Dog-friendly camping in Southern California (Photos)

Looking for a dog-friendly Memorial Day camping trip within a couple of hours driving distance of LA? If you enjoy long hikes, quaint little mountain towns, and homemade apple pie, you should check out Julian, CA. Renowned for its cozy little B&Bs, Julian has historically been a popular location for romantic weekend getaways, though it is fast becoming the destination of choice for active, outdoorsy families and their furry friends.

Where to Stay

There are several pet-friendly campgrounds within a short driving distance of Julian:

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Amenities:

Campsites cost $30 per night (for up to 8 people, including one motorized vehicle), and reservations are required for weekends between April and October. Extra vehicles cost $8 per night. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring.

Campground facilities include restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers, water faucets, a dump station, and firewood for sale. Hookups are not available.

Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended. Reservations may be made through ReservAmerica at 1-800-444-PARK.

Note: The Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road might not sound like a terribly exciting place to walk your dog, but it is actually a steep trail that continues for several miles and offers a fantastic view from the top. Well worth the effort!

Pinezanita Trailer Ranch and Campgrounds

Amenities:

Campsites cost $25 per night (for a 2-person vehicle) with a $3 additional charge for each extra camper and $3 per dog. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring.

Campground facilities include a dump station, electric, water, and sewer hookups (at a small additional fee), and bathroom and shower facilities.

The campground also has a large fishing pond, which visitors can use at a cost of $5 per person, per day.

Note: 3-night minimum stay required on holiday weekends. Reservations can be made online or by calling 760-765-0429.

Lake Cuyamaca

Amenities:

Tent camping at Lake Cuyamaca is $20 a night and reservations are recommended, though not required. There are only 21 tent camping sites available, so if you plan on visiting on a holiday weekend, you’ll need to book ahead.

Note: 2-night minimum stay required for weekends between March 1 and October 31.

Campground includes shower facilities.

Fishing is available for $6 per person per day, with rental equipment available. Dogs are allowed in boats, but not in the water.

What to Do

Go Hiking

The scenery around Julian is breathtakingly beautiful whatever the season and you’d be missing out if you didn’t explore at least some of the surrounding countryside with your pup. Many of the hiking trails do not allow dogs (especially within the state park), so check the regulations before you go.

Try:

Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road– a 3.5 mile paved trail within Cuyamaca State Park that leads you to the very top of the park. Your reward for making it up the hill is one of the most picturesque views in the area.

Three Sisters Falls– a 4-mile round trip hike to a spectacular triple set of waterfalls dubbed the “Three Sisters.” Caution: strenuous! Bring lots of water and make sure your dog is fit enough to complete the trek. Smaller dogs can be carried over some of the trickier terrain, but larger pups might struggle.

Visit Local Wineries

Julian might not be in the same league as Napa Valley, but if you’re looking for friendly, family-run wineries in a picturesque setting, stop in to one of these and sample some of Southern California’s finest. You can even bring your furry friend (although he probably doesn’t have a very refined palate!)

Dog-friendly wineries include:

Blue Door Winery

$6 for five tastings ($10 including the glass)

Open Friday & Saturday 11am-6pm

Sunday-Thursday 12pm-5pm

J. Jenkins Winery

$6 tasting charge, including glass

Open Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm

Menghini Winery

$5 tasting charge, including glass

Open 7 days a week

Eat Pie!

You haven’t really lived until you’ve tried one of Julian’s famous apple pies. Take a stroll with your pup along Main Street and stop in one of the picturesque little cafes with outdoor seating. With flavors ranging from pecan to strawberry rhubarb, you won’t be disappointed!

Try:

Apple Alley Bakery

Julian Pie Company

Camping with Dogs

Before you pack up your tent and take your faithful friend out on the open road, there are several important factors you’ll need to consider. Rescue organization PAW has some great tips for hiking and camping with your furry companion:

Before the trip:

• Make sure vaccinations are up to date and that you take along proof of rabies vaccination. The dog should be healthy before an outing.
• Apply flea and tick preventive.
• Make a temporary I.D. tag displaying the name of the park, campground, motel or other reachable contact at your destination area. A lost pet service, microchip I.D. (available at most animal hospitals) and tattoo I.D. are also good to use in combination with traditional tags. Make sure the tag features your current, reachable phone number.
• Get your dog in condition before hiking and camping by taking him on shorter hikes close to home.
• It helps if your dog has had some obedience training. If your dog barks constantly or is very anxious, reconsider taking him camping.
• Check before your trip to make sure dogs are allowed on the trails and at the parks and campgrounds you plan to visit.

Packing:

• Take a first aid kit for yourself and your dog. You'll find a great list of first aid kit contents below.
• Also bring sunblock for you and your dog, since dogs can get sunburn.
• Bring lots of bottled water.
• Bring food and dishes for feeding your pet.
• Take an extra leash in case your regular one gets damaged. Note: Retractable leashes can be dangerous, since you want your dog to stay close to you. Bring a short, sturdy leash for hiking. If you're hiking in terrain with cliffs, canyons, big rocks or other challenging conditions, it may be safest to attach the leash to a sturdy harness instead of to a neck collar.
• Bring unbreakable toys.
• Bring an extra towel for your dog.
• Pack a lightweight camping crate in case your dog can get loose from your tent.
• Bring a pad for chilly nights.
• Get a backpack for your medium or large dog so he can carry some unbreakable items. Go on walks before the trips so that the dog can gradually get used to a loaded backpack. A dog can carry a load equal to one-quarter to one-third of his own weight. However, do not place a backpack on dogs under one year of age, or any dog prone to dyplasia, joint problems or other health conditions.
• You can buy a pet pouch to carry a little dog.
• Pack and use dog boots if you are hiking in rough terrain.
• If your dog will be swimming in a lake, bring a canine life jacket and a long nylon lead. See the Swimming section below.

Before you begin the hike:

• Remember to pack plenty of water. You and your dog will drink more than usual.
• Apply sunblock to your dog's sun-sensitive areas such as nose and ears, particularly with pets with short fur and light skin. Sunblock should be at least SPF 15, and should be applied more than 15 minutes before sun exposure. Note: some experts recommend that zinc oxide not be used on pets.
• Keep your dog on leash.
• If you are placing a backpack on your dog, distribute the weight evenly and do not overpack (see above). Keep it light if on rough or challenging terrain.

During the hike:

• Check your dog's footpads every day no matter where you hike or camp. Check for thistles, debris or soreness along the way. Bag Balm and Vaseline are two good choices for soothing raw paw pads. Check fur, paws, nose, eye area and ears for foxtails. Also check for ticks.
• Be very cautious in areas with cliffs, gulches, canyons, caves, big rocks, etc. Many dogs have no concept of heights, and they can slip under railings. Some have drowned in geyser areas. Keep your dog close to you.
• Do not let your dog wander into the brush. He can pick up the oils from poison ivy and other plants and transfer the oils to you. Plus you want to minimize his chances of exposure to ticks and wild animals.
• When your dog potties on a trail, bury it.
• Keep watch for piles of feces, whether from other dogs or wildlife. Animal feces carry any number of germs and parasites. Near the water, they may be subjected to toxins from dead fish or other pollutants.
• Make sure your dog has access to shade and to a clean, non-tippable bowl of fresh water. Dogs are uncomplaining partners, so you need to pay attention to make sure your pet is not suffering from too much sun, heat, exercise or thirst.
• If your dog is bitten by a snake, immobilize the body part that has been bitten. Keep it at or below the level of the heart. Keep the pet calm and still. Carry the pet if possible. Get to a vet as soon as possible, and try to identify the type of snake. Do not manipulate the bitten area any more than necessary. Do not cut over the fang marks. Do not ice pack or tourniquet the area.

After the hike:

• Rinse dogs off immediately after hikes and swims. Pay special attention to cleaning their ears and around their paw pads and toes. Also check eyes and nostrils.
• To clean off pine sap or tar, try Dawn dishwashing liquid, or petroleum jelly to soften and follow with washing with baby shampoo.