Plasse's Resort has been a summer gathering spot since 1853, making it one of the oldest private campgrounds in the United States. It sits right on Silver Lake in Pioneer, and the whole place has that genuine mountain resort feel—the kind where generations of families have come back year after year. Dogs are welcome here, and the setup actually works well for traveling with them.

The resort offers tent sites, RV spots, and even spaces for horse campers, so you’ve got options depending on how you want to travel. There’s an on-site restaurant and general store, which is convenient when you’re settling in for a few days and don’t want to drive into town for everything. The recreational facilities include horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and a playground if you’re traveling with kids too.

Silver Lake is the real draw for dogs. You can rent canoes and kayaks to get out on the water with your dog riding along, or just walk the shoreline. Many dogs genuinely enjoy splashing around in the lake water once they get used to it. Fishing and boating are popular here too, so you’ll see plenty of activity on the water during peak season. Just keep your dog on leash while exploring the grounds, and bring extra water since the sun reflects off the lake and things warm up quickly.

The resort operates seasonally, opening when the snow melts and closing in mid-September. That gives you a solid summer window to plan a trip. The elevation and mountain setting mean it stays cooler than lower elevations in the valley, which dogs appreciate. The drive up to Pioneer takes you through some nice Sierra foothills scenery. Call ahead to confirm current pet policies before booking, as requirements can shift from year to year.