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Kettletown State Park Campground accommodates pets at its wooded sites near Monroe, Connecticut. The park offers both tent camping and RV options with electric hookups, as well as pet-friendly cabins. Campers should note that while pets are allowed throughout the campground, they must be leashed at all times. Sites are spaced somewhat close together according to visitors, with some campers finding the upper loop particularly compact for pet owners. The beautiful trails provide excellent walking opportunities for dogs and their owners, with shorter hiking paths particularly praised for their scenic beauty. Water is available throughout the camping area, and picnic tables at each site offer convenient spots for family meals with pets nearby.
Black Rock State Park and Hammonasset State Park also welcome pets at their campgrounds within an hour's drive of Monroe. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 7 feet throughout these state park properties. Hiking trails at these locations provide excellent exercise options for dogs, though swimming access for pets varies by location. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters and keep pets secured at night. The park system enforces quiet hours, important for preventing excessive barking situations that might disturb neighboring campers. Multiple reviews note that while sites can be close together, the surrounding trail systems make these parks worthwhile destinations for camping with dogs. Visitors should pack waste bags as pet waste stations may be limited, and should prepare for occasional mosquito activity that affects both people and pets during summer months.
"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"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"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"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"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."
"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"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"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
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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.
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.
TravelerBeautiful 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. 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. We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer!
ScoutThis place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side). You need to cross the river via bridge to Goodspeed Opera house and past to get to the RV campground. Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. The campground itself is realy nice. Cable TV at most sites. Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp. Very peaceful. There are activities on Friday and Saturday (like Bingo). Great store with extended hours. The camp staff will help you with anything. 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.
The Monroe area offers several camping options within Connecticut's Litchfield Hills region, where elevation ranges from 400-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping experiences cooler 45-65°F conditions. Most campgrounds maintain operating seasons from April through October, with limited winter availability.
Fishing spots accessible from camps: At Kettletown State Park Campground, families can enjoy nearby fishing opportunities. "There are a ton of watering spots" according to Taylor C., making it convenient to access fishing areas. For dedicated anglers, neighboring lakes provide excellent options as "one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds" at Fahnestock State Park.
Bird watching and nature programs: Visit Wildwood State Park Campground for its diverse birdlife. The park offers "pretty good birding" along with "pine barrens and hardwood forest to explore," according to Amber A. The area's mix of habitats supports seasonal migration patterns, particularly during spring and fall.
Seasonal water recreation: Swimming beaches provide summer relief at several parks. "This time we tried one of the sites on the water" notes Kristin at Kettletown, where the pond access complements hiking opportunities. Families should note operating seasons, as most swimming areas are only staffed from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Private camping areas: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers secluded sites compared to more developed campgrounds. "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience," writes Jeremy S. The reservation's 40+ miles of trails provide extensive exploration options beyond your campsite.
Clean facilities for families: Cozy Hills Campground maintains high standards for its amenities. "Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep," notes Kim T. Another camper adds the bathrooms are "very clean but very far apart," which can be important when planning which site to reserve.
Year-round accessibility: Some areas remain open through winter. "They have great sights and are open all year round. I've stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping," writes Paul R. about Ward Pound Ridge. This provides options when state parks have closed for the season.
Campsite proximity varies significantly: Black Rock State Park Campground offers varied site layouts. While some campers note "sites are not secluded," others report that "I like the back right ring in the 80's and 90's to have some privacy and access to the stream." Research site maps carefully before booking.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. One camper noted at Ward Pound Ridge: "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be." Call ahead to confirm current reservation policies.
Wildlife considerations: Be prepared for common Northeast wildlife encounters. At Bear Creek Campground, one camper reports: "I hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning." Store food securely and maintain appropriate distances from all wildlife.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Lake Compounce Campground offers amenities specifically designed for families. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," says Nichol P. This proximity to entertainment helps during longer stays.
Space for children to explore: Open areas allow safe play within camp boundaries. "The reason why I said place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!" notes Jennifer H. about Kettletown State Park. Parks with designated play areas provide supervised activity spaces.
Family fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer productive fishing spots appropriate for younger anglers. At Cozy Hills Campground, one visitor reports, "Kids caught about 20 fish" during a short stay. Bring basic tackle and check if licenses are required for adults.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Hammonasset State Park Campground provides options for various RV sizes. "We've been going to Hammonasset for years as a large family gathering. Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV," advises Jason B. Plan power needs accordingly.
Limited hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full connections. At Black Rock State Park, one camper noted "No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator and they have a wash area for dishes and REALLY HOT showers." Many parks offer central water fill stations and dump facilities instead of site hookups.
Road conditions within campgrounds: Interior roads vary in quality and grade. At Gentiles Campground, one reviewer warns: "roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs." Call ahead to confirm accessibility for your specific RV size and configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Monroe, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Monroe, 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 Monroe, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 65 dog-friendly camping locations near Monroe, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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