Top Dog Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA

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Top Dog Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA

Introduction

Did you know there are more dogs living in San Francisco than children under the age of 18? Yep, it's true — but the sheer number of fur-children living their best lives in "Fog City" is just one reason why it's considered one of the dog-friendliest places in America. (Perhaps "Dog City" is a more fitting nickname!)

Planning a camping trip to San Francisco and searching for a place that welcomes your canine camping companions? Look no further — we've rounded up some of the best dog-friendly campgrounds in San Francisco and nearby. All you and Sparky need to do is pick a spot, pack your bags, and get ready to "ruff" it!

#1. Del Valle Regional Park

If your hound is itching to explore the great outdoors off-leash, Del Valle Regional Park is the "pawfect" place for them to let loose! Del Valle welcomes leash-free Lassies in its undeveloped areas. Make a weekend of it and reserve one of Del Valle's 150 pet-friendly sites. Campground amenities include full RV hookups, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. (Just be aware that the park charges an extra fee for dogs.)

#2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Anthony Chabot Regional Park is one of the city's best-known parks, welcoming locals and out-of-towners to enjoy its hiking and biking trails all year long. Plan to stay a night or three to experience everything this 3,300-acre park has to offer. The Anthony Chabot Family Campground has plenty of room for you and Fido to pitch your tent or park your RV, with "ruffly" 75 pet-friendly campsites available. An additional pet fee applies for canine visitors.

#3. Half Moon Bay State Beach

Is Sparky a social butterfly who loves to make new friends? Plan a camping trip to Half Moon Bay State . This "pawpular" park is always busy, and your pup will love all the attention they'll get from other visitors. Half Moon Bay's campground is located at Francis Beach. Unfortunately, pups are prohibited on all beaches at all times. Restrooms, coin-operated showers, and electrical hookups are available for overnight guests.

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#4. Mount Diablo State Park

You can find sweeping vistas of San Francisco all throughout northern California, but Mount Diablo State Park is home to some of the best. Set up your tent at Mount Diablo's pet-friendly campground and marvel at starry skies and views of the city sprawling in the distance. Though hound-dog hikers are prohibited on the park's trails, leashed pups are invited to explore the developed areas, including the picnic sites and campground.

#5. Liberty Glen Campground at Lake Sonoma

Your hound just might think they've gone to heaven when they feast their eyes and ears on Lake Sonoma. Located two hours out of San Fran, this family-friendly vacation destination has fun activities for everyone in your camping crew. After a long day of swimming, fishing, and hiking, treat your buddy to a little off-leash freedom at the on-site dog park! Liberty Glen Campground at Lake Sonoma features 96 sites as well as restrooms and showers.

#6. New Brighton State Beach

Sadly, some of the best state parks in California don't allow dogs to roam the trails or the beaches — but not New Brighton State Beach! Here, Fifi is welcome to sniff and explore the paths and shore all they like, as long as they're leashed. This fact alone makes the 80-mile drive from SF worth it! New Brighton State Beach Campground also welcomes dogs at tent and RV sites. Amenities include RV hookups, showers, restrooms, and a dump station.

#7. Napa Valley Expo RV Park

If your travel itinerary includes a day trip to California's wine country, stop over at Napa Valley Expo RV Park in Napa Valley. Up to three dogs can accompany guests and must remain on-leash at all times. You'll always find something fun to do at Napa Valley Expo, including concerts and rodeos, just to name a few! Dogs are welcome at many restaurants and wineries in Downtown Napa Valley, within walking distance of the campground.

#8. China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park near San Rafael is a hidden gem that's well worth seeing. This historic park situated on San Pablo Bay is a "furrific" spot for tent campers to get back to nature. Dogs aren't allowed on the park's trails, but they're welcome to explore the beach as long as they remain on-leash. If you're an RVer just passing through, China Camp welcomes contained vehicles for short stays, but doesn't provide any hookups or a dump station.

#9. Sac West RV Park and Campground

Sac West RV Park and Campground is an excellent stopover for weary road trippers traveling through NorCal. Located in West Sacramento just off I-80, this Fido-friendly campground will have you and your pal sitting pretty in the lap of luxury. Let your wagger go wild in the campground's off-leash park before relaxing in the heated pool. (No pups in the pool, please!) The best part? Canines are even allowed to stay in the cabins.

#10. Aquatic Park Cove

Sea dogs will "pawsitively" love a camping trip to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Aquatic Park Cove.

Here, you can spend a night or five in your non-motorized boat with your favorite canine co-captain! To anchor overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit and read the park's camping rules. Dogs are allowed to walk on-leash throughout San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, but are prohibited from the beach area.