54 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kettletown State Park Campground welcomes pets at its wooded campsites near Lake Zoar, approximately 30 miles from Bridgeport. The park offers tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and pet-friendly cabins for camping with dogs throughout its May to September season. Nearby, Hammonasset State Park Campground also accommodates pets across its various camping options, including cabins and RV sites with hookups. Campers must keep dogs leashed at all times while in these parks, with most sites requiring a standard 6-foot maximum leash length. Several private campgrounds in the region impose additional pet fees ranging from $5-10 per night, while state parks include pet access in their standard camping rates. Sites at Kettletown tend to be somewhat close together, though the spacious wooded surroundings provide adequate room for campers with dogs to maintain comfortable distance from neighbors.
Dog-friendly hiking trails wind through most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Bridgeport area, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offering over 40 miles of trails where leashed dogs can accompany their owners. The extensive network includes routes suitable for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging terrain. Camping with dogs requires additional preparation, especially during summer months when algae blooms occasionally affect swimming areas at Kettletown and other regional parks, limiting water access for pets and humans alike. Morning walks with dogs should be planned early to avoid the substantial mosquito population that emerges in wooded areas as temperatures rise throughout the day. Campground bathrooms and facilities at these parks receive mixed reviews for cleanliness, so campers with pets should be prepared with their own sanitation supplies for cleanup. No designated dog parks exist within these campgrounds, but the surrounding trail systems provide ample exercise opportunities for leashed pets.
"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"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $20 - $225 / 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"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"Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail. 30 or so sites around a central public restroom."
"Hiking trails are beautiful. Dog friendly. Clean bathrooms"
"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 $17 / night
Check Availability"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice."
"Sites are very close to one another. Level pull through site. Quit in the evening!"
GuideI grew up in Long Beach. If you’re looking for a spot to camp so you can surf, this is perfect! It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around.
benefits: allows dogs childrens playground beach programs like movie nights throughout the summer
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.
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
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!!
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.
Cabin campsites near Bridgeport, Connecticut range from basic shelters to more rustic accommodations within an hour's drive of the city. The Long Island Sound coastal area typically sees summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during camping season with moderate humidity. Most cabin facilities in this region open from late April through mid-October with peak season reservations filling 2-3 months in advance.
Trail exploration: 7-mile lake circuits. At Blydenburgh County Park, visitors can navigate the full trail system around the central lake. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes Erik R. The well-maintained paths accommodate various skill levels.
Beach access: North Shore experiences. Wildwood State Park Campground offers distinctive coastal terrain compared to southern Long Island beaches. "The North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," describes Amber A. The beach requires water shoes due to rocky terrain.
Fruit picking: Seasonal harvests. Cabin campers can combine outdoor stays with agricultural tourism. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away," shares Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park. Many orchards operate from August through early October.
Platform tent sites: Elevated dry camping. Beaver Pond Campground offers raised wooden platforms that keep tent campers off wet ground. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," reports Ethan K. Platforms measure approximately 10' x 12' with level surfaces for secure tent setup.
Shelter options: Year-round availability. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation maintains lean-to shelters with both exterior fire rings and interior fireplaces. "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather," notes Ethan K. Paul R. adds, "All of the shelters have fire pits and some have interior fireplaces. They have many sites and are open all year round."
Fishing access: Lake and pond fishing. Multiple reservoir and lake systems throughout the region support fishing activities. "Our site is a trailer site, it's perfect for the trusty old pop-up, and feels nice and roomy," says Steve W. about Beaver Pond. Another camper at Fahnestock noted that "there is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds."
Reservation requirements: Green key programs. Suffolk County parks like Cathedral Pines County Park utilize resident discount systems. "Usually every site (I think $14 a night for green key members) has a decent fire pit/grill," explains Connor M. For non-residents, Maria P. notes, "Worth buying green key card for resident access. $200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless."
Site variations: Research needed. Campgrounds often feature drastically different site conditions within the same property. Justin P. found at Kettletown that "Site 32 and the upper loop was not great though. The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent." At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, Jess M. advises "the campsite (#040) was private, but was located next to the Nature Center and a water spigot, so it was not a super quiet spot."
Wildlife considerations: Food storage essential. Several area campgrounds report active wildlife. At Cathedral Pines, "Be sure to lock food away as the raccoons are pretty invasive," warns Connor M. Similarly, Steve W. cautions Beaver Pond visitors to be mindful that "the wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Playground proximity: Activity access. Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night," Jennifer H. shares about Kettletown State Park. At Hammonasset, one reviewer noted "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."
Nature centers: Educational opportunities. Several parks maintain educational facilities with programming. Tiffany T. calls Meig's Point Nature Center at Hammonasset "our family favorite." At Blydenburgh County Park, Chris S. notes "Trails were awesome. Row boat for fishing was great. Not a party or for party site as alcohol is not allowed."
Beach camping: Seasonal considerations. Family beach access varies significantly by season. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports Courtney D. about Fahnestock's lake beach. Many campgrounds enforce strict regulations around water access based on seasonal testing.
Electric-only sites: Resource management. Most RV sites in the region offer limited hookups. Jason B. notes at Hammonasset, "Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV." Planning for limited power resources requires careful management of water and electrical systems.
Pull-through availability: Easiest access. Some parks offer drive-through sites for easier parking. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," shares Lori R. about her experience at Beaver Pond Campground. First-time RV users often find these sites reduce setup stress.
Campground layouts: RV-specific areas. Many campgrounds separate RVs from tent camping sections. At Wildwood, Michael G. found "camper side review...sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'." Understanding designated areas helps set appropriate expectations for the camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bridgeport, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bridgeport, CT is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bridgeport, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 dog-friendly camping locations near Bridgeport, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
