Porcupine Flat Campground sits in the high country near Wawona, operating on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. It’s a genuine rustic setup—no hookups, no reservations, just you and the pines. The campground keeps things simple with a maximum of six people per campsite, including kids, which means you’re not packed in with massive groups around you.

What makes this place work for camping with dogs is the straightforward approach. Dogs are welcome on leashes throughout the campground, and there’s no fussing about it. You get the sense they understand that people actually want to spend time outdoors with their dogs, not leave them behind. The elevation means it’s cool even in summer, which dogs tend to appreciate more than scorching valley temperatures.

The layout gives you flexibility with tent placement. As long as everything fits within your designated campsite, you can arrange your tents however works for your group. Some people string together a couple small tents, others go with one large one—the campground doesn’t micromanage it. That matters when you’re traveling with dogs because you might want a setup that gives them space to settle without being crammed in tight.

The Gold Country setting means you’re surrounded by genuine forest rather than cleared, manicured grounds. There are hiking trails nearby that accept leashed dogs, so you’re not just confined to the campground itself. The high elevation and mountain scenery are part of the appeal, though you should know that weather can shift quickly up here, so come prepared for potential cold nights even in summer.

Since it’s first-come, first-served, there’s no calling ahead to secure a spot. Show up early in the day during peak season if you want a reliable site. The campground office can answer specific questions about current conditions and what’s available.