Dogs like being around water as much as people do, whether or not they’re required to be leashed. A few of our favorite places to camp and splash, from north to south:
• Big Lagoon County Park, Trinidad, Humboldt County: Situated on a wooded peninsula, Big Lagoon County Park is a beachcomber’s paradise and offers a rare treat for dog-friendly waterside camping.
• Nevada Beach, Lake Tahoe: On the southeast shore of Big Blue, with a strip of sand set aside for off-leash dog fun, this piece of real estate is as primo as it gets for Tahoe camping. As a bonus, it’s just five minutes from South Shore resorts and casinos.
• New Brighton State Beach, Capitola, Santa Cruz County: This historic strip of sand, site of a Chinese fishing village in the late 19th century, stretches for miles. Dogs are welcome at campsites but must be leashed both in camp and by the water. A bluff-top trail overlooks the beach and also is dog-friendly.
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Monterey County: This long, spread-out campground in the redwoods feels like a magical, ferny world where you wouldn’t be surprised to see elves or trolls popping up in the morning fog. Dogs aren’t allowed on trails, but there’s plenty of room for walks and splashing along the Big Sur River, and dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach is nearby.
• Pismo State Beach, North Beach Campground, San Luis Obispo County: Pismo State Beach, on the edge of a vibrant town offering all manner of restaurants and entertainment, welcomes leashed dogs to the north side of the pier and in the North Beach and Oceano campgrounds. If you don’t want to cook al fresco, multiple dog-friendly restaurants are just a stroll away.
Photo Credit: Photo: Susan Carsen
