Camp life is very exciting for a dog, so long as she doesn’t get into the s’mores. Dogs are welcome at 90 percent of California campgrounds; it’s the rare one indeed that doesn’t allow four-legged family members. But before you make reservations, you’ll want to find out where, outside of developed campsites, Buddy is allowed to accompany you.
Access to trails and beaches is sharply restricted at most California state and national parks, but there are exceptions. 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 Sacramento Municipal Water District 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. And scores more private campgrounds catering primarily to the RV set offer resort-like amenities. MORE
Bone up before you go by reading the rules on camping and hiking with pets in state parks; national forests; Yosemite, Lassen and Redwood national parks; and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
