Vintage travel-trailers, “glamping” tents and luxury yurts are part of an outdoorsy trend that is spreading all up and down California. For those who want to be close to nature but not have to wrestle with tent poles or sleep on the ground, it’s a concept that works. A top player is AutoCamp Airstream Parks, which operates three properties in California: Joshua Tree; Guerneville in Sonoma County; and Midpines, not far from Yosemite National Park.
Custom built and smartly decorated in various styles — from retro and mid-century modern to Euro-chic — the dog-friendly trailers come with plush beds and bath products, kitchenettes, a patio and a gas grill. Each AutoCamp also offers luxury tents (not dog-friendly, alas) and/or cabins, communal fire pits and lounge areas, curated food, beer offerings and more. AutoCamp Yosemite also has a heated swimming pool (sorry, no dogs allowed). The good news: your pup will be plenty tired from exploring the grounds and nearby trails, so they’ll likely nap poolside in the shade while you swim.
Many more glamping options have sprung up in recent years, including the very dog-friendly Inn Town Campground a mile outside Nevada City, offering glamping tents as well as RV sites; and Camp Nauvoo in El Dorado County, where you can pitch your own tent and take advantage of communal facilities or settle into a comfortably outfitted, safari-style tent. Mendocino Grove near Big River has dog-friendly platform tents, a dog park, and a pet wash for guest use — a real bonus after a muddy coastal hike. And a newer addition in Lake County: Huttopia Wine Country.
What makes glamping so appealing for dog owners is the balance: you get the campfire-under-the-stars experience without worrying about your dog shredding a flimsy tent or tracking mud into a hotel room. Most glamping sites have generous outdoor space, and many provide dog-specific amenities like water bowls, waste stations, and off-leash areas. Just be sure to check each property’s pet policy before booking, as tent accommodations sometimes have different rules than trailers or cabins. For more ideas, check out our guides to the glamping route and California glamping your dog will dig.
Additional resources include Camp California and California RV Parks. For more pet-friendly glamping options, try Glamping Hub, Glamping.com or HipCamp.
