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.
Curl up off-season in a dog-friendly cabin
Come September, High Sierra cabin resorts open up with shorter stays and easier bookings. The Lakes Basin area between Sierra and Plumas counties offers everything from rustic sleeping rooms with rowboats to upscale lodges with on-site breweries and spas.
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Stroller-friendly hikes for wheels, feet and paws
California offers plenty of paved, stroller-friendly trails where dogs are welcome too. From Lake Tahoe's Lam Watah Trail to San Francisco's Crissy Field and the historic Independence Trail near Nevada City, these paths work for wheels, feet and paws alike.
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Bark early to reserve these primo camping spots
The most popular coastal and lakefront campgrounds fill up fast, so mark your calendar six months out. Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe and MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast are two primo dog-friendly spots worth the early booking effort.
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Stay a night or three
Oakland's dog-friendly hotels range from the nautical-themed Waterfront Hotel on Jack London Square to the grand Claremont Club and Spa with bay views. Budget options like Homewood Suites and Motel 6 also welcome canine guests.
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Fourth stop: Truckee to Mammoth Lakes
The road from Truckee to Mammoth Lakes follows scenic Highway 395 past Bodie ghost town, surreal Mono Lake and into the Eastern Sierra. At Mammoth Mountain, dogs can ride the gondola to 11,053 feet and hike down through alpine lakes.
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Third stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee
Highway 89 along Tahoe's West Shore is a sensory treat, from the historic Tallac estates and dog-friendly Kiva Beach to a gentle stroll to Fallen Leaf Lake and the easy trail to Cascade Creek Falls near Emerald Bay.
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Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe
Highway 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is the scenic route to the Sierra. Stop at Horsetail Falls, then choose between the bustling Heavenly Village or a mellow drive up the west shore with beaches and trails.
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Make tracks to Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.
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Crystal blue persuasion
The Crystal Basin Recreation Area off Highway 50 holds more than 700 campsites around five scenic reservoirs in the Eldorado National Forest. Two lakes offer direct trail access into Desolation Wilderness, where dogs can hike off-leash beside you.
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Dog-friendly winter activities in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes welcomes DogTrekkers with groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe paths and miles of dog-friendly Inyo National Forest backcountry. Stop at stunning Convict Lake on the way in, and book a pet-friendly cabin for a sunrise you won't forget.
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Paradise for water dogs
A DogTrekker reader shares her find: a secluded public dog beach on the eastern end of Donner Lake near Tahoe. With shallow water, sandy shores and plenty of pups playing fetch, it's a must-stop for water-loving dogs.
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Get your Buttes in gear
The Lakes Basin Recreation Area in Plumas and Sierra counties is a high-country paradise with dozens of alpine lakes and miles of dog-friendly trails. The Sierra Buttes Lookout hike ranks among the best day treks in the state.
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Gotta lake it
Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.
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Tahoe under paws: Lake Tahoe dog beaches
Lake Tahoe has several dog beaches, but off-leash spots are rare. A locals' favorite is the sandy strand at Nevada Beach, where dogs fetch sticks from crystalline water. Other options include Coon Street Dog Beach and Patton Beach.
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Swooning for wildflowers
Carson Pass on Highway 88 near Lake Tahoe erupts with spectacular wildflowers in early July. Hike the dog-friendly Pacific Crest Trail to Frog Lake and Lake Winnemucca through head-high lupins, paintbrush and mountain daisies at over 8,600 feet elevation.
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Beach bliss at South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about. Kiva Beach offers a long sandy stretch, Regan Memorial Beach allows off-leash play, and a hidden section of Nevada Beach is a locals' favorite for fetching sticks.
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Get off the beaten track
Skip the Tahoe crowds and head to the Lost Sierra or Mammoth Lakes for cold-weather fun with your dog. Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle and Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth offer dog-friendly rooms and access to snowshoe trails.
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Three dog-friendly options in South Shore
Three dog-friendly finds on South Shore Lake Tahoe worth knowing about: Borges Sleigh Rides welcomes leashed pets aboard, Sidellis Brewery features a big dog-friendly patio, and the Village at Heavenly offers fire pits and outdoor dining with your pup.
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Dogs love Downieville
Downieville is a quiet Gold Rush town on the North Yuba River where dog-friendly cabins put you steps from fishing, hiking, and mountain biking in the Sierra Buttes. Spring is the sweet spot, before summer crowds arrive.
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Dreyfus discovers Tahoe
DogTrekker Hope S. and her dog Dreyfus packed a memorable 24 hours into a Lake Tahoe getaway, taking in Emerald Bay views and spending the night at the dog-friendly Beach Retreat and Lodge with lakeside pier walks.
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Last chance for high-country hikes with your dog
Late fall is ideal for one last high-country hike before the snow flies. Five favorite trails near Interstate 80 include Castle Peak, Mount Judah Loop, Coldstream Valley, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and Martis Creek Wildlife Area, all welcoming dogs.
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Camp Layman, a doggie delight in the High Sierra
Camp Layman near Graeagle offers rustic 1920s cabins just a short walk from swimming and fishing in the Feather River. Dogs get their own blankets, and the quiet Sierra setting is perfect for hiking and trail sniffing.
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Highway 50 is nifty
Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe hides great dog-friendly stops along the way. Hike to the top of Lover's Leap for sweeping canyon views, or explore granite pools along the Pyramid Loop Trail near Horsetail Falls.
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Top spots for soaking up mountain majesty
Beat the summer heat at high-elevation campgrounds across California's mountains. From Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra to Lake Alpine near Angels Camp, these scenic spots pair stunning views with cool nights and dog-friendly trails.
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