Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hop Brook Lake

Kettletown State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate tent, RV, and cabin campers along the shores of Lake Zoar. Pets are allowed throughout the campground with required leash control, keeping dogs close while exploring the wooded environment. The park's spacious sites are mostly level in the upper camping area, though some visitors note that sites near the water have uneven terrain with exposed tree roots that require careful navigation. Nearby Lake Compounce Campground also welcomes pets with accommodations ranging from standard tent sites to cabin rentals and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard pet policies requiring proof of vaccinations, leash control at all times, and proper waste disposal. Sites are clean and well-maintained according to multiple reviewers, though barking restrictions are enforced during quiet hours.

Branch Brook Campground provides easy access to nearby state parks and forests where dogs can enjoy numerous hiking trails. The campground features creek-side sites with ample space for dogs to explore within their designated camping areas. Local hiking options include trails at Black Rock State Park, where pets are permitted on leashed walks through the wooded terrain. Most campgrounds near Hop Brook Lake require dogs to be leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units, with designated pet relief areas available. Summer months can be challenging for pets due to high temperatures, with limited shade at some camping areas making morning or evening activities more comfortable. Wildlife encounters are possible in this region, requiring campers to maintain control of pets, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when animals are most active.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hop Brook Lake (79)

    1. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    2. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "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."

    3. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    4. Black Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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 .."

    5. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "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."

    6. Branch Brook Campground

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8144

    "Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road. The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer."

    8. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "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."

    9. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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 !"

    10. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 79 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hop Brook Lake

513 Reviews of 79 Hop Brook Lake 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.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       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. 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!!

  • 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.

  • Michael O.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Steep Rock Association

    Great secluded campsites!

    I 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.

  • M
    Mar. 18, 2017

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    A nice family friendly campground

    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. 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.

  • Laura L.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Okay beach with nice facilities

    The 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.

  • Brittany V.
    Sep. 12, 2022

    The Quarry Campground

    100% would stay again!

    Let me just start off by saying we did stay at the end of the season so the campground was quiet… But this is a stunning park and totally worth a stop if you’re traveling via hwy 84! They had such great customer service and the amenities are on point. 2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming; large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond! (We picture kickball more than baseball happening here) Facilities were east to use and clean. Sites were wide open and easy to access, my only complaint being that they offer “full hookups” but you’re told to just leave your grey tanks open. We chose to wait and dump on our way out. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll absolutely love the dog run!


Guide to Hop Brook Lake

If you're looking for a great spot to camp with your furry friends near Hop Brook Lake in Connecticut, there are several pet-friendly campgrounds that offer a variety of amenities and activities to make your stay enjoyable.

Tips for camping with dogs near Hop Brook Lake

  • At Lake Compounce Campground, pets are welcome, and the campground features spacious sites that allow for easy movement and play.
  • Cozy Hills Campground offers a clean environment with plenty of activities for families, making it a great choice for those traveling with pets.
  • Ensure your pet stays hydrated by utilizing the drinking water facilities available at Gentiles Campground.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Hop Brook Lake

Pet owners appreciate the amenities offered

  • Cozy Hills Campground is well-maintained and features clean facilities, making it a comfortable choice for pet owners.
  • The friendly staff at Gentiles Campground ensure a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your pet during your stay.
  • With electric hookups and picnic tables, Branch Brook Campground provides a convenient setup for pet owners looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hop Brook Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hop Brook Lake is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hop Brook Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near Hop Brook Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.