Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ashford, CT

Brialee Family Campground accommodates pets throughout its sites for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping options. Located in Ashford, Connecticut, the campground maintains clean facilities with multiple bathhouses throughout the property. Charlie Brown Campground and Nickerson Park Family Campground also welcome pets, with Charlie Brown offering riverside sites where dogs can enjoy water access. Leashed pets must be supervised at all sites, with quiet hours strictly enforced to prevent excessive barking. While WiFi is advertised at some locations, cell service can be unreliable in these wooded settings. Campers note that despite some sites being close together, most campgrounds enforce pet waste cleanup and provide designated pet areas. Seasonal campers dominate some properties but are generally welcoming to visiting pet owners.

The Natchaug River flows alongside several pet-friendly campgrounds, providing opportunities for dogs to swim and cool off during summer months. Peppertree Camping receives particular praise from pet owners for its peaceful riverside setting and helpful staff who accommodate pets of various sizes. Hiking trails near these campgrounds allow leashed dogs, though wildlife encounters require vigilance from pet owners. Each property maintains different pet policies regarding number of animals allowed and additional fees. State parks in the area, including Mashamoquet Brook State Park with its Wolf Den Campground, permit pets at designated campsites with proper vaccination records. Most campgrounds open from April through October, with several Walmart and grocery stores within 10-15 minutes for pet supply needs. Many campers with pets request riverside sites for easy water access and additional space.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ashford, Connecticut (125)

    1. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."

    "Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."

    2. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $70 / night

    "Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they’re cash or check only!"

    "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."

    3. Charlie Brown Campground

    8 Reviews
    Eastford, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 974-0142

    "Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."

    "Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."

    4. George Washington State Campground

    25 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    19 miles
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $18 - $75 / night

    "So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first: This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."

    "The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."

    5. Nickerson Park Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chaplin, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 455-0007

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again.  Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."

    6. West Thompson Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Grosvenor Dale, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 923-3121

    $15 - $30 / night

    "They have bathrooms and showers close by that (if I remember correctly/things haven’t changed too much in the past couple of years) were in relatively decent shape compared to others I’ve been in at campgrounds"

    "centrally located bathrooms/showers basketball court, playground and ampitheatre to keep the kids busy. hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby. so fun!"

    7. Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park

    4 Reviews
    Pomfret Center, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 928-6121

    $14 - $29 / night

    "There's a small playground in the middle of the loop, a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches (download details for offline use a phone connection is spotty), a swimming"

    "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail. Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."

    8. Peppertree Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    2 miles
    Website

    "It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning."

    9. Wells State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Sturbridge, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 347-9257

    $17 - $55 / night

    "The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."

    "Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."

    10. Stateline Campresort & Cabins

    9 Reviews
    Ballouville, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 774-3016

    $25 - $50 / night

    "The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I was t too keen on staying literally on the pond."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ashford, CT

746 Reviews of 125 Ashford Campgrounds


  • A
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Newport RV Park

    Clean sites and easy hiking trails

    The campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Clean site areas, but many are on a slight slop so leveling blocks are needed. We Took one of the nearby Trails get to the Portsmouth Publick House restaurant, which is dog friendly, for lunch. The waterfall along the blue trail is picture worthy.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Waters Edge Family Campground

    Incredible campground

    Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs! We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park. Every one of us had a great time with the perfect campsite deep in the woods (still able to park my 26’ camper trailer). Swimming pool, great playground, among lots of trails and wooded area surrounding almost every site. Best camping weekends we’ve ever had have been at Waters Edge.

  • I
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Newport RV Park

    Best dog park

    We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park

  • Steve T.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Fort Getty Campground

    Tent campers

    Perfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area.

    Worst part is you can’t bring your car on the site. Do not understand this, especially since it was over 95° and we have dogs that need AC, one if which is 14. We did sneak the car up by asking an RV camper to use his land because they block off the entrance with giant tree trunks.

    More good stuff, the private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all and old but clean bathrooms.

  • K
    Jun. 25, 2020

    Wilderness Lake Park

    Really enjoyed our time here

    Quaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they’re cash or check only! Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets. This campground was perfect for us and our dog. Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge.

  • Rose P.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ashaway RV Resort

    Rude Staff

    Standard crabgrass parking lot with drunks driving around on golf carts and RV's stacked on top of each other. The woman who runs the office is a very angry person and it made the entire visit unpleasant, which is no surprise as she has been hostile and unwelcoming the several times I've visited. Pool looks nice though I guess, I've never dared to use it for fear of breaking one of the many unwritten and unspoken rules. A great place for people who enjoy eating dinner next to your neighbor's septic pipe. I called to ask if they allowed dogs and was told "NO" just to arrive and be asked to park next to the dog park.

  • K
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Strawberry Park

    Great atmosphere

    Great family campground with lots of activities. A little pricey. Plenty of open space a dog park area. 3 pools a kiddie pool and outdoor in ground hot tub. Golf cart rentals. Very clean and accommodating

  • Courtney Lopes F.
    Aug. 13, 2021

    Normandy Farms Campground

    This is what Glamping was made for

    First things first- no bugs!! That’s right I didn’t know what I was missing till I notice I wasn’t getting bit alive by mosquitoes!!! They spray for them!!! So you can enjoy the outside without the pesky bites that come with camping!

    Then of course there is the luxury of having two pools, a ton of fun activities for kids, (fishing , dog park, horseshoes, tennis, basketball, etc)! It’s probably my favorite spot in New England merely for all the luxuries that come with this site!!!

    Plus you are close to Gillette and shopping!! Can get better then that!

  • Sarah A.
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Newport RV Park

    Nice, but further out than we thought

    This park was very nice, but they advertise being 5 miles away from historic Newport, and it’s more like 8. There are zero bike paths that are immediately accessible and Newport drivers are not walker/biker friendly. No sidewalks on the Main Street to get you here. Ubers and Lyfts can be scarce and very expensive depending on the time of day. Between $16 to $78 rides…so, if you’re not towing, just something to be aware of. Neighbors were super nice and there is a great dog park (we think it’s city owned) with super nice doggo humans. Was good for a short stay - we just wish we had known how far out it really was because we really would have loved to spend more time downtown.


Guide to Ashford

Camping areas near Ashford, Connecticut range from family-focused destinations to more rustic state parks. The region sits within the northeastern Connecticut woodlands, with elevations around 400-600 feet above sea level creating mild temperature variations. Summer temperatures typically range between 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.

What to do

Hiking trails access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to hiking trails through Connecticut's state forests. At Wilderness Lake Park, "There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes."

Water activities: Kayaking and tubing options available at multiple locations. "Free kayaks/canoes for the lake" are provided at Wilderness Lake Park according to one camper. At Charlie Brown Campground, visitors enjoy "tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access in ponds or rivers. One visitor to Stateline Campresort & Cabins noted it has "Clean, wooded and open sites some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available. The site we had overlooked the pond and was perfect."

What campers like

Site privacy and layout: Campers appreciate larger, more secluded sites at certain locations. At West Thompson Lake Campground, "Large campsites, Nice basketball court, Decent bathrooms for a state campground, only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm."

Family activities: Organized events for children rank highly in reviews. At Brialee Family Campground, "They make sure the weekends are for families" and another visitor mentioned, "Have visited this campground many many times and have never been disappointed. Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground."

Natural surroundings: The wooded settings and water features receive consistent praise. One camper at Wolf Den Campground described it as having "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night. Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with peak season pricing during summer months. During shoulder seasons, facilities may be limited.

Reservations required: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays. Sites along water features book fastest.

Site variations: While many campgrounds offer both RV and tent sites, the amenities and privacy levels vary significantly. At Wolf Den Campground, "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites that tend to open up toward the back with open areas for pitching tents."

Cell service limitations: While some campgrounds advertise WiFi, connectivity can be unpredictable. One camper noted at Stateline Campresort, "Clean bath house and restrooms, quiet despite there being a pretty full park."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Schedule around organized campground events. One visitor to Brialee noted, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."

Site selection: For families with young children, request sites away from water features or near playgrounds depending on preferences. A visitor to Wolf Den Campground stated, "Son and I stayed from Friday to Sunday. Easy to find the camp and the plot, well marked. Very nice sized lots."

Pet considerations: For pet-friendly camping near Ashford, Connecticut, check individual pet policies as they vary by location. Some campgrounds have specific pet-friendly areas or amenities. At Wilderness Lake Park, one camper mentioned, "This campground was perfect for us and our dog. Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Varies significantly between campgrounds with some offering full hookups while others only provide electric and water. A visitor to Charlie Brown Campground noted, "Water, electric, gray water hookup, $63."

Access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow roads or challenging site layouts. At Brialee, a camper observed, "They do trash pickup on the weekends so you can just leave your bags at the end of your site which is nice and they also provide delivery of wood/fire starter/ice to your campsite."

Dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. One camper at Peppertree Camping explained, "The gentleman and his family who own it are sooooo nice and they helped us a lot when it came to learning how to properly use our camper."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ashford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ashford, CT is Brialee Family Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ashford, CT?

TheDyrt.com has all 125 dog-friendly camping locations near Ashford, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.