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Kettletown State Park Campground offers cabins and tent sites for campers with pets, located on 1400 Georges Hill Road in Southbury. The park provides electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and toilets in a wooded setting with access to hiking trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times throughout the park, and pet owners should bring waste bags as facilities can sometimes be limited. Black Rock State Park Campground and Lake Waramaug State Park Campground also welcome pets, with similar amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Sites at Kettletown can be close together, so securing two adjacent sites provides more space for families camping with larger dogs. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Botsford, Connecticut.
Hiking trails around Kettletown State Park accommodate dogs on leashes, with routes of varying difficulty levels suitable for different pets' abilities. Mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive in wooded areas during summer months, requiring appropriate protection for both humans and animals. Several campgrounds in the region experience seasonal closures, typically operating from May through early September, which limits pet-friendly camping options during off-seasons. Recent visitors note that while bathroom facilities at some state parks need updating, the natural surroundings and pet-friendly policies make up for these shortcomings. The trails at Kettletown are especially beautiful but may need better maintenance after storm damage in some sections. Campers should be prepared for enforced quiet hours, though enforcement varies by park and season.
"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"I love kettletown, it’s a favorite that is very close to home. It’s a small camp ground and it’s absolutely beautiful."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to."
"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"With Covid/social distancing requirements, many sites are closed so it’s extra quiet and spread out. I stayed at site 6 with my seven year-old daughter from Tue-Thur."
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"The campground also has a lake for swimming,trails for hiking, and some nice quiet areas for fishing. Well maintained bathrooms, with available showers, are also spread throughout the grounds."
"Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."
"There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availability"However, we picked this place because it has an enclosed dog park. It does have an enclosed dog park but the fence is only 3 feet high."
"We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"People left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes. Won’t be surprised if I see a bear in the morning.."
"Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe have enjoyed our stay. Nice campground with lots of activities and things to do. However, we picked this place because it has an enclosed dog park. It does have an enclosed dog park but the fence is only 3 feet high. While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there.
LegendI had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.
My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.
I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers.
I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.
The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night.
There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny.
There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.
NO PETS! Including dogs.
No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations.
The beach was popular.
There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in.
They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.
This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!
RangerCampsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.
TravelerI have camped here many times. There are three campsites; two that require short hikes (.5 miles and .75 miles, respectively) and a third that can be driven to. Each one is far away from the others. The two that are closest are still divided by several hundred feet of wooded area; you can hear if someone at the other campsite shouts loudly enough, but you can't hear normal conversation or see any lights.
There is no cell phone coverage at any of the campsites (if you care about that while camping).
All of the campsites are right next to the Shepaug River. There is a very crude outhouse between campsites #1 and #2, but none at #3. Each campsite has a designated fire pit, and the Steep Rock Association provides ample firewood. SR 1 and SR 2 both have picnic tables at them; SR 3 does not. Pets are welcome; there are many people hiking and camping with dogs, and people ride horses down some of the trails.
On 9/2/17, when camping at SR1, we saw a Dumpster on the side of the trail that leads from campsite SR1 to campsite SR2. I have never seen a Dumpster anywhere at Steep Rock before, so I don't know if that is a permanent new addition or if it was there temporarily.
Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Steep Rock Association office during the week.
ScoutThis is a nice family friendly campground that makes for easy trips. There are a variety of sites available, from open field sites to more wooded and private areas. The campground also has a lake for swimming,trails for hiking, and some nice quiet areas for fishing. Well maintained bathrooms, with available showers, are also spread throughout the grounds. Not pet friendly unfortunately.
GuideThe actual beach isn't too nice; not soft sand, broken shells, and cigarettes. However, the campgrounds have nice facilities like a shop, good showers, a playground, and volleyball courts. Be noted PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the summer. We were not aware of this.
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
GuideWhile the Farm at Carter Hill offers a truly unique experience, it's important to note that this is a boondocking campsite. There are no electric or water hookups available for RVs. This might not be a concern for those well-prepared for self-sufficiency, but it's worth planning ahead to ensure you have enough power and water for your stay. The campsite is set up for easy in and out, making it a great option for RVers looking for a convenient overnight stop.
The farm boasts a prime location, just minutes away from the bustling junction of Interstate 91 and 84. Travelers seeking a quick and easy layover, this campsite proves to be a gem. The proximity to major highways makes it incredibly convenient to reach, whether you're passing through the area or looking for a unique spot to spend the night.
What sets the Farm at Carter Hill apart is the immersive farm experience it offers. My kids interacted with farm goats, ducks, and chickens, the farm provides an opportunity for a hands-on encounter. Feeding and petting the animals was a highlight, and our kids were absolutely enthralled by the experience.
The night we stayed, the farm played host to several live blues bands, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Food and drinks were also available and ensured that we had everything we needed for an enjoyable evening. It's worth checking ahead to see if any events are scheduled during your stay.
TravelerBeautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need. You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig’s point nature center. We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer!
Campsites near Botsford, Connecticut operate primarily between May and early October due to the region's seasonal climate. The area's numerous parks feature hilly terrain with elevations between 200-800 feet, creating variable camping conditions across the region. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Botsford implement strict leash policies at all times and specific designated pet areas.
Hiking with varied difficulty levels: The trails at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offer over 40 miles of paths suitable for all skill levels. "There are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," notes Ethan K., who appreciated the extensive trail network.
Water activities on Canopus Lake: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground provides lake access for swimming and boating. "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch," writes Shelly B.
Family playground access: The Lake Compounce Campground features recreational facilities beyond standard campground amenities. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," reports Nichol P., highlighting the additional recreational options.
Private, spacious sites: Cozy Hills Campground receives praise for its well-maintained facilities. "Clean, well maintained camping. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel," notes Jon R.
Clean shower facilities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," says Diane R. about Lake Compounce Campground, appreciating the well-designed facilities.
Natural water features: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers beach access directly from the campground. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need," explains Tiffany T., highlighting the convenience of beach proximity.
Seasonal operation limitations: Most state park campgrounds close after Labor Day. "Several campgrounds in the region experience seasonal closures, typically operating from May through early September," limiting year-round pet-friendly options.
Site selection importance: At Black Rock State Park Campground, choosing the right spot makes a significant difference. "I like the back right ring in the 80's and 90's to have some privacy and access to the stream," recommends Michelle B., offering specific site suggestions.
Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for both heat and storms. "There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival," reports Erinn N. about her experience at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Activity planning: Lake Waramaug State Park offers specific recreational opportunities for different age groups. "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in)," notes Mo S., suggesting the swimming area works best for toddlers.
Space considerations: At Kettletown, securing adjacent sites provides more room for families with pets. "Nice place. Sites are close together so recommend reserving two for more space. Well maintained and secure. Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups," advises Melynda M.
Child-friendly campgrounds: Some locations specifically cater to younger campers. "The reason why I said place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!" explains Jennifer H. about Kettletown State Park.
Hookup availability: Lake Compounce offers specific amenities for RVs but lacks sewer connections. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," reports Ray B., noting the limitations.
Site layout considerations: RV sites at some campgrounds feature specific orientations. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," explains Diane R. about Lake Compounce Campground.
Seasonal maintenance: Facilities at pet-friendly campgrounds may need updating after storm seasons. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," notes Taylor C. about Kettletown State Park, highlighting the regular maintenance of essential facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Botsford, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Botsford, CT is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 70 dog-friendly camping locations near Botsford, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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