Dogs like being around water as much as people do, and few things beat falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping nearby while your pup snoozes beside you. A few of our favorite places to camp and splash with your dog, from north to south:
• Big Lagoon County Park, Trinidad, Humboldt County: Situated on a wooded peninsula, Big Lagoon County Park is a rare treat for dog-friendly waterside camping. The lagoon itself is separated from the Pacific by a narrow sand spit, giving you and your dog two very different water experiences in one spot. Campsites are tucked among coastal pines and are first-come, first-served, so arrive early on summer weekends. Dogs must be leashed in camp, but the beachcombing opportunities along the spit are outstanding.
• Nevada Beach, Lake Tahoe: On the southeast shore of Big Blue, with a strip of sand set aside for off-leash dog fun, this stretch of real estate is about as good as it gets for Tahoe camping. The wide, sandy beach gives dogs plenty of room to run and splash, and the water stays shallow for a good distance from shore. As a bonus, it’s just five minutes from South Shore resorts and casinos, so you can grab dinner without a long drive back to camp.
• 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 is also dog-friendly, offering great views of the Monterey Bay. The campground sits above the beach in a eucalyptus grove, and the nearby town of Capitola has several dog-friendly patios where you can reward a good day of trekking with a meal.
• 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. The river pools are shallow enough for dogs of all sizes to wade safely, and the shade from towering redwoods keeps things cool even on warm days.
• Pismo State Beach, North Beach Campground, San Luis Obispo County: Pismo State Beach, on the edge of a vibrant town with all manner of restaurants and entertainment, welcomes leashed dogs to the north side of the pier and in the North Beach and Oceano campgrounds. The wide, flat beach is perfect for long walks, and dogs love the firm sand at low tide. If you don’t want to cook al fresco, multiple dog-friendly restaurants are just a stroll away, making this one of the most convenient campgrounds on the Central Coast for traveling with your pup.
Photo Credit: Photo: Susan Carsen
