The award-winning Dean Creek Resort is located only three miles from the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt State Forest, making it an excellent base if you want to explore those massive redwoods without spending the whole time in your car. Open year-round, this family-owned resort sits on land that actually gives your dog room to breathe — something you’ll appreciate after long drives through winding coastal highways.

The property has 4-1/2 wooded acres where dogs can run off-leash, which is a real draw when you’re traveling with a dog who needs to burn energy. Your dog does need to be well-behaved and well-socialized to use this space, so it’s not a free-for-all, but that honestly makes it more enjoyable for everyone. The trees provide plenty of shade, and you get a sense of actual forest here rather than just an open field.

The resort itself offers 64 RV and camping sites along with motel rooms if you’re not looking to rough it. The cabins and RV spots work well for families or groups traveling together, and having the motel option means you’re not locked into one type of accommodation if plans change. Dogs stay with you in the appropriate lodging, which beats having to leave them somewhere.

There’s also an outdoor River Bar with views of the Eel River where dogs are welcome. It’s a nice spot to sit after a day of hiking — you can actually relax with a drink while your dog settles nearby and the river flows past. The location is straightforward to find: on Highway 101, take exit 642. Coming south, the resort is on your right. If you’re heading north, take the left turn at the stop sign under the freeway. The proximity to both the Avenue of the Giants and the Eel River makes this a practical stopping point rather than just a place to sleep.