White-sand beaches, sprawling desert landscapes, and tons of urban attractions make SoCal one of America's top tourist destinations. San Diego in "pawticular" is a hot-spot for people and pups looking to soak up some of that famous California sunshine.
America's Finest City is renowned for its dog-friendliness. San Diego is home to dozens of dog parks, dog-friendly restaurants and bars, and even one of the country's first off-leash dog beaches.
With so much to do and see in San Diego, you'll probably want to stay a night or three to experience it all. Skip the hotel for this excursion and plan a camping trip for an "unfurgettable" vacay! Read on to discover some of the most dog-friendly campgrounds in San Diego.
Easily the most "pawpular" dog-friendly campground in San Diego, Campland on the Bay's logo even features a dog howling at the moon. (How's that for dog-friendly?) This resort-style accommodation features an ice cream parlor, a marina, an off-leash dog park, and so much more! Up to three canine campers are welcome per site. Dogs must be leashed and kept clear of the beach. Pit Bull and Rottweiler mixes are prohibited.
Searching for a dog-friendly campground right in the heart of San Diego? Look no further than Mission Bay RV Resort! Here, you're just a stone's throw from some of San Diego's most popular attractions, including Old Town, San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park. Standard amenities, including restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, are provided. A two-pet maximum applies, and Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other breeds deemed aggressive by campground staff are prohibited.
With seven stocked lakes and more than 300 full-hookup sites, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve has "paw-lenty" of space for you and Spot to explore the day away. Go for a hike along the park's five-mile trail network, or let your buddy stretch their legs in the designated dog walking areas. Guests may bring up to two leashed dogs along for their camping trip. Pets are prohibited from the day-use area and lakes 1-5.
A mere 22 miles from San Diego, Lake Jennings has everything you could "pawssibly" need for a comfortable stay. The lake's kid-friendly campground offers fun for the whole family, including outdoor games like giant Jenga and cornhole, a playground, and even a campground scavenger hunt. Up to three of your fur-babies are welcome to join you. Just make sure to keep your dogs leashed and on their best behavior for the duration of your stay.
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a place to park the RV near Chula Vista should consider Sweetwater Summit. This 500-acre green space comes complete with 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, a splash pad, a well-stocked reservoir, and more than 100 pet-friendly campsites. Full hookups, restrooms, and coin-operated showers are available to campers. An additional fee applies for four-legged overnight guests, including horses. Animals are prohibited at the splash pad and reservoir.
Discover the best of both worlds at All Seasons RV Park in Escondido! Modern conveniences like full hookups, cable TV, and a pool and spa make this a comfortable stopover spot. The park's pond and picnic area also offer a taste of the great outdoors (and some great catch-and-release fishing). Doggos are welcome with open arms here — just be sure to specify your buddy's breed when reserving your site.
Most of the campgrounds we've covered so far lack amenities and activities for dogs. Not Oak Creek RV Resort! This Fido-friendly vacation destination in El Cajon provides waste bags and dog walking areas, not to mention fun activities for humans. Work up a sweat in the on-site gym before cooling off in the pool. Breed restrictions and a two-pet maximum applies. For more information on the park's pet policies, contact the park directly.
First things first: dogs aren't allowed on the trails here, but don't let that discourage you and Fido from setting up camp at Anza-Borrego! Situated just over 80 miles from San Diego, this park covers nearly a fifth of San Diego County and features some of the most breathtaking desert scenery in the region. Leashed dogs are welcome in the campground and picnic areas, but must be confined to a tent or RV after sundown.
Just over 40 miles outside the city in Oceanside, Guajome Regional Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and beach bums alike. Relax, fish, and watch wildlife at the park's ponds and marsh. The nature trail circling the marsh is also a prime place to take your doggo for their daily walk. Canine campers are welcome to wag along for an additional nightly fee. Amenities include partial hookups, restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
Located "ruffly" an hour from San Diego, Doheny State Beach in Dana Point is jam-packed with fun activities. The campground here is primitive, which means no hookups for RVs, but drinking water and a dump station are provided. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but they're permitted to explore the campground and day-use area on-leash. The campground's premium waterfront sites give you and Fido a front-row seat to stunning ocean views.