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.

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.

Dogs in the Park

Yosemite National Park has strict pet rules, but leashed dogs can still enjoy paved trails to Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Mirror Lake. Dog-friendly campgrounds and vacation rentals inside the park make overnight stays possible.

Tuolumne County: North entrance (Hwy 120)

The Highway 120 corridor through Tuolumne County blends Gold Rush history with outdoor adventure on the way to Yosemite. Ride a stagecoach in Columbia, swim at Rainbow Pool and bed down at dog-friendly hotels in Groveland and Jamestown.

Fall trekking in the SLO lane

San Luis Obispo County serves up wine tasting, coastal hikes and historic missions along a leisurely Highway 101 road trip. From Paso Robles wineries to Pismo Beach bluffs and Morro Bay seafood decks, your dog is welcome throughout.

Mariposa County: West entrance (Hwy 140)

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance, passing dog-friendly lodgings, scenic Merced River trails rich with wildflowers, and charming gateway towns. It's a route packed with places to stay and hike with your pup.

Wilder keeping it super cool in Santa Cruz.

Set the scene in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County pairs redwood forests, sandy beaches and a walkable downtown into one excellent dog-friendly getaway. Ride a steam train, go tidepooling, hike off-leash trails and explore 15 miles of dog-welcoming coastline.

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping near me..

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping Blog