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.
Fireworks and Fido: 4th of July impact on dogs
Fireworks cause more pets to go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of year, with shelters reporting a 30 to 60 percent surge in lost animals. Here are tips to keep your dog safe.
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Our favorite dog-friendly hotels and resorts in California
From rooftop dog runs in San Francisco to waterfront cottages on Tomales Bay, these ten California hotels truly welcome four-legged guests. Expect welcome kits, dedicated dog menus, private dog parks and staff who treat your pup like a VIP.
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Butte County: nature and culture for dogs and people
Butte County serves up Gold Rush history, college-town energy and beautiful hiking in the southern Shasta Cascade region. Walk your dog through Bidwell Park, explore lava flows at North Table Mountain, then refuel at a dog-friendly Chico brewery patio.
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Wild Blue Dogs summer camp early-bird ends March 15
Wild Blue Dogs Camp at Lake Tahoe runs weeklong sessions packed with dog training, agility, kayaking, and beach time. The nonprofit raises funds for canine cancer treatment, making every visit count for a good cause.
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Santa Monica: a tail-wagging destination for pups and people
Santa Monica offers dog-friendly hotels near the pier, off-leash parks like Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, pet-welcoming restaurant patios, and top-notch grooming spas. It's a SoCal hotspot for pups and people.
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Bark Park in Susanville: dog-friendly stop in Lassen County
Bark Park in Susanville offers separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs, open dawn to dusk. This Lassen County community gem is a welcome rest stop for travelers with pups on road trips through northeastern California.
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Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog
Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.
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How to pick a truly dog-friendly motel
Not all pet-friendly motels truly welcome dogs. Learn how to spot the real deal by checking reviews, comparing fees, assessing on-site amenities and evaluating staff attitudes before booking your next trip with your pup.
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Where to stay and play in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.
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Winter pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is a wonderful winter destination for dogs and their people. Leashed pups can enjoy paved trails past iconic landmarks, snowy forest hikes, and cozy pet-friendly lodging at spots like Tenaya Lodge and AutoCamp Yosemite.
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Palm Springs tops the Condé Nast Traveler awards
Two Palm Springs hotels landed on Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 list of the 10 Best Hotels in the World. Hermann Bungalows and Colony Palms Hotel both welcome dogs and offer upscale desert retreats. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function()…
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Check into Berkeley’s classic Claremont Club & Spa
The historic Claremont Club and Spa in the Oakland Hills pampers dogs of all sizes with fluffy beds, treats and sweeping Bay Area views. Nearby East Bay Regional Parks offer 120,000 acres of trails to explore.
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Camping and hiking with your dog in California deserts
Desert camping with your dog requires extra care, from hydration and paw protection to tent safety and wildlife awareness. Here are practical tips for enjoying California's desert landscapes with your pup. California's deserts are a world apart — wide-open spaces…
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Winter/spring guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa
Yosemite Mariposa County offers dog-welcoming places to stay for every style, from glamping at AutoCamp to the award-winning Tenaya at Yosemite in Fish Camp. Plan ahead for pet policies and pair your stay with nearby trails and wildflowers.
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8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California
When Southern California heats up, head to these eight dog-friendly lakes within three hours of the city. From Castaic Lake's golden foothills to Big Bear's alpine waters, each spot offers shoreline access and cool relief for overheated pups.
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7 California beaches where dogs run completely free
California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.
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Big Bear Lake: mountain fun with your pup
Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just hours from Southern California, with forested trails, a flat shoreline path, and dog-friendly boat rentals on the lake. Crisp mountain air and laid-back charm make it an ideal escape for dogs…
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Rainy-day fun to keep your dog sane
When rain cancels the daily walk, your dog still needs engagement. Scent games, frozen Kongs, DIY puzzles and short training sessions can tire out a restless pup just as well as a hike.
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Winter offers at Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg offers two winter specials through March 2026, including a weeknight rate starting at two hundred thirty-nine dollars and a third-night-free deal. Set along the Noyo River with dog-friendly rooms and a welcoming outdoor patio…
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Where to stay with your dog in Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs has figured out something most desert towns haven’t: dogs are good for business. The result is a hotel market where pet policies go beyond “tolerated” to something closer to “actively welcomed.” Here’s where to stay, what it…
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Dog-friendly camping in the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire doesn’t get much camping love in the usual roundups, which is a mistake. The San Bernardino Mountains sit 90 minutes from most of Southern California, and the range from lakeside USFS campgrounds to free dispersed camping means…
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Pups for the planet: leaving only paw prints
This Earth Day, DogTrekker is celebrating something worth wagging about: our community. A recent reader survey shows 99% of you pack it in and pack it out, and 95% leash up in sensitive habitats. Now, that’s a pack worth howling…
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10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog
Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.
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Win a dog-friendly getaway at Surf & Sand Lodge
The Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg sits front row on the Mendocino coastline, with miles of beaches, dunes, and trails right outside the door. Dog-friendly rooms come with a pet welcome package and ocean views.
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