Camp life can be very exciting for a dog, so long as she doesn’t eat too many marshmallows. Dogs are welcome at 90 percent of California campgrounds—it’s the rare one indeed that doesn’t allow pooches. But before you put your credit card down, you’ll want to find out where, outside of developed campsites, Daisy is allowed to accompany you.
Access to trails and beaches is sharply restricted at most California state and national parks, but there are exceptions, so don’t rule out a trip to Yosemite because Bowser can’t come with you on the climb up Half Dome or the hike to Vernal Fall.
In general, you’ll find more freedom to Rover around on lands administered by the National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and East Bay Regional Park District. And they’re hardly the only games in town.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Gas & Electric and the Sacramento Municipal Water District (SMUD) are among other entities that operate dog-friendly campgrounds in our region. County park districts and private campgrounds, such as those operated by KOA and Thousand Trails, present another set of possibilities.
Check the area you want to go so you know where dogs are allowed before you head out.
