Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park sits in a small valley 2,400 feet up in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 12 miles east of Jackson. The setting itself is worth the drive—open meadows dotted with large valley oaks create the kind of peaceful landscape that makes you understand why the Miwok people chose this area.

The day use area centers around a reconstructed Miwok village that includes the Grinding Rock itself (a massive stone with hundreds of mortar holes), bark houses, acorn granaries, a game field, and the Ceremonial Round House. There’s a large picnic area with a shade ramada near the grinding rock that can fit groups up to 150 people, though reservations aren’t available so it’s first-come basis. A smaller picnic area sits next to the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum, which is free to enter with paid parking and open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park itself opens at sunrise and closes at sunset every day of the week.

Here’s what matters if you’re bringing your dog: they need to stay on a six-foot leash and can only access the paved roads, paved walkways, and the campground at your specific campsite. Trails, meadows, and forested areas are off-limits. If you’re camping, your dog can’t sleep outside at night—they need to be in your tent, RV, or vehicle. Dogs also can’t enter the museum or chase wildlife.

The campground has both regular sites and an Environmental Campground, though dogs aren’t allowed in the latter. When you camp with your dog, you’ll have a quieter experience than the day use area, and you can enjoy the park’s peaceful surroundings even if trail access is restricted.

To get there, take Highway 88 east through Jackson toward Pine Grove. Turn left onto Pine Grove-Volcano Road and drive about 1.5 miles. The first turnoff leads to the campground, while the second turnoff takes you to the main day use entrance.