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Dog-Friendly Camping near Higganum, CT

119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Wolf's Den Family Campground welcomes pets at its spacious sites in East Haddam, offering both tent and RV sites plus pet-friendly cabins and glamping options. The campground features level sites approximately 50x30 feet with full hookups, providing ample room for campers and their dogs. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Higganum, Connecticut. Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton also accommodates pets across its tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with boat access available for those arriving via the Connecticut River. Hidden Lake Farm maintains a strict pet policy while still welcoming dogs at its five tent sites. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times, and many provide designated pet waste stations.

    Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground offers more primitive camping options for pet owners seeking a natural environment with fewer amenities. The park features hiking trails suitable for leashed dogs and access to fishing in the stream that runs through the campground. Sites near water features such as ponds require extra vigilance due to wildlife activity, with one campground reporting significant beaver activity in the evening hours. Getaway Machimoodus provides a more upscale option with pet-friendly cabins featuring large picture windows and private fire pits, though winter visitors should note icy walkways may require microspikes for safe dog walking. Several campgrounds implement quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, with most facilities maintaining clean grounds and facilities. GrandView CampResort & Cottages offers big-rig friendly sites with level parking areas that accommodate both RVs and tent campers with pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Higganum (119)

      1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

      3.8(39)15mi from Higganum556 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      2. Riverdale Farm Campsites

      4.0(12)12mi from HigganumRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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!"

      3. Wolf's Den Family Campground

      4.3(7)7mi from HigganumRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."

      "Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"

      4. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

      3.8(10)11mi from Higganum21 sitesRVs, Tents

      "There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."

      "The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."

      from $14 / night

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      5. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

      4.3(24)20mi from Higganum155 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."

      "Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."

      from $20 - $70 / night

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      6. GrandView CampResort & Cottages

      4.5(2)6mi from HigganumRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $30 - $70 / night

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      7. Markham Meadows

      4.5(2)7mi from HigganumRVs, Tents

      8. Waters Edge Family Campground

      3.7(10)17mi from HigganumRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."

      from $45 - $100 / night

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      9. Niantic KOA

      4.0(14)20mi from HigganumRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."

      "Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."

      10. Getaway Machimoodus

      5.0(1)5mi from HigganumCabins

      "Machimoodus is one of the newest outposts just outside Boston and NYC. My bf and I went during one of the snowiest weekends all winter, but it was completely worth it!"

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Higganum, CT

    680 Reviews of 119 Higganum Campgrounds


    • Kim J.
      Jun. 8, 2025

      Cozy Hills Campground

      Very nice campground however…

      We 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

    • R
      Aug. 14, 2020

      Whispering Pines Campground

      Great family campground

      We stayed for 3 nights, the sites and camp were very clean and well maintained. Everyone was very friendly, lots of things to do - pool, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade, a small field to play frisbee or ball, mini-golf (mini-golf landscape needs to be refreshed a bit) there is even a very small fenced in dog park which was nice if you want to let your dog off leash to play. We did not experience any screaming kids all night.

    • D
      Jun. 4, 2018

      Mystic KOA

      Very nice

      Somewhat crowded

      staff was very nice. Lots of places around to go sightseeing. Most of the area isn’t dog friendly, so be careful if you take your pet. No problem at the campground

    • Sammii D.
      Jun. 20, 2019

      Thousand Trails Sturbridge

      Nice, yet cramped and no cell reception

      I really wanted to like this place. It's in a very cool area that I didn't expect to be so awesome. First main issue was how bad the cell reception is. Normally, I'd day that's a perk for camping but we're full-timers and work on the road so it is important for us. Next, the place is massive and they are more about make money than making people comfortable. What could easily be a very nice and spacious pull-thru spot are 2 back to back back-ins. Unless you're lucky enough to get an end spot, those are pull-thru. Pros: awesome dog park, great office with laundry, activities, arcades, adult only room, community campfire, indoor pool with lifeguard, the staff is nice, there's a lake for swimming, boating, catch and release fishing. Their basketball court is on a shuffleboard court, playground is nice though. Close to Old Sturbridge Village and many cool hikes and MA cities.

    • Tom S.
      Dec. 10, 2021

      Aces High RV Park

      Nice campground

      Clean, family friendly campground. Pet friendly with plenty of area to walk. Close to I-95 and 15 minutes from the beach. fishing areas for the kids. Spots are well organized and no issues with hookups. Propane is available at the store.


    Guide to Higganum

    Campers visiting Higganum, Connecticut can experience the rolling woodland terrain and varied waterways that characterize this central Connecticut region. The area sits within the Connecticut River Valley, featuring deciduous forest landscapes with multiple streams and small lakes. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer campers should be ready for humidity and temperatures averaging in the 80s.

    What to do

    Hiking at Devil's Hopyard State Park: The park offers hiking trails along the Eight Mile River where leashed dogs are welcome to join. "The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip. The river isn't deep enough for a full swim but still was good enough on a hot day," notes Robert L. from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground.

    Fishing opportunities: Local streams and ponds provide various fishing spots. "Great trout fishing down the road. Everything you need is on the grounds. Swimming pool, kayaks and boats on the pond," shares Erik G. from Markham Meadows.

    Bird watching: The wetland areas attract diverse bird species. "Nice beaches, great hiking and bird watching. Friendly staff. Amazing sunset scene," reports Ossama B. when describing his experience at Hammonasset State Park Campground.

    Beach activities: Several campgrounds provide water access within walking distance. "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," explains Tiffany T. about Hammonasset State Park Campground.

    What campers like

    Winter cabins with views: Cold weather campers appreciate cabin amenities. "The huge picture window in the cabin is AMAZING. It is just so rejuvenating waking up to freshly fallen snow on the trees," says Rachel P. from Getaway Machimoodus.

    Campgrounds with swimming options: Multiple properties offer both natural and constructed swimming areas. "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend," mentions Laura M. about Waters Edge Family Campground.

    Convenient fishing access: Many campers value the fishing opportunities near their sites. "We camp here every spring for opening day of fishing season and camp the entire weekend," writes Allan D. about Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground.

    Spacious campsites: Visitors frequently mention site size as important. "Level sites approximately 50x30 feet with full hookups, providing ample room for campers and their dogs," states Jeremy G. about Wolf's Den Family Campground.

    What you should know

    Seasonal restrictions: Some parks limit pet access during busier months. "Be noted PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the summer. We were not aware of this," warns Laura L. about Hammonasset State Park Campground.

    Limited utilities at state parks: State campgrounds often provide fewer services. "There is no running water or electricity but the campground still served its purpose," explains Robert L. about Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground.

    Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "The camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!" advises Bianca M.

    Site location considerations: Proximity to facilities impacts experience. "Sites 4 & 5 are next to the latrines. Sites 1-3 have a slight slope. Sites are large enough for an RV. Cell phone coverage poor," details Jean C. from Hidden Lake Farm.

    Tips for camping with families

    Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds provide organized events. "They have plenty of activities for the kids and even the dogs! We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park," reports Rob L. about Waters Edge Family Campground.

    Beach access: Family-friendly campgrounds often provide multiple water options. "Beautiful campground right near the beach. Hiking trails along the coast line," notes Timothy R. about Rocky Neck State Park Campground.

    Site selection for privacy: Choosing the right location improves family experiences. "I would recommend reserving early to get some of the more private campgrounds on the outskirts and near the woods or you may be in the field with everyone else," suggests Jackie G. about Hammonasset State Park Campground.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy observing local animals. "The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly," describes Shannon B. about Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Site access limitations: Older campgrounds may restrict larger vehicles. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," advises Kevin J. from Wolf's Den Family Campground.

    Level parking importance: RVers emphasize site grading. "We enjoyed our stay. Level sites and very nice owners," notes Bill B. from GrandView CampResort & Cottages.

    Hookup limitations: Not all sites provide full services. "Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV," explains Jason B. about Hammonasset State Park Campground.

    Dump station location: Some campgrounds require planning for waste disposal. "Electric and water available. Dump station on the way out," mentions Karena G. about Markham Meadows.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Higganum, CT is Hammonasset State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 39 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 119 dog-friendly camping locations near Higganum, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.