for outdoor adventure with your pup.
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At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails
Lake Tahoe maintains a network of plowed winter trails perfect for walking your dog without skis or snowshoes. The Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and paths in Incline Village are all great options.
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Say hello to summer on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
Lake Tahoe's South Shore has dog-friendly cabins, cottages, and lodges for every budget. With a pet concierge service at the Hard Rock Hotel, off-leash beach time at Nevada Beach, and plenty of patio dining, summer here is made for dogs.
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