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Kettletown State Park Campground accommodates pets at its tent, RV, and cabin sites with no breed restrictions. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Bridgewater provide designated pet areas and clear policies to ensure comfortable stays for dogs and their owners. Point Folly Campground at White Memorial Conservation Center permits pets with proper supervision. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground and Black Rock State Park also allow pets while maintaining clean facilities. Campers note that sites at Kettletown are large enough to comfortably accommodate multiple tents and pets, though weekend crowds can make the experience less peaceful for nervous dogs.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly state parks offer excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with Macedonia Brook State Park featuring scenic woodland paths where leashed pets can explore alongside their owners. Morning walks around Lake Waramaug provide quieter experiences before day visitors arrive. Campground bathrooms and facilities are generally clean but can become crowded during peak summer weekends. When camping with pets, securing food items is essential as wildlife including skunks and raccoons are common visitors after dark. The proximity to roads at some campgrounds like Lake Waramaug requires extra vigilance with pets, as local traffic can pose safety concerns for off-leash dogs. Freedom Farm Homestead, with its 20 spacious sites, offers another pet-friendly option with modern amenities while maintaining a natural setting.
"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"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"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"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 Availabilityfrom $50 - $70 / 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"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
from $14 / 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"The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake. "
"Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"
"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
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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.
ScoutRecently, we camped here for a week. We don’t ever post negative reviews like this. The last day, we experienced a violent attack by a very large and aggressive Pit Bull. The Pit Bull did not have a collar or a leash and was accidently let out of the RV to roam free and unsupervised. It immediately ran to our site(4 sites away) and attacked our dog that was tied at the time. The incident was unprovoked. While trying to save our dog, my wife and I were also attacked. The wounds were serious enough to require emergency transport to a hospital for treatment including stitches. All we could think of was what might have happened if our granddaughter had been playing with our dog.
To put it mildly, their existing pet policy is grossly lacking. They never checked what breed of dog or ask to see documentation of shots when we were registering. Yogi Bear Jellystone Park needs to better manage their pet policy to address aggressive dog breeds and ensure the safety of campers. We camped there for seven days and saw multiple sites have more than one large dog, which in many places we’ve camped at would have been banned due to breed type or size. We have RV’ed extensively across the US and have never seen such careless enforcement of a pet policy regarding aggressive dog breeds. Seriously, think about avoiding this park if you have pets or small children.
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.
Bridgewater area campgrounds sit within Connecticut's western highlands, where elevations range between 200-1,000 feet and moderate summer temperatures average 70-85°F. Camping season typically runs May through October, with most state parks closing after Labor Day. Several campgrounds provide accommodations for RVs with varying hookup capabilities.
Fishing opportunities: Point Folly Campground offers direct access to Bantam Lake for anglers. "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake," notes camper Judy S.
Water activities: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground supports numerous water sports. "Great for kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and more! People were fishing and swimming," reports Ossama B., who visited during COVID restrictions when social distancing measures were in place.
Hiking options: Multiple state parks offer trail networks of varying difficulty. Fahnestock State Park provides diverse terrain within driving distance of Bridgewater. "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful," according to Justin P., who visited while working on a river stream reconstruction project in southern Connecticut.
Privacy levels: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers secluded sites along a stream. "We had a site right next to the stream. Hardly anyone around," writes Marque D., who recommends visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Clean facilities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds maintain consistent bathroom cleanliness. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," notes Taylor C. about Kettletown, highlighting the importance of accessible water sources when camping with pets.
Seasonal variations: Fall camping offers unique experiences in the Bridgewater area. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation maintains year-round accessibility. "Beautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall," shares Misty V., who recommends site #25 for its privacy and lean-to amenity.
Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance booking, especially for weekends. "You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay," notes Misty V. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, an important consideration when planning a trip with pets.
Site variations: Cozy Hills Campground offers different site types with varying privacy levels. "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community," explains Jon R., who appreciated the well-maintained sites with "fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between dog-friendly campgrounds near Bridgewater. "No cell service," notes Neil T. about Macedonia Brook State Park, while Lake Waramaug campers report similarly limited connectivity, making these locations ideal for disconnecting.
Kid-friendly areas: Black Rock State Park Campground offers space for children to explore safely. "This 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," shares Mathew D.
Activity planning: Several campgrounds near Bridgewater provide organized children's events. "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all," recounts Topher L. about the community atmosphere at Black Rock.
Wildlife awareness: Take precautions with food storage to minimize encounters with local animals. "The reason why I said that 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... be sure put foods in the car!" advises Jennifer H., warning about raccoons and skunks at Kettletown.
Site selection: Freedom Farm Homestead offers 20 spacious sites suitable for RVs with basic amenities. As a newer addition to the camping options near Bridgewater, it provides drinking water, electric hookups, and water hookups without the crowds of larger campgrounds.
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer limited electrical and water connections. "Clean and quiet. Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing," notes Mary C. about Point Folly Campground, though RVers should be aware that hookups are minimal at this location.
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. "This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over," cautions Kristin about her experience at Kettletown State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bridgewater, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bridgewater, 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 Bridgewater, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Bridgewater, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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