Top Dog Campgrounds near Los Angeles, CA

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Top Dog Campgrounds near Los Angeles, CA

Introduction

Los Angeles is famously Fido-friendly, home to hundreds of places that welcome pup patrons. No matter what your doggo likes to do — whether it's lounging on a sandy beach, sniffing out new four-legged friends in the dog park, or posing for selfies at famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign — you'll find plenty of opportunities for adventure in the City of Angels.

Treat your pup to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by spending a night (or five) camping out under the starry SoCal sky. Keep reading to discover the top dog-friendly campgrounds near Los Angeles. Once you've picked the "pawfect" place, all you need to do is book a site and pack your bags! (Don't forget to include proof of rabies vaccination and your dog's license, as most dog-friendly campgrounds in California require both at check-in.)

#1. Horse Flats Campground

Ready to escape to the postcard-perfect San Gabriel Mountains for a weekend? Pack up the car, hit Highway 2, and you'll be setting up your tent at Horse Flats Campground in an hour. Sleep under the stars at a dizzying elevation of 5,000 feet and enjoy a true back-to-nature experience complete with vault toilets and not much else. Horse Flats is one of the quieter campgrounds in Angeles National Forest, offering just 26 pet-friendly sites.

#2. Hollywood RV Park

Conveniently located 21 miles northwest of downtown, Hollywood RV Park is a spectacular stopover for tourists traveling in a big rig. In addition to standard amenities like full hookups, restrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi, this park even has its very own art gallery. Catch a show at the park's own entertainment hall or get some cardio at the on-site gym. While pets are welcome, please note that this park prohibits Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Chows, and Dobermans.

#3. Observatory Campground

If you and your buddy are avid astronomers, pack your telescope in the RV and gear up for some serious stargazing at Observatory Campground. After a long 2.5-hour drive, you can freshen up at the coin-operated shower facilities, then let your pal stretch their legs on the Observatory Trail. A word to the wise: reserve your site in advance, bring lots of water, and watch out for snakes along the trail.

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#4. Chino Hills State Park

This 14,000-acre expanse in the Santa Ana Mountains just 45 minutes from DTLA is the "pawfect" place for outdoorsy pups and people. The cozy campground here features only 20 sites with access to showers, restrooms, drinking water, and grills. Canine campers are welcome, with a few caveats. Steer clear of backcountry areas and trails and stick to the Rolling M. Ranch Day-Use Area. Pups are also permitted on Bane Canyon Road.

#5. Acton / Los Angeles North KOA

The Acton / Los Angeles North KOA welcomes woofers with open arms (and tons of amenities)! Once you've set up your rig, let Lassie loose in the Kamp K9 dog run. Then, set out to grab a sno-cone from the camp store, borrow a book, or challenge your camping crew to a game of shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, or tetherball. All the creature comforts are included here, including full hookups, showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.

#6. Doheny State Beach

California's scenic coast lures sun-seekers with pristine beaches and excellent surfing, and Doheny State Beach in Dana Point is one of the best destinations for beach bums. Park the RV at one of more than 115 spacious sites and watch surfers hang ten on these world-famous waves. Like most state-managed beaches, Doheny prohibits dogs from exploring the beach, but the picnic areas and campground permit pups. Standard amenities include restrooms, showers, and a dump station.

#7. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

Few places on Cali's coast allow for tent and RV camping right on the shore. "Furtunately", Dockweiler Beach RV Park is an exception! This beachfront campground boasts prime views of the Pacific, as well as all the standard amenities you'd expect from a dog-friendly campground near Los Angeles, including full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Up to two pups per person are welcome at Dockweiler.

#8. Point Mugu State Park

We have some good news and some bad news about Point Mugu State Park. The bad news is, the park is located an hour's drive west of the city center. The good news is, leashed dogs are allowed on the beaches, making this spot well worth the drive! Amenities include 50+ primitive tent and RV sites, token-operated showers, restrooms, and a dump station for RVs. Pups aren't allowed on trails at Point Mugu.

#9. Serrano Campground

If you're taking the scenic route through the stunning San Bernardino Mountains on your way to LA, stop at Serrano Campground. Unlike most primitive U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, Serrano comes equipped with more than 100 campsites, flush toilets, showers, and hookups for RVs. Your pal will love sniffing around Big Bear Lake, a popular fishing destination. Leashed dogs are welcome to trek the trails with you; just be sure to clean up after your pup.

#10. Moro Campground

There's no better place to round off our list of the best dog-friendly campgrounds near Los Angeles than Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park. Park your rig at this blufftop campground and soak up sweeping vistas of the ocean. Your doggo is welcome to tag along, but some restrictions apply. Dogs aren't allowed on the beaches or backcountry trails, but the park's three-mile bluff trail and other paved areas welcome pups.