Kettletown State Park and several nearby campgrounds provide pet friendly camping near Easton, Connecticut. The area sits within the Housatonic Valley region, with elevations ranging from 300-700 feet and moderate rainfall throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with cooler evenings that drop into the 50s, creating comfortable sleeping conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Hiking with your dog: At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, trails accommodate various skill levels and are accessible directly from camping areas. "Great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite. If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," notes Asher K.
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas for both humans and dogs. "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," writes Tiffany T. about Hammonasset State Park Campground.
Bird watching opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystems attract varied bird species. At Croton Point Park, "There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park," according to Lee D. The nearby wetlands serve as excellent bird watching locations during migration seasons.
What campers like
Private camping shelters: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers unique shelter camping that provides added protection for you and your pet. "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area," shares Ethan K.
Spacious sites for pets: Some campgrounds feature roomier sites perfect for camping with dogs. "The camping sites are varied, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent. Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!" explains Elaine C. from Kettletown State Park.
Kid-friendly areas: Many campgrounds have dedicated spaces where children and pets can play safely. "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!" shares Jennifer H.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal shower options. "Bathroom and showers were clean. We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," according to Stacey R. about Fahnestock.
Wildlife encounters: Several campers report nocturnal wildlife visits, particularly when food isn't properly secured. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," warns Anil S.
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Easton area require advance bookings, especially during summer months. At Blydenburgh County Park, "Ive been coming here for years. They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping. The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be," explains Paul R.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Choose sites away from water features when camping with small children and pets. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," notes Nichol P. about Lake Compounce Campground.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels, especially on weekends. "We stayed in site number 1, and I found it to be just wooded enough. Almost all of the sites offered privacy.... Even when the campground was full," reports Shelly B.
Bathroom proximity: Check site maps before booking to ensure bathroom facilities are within reasonable distance for children. "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids," mentions Ming R.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near Easton offer partial hookups only. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. about Bear Creek Campground.
Site privacy: RV sites vary significantly in terms of privacy and spacing. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," shares Ethan K.
Off-season advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides a quieter experience with more site options. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," writes Rebecca S., offering valuable advice for RVers seeking pet-friendly camping near Easton, Connecticut.