Lawson's Landing has been welcoming visitors since 1929, and they’ve allowed dogs at no extra cost since 1957. Located 50 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Petaluma in Dillon Beach, this family-owned campground sits right on the beach with views across the water.

The main draw here is straightforward: your dog can be on a leash and explore the sand and nearby trails without any additional fees. You wake up to waves and the Pacific air, which beats a lot of other camping setups. The campground offers both RV sites and tent camping, so you’re not locked into one type of accommodation.

Days here tend to fall into a rhythm. Morning walks along Dillon Beach give you space to move around without crowds. The coastline offers different scenery depending where you head, and there are trails nearby if you want to get away from the sand. Afternoon time works well for settling into your site, using the picnic areas, or just letting your dog rest in the shade. The fire pits are useful for evening campfires, and honestly, there’s something nice about a quiet night out here without much light pollution.

The beach itself isn’t crowded compared to more famous Bay Area spots. You’re far enough from San Francisco that you get actual quiet, but close enough that it’s doable as a weekend trip from the city. The wind can pick up in the afternoon, especially spring through fall, so pack layers and expect sand to get into everything—that’s just the Dillon Beach reality.

Bring your dog’s supplies with you since you’re not in town. Water, food, and waste bags should all come along. The campground’s setup gives you direct beach access, which means you can pop out whenever your dog needs a break rather than driving somewhere separate. If you’re looking at booking, check ahead about their current pet requirements, but the long track record of allowing dogs here speaks for itself.