Skip to content

Terrific tree-hugging retreats

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.
Photo by AutoCamp Russian River.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Imagine waking up beneath towering trees and sipping coffee on your deck with your pup wagging its tail by your side. California’s forested regions offer dog-friendly glamping experiences set in magical, fragrant woodlands—ideal for dogs who love a good sniff. 

Trails abound near these properties, and many offer communal fire pits, outdoor showers, and dog-friendly lounging areas. Redwoods provide natural shade and cooler temperatures during warmer months. Most redwood glamping destinations are open year-round with seasonal amenities.

These tree-filled destinations are DogTrekker tried-and-tested:

AutoCamp, Guerneville, Sonoma County

Why we love it: Nestled near the Russian River and Sonoma’s wine region, AutoCamp is a collection of Airstreams and safari tents. Airstreams have full showers and kitchenettes; the spacious tents are a bit more rustic but have super comfortable beds and cute details. 

The general store is stocked with gourmet goods and other essentials. Dogs can join you for strolls by the river, hikes in the redwoods, and jaunts to Guerneville’s bohemian downtown for shopping and dining. 

Dog policy: Bring two dogs (80 lbs max) for an additional fee of $75. Relief areas are provided around the camp. 

KOA Ventura Ranch, Santa Paula, Heritage Valley

Why we love it: Ventura Ranch KOA is far from your average roadside campground. In the hills of Santa Paula, this spacious pet-friendly glampground offers tricked-out tent cabins and teepees outfitted with fur throws and cowhide rugs. With plenty of room to roam, on-site attractions elevate the usual camping experience—soar on a 1,400-foot zip line, hike scenic trails, or cool off in the pool. 

Dog policy: Dogs are welcome in teepees and cabins (not Safari Tents) for a fee of $30 per dog per night.

TreeHouse on Rainbow, Big Bear Lake

Why we love it: A step up from glamping, the opportunity to stay in a treehouse-like cabin in the mountain lake escape of Big Bear Lake caught our attention! The Big Bear Cool Cabins “TreeHouse” sleeps six guests between two bedrooms and a loft. Use this woodsy, cozy home as a base to explore nearby trails and the lake.

Dog policy: Up to two pups are welcome for a $30 nightly per pet fee.

 

Related stories from Big Bear Lake

dog holding #1 hotel award

2025 award-winning dog-friendly hotels

Ready to sniff out 2026's best adventures? Our loyal pack of discerning DogTrekkers wants the...

Read More
Marina Riviera Big Bear. Photo by Hotel Marina Riviera.

Boutique digs in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake earned serious bragging rights in 2025: USA Today crowned it the #1...

Read More
1. A dog walking along a mountain trail surrounded by colorful wildflowers with scenic mountain views during daytime.

Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California

Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it...

Read More
Big Bear Polar Plunge. Photo by Visit Big Bear.

As Big Bear Lake warms up in 2026, the events begin

Lights, camera, wag! This March, Big Bear Lake takes center stage with the debut of...

Read More
Southern California poster with dog in it

Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal

Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts, Southern California is a dog lover’s dream. DogTrekker.com’s brand-new SoCal Portal pulls...

Read More
Maya (RIP) at the Sacramento River, Redding.

DogTrekker® 15th anniversary

DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind – whether...

Read More
Dog at Big Bear Lake resized

Big Bear Lake: mountain playtime for you and your pup

Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just a couple of hours from many...

Read More
Big Bear Visitors Center

Big Bear Lake pet-friendly lodging for every travel tribe

If you’re traveling with the whole pack, planning a romantic retreat or looking for an...

Read More
Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Wagging tails and water play in Big Bear Lake

As the crowds thin, the air cools and the leaves turn, in the fall Big...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Fall trails and starry skies in Big Bear Lake

Autumn in Big Bear Lake means crisp mountain air, golden aspens and trails ablaze with...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California

Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles Southern California is a canine playground like no other—a sun-soaked...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California to beat the heat

When Southern California’s valleys start to bake under the late-summer sun, savvy dog lovers head...

Read More

Related listings in Big Bear Lake

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Sonora Cantina

Sonora Cantina Mexican restaurant in Big Bear Lake is conveniently situated on Big Bear Blvd....

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Rotary Park

Rotary Pine Knot Park in Big Bear Lake, located in San Bernardino County within the...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Hanna Flat trail

Just a 25-minute drive from downtown Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, the Hanna...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Shore Acres Lodge

Shore Acres Lodge in Big Bear Lake, CA, is owned and managed by Big Bear...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

The Cookshak

Dine al fresco at The Cookshak on the Elks Lodge patio in Big Bear Lake....

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Mountains’ Humane Society Pet Rescue

Mountains’ Humane Society Pet Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit pet rescue based in Big Bear, has...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Big Bear Lake Animal Shelter

The Big Bear Lake Animal Shelter, operated by San Bernardino County, offers essential animal control...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Boulder Bay Park

Boulder Bay Park in Big Bear Lake, located in San Bernardino County within the Inland...

Read More

© 2026 DogTrekker.com