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.

Camping etiquette for dogs: Leashes, tethering and bear safety

California campgrounds require dogs to be leashed at all times, so plan ahead with cable tie-outs or stake-out posts. In bear country, remember to secure dog food just like people food to keep wildlife away from your campsite.

Best water activities for senior dogs in California

From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.

Bet on Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay in Sonoma County makes a perfect coastal getaway with your dog. Enjoy bird-watching trails, sandy beaches at Doran Regional Park, spectacular coastal views on the Pinnacle Gulch Trail, and fresh crab sandwiches at outdoor-friendly eateries.

The road to scenic overload

Highway 1 through Big Sur delivers 122 miles of jaw-dropping coastal curves, with dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach as the star attraction. Campgrounds, cabins, and outdoor breakfast at classic Deetjen's round out a memorable road trip with your pup.

Beachcomber Motel, a dog-friendly hotel in Fort Bragg, California

Mendocino’s beachcomber motel offers pet suites and dog park

The Beachcomber Motel and Spa in Fort Bragg now offers custom Pet Suites with lowered dog showers, dog houses, and direct access to a private 3,500-square-foot leash-free dog park. Two suites even feature doggie doors leading to private kennels.

The far, far north in Del Norte County

Near Klamath in Del Norte County, Trees of Mystery welcomes dogs to its old-growth redwood trails, gift store, and SkyTrail gondola ride through the treetops. The giant Paul Bunyan statues make this a must-stop attraction.

Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country

Folsom offers 56 miles of paved trails, an off-leash dog park and easy access to Gold Country wine tasting and Apple Hill farms. Dog-friendly hotels, sidewalk dining on Sutter Street and Folsom Lake make it an ideal weekend base.

Do more along Highway 4

Highway 4 climbs through Calaveras and Alpine counties into a winter wonderland of cross-country ski trails, snow-covered forest roads and ancient redwoods at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Leashed dogs are welcome to join the snowy fun.

A Mammoth adventure!

Reader Stacy D. and her pup Ginger share their Mammoth Lakes adventure, including stops at Bodie State Park, Mono Lake, Convict Lake and Rock Creek Lake. They based their trip at the cozy, dog-friendly Edelweiss Lodge.

Weatherproof wine tasting with your dog

Rain or shine, dozens of Napa Valley wineries welcome dogs right into their tasting rooms. From Calistoga to Carneros, you'll find treat jars on counters, water bowls at the ready, and even a dog suite at Frenchie Winery.

All paws welcome on the Napa Valley Vine Trail

The Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a paved 12.5-mile path from Kennedy Park to Yountville, passing dog-friendly wineries like Laird Family Estate and Domaine Chandon. Combine a morning walk with wine tasting and a patio lunch in restaurant-rich Yountville.

Leash up for a fall trip to Mendocino

Mendocino County in fall means warm days, quiet trails and your pick of dog-friendly lodgings. From blufftop cottages and lighthouse vacation rentals to secluded Anderson Valley hideaways, the options are as varied as the scenery.

Ferndale: A charming village to bark about

A reader shares her love for Ferndale, a Victorian village in Humboldt County with locally owned shops, great food, dog-friendly lodging at the Shaw House Inn and beaches just outside town.

Kayla in Surf City

DogTrekker's own Kayla reports on her tail-wagging visit to Huntington Beach, where she romped on one of the largest dog beaches in the country and spent the night in style at the pet-pampering Shorebreak Hotel.

Central coasting in winter

The California Central Coast is wonderfully moody in late winter, and dog-friendly cabin rentals make it easy to settle in. From vintage motels in Pacific Grove to cozy inns in Carmel, these hideouts put you steps from dramatic scenery.

HB Collection: Dog-passionate hotels

The HB Collection brings together four premier oceanfront resorts in Huntington Beach, and all of them welcome dogs. From the Shorebreak's nightly wine reception to the Waterfront's doggie reader board, these hotels go above and beyond for pups.

Image from Who let the dogs in? on DogTrekker

Dogs welcome at Yountville tasting rooms

Yountville in Napa Valley is a strollable, dog-friendly culinary destination with luxury lodging at North Block Hotel and Bardessono, plus dozens of tasting rooms and acclaimed restaurants with outdoor seating for you and your pup.

Snouts out the window

The Shasta Cascade region boasts 12 scenic byways perfect for a fall road trip with your dog. From the Volcanic Legacy All-American Road to the Feather River route, the drives pair stunning views with dog-friendly lodges.

North Coast winery ramble

Mendocino County's North Coast tasting rooms roll out a warm welcome for dogs. The Anderson Valley alone has dozens of dog-friendly wineries, plus cozy inns and farm-to-table restaurants that make it easy to settle in for the weekend.

Vine and dine in Sonoma

The town of Sonoma charms with its historic plaza, dog-friendly sidewalk cafes and walkable tasting rooms. Stroll to nearby wineries, treat your pup at Three Dog Bakery and finish with dinner at a top-rated patio restaurant.

Traveling with a puppy takes planning to keep your pup safe and content.

Tips for traveling with a puppy

Traveling with a puppy takes preparation. A vet tech covers the essentials, from making sure vaccines are current and scheduling frequent potty breaks to packing a Kong for crate time and keeping your adventurous pup safely leashed.

Sonoma County trippin’

A Sonoma County road trip from Petaluma to Sebastopol to Santa Rosa serves up craft breweries, off-leash dog parks, wine-country trails and walkable downtowns. Each town brings its own character and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.

Redding: Waterfall capital of California

Redding and the Shasta Cascade region boast over 225 miles of trails and some of California's best waterfalls. Spring is prime time to hike with your dog to cascades at Whiskeytown Lake and along the McCloud River.

Hideaways by the sea

The Sonoma Coast offers dog-friendly hideaways from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. Cozy inns, vacation rentals and blufftop cottages put sandy beaches and coastal trails right outside your door.

Lodging and camping

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Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping Blog