Big Creek Boarding sits about 20 miles from Yosemite National Park’s Western entrance off Highway 120, making it a solid option if you need boarding while visiting the area around Groveland. The facility is deliberately small—they take only a handful of dogs at a time, which means your dog won’t be overwhelmed by a crowded kennel environment.

That limited capacity is actually the whole philosophy here. Because they’re not running a high-volume operation, they can pay attention to each dog’s individual personality and needs. If your dog has quirks or requirements, they’ll notice and adapt rather than just following a standard routine for dozens of animals. The trade-off is that spaces fill up quickly, so booking ahead is essential if you’re planning a trip during peak season.

The setup includes spacious fenced outdoor areas where dogs can move around and burn off energy, plus individual indoor sleeping spaces that stay climate controlled. This matters more than you’d think in the summer heat of the Sierra foothills, or during the cooler months when a heated space becomes important for comfort.

There are specific drop-off and pick-up windows: early morning (6:30-7:30am), afternoon (1:00-4:30pm), and evening (7:00-8:30pm). The schedule gives you some flexibility depending on your travel plans, though you’ll want to confirm which times work when you book.

Before you can leave your dog with them, they need verification that all vaccinations are current and that your dog is on flea and tick prevention. Dogs also need to be comfortable around other dogs since they’ll share the facility. If your dog has resource guarding issues or aggression toward other animals, this probably isn’t the right fit. Because space is limited and they get busy—especially during summer and holiday weekends—call to reserve a spot as soon as you know your dates.