Smart’s Christmas Tree Farm in Camino, El Dorado County, spans 14 picturesque acres and specializes in four varieties of Christmas trees: Silver Tip, Noble Fir, White Fir, and Douglas Fir. You can find trees reaching 25 to 30 feet tall, which gives you plenty of options depending on your space and needs. What sets Smart’s apart is their commitment to sustainable farming—they plant new trees each year instead of using stump culture, meaning the trees you’re choosing from have spent 8 to 20 years growing in the ground before harvest. That kind of time investment results in genuinely quality trees.

Bringing your dog along makes the whole experience more enjoyable. The expansive grounds give you room to wander through fragrant rows while your dog explores the sights and smells. The open space means your dog isn’t confined while you’re deliberating between that Silver Tip and that Noble Fir—there’s plenty of room to move around together.

The terrain is typical of the Camino area, so wear appropriate footwear and bring water for both you and your dog. You’ll want to have your dog on a leash, and it’s worth calling ahead to confirm their specific pet policy before you visit. The staff knows their trees well and can answer questions about which variety might work best for your home.

After you’ve selected your tree, you can take photos with your dog among the farm backdrop—the green rows and holiday atmosphere make for good pictures, and you’ll have those memories from picking it out together. This isn’t a quick transaction kind of place; it’s more of an outing where you’re actually walking around and choosing. Budget enough time to enjoy the experience rather than rushing through it. The farm’s location in the foothills means you’re getting out of the valley heat too, which your dog will appreciate during the warmer parts of the day.