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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Madera County: South entrance (Hwy 41)
Oakhurst in Madera County serves as the main gateway to Yosemite's south entrance, with dog-friendly inns, wineries, a historic railroad and nearby Bass Lake. From budget-friendly stays to five-star luxury, this corridor has options for every DogTrekker.
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San Diego bound
San Diego offers dogs a perfect mix of urban parks, iconic hikes and off-leash beaches. From the sprawling green spaces of Balboa Park to the sand and surf of Ocean Beach, this city was made for four-legged explorers.
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Meet Maya, new Director of Barketing™
DogTrekker.com's founders introduce Maya, a 5-year-old English Lab adopted from Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue. Despite some car anxiety and leash issues, Maya won their hearts and stepped into the role of Director of Barketing.
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Pet sounds of the OC
Huntington Beach earns its dog-friendly reputation with an off-leash beach, restaurants serving canine cuisine and fun events like dachshund races. Plus, nearby hotels and trails make Orange County a great base for pup-friendly getaways.
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The lowdown on dog-friendly public lands
Dogs are allowed at most California campgrounds, but trail access varies widely depending on who manages the land. National forests, BLM lands and regional parks tend to offer the most freedom for you and your four-legged hiking partner.
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Big Sur alert
Storm damage and the destruction of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge left much of Big Sur inaccessible, but a few dog-friendly campgrounds remained open via alternate routes. Here's what DogTrekkers needed to know before heading south on Highway 1.
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Of leash laws, bears and campground petiquette
California campgrounds welcome dogs, but smart planning keeps everyone safe. From cable tie-outs and stake-out posts to bear-aware food storage, here are practical tips for camping with your pup in the great outdoors.
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Best dog-friendly hiking near Concord
The East Bay's trail network makes Concord a great launching point for dog-friendly hikes. Lime Ridge Open Space, Shell Ridge, and Briones Regional Park all offer acres of open terrain with off-leash options for well-behaved dogs.
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Mendocino wines on your mind?
Mendocino County 11 wine appellations blaze with fall color in October. Drive the Highway 128 Wine Trail through Anderson Valley or head inland along the Hopland Wine Road, stopping at dog-friendly tasting rooms along the way.
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Explore the Santa Clara Valley wine trail
The Santa Clara Valley, better known as Silicon Valley, is one of California oldest wine regions with 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy. A Wine Trail pass lets you taste all year, and Kirigin Cellars even hosts AKC events.
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Dog, you’ve earned a Yosemite vacation!
Fall brings crisp weather and light crowds to Mariposa County near Yosemite, making it ideal for a dog-friendly getaway. Choose from Airstream glamping at AutoCamp, vacation homes at The Redwoods, or the luxury of Tenaya Lodge.
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Dog-passionate from the get-go
Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino has welcomed pets for nearly 40 years. Guest rooms come with food bowls, organic treats, and furniture covers, while the 10-acre property invites leashed dogs to roam past gardens and ocean views.
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Putting paws to paths around Concord
The East Bay Regional Parks District offers 125,000 acres of open space near Concord. Lime Ridge has 25 miles of dog-friendly trails, Briones features hilly canyons, and Mount Diablo rewards with one of the most expansive views in California.
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Dog-friendly campground reservation resources
Booking a dog-friendly campsite in California takes some know-how. This roundup of reservation resources covers state parks, national forests, utility-company campgrounds and private sites, plus a must-have guidebook that details options across the entire state.
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Russian River runners
Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly SOAR canoe from Healdsburg, stopping to swim and play at sandy beaches along a leisurely nine-mile stretch. Afterward, the town's restaurants, brewpubs and dog-friendly tasting rooms are all within easy reach.
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Pant, paddle, pedal with your pup
Catch a Canoe at Stanford Inn offers a handcrafted redwood "canine cruiser" with a padded deck so your dog can ride in comfort along the Big River estuary. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bicycles are also available for exploring Mendocino's coast.
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Save on camping with America the Beautiful pass
The America the Beautiful Senior Pass costs just ten dollars for a lifetime of free access and half-price camping at over 2,000 national recreation sites. Annual passes, military passes and fourth-grader passes are also available for the whole family.
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Conquer Concord with your pup
Concord is an East Bay city with craft breweries, great hiking, and quick access to thousands of acres of open space. Stay at the dog-friendly Hilton and hit the trails at Briones or Lime Ridge.
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Catch a wave
Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches and a leash-free strand at Mitchell's Cove. Stroll West Cliff Drive for coastal views, hit the sand at Seabright Beach, or camp under the stars at Manresa State Beach.
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