Now that summer’s here, we think it’s time to Californian’s to unplug, relax and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
Summer camping is also a great way to spend some quality time with your friends, family and, of course, your four-legged fur babies. Dogs are typically thrilled to camp with their owners and California has hundreds of gorgeous natural areas to explore for as little as $15 per night.
If you are considering taking a trip in your motorhome or conversion van with your pooch this summer, check out some of these featured campsites below which have been reviewed by seasoned campers/dog owners and are recommended based on pet friendliness and overall fun for everyone.
1. Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Dorst Creek Campground is located in the Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park. The campground is located on the banks of the scenic Dorst Creek. The park features beautiful meadows, popular hiking trails and stunning Sequoia trees. Dorst Creek Campground is very popular for its fly fishing locations as well.
Tokopah Falls Trail is great for an easy hike and has views of gorgeous waterfalls. Close by, trailheads such as Moro Rock and Big Trees Trail feature views of jagged granite mountains and the Great Western Divide.
Campgrounds contain flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits and bear food storage boxes.
Pets are allowed at campgrounds and in meadows; however, they cannot be left unattended and are not permitted on hiking trails. Dogs must be leashed. There is no additional pet fee.
2. Fremont Campground, Santa Barbara
5050 Paradise Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Located in the Santa Ynez Recreation Area, Fremont Campground is minutes away from the coast, tucked between neighboring oak trees and hilly terrain. Biking, hiking and horseback riding are popular activities. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is nearby and offers opportunities for boating, kayaking and fishing.
Campsites are both tent and RV friendly. Each site features a campfire ring, grill, picnic table and flush toilets nearby.
Dogs are permitted and there is no additional pet fee.
3. Girard Ridge Lookout, Shasta/Trinity Area
McCloud, CA 96057
Girard Ridge is located in the stunning Shasta-Trinity National Forest. With an elevation of 4,809 feet, views of the forest, Mt. Shasta, the Sacramento River and Lassen Peak are easily seen all around the park.
Hiking, fishing, hunting, star gazing, wildlife viewing and birding are popular activities at the park.
RV friendly, tent campsites and cabins for rent are available.
Dog friendly, no additional pet fee. Dog must remain on a leash.
4. Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Yosemite National Park
Big Oak Flat Road, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Located in the gorgeous Yosemite National Park, Hodgdon Meadow Campground is the perfect place to enjoy some summer camping and bring your dog as well. Lots of sun and shade offered from the Red Firs and Ponderosa Pines will keep you and your pup cool in the midsummer heat.
Campers will find adventure at the park’s many hiking trails, rivers, horseback riding areas, fishing locations and much more.
Each site contains a picnic table, fire pit and food storage locker. Showers are available as well as flush toilets. RV/motorhomes are permitted; however, there are no hookups. There is a sewer dump available on site.
Pets are allowed at no additional fee; however, they must remain at the individual sites instead of the group locations. Dogs must not be left unattended and remain on a 6 ft. leash. There are no additional pet fees.
5. Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Camping, Monterey
2004 Fairground Rd. Gate 6, Monterey, CA 93940
Plan your next RV trip to Monterey and stay right in the heart of the historic Cannery Row. Located just off US 1, the Monterey County Fairgrounds offers easy access to attractions such as Cannery Row, beaches, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, nearby Carmel and Big Sur.
Full hookups are available as well as coin laundry, showers, handicap access and Wi-Fi.
Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed. Located nearby are the Monterey Bay Coastal trails, which are perfect for long, scenic walks with dogs and family.
6. Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort, Central Coast
1205 Silver Spur Pl., Oceano, CA 93445
Located along California’s stunning Central Coast, Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort offers fun for the whole family and their pets. Flying kites, horseback riding, ocean and lake fishing are just a few of the many popular activities this resort has to offer. Nearby is the historic Hearst Castle as well as outlet malls, art galleries and restaurants.
Full RV hook-ups are available as well as pull-through sites. Cable TV, Wi-Fi, clubhouse game room, picnic tables and BBQ areas are also easily accessible.
Small dogs are welcome; however, they request that they are leashed.
7. Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, Menifee
30605 Briggs Rd., Menifee, CA 92584
Escape from Los Angeles and experience a bit of wilderness just outside the hustle and bustle. Wilderness Lakes RV Resort features a well stocked lake of catfish perfect for fishing. Golf courses are located nearby, and Disneyland and Universal Studios are only an hour’s drive away. The Penchaga Resort and Casino is two miles away and features live entertainment.
With over 500 campsites featuring water, sewage and electrical, you are sure to have a comfortable stay. Rental units and cabins are available as well.
Pets are more than welcome!
More pet-friendly campgrounds in California…
Be sure to check out Part 2 of this article for more RV/motorhome campgrounds in California that are welcoming to your four-legged family members.
Are you still searching for the perfect class B motorhome or conversion van for your summer travels? For nearly 30 years Classic Vans has been Northern California’s largest dealer of conversion vans, motorhomes and mobility vans. We are a family owned and operate business and have been located in Hayward California since 1988.
Call us at (510) 808-6652 or browse our online inventory. Let our trusted road trip experts pair you with a new or pre-owned travel vehicle for you, your family, friends and your pet!
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