Big Basin Redwoods State Park Campgrounds in Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, along the California Coast, offer a serene camping experience among towering ancient redwoods. You can reserve campsites up to seven months in advance through their online system, which opens at 8:00 a.m. PST on the first day of each month. Booking is straightforward—handle it online, by mail, or through the toll-free number—so you can lock in your spot well ahead of time.

The park welcomes dogs on its trails and in designated areas, which means your dog gets to explore the redwood forest while you do. The campground itself has clean restrooms, picnic areas, and fire pits, so your setup is comfortable for basic camp living. The real draw here is the hiking. You’ll find trails winding through the old-growth forest, and there are nearby beaches and additional trails throughout the property where dogs are allowed.

What makes this place work for camping with a dog is the straightforward setup and the fact that you’re not fighting crowds in an enclosed space. The redwoods provide natural shade and cooler temperatures even in summer, which helps when you’ve got a dog in tow. Fires are allowed at designated pits, so you can actually have that campfire experience in the evening. After a full day of hiking, your dog will be ready to rest while you settle in.

The main thing to keep in mind is that dogs need to stay leashed and you’ll need to clean up after them. It’s worth checking the park’s website ahead of time for any current trail conditions or temporary closures, since weather in the Santa Cruz Mountains can shift the hiking situation. Plan on a good portion of your time actually being on trails rather than sitting at your campsite—that’s really where Big Basin shines for dogs and their owners.