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.

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The hidden costs of ‘pet-friendly’ hotels in California

That "pet-friendly" hotel label can hide steep fees, musty designated rooms, strict weight limits and absurd breed restrictions. Before booking, learn to spot the red flags and find California lodgings that genuinely welcome your dog.

Three real dogs strapped into three airplace seats

Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy

JSX lets dogs fly in the cabin on 30-seat jets with no security lines and no cargo holds. Pups up to 79 pounds ride beside you on routes connecting Burbank, Oakland, Napa and other California cities, making weekend getaways stress-free.

Golden retriever walking on a scenic autumn trail among colorful fall foliage and trees, capturing the beautiful outdoor adventure with your dog.

Dog’s guide to autumn: 5 Northern California day trips

Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.

Fall fun with your dog at South Lake Tahoe

Wild Blue Dogs hosts fall camp on 33 fenced acres near South Lake Tahoe, with training in agility, nose work, lure-coursing and more. This nonprofit camp also funds canine cancer research and treatment grants for dogs in need.

Winter and spring pet activities in Yosemite Mariposa County

Yosemite welcomes leashed dogs on paved roads and paths near iconic landmarks like Bridalveil Fall and Glacier Point. Beyond the park, the towns and trails of Mariposa County offer even more pet-friendly hikes, lodging, and dining worth discovering.

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Dog-friendly spring getaway in coastal Mendocino

The Mendocino coast is a paradise for dogs and their people. Pedal railbikes through redwood groves, kayak Big River with your pup aboard, stroll the fragrant botanical gardens, and explore pristine beaches along one of California's most scenic and welcoming…

Five things to know before a California dog trip

Planning a California trip with your dog involves more than finding pet-friendly hotels. Beach rules, dramatic climate swings, wildlife hazards, transit policies, and accommodation fees all vary by region and require advance research to keep your trip smooth and your…

Dining in Mendocino County with your dog

Mendocino village offers great dining for dog owners. Ravens Restaurant seats guests with dogs in the lobby, Mendocino Cafe serves sustainably sourced fare on its patio, and Anderson Valley wineries welcome pups in their tasting rooms.

Mendocino County’s coastal scenery

Mendocino County's coastline rewards a week of exploring with your dog. Pet-friendly inns provide bowls and towels, Mendocino Headlands allows leashed dogs on trails, and Catch-a-Canoe rents special dog canoes for floating the Big River.

Pet-friendly Mendocino County

Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.

Beyond the crowds in Mendocino County

Mendocino County pairs leash-free beaches, dog-welcoming wineries, botanical gardens, and kayak outfitters with cozy lodging from the Stanford Inn to state park campgrounds. Ride the Skunk Train with your pup or paddle an estuary in a canoe built for dogs.

“Voluntourism” opportunities at Milo

The Milo Foundation's 283-acre sanctuary in Mendocino County welcomes volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and help with chores. Families can arrange day or overnight visits, camp on-site, and bring their own well-behaved dogs to explore off-leash trails.

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South Yuba River State Park

South Yuba River State Park in Nevada County strings together swimming holes, hiking trails, and gold-panning spots along the scenic Yuba River. Dogs are welcome nearly everywhere, making it a perfect weekend pairing with Grass Valley.

Toolin’ around Tuolumne

Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns come alive with dog-friendly history. Ride vintage trains at Railtown 1897, tour Columbia State Historic Park by stagecoach, and stay at the Groveland Hotel with its award-winning wine list.

Say hello to Folsom

Folsom offers dog-friendly fun year-round, from hiking and water sports at Folsom Lake to strolling the revitalized Sutter Street historic district. Let your pup run free at Fido Field, then grab lunch at a sidewalk cafe.

Sleeping with Sparky in Carmel

Carmel has more than 20 hotels and inns that genuinely welcome dogs, from the legendary Cypress Inn to Carmel Mission Inn with its 37-acre park trail. This is a town where four-legged guests are truly cherished.

The many sides of Mendocino County

Mendocino County is one of Northern California's most dog-welcoming destinations. Pet-friendly inns provide treats and amenities, wineries like Husch let dogs inside the tasting room, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to paddling outrigger kayaks along the coast.

Paws overnight at North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe has plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, from charming Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages on the West Shore to cabins at Cedar Glen Lodge. Vacation rentals, motels, and boutique hotels round out the options.

Amazing Mendocino County

Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs like few other California destinations. Pet-friendly inns offer treats and amenities, wineries welcome four-legged visitors inside, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to outrigger kayaking on the coast.

Make a splash in Marin

Marin County is loaded with dog-friendly beaches, from off-leash Muir Beach to the magical shores of Point Reyes National Seashore. Kehoe Beach, Limantour Beach, Dillon Beach, and Rodeo Beach each offer stunning scenery and room for your pup to romp.

dog in a vineyard in nature. A pet in the summer, a toller. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Trekking in Temecula

Temecula's high-desert wine country welcomes dogs to over a dozen tasting rooms, patio restaurants with doggie menus, and a strollable Old Town district. Stay at a golf resort or vineyard inn and explore local parks.

Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego

Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego welcome dogs in campgrounds and along hundreds of miles of dirt roads, even though trails are off-limits. Dog-friendly lodging surrounds both parks, and winter through early spring brings ideal weather and spectacular desert wildflowers.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley in winter offers mild temperatures and over 700 miles of backcountry roads where leashed dogs are welcome. Stay at dog-friendly Stovepipe Wells Village and take in salt flats, mountain vistas, and geologic wonders on scenic driving routes.

Nip into Napa

Winter in Napa Valley means mustard-covered vineyards, easy restaurant reservations, and hotel deals that make a midweek getaway with your dog especially appealing. From cozy Calistoga cottages to luxury retreats with private patios, the valley rolls out the welcome mat.

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping near me..

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping Blog