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Riverdale Farm Campsites welcomes pets at their Clinton location with dedicated areas for dogs to exercise and swim. This seasonal campground operates from April through November with pet-friendly tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Hidden Lake Farm maintains five tent sites where dogs are permitted, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and access to showers and toilets. The enclosed dog park at Cozy Hills Campground has a 3-foot fence that may be inadequate for more athletic dogs like border collies. Most campgrounds near New Haven maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes, proof of vaccinations, and proper waste disposal, with restrictions on aggressive breeds or dogs with behavioral issues.
Waters Edge Family Campground provides wooded, private sites with a notably impressive dog park that reviewers describe as better than many playgrounds. Dogs can swim in designated creek areas at Aces High RV Park, which offers both waterfront back-in sites and spacious pull-through spots with full hookups approximately 15 minutes from beach areas. Hammonasset State Park Campground prohibits pets during peak season, so travelers should verify current pet policies before arrival. When camping with pets, owners should pack sufficient water, portable bowls, waste bags, and familiar bedding. Wildlife encounters require keeping dogs leashed and supervised, particularly during dawn and dusk when animal activity increases along trails and near water features.
"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"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"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!"
"I was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy."
from $55 / 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 $24 - $250 / 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."
"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"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
Check Availability"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
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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.
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.
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!!
TravelerClean, 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.
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.
Connecticut offers several camping options near New Haven, situated along Long Island Sound. The area features a mix of coastal and inland campgrounds within driving distance of the city, with most sites open from April through October. Summer temperatures range from 70-85°F, with occasional humidity requiring proper ventilation in tents and RVs.
Beach access: Hammonasset State Park Campground has a sandy beach within walking distance of campsites. "Has to be the best camping spot in CT," reports Gianni E., who praised the family-friendly atmosphere. The campground requires early booking during peak season.
Fishing opportunities: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides both freshwater and saltwater fishing. "This beach road leads you to a wonderful overlook where lots of people take their kids crabbing for Blueshells," notes John D. The park posts size regulations for catches at the overlook area.
Hiking trails: Kettletown State Park Campground offers multiple trail options through wooded terrain. "There are also hiking trails, a fishing area and a swimming hole," mentions Elaine C., though she notes that swimming availability depends on water quality testing.
Clean facilities: Lake Compounce Campground receives high marks for its modern bathhouses. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," shares Diane R., highlighting the thoughtful design.
Spacious sites: Wildwood State Park Campground, located on Long Island Sound, offers larger campsites. "Campground has lots of grass, and wide range of site options. Some are out in the open and others have more shade or trees," explains Holland G., noting that the layout prevents crowding.
Pet-friendly options: Dog friendly campgrounds near New Haven include Riverdale Farm Campsites, which welcomes pets and provides amenities for families. "The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this is an awesome small campground," says Nick H., who appreciated the playground and beach activities for children.
Reservation requirements: State parks fill quickly during summer months. "You have to book early as this Campground books extremely quickly during peak season," advises Seth W. about Hammonasset State Park. Most campgrounds allow reservations up to 6 months in advance.
Seasonal conditions: Rocky Neck State Park Campground experiences busy periods with beach crowds. "Expect long lines at the state park entrance fee station on the weekend if the weather is nice," cautions Trip Over Life. The campground remains open from late May through September.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report nocturnal wildlife visitors. "The skunks are friendly! Great for kids!" mentions Jean V. about Rocky Neck State Park, while others recommend securing food items in vehicles overnight to prevent unwanted animal encounters.
Activity planning: Lake Compounce Campground offers unique amusement park access. "The playground was awesome for our two year old. The tent sites had some shade, the showers and bathrooms were really nice," shares AdventureStang, highlighting amenities for young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near New Haven, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near New Haven, 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 New Haven, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near New Haven, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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