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.

Wag your way through Old Sac

Old Sacramento's Gold Rush-era buildings now house shops, breweries, museums, and restaurants with dog-friendly patios along the river. Stroll the wooden boardwalks, snap selfies by the Delta King riverboat, and walk across the Tower Bridge together.

Dog-friendly road trip: Highway 128, Mendocino County

Highway 128 winds 55 scenic miles through southern Mendocino County, passing Anderson Valley wineries where dogs are genuinely welcome. Navarro Vineyards offers treats and an exercise area for pups, while Husch and Toulouse pour tastings amid vineyard views.

Down a lazy river with rover

Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg outfits dog-friendly float trips using ultra-stable SOAR canoes on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, bring your pup and drift through swimming holes and sandy beaches all day long.

Say anchors aweigh on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake's 360 miles of shoreline and secluded coves make it California's houseboat capital. Rentals range from simple cabins on pontoons to floating palaces, and most marinas welcome dogs aboard for a nonrefundable deposit.

An adorable brown Poodle dog lay on bed and enjoy his happiness with the owner who is working after wake up in the morning.

Paws up for these dog-friendly hotels

Sacramento's dog-friendly hotel scene stretches from downtown to the riverfront. The Kimpton Sawyer puts you steps from Old Sacramento, while the Westin offers riverfront trails and fire pits. Capitol Park and the American River Parkway are close by.

Moseying on Mendocino waterways

Catch A Canoe near Mendocino offers a specially designed canine cruiser with a stable center deck for dogs to sit or stand as you paddle the calm Big River estuary. The 8.3-mile waterway flows to the ocean through beautiful scenery.

Calling all river dogs!

Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast rolls out the red carpet for dog lovers with its River Dog Package. Two nights in an ocean-view room, an outrigger canoe trip, dinner vouchers, and spa time are all included.

First stop: Start in Sacramento

Sacramento makes a great launching pad for a Sierra road trip. Explore the booming restaurant scene on R Street or in Midtown, hike the American River Parkway, then settle into a dog-friendly hotel before heading to the mountains.

Water view dog-friendly cottages and tables

Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay in Marin County pairs luxury waterfront cottages with a celebrated oyster bar and restaurant. Seven of the twelve cottages welcome dogs, complete with pet beds, treats, and patio dining overlooking the bay.

Wag tails for Oakland!

Oakland pairs urban pleasures like Jack London Square dining and ale and wine trails with easy access to open-space preserves full of redwoods and ridgeline views. Dog-friendly hotels, breweries, and seasonal events make it a tail-wagging destination.

Like art? Leash up and feast your eyes

Napa Valley's art scene pairs well with a dog walk. Stroll past sculptures on the Napa Art Walk, check out murals along the Vine Trail's Rail Arts District, then visit Castello di Amorosa or the photography gallery at Mumm Napa.

Golden Retriever Looking Out Of Car Window

Tail-waggin’ times outside the Park

Mariposa County beyond Yosemite's boundaries is packed with dog-friendly fun. Hike through Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests, stroll historic Gold Country towns like Mariposa and Coulterville, and find water bowls waiting outside charming local shops and eateries.

Napa Valley camping with your dog!

Prefer sleeping under the stars in Napa Valley? Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers tent and yurt camping between St. Helena and Calistoga, while Lake Berryessa's Putah Canyon Campground provides a more remote lakeside alternative for dog owners.

Rev up in Redding

Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.

Paws for a Napa Valley overnight

Napa Valley's dog-friendly lodging runs from Motel 6 to five-star resorts like Bardessono and Calistoga Ranch. Downtown Napa's walkable B&Bs, boutique hotels on the river and secluded countryside retreats with leash-optional grounds give you plenty of choices.