If you’ve been searching for a place to stay that bridges the gap between camping and a boutique hotel — and actually welcomes your dog like a guest rather than an afterthought — AutoCamp is it. With designer Airstream trailers, luxury tents, and cabins set in some of California’s most spectacular landscapes, AutoCamp has built something genuinely rare: a glamping brand where the dog experience is as considered as the human one.

We’ve stayed at three California AutoCamp locations — Russian River, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree — and each one delivered the same signature combination: beautiful design, outdoor community atmosphere, and a staff that treats your pup like a VIP. The settings couldn’t be more different, but the quality is consistent across all three.

This guide covers everything you need to know about each California location, the dog policy details, what to expect on arrival, and the best dog-friendly activities nearby.

Also looking for more dog-friendly stays in California? See our Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Northern California roundup and our Dog-Friendly California Bucket List for more inspiration.

AutoCamp Dog Policy: What You Need to Know

The pet policy is consistent across all AutoCamp California locations:

• Pet fee: $75 flat fee per stay (covers up to 2 dogs — excellent value for multi-dog households)
• Maximum dogs: 2 per accommodation
• Weight limit: 80 lbs per dog
• Leash rule: Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash at all times when outside your accommodation
• Unattended dogs: Dogs may not be left unattended at any time
• What’s included: On arrival, dogs are typically greeted with a blanket, treats, and waste bags. Water bowls and additional treats can be found around the property

The fellow travelers you’ll encounter at AutoCamp are almost always dog people too — it creates a genuinely warm, communal atmosphere that feels different from a standard hotel stay.

AutoCamp Russian River

Address: 14120 Old Cazadero Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446 Nightly Rate: $$$ (from ~$200/night) Pet Fee: $75 flat fee

AutoCamp Russian River sits in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley — surrounded by coastal redwoods, with the Russian River just down the road and some of California’s best wine country within easy reach. It’s the most lush and verdant of the three California locations, and the setting makes every moment on property feel genuinely restorative.

The accommodation options include signature Airstream trailers, canvas tent suites, and cabins, all with the polished design aesthetic AutoCamp is known for. The communal clubhouse is a natural gathering spot, and the outdoor fire pit areas are where evenings tend to end up — especially after a day of hiking or wine tasting. Dogs are welcome throughout the property and quickly become part of the social fabric of the place.

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What to do nearby with your dog:

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve — A stunning old-growth redwood forest just minutes from the property. Dogs are allowed on leash on the main trails. Walking among 1,400-year-old trees with your pup is an experience unlike any other in Northern California.
• Johnson’s Beach (Guerneville) — A casual, family-friendly stretch of the Russian River where dogs are welcome. Great for a swim and a lazy afternoon on the sand.
• Sonoma wine country — Many Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley wineries welcome leashed dogs on their patios and grounds. A dog-friendly wine tasting afternoon is easily organized from AutoCamp Russian River as your base.
• Duncans Mills — A charming small village about 10 minutes west with a handful of dog-friendly shops and the Blue Heron restaurant with outdoor seating.

Staying in Sonoma wine country? Our Dog-Friendly Guide to Napa Valley and 10-Day Dog-Friendly Northern California Road Trip have plenty of regional inspiration.

AutoCamp Yosemite

Address: 6323 CA-140, Midpines, CA 95345 Nightly Rate: $$$ (from ~$216/night) Pet Fee: $75 flat fee

AutoCamp Yosemite is tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills in Midpines, about 35 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock entrance — close enough to make the park your day trip playground, far enough to feel like a genuine retreat. The property sits amid towering pines with Airstream trailers, luxury tent suites, and cabins all oriented to make the most of the forested surroundings.

Waking up here to crisp mountain air, with your dog stretched out on the cabin steps and coffee from the clubhouse in hand, is one of those experiences that makes you wonder why you ever stay in a regular hotel near a national park. The design and atmosphere are a significant step above anything else in the Yosemite gateway corridor.

What to do nearby with your dog: The park itself has meaningful dog restrictions, but there’s more accessible than most people realize — and the surrounding area adds plenty of options. Our Dog-Friendly Guide to Yosemite National Parkcovers everything in detail, but the highlights:

• Lower Yosemite Fall Trail — The best dog-friendly trail inside the park, a flat paved half-mile loop to the base of one of the tallest waterfalls on earth
• Tunnel View, Glacier Point & Valley viewpoints — All accessible with leashed dogs and delivering the park’s most iconic views
• Wawona Meadow Loop — A gentle 3.6-mile loop that’s one of the park’s most underrated dog-friendly walks
• Rainbow Pools (near Groveland) — Natural swimming holes along the Tuolumne River, just 13.7 miles from Groveland on Hwy 120. A perfect mid-afternoon stop for dogs who love to swim
• Tuolumne Grove — A paved, dog-friendly trail through ancient giant sequoias just outside the park boundary
• Downtown Mariposa — The gateway town to Yosemite with dog-friendly dining options including The Grove House and Sticks Coffee

AutoCamp Joshua Tree

Address: 61727 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 Nightly Rate: $$$ (from ~$200/night) Pet Fee: $75 flat fee

AutoCamp Joshua Tree drops you into the Mojave Desert in the most stylish way possible. The Airstreams and tents here are positioned to maximize those wide-open desert sky views — and at night, the stargazing from the fire pit areas is extraordinary. The landscape is completely different from the other two California locations, but the quality of the AutoCamp experience translates perfectly to the desert setting.

Waking up to soft desert sunrise hues, with the silhouette of Joshua trees outside your Airstream window, is its own kind of magic — especially with a dog who goes absolutely feral for the smells of the desert brush.

What to do nearby with your dog: Dogs have meaningful access restrictions inside Joshua Tree National Park itself — they’re permitted on roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas but not on most trails. The surrounding area makes up for it:

• Joshua Tree National Park scenic drives — Dogs are welcome in the car for the full park driving experience. Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden (keep dogs away from the cholla — painful lesson), and Keys View are all accessible without leaving the vehicle
• Pioneertown — A living movie set town about 20 minutes from the park with a handful of dog-friendly patios and the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s outdoor dining area
• Integratron area walks — The open desert landscape around Landers offers informal dog-friendly exploration with big sky views
• Big Morongo Canyon Preserve — About 30 minutes northwest, this oasis canyon preserve allows leashed dogs on several trails and offers a striking contrast to the open desert

Planning a Joshua Tree trip? Our Dog-Friendly Guide to Joshua Tree National Park and Dog-Friendly Guide to Palm Springs are worth reading before you go.

What to Expect at AutoCamp: The Full Experience

Regardless of which location you choose, here’s what the AutoCamp experience consistently delivers:

The accommodations are genuinely well-designed — Airstream trailers with proper beds, climate control, and hotel-quality linens; canvas tent suites with wood floors and real furniture; or cabins with full kitchenettes depending on the property. Everything feels intentional rather than improvised.

The communal spaces are where AutoCamp earns its reputation. The clubhouse at each property is a proper gathering spot — coffee in the morning, happy hour in the evening, and the kind of easy conversations with fellow travelers that only happen when everyone’s there for the same reasons. Dogs are part of this energy; you’ll rarely be the only pup on property.

The arrival experience for dogs is genuinely warm. Expect a greeting with a blanket, treats, and waste bags. Water bowls and extra treats are stocked around the property. Fellow guests are overwhelmingly dog people, so your pup will be fussed over from the moment you pull in.

The fire pits deserve their own mention. Ending a day of hiking or wine tasting or desert driving around a fire with your dog at your feet is the whole point of AutoCamp — and it delivers every time.

AutoCamp Tips for Dog Owners

• Book dog-friendly accommodations explicitly — not every unit at every property accepts pets, so confirm at booking and note your dog in the reservation
• The $75 flat fee is for the stay, not per night — making it one of the better pet fee values of any glamping property in California, especially if you’re staying multiple nights
• Dogs cannot be left unattended — plan your days with this in mind, particularly if you’re spending time in Yosemite National Park where dogs can’t access most trails and you may need to split up or coordinate with your travel companion
• Pack a long tie-out or stake if your dog has a habit of wandering — useful for fire pit evenings when you want everyone relaxed without constant leash-holding
• The 80 lb weight limit is per dog, so two dogs can each be up to 80 lbs — a generous policy for larger breeds compared to most hotels
• Bring layers for Russian River and Yosemite, where evenings can be significantly cooler than afternoons regardless of season

Our full Dog-Friendly Travel Packing List covers everything else you’ll want for any of these trips.

FAQ: AutoCamp with Dogs

Is AutoCamp dog friendly? Yes — AutoCamp welcomes dogs at all California locations (Russian River, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree) across all accommodation types including Airstreams, tent suites, and cabins. The flat $75 pet fee covers up to two dogs per stay.

What is AutoCamp’s pet fee? AutoCamp charges a flat $75 fee per stay for up to two dogs — not per night. This makes it one of the better-value pet policies at any glamping or boutique property in California.

What is the weight limit for dogs at AutoCamp? Dogs must be 80 lbs or under per dog, with a maximum of two dogs per accommodation.

Can I leave my dog alone at AutoCamp? No — AutoCamp requires dogs to be supervised at all times and does not allow dogs to be left unattended in accommodations or on property. Plan your itinerary with this in mind.

Which AutoCamp California location is best for dogs? All three are excellent for dogs, but the best choice depends on your trip goals. AutoCamp Russian River is ideal for wine country and redwood exploration. AutoCamp Yosemite is the best base for national park access with your pup. AutoCamp Joshua Tree is the most dramatic setting for desert stargazing and open-air adventure.

Are dogs allowed in Yosemite National Park? Yes, with restrictions. Dogs are permitted on paved trails, in campgrounds, and at viewpoints on leash, but are not allowed on most unpaved trails or in wilderness areas. Our Dog-Friendly Yosemite Guide covers all the specifics.

Are dogs allowed in Joshua Tree National Park? Dogs are permitted on roads, in campgrounds, and at picnic areas but are not allowed on most trails. The surrounding desert towns and scenic drives offer plenty of additional dog-friendly options.

Have questions about a specific AutoCamp location or tips from your own stay? Drop them in the comments — we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re looking for more dog-friendly stays across California, our Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Northern California guide is a great next read.