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.
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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Five woofy waterfront campgrounds
Five favorite waterfront campgrounds where dogs can splash and play, from Big Lagoon in Humboldt County to Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, with stops at Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and Big Sur along the way.
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Don’t wait: Check out Highway 88
The Highway 88 and Carson Pass corridor south of Lake Tahoe is a high-country playground dotted with lakes and laced with trails where dogs can hike off-leash. The scenery is spectacular and the crowds are thin.
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Treasure in El Dorado County
El Dorado County stretches from the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 up to Lake Tahoe, offering dog-friendly recreation at Sly Park, Horsetail Falls, and Echo Lakes. Stay at the charmingly haunted Cary House Hotel in Placerville.
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Rollin’ on a river with your dog
You don't need your own boat to paddle with your pup. Catch A Canoe in Mendocino offers dog-friendly outrigger canoes, Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg has stable inflatables, and Truckee River Raft Rentals provides a classic Tahoe float.
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Dog-friendly day hikes
North Lake Tahoe is packed with dog-friendly hikes, from the easy Tahoe City Lakeside Trail to the wildflower-rich Page Meadow. The Five Lakes Trail climbs into the Granite Chief Wilderness where sparkling alpine lakes await.
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Dip into the blue
Your dog can absolutely swim in Lake Tahoe. Pocket coves along Highway 28, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, and the mellow West Shore all welcome pups. Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Tahoe City for more fun.
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Shelter in the Tahoe snow
Tahoe in winter calls for snowy adventures by day and cozy cabin retreats at night. Cedar Glen Lodge, Tahoma Meadows, and Sorensen's Resort all welcome dogs and offer quick access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
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Sniffing out scenery in Sierra County
Sierra County, home to fewer than 4,000 people, feels like your own private Gold Country in fall. A 170-mile loop along the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway takes you through Downieville, the Gold Lakes Basin, and Sierra City.
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Fall walk with Fido
October brings stunning fall color to Gold Country and the Sierra. Aspens peak early at Hope Valley and Carson Pass, maples light up Nevada City later, and the Eastern Sierra puts on the West's finest autumn show.
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Greater Palm Springs: Oasis for paws and people
Greater Palm Springs blends dog-friendly spirit with vibrant desert beauty, making it a prime pick for sunshine escapes. Start your day with a walk along palm-lined neighborhoods, explore welcoming patios, and stay at hotels that treat your pup like family.
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Perfect dog-friendly patios in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs has no shortage of dog-friendly patios where you and your pup can soak up the sun. From coffee spots under palm trees to gourmet evening dining under the stars, this oasis delivers. Welcome to the ultimate guide…
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California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind
California's dog-friendly travel scene expanded dramatically in 2025, with new CDC travel regulations, luxury hotel pet packages in Napa and San Diego, expanded airport relief areas, and tech tools that simplify planning trips with your pup. California's reputation as a…
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5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures
Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.
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Vacaville: Your wine country HQ
Vacaville offers affordable, dog-friendly lodging just 30 minutes from Napa Valley and even closer to the laid-back Suisun Valley wine region. Between tastings, enjoy off-leash play at Lagoon Valley Dog Park and patio dining downtown. For wine lovers craving a…
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California glampsites your dog will dig
A curated guide to California's top dog-friendly glamping escapes, from Mendocino Grove's safari tents under the redwoods to desert retreats and vineyard stays. Each property blends wilderness access with comfortable amenities for you and your pup. Glamping by the sea…
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Snoozing and specials
Greater Palm Springs pampers pups at beautifully restored hotels like the Ingleside Inn, La Serena Villas, and Sands Hotel. Expect dog beds, treats, and stylish mid-century surroundings that may make you and Fido never want to leave. In Greater Palm…
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Where to stay with your dog in Sacramento
Sacramento has dog-friendly lodging for every budget, from the boutique Kimpton Sawyer downtown to riverside hotels with trail access along the American River Parkway. Many welcome dogs at no extra charge. From the downtown core to the farthest reaches of…
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Go retro in a dog-friendly airstream trailer
Sleep in a vintage Airstream trailer with your dog at locations across Southern California. AutoCamp in Joshua Tree, Caravan Outpost in Ojai, and Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert all offer retro-chic, pet-friendly accommodations with modern comforts. Retro is all the…
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In GPS, five pet-friendly hotels are raising the bar
Five Greater Palm Springs hotels go above and beyond for dogs, from The Saguaro's no-fee policy for pets of any size to La Quinta Resort's PAWS program and Westin Mission Hills' on-site adoption partnership with a local shelter.
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