California state park is top spot for ‘dog-friendly adventures.’ Where to go
Planning an outdoor adventure with Fido? Northern California is home to the best dog-friendly state park, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
The nonprofit organization recently named the winners of the 2026 Best of California’s State Parks poll.
The California State Parks Foundation is “dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all,” the foundation said in a news release.
The California State Parks system has 280 park sites with 15,000 campsites and 5,200 miles of trails, according to the Reserve California website.
Find out which state park is best for dog owners:
What is the best state park for dogs in California?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area was named the best state park for dog-friendly adventures in 2026 by the California State Parks Foundation.
The park covers 19,500 acres across El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties.
In addition to “scenic panoramas” of open grasslands, rolling hills and the Sierra Nevada, the recreation area features two reservoirs, Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma.
Opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping and horseback riding abound, along with waterskiing and boating, California State Parks said.
The California State Parks Association recognized Folsom Lake State Recreation Area as a good area for dogs due to “its extensive trail network, open spaces and easy access to the water, where pups can run, explore and swim.”
Dogs can swim in both lakes except in areas near Black Miners Bar, Granite Bay, Beals Point and Nimbus Flat.
“Folsom Lake SRA is amazing for our best friends to run and play in while we liberate our minds from the hustle of the daily grind to immerse ourselves in beauty,” said Abraham M., who voted in the foundation’s poll.
What are other top destinations for dogs in California?
The California State Parks Foundation gave honorably mentions to two other state parks with pet appeal: Leo Carrillo State Park and Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.
In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Leo Carrillo State Park features “1.5 miles of scenic beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing,” California State Parks said.
Dogs are allowed in the day-use areas and campgrounds, and on North Beach.
At Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, dogs must remain on leashes at all times, state park officials said.
The “hidden gem” state park in San Francisco County, offers “grassy uplands, coastal salt marsh, intertidal mudflats and pocket beaches” where visitors can fish, kayak and ride bikes, California State Parks said.
How did California State Parks Foundation determine ranking?
In 2026, the foundation recognized state parks in 24 counties across the Golden State, encompassing urban, desert, coastal, woodland and historical parks.
To determine the honorees, the California State Parks Foundation surveyed more than 2,000 members, supporters and the public, and asked them to vote for their favorite parks for 12 categories.
Voters picked the best state parks for camping, hiking, day trips and dog-friendly adventures, among other categories.
“Many of the survey participants also sent in photos and shared their personal stories and memories about why these parks are special,” the foundation said in its release.
This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 10:35 AM.
