GrandView CampResort & Cottages welcomes pets across their tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations. The pet-friendly campground in Moodus operates from April 15 through October 31, with level sites suitable for big rigs and full hookup options including water, electric, and sewer connections. Nearby, Wolf's Den Family Campground in East Haddam provides spacious camping areas where pets are permitted, featuring amenities such as a swimming pool, mini golf, tennis courts, and multiple playgrounds. Salem Farms Campground offers 189 designated sites with trash service, shower facilities, and fire rings at each location. Pets receive plenty of space at these campgrounds, with Wolf's Den providing 50x30 foot sites—large enough for pets to comfortably accompany their owners while maintaining appropriate distance from neighboring campers. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Moodus, Connecticut.
Trails near Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground provide excellent walking opportunities for leashed dogs, with the Chapman Falls trail requiring less than 10 minutes to reach the waterfall viewpoint. Pet owners should be vigilant about ticks in the area, particularly at Devil's Hopyard where campers have reported finding numerous ticks under picnic tables and around campfire rings. The waterfall area, while scenic, may contain foam and debris that curious dogs should avoid. Wildlife encounters add to the camping experience—beaver families active in the marsh areas create splashing sounds around 10 PM, but owners should keep pets controlled to prevent wildlife disturbances. Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, and the spacious layout at places like GrandView provides comfortable separation between sites even though privacy screening is limited.
$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."
$14 / night
"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."
"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."
"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"
$45 - $100 / night
"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."
"Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."
"We had two sites side by side for our group of 7 and two dogs. The staff will deliver wood right to your site. The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."
"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."
$68 - $72 / night
"We tent close to the restroom and the pool, which are very clean. We go mid week and the special is pay 2 nights, get third night free."
"It was too close to the road, and they wouldn't let him pull in so we were facing each other even though it would have easily worked out."
"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!"
"Swimming pool, facilities, small lake as well larger lakes in the surrounding area. Great location and campground. Love it."
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.
GuideMost 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.
TravelerQuaint 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.
ScoutStandard 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.
ScoutGreat 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
GuideWe 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.
GuideSomewhat 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
RangerI 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.
TravelerBowdish Lake Camping Area is the worst campground we have ever been to and we travel fulltime! Their website states: $1,800-$3,600 per season (look for yourself on their website if you don’t believe me). We get there after reserving site Blue 65. They then charged us $3,900. Why? We have no idea! Then they charged us an additional $75.00 for our truck. Why I don’t know? Then they charged us an additional $50.00 for having our own kayak. Then they charged us an additional $50.00 for a small dog, $100.00 for large dogs (by the way they have no dog park). Then they charged us an additional $100.00 for cable. Then they charged us an additional .50 cents per kWh ( which cost us an average of$250.00 extra per month). The public facilities are filthy. They do not supply any toilet paper, hand soaps, hot water, etc. They charge you an additional charge by coin operated showers (cold water only) that are crawling with spiders, bugs and cobwebs.
Moodus sits in the Connecticut River Valley at approximately 400 feet above sea level, characterized by rolling hills and numerous small lakes and ponds. The area receives about 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings throughout most camping seasons. Many campgrounds remain open from April through October, with peak season bringing temperatures in the 70-80°F range during summer months.
Waterfall hiking: 10-minute trails. At Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, visitors can access scenic nature trails directly from campsites. "Stayed here about two years ago just before then governor closed the state parks due to a fiscal crisis... We hiked and went fishing nearby," notes Christine K. The waterfall trails offer quick rewards as Robert L. points out: "The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip."
Fishing for brook trout: Early spring peak. Trout fishing draws many visitors to the park in April. "Go here every spring for opening day of fishing season and camp the entire weekend," says Allan D., who visits regularly. While the river isn't always deep enough for swimming, it provides adequate fishing spots throughout the camping area.
Kayaking nearby ponds: Accessible watercraft options. Waters Edge Family Campground offers paddling opportunities directly from their property. "There is a little lake for fishing, kayaking and swimming if you like," notes Erin M. The small pond provides a calm environment for novice paddlers and families with younger children.
Level sites with adequate spacing: Salem Farms Campground receives positive feedback for site layout. "Fire pits are nice and big made with large rocks," mentions Tracy D., adding that "Most sites are a good size." The campground maintains 189 designated sites with consistent amenities at each.
Clean facilities with recreational options: Multiple swimming areas provide alternatives to coastal beaches. Tracy D. reports, "There are 2 pools and lots of games that they provide the equipment for for free. Bathrooms were clean." For families, this variety of recreation options keeps activities accessible regardless of weather conditions.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Beaver activity enhances the camping experience at some locations. At Devil's Hopyard, Shannon B. observed: "The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly." These natural encounters add value without requiring structured programming.
Tick prevention essential: Wooded campsites throughout the region require vigilance. "Be very careful with ticks, there were tons of them under our picnic table and by the campfire," warns Shannon B. from Devil's Hopyard. Bringing tick repellent and conducting regular checks should be standard practice.
Limited site privacy at some campgrounds: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers quality camping but with minimal visual barriers. "Not much privacy but very spaced out," notes Lisa C. This layout pattern appears common throughout the region, with campgrounds focusing on spacing rather than screening.
Weather impacts site conditions: Spring camping may encounter mud issues. Limited drainage at several campgrounds can create challenges after rain. At Niantic KOA, one camper observed: "It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site."
Playground access: Central locations minimize walking. Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment positioned near common facilities. At Waters Edge Family Campground, Tara K. mentions: "Loved the tent area and how close it was for the kids to use the pool and facilities. Everything was clean and well kept. We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing."
Swimming options: Pool alternatives when beach is crowded. Rocky Neck State Park provides beach access but alternatives help during peak times. Mauricio R. notes: "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since i was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they have a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences."
Weekend activity scheduling: Higher occupancy Friday-Sunday. Quieter experiences occur midweek at many locations. Tracy D. observed at Salem Farms: "We stayed for 4 nights during the week, and it was the quietest campground we've ever stayed in. We were told by a seasonal that its a whole different story on the weekend."
Site selection for larger rigs: Front sections recommended. Wolf's Den Family Campground accommodates larger vehicles with certain limitations. Kevin J. advises: "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 campground offers 50x30 foot sites in appropriate sections.
Electric/water hookups widely available: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Moodus offer at least partial hookups. Jeremy G. from Wolf's Den reports: "Power and water at every site. Very very clean. 50x30 sites common." This standard extends to several area campgrounds including Salem Farms and GrandView CampResort.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for longer stays. Odetah Camping Resort provides practical waste management solutions. "They do provide a honey wagon pump service, once, free of charge. They say you can request additional pumps for a fee, if necessary," explains Bernie C. Knowing these logistics helps when planning extended visits, especially during busy summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Moodus, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Moodus, CT is Hammonasset State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 39 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 123 dog-friendly camping locations near Moodus, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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