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.

Capital canine discoveries

Sacramento rewards DogTrekkers with shady Capitol Park strolls, dog-friendly patios in buzzy Midtown, and the Old Sacramento Waterfront along the river. Leash up and explore leafy neighborhood parks like McKinley, Curtis Park and the sprawling William Land Park.

Go for a gusher with your dog

Redding is surrounded by stunning waterfalls worth a visit with your dog. Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir is a quick stop off I-5, while the three-tiered McCloud River Falls offer a scenic hike through top swimming hole country.

Cruz the California coast

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Walk West Cliff Drive's coastal path, explore Seabright and Davenport beaches on-leash, and choose from dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, inns, and cottages for your stay.

How to remove a tick

Ticks carry serious diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichia, so removing them quickly is important. Grab the tick close to the skin, pull firmly, seal it in a bag, and wash your hands. A tick removal tool makes the job easier.

Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas

Folsom pairs a charming Old Town with miles of dog-friendly trails along the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake. Add in taprooms, restaurants with patios, and the Johnny Cash Trail for a full weekend with your pup.

Raise a glass to the dog-friendly Delta

Just south of Sacramento, the Clarksburg wine region along the Sacramento River Delta offers dog-friendly tasting rooms, great food, and a slower pace. From Scribner Bend Vineyards to the Old Sugar Mill, bring your pup and a picnic.

Waves away with your dog on the Central Coast

California's Central Coast is loaded with dog-friendly cabin and cottage lodging, from Santa Cruz and Monterey to Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Here are favorite retreats for you and your pup along this scenic stretch of coastline.

Visit a close-in, dog-friendly campground

You do not need to drive hours for a great dog-friendly camping trip. Folsom Lake, Samuel P. Taylor, Point Mugu, and Campland on the Bay in San Diego all offer close-in outdoor fun with your pup.

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

Every dog has its day in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg's Beachcomber group includes three dog-friendly hotels near the ocean, each with special pet amenities. The Beachcomber Motel offers fenced pet suites with ocean views, while guests without dogs can borrow an adoptable pup from the local shelter.

Go north, DogTrekkers, go north!

The Shasta-Cascade region offers spectacular waterfalls, dog-friendly cabin retreats near Shasta Lake, and fly-fishing at Hat Creek, all within striking distance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Winter is a perfect time to head north with your pup.

Mendocino: More than a day trip

Mendocino County offers dog-friendly lodging for every taste and budget, from the Stanford Inn and Little River Inn to the pet suites at Beachcomber Motel. With ocean views and direct beach access, your pup will feel at home.

Vet Buzz: Dog first aid kit

Before hitting the trail with your dog, pack a first aid kit with sterile water, bandage wrap, gauze, scissors, antibiotic ointment, diphenhydramine, and a muzzle. Training a reliable recall command is another essential safety measure for outdoor adventures.

Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!

A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.

Growling for Guerneville in Sonoma County

The Guerneville area in Sonoma County is ideal for a cozy cabin getaway with your dog. Creekside Inn, Cottages on River Road, and Fern Grove Cottages all welcome pups, with Russian River wine country and the coast just minutes away.

Paddle with your pup in Mendocino County

Get out on the water with your dog in Mendocino County. Little River Inn pairs kayaking on the Albion River with a two-night stay, while Catch A Canoe offers a canine cruiser catamaran on the Big River estuary.

It’s splash time in Lake County!

Lake County offers plenty of water fun beyond Clear Lake. Nearby Blue Lakes feature clear, spring-fed swimming and electric boat rentals that welcome dogs. Waterfront cabins and cottages at several dog-friendly resorts make it easy to stay lakeside.

River cruisin’ with your canine

Catch A Canoe in Mendocino rents Canine Cruiser outrigger canoes with a raised, padded deck where dogs ride as you paddle the calm Big River estuary. Pair it with a stay at the nearby Stanford Inn by the Sea.

How to snag a dog-friendly camping rez

Snagging a dog-friendly campsite in California takes some strategy. From Reserve America to Recreation.gov to glamping options, here's where to search for reservations at public, private, and luxury campgrounds that welcome four-legged guests.

Chow down with a view

Mendocino County serves up memorable dog-friendly dining with a view. Savor fresh seafood on the Harbor View Bistro's second-story deck, try award-winning vegan fare at Ravens Restaurant, or dine under a heated tent at the Little River Inn.

Start at the dog-friendly border town of Gualala

Gualala, just over the Sonoma County line in Mendocino County, is a boho coastal town with dog-friendly lodgings, beaches, and restaurants. Go beachcombing at Gualala Point Regional Park or stay at the ocean-view Whale Watch Inn with your pup.

Little River: A canine paradise on the Mendocino Coast

Little River on the Mendocino Coast rolls out the red carpet for dogs. Stay at the historic Heritage House Resort or the five-generation Little River Inn, where pets get welcome treats, designated exercise areas, and even indoor dining privileges.

Dog on Glass Beach, Fort Bragg. — Adobe Images

Dog-friendly brags in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast welcomes dogs with luxury motels featuring pet suites and leash-free dog parks. Explore the botanical gardens, run free at Noyo Beach, and hike the unusually dog-friendly trails at MacKerricher State Park.

Dog-camping motto: Be prepared

Adding a dog to your camping trip means extra planning, from travel logistics to bear-proofing your campsite. Here are practical tips on containment, crating, leash laws, wildlife safety, and assembling a dog first-aid kit for the outdoors.

Paws and pillows

Santa Cruz has dog-friendly hotels for every budget. The boutique Hotel Paradox is steps from downtown, Chaminade Resort offers on-site trails and dog menus, and Ocean Echo Inn puts you blocks from the beach. All welcome your four-legged travel companion.

Lodging and camping

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Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping Blog