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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation accepts pets on a leash across its 40+ miles of hiking trails and campground areas. Campers can choose from shelters or tent sites, with most accommodating up to eight people in two tents per site. Kettletown State Park Campground in nearby Southbury, Connecticut also welcomes pets at both its tent sites and cabins during its May to September season. Croton Point Park offers pet-friendly camping options including tent sites, RV spots with electric and water hookups, and cabins situated along the Hudson River. The sites at Ward Pound Ridge are noted for their privacy and distance between sites, though they are farther from the comfort stations than at many other campgrounds. Portable toilets are conveniently located near the sites, which is particularly helpful for families camping with dogs.
The trail system throughout Ward Pound Ridge provides excellent opportunities for dog walking, with numerous interconnected paths of varying difficulty levels suitable for all abilities. Campers should keep dogs leashed at all times as the park is home to diverse wildlife, including a managed deer population. Blydenburgh County Park offers additional pet-friendly camping options with water access for dogs who enjoy swimming. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard pet policies including proper waste disposal and quiet hours to prevent excessive barking. The tent sites at Croton Point Park are described as very private with dirt roads for access, making them ideal for campers seeking a more secluded experience with their pets. Wildlife awareness is important as several campgrounds report active raccoon populations that may be attracted to pet food left unattended.
"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"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / 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 $21 / night
Check Availability"Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail. 30 or so sites around a central public restroom."
"Hiking trails are beautiful. Dog friendly. Clean bathrooms"
"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 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"* cottages far enough away from each other
- fire ring with Adirondack chairs
- dumpster and recycling within walking distance
- lots of bone dry firewood around for campfire
- walkable beach"
"Overall my experience was positive. Camping Sites
Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill."
from $24 - $320 / night
Check Availability"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."
"They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything."
GuideI grew up in Long Beach. If you’re looking for a spot to camp so you can surf, this is perfect! It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around.
benefits: allows dogs childrens playground beach programs like movie nights throughout the summer
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.
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
RangerCampsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.
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.
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.
Rangerthis place seemed okay to begin with, but then you start noticing that the bathrooms are run down and not well kept, the lots are near an expressway that constantly has loud traffic, and there are tons of feral cats wandering and sometimes even begging for food. i probably would like to find a different place to stay during my next visit
GuideCamp Gateway in Brooklyn New York is one of my favorite places to visit. I went to college in New York, and loved to get out of the busy city and go camping and be outdoors. Camp Gateway was always a place that I loved to go. It is pretty close to town-which is crazy because you feel like you are miles away. Camp Gateway does offer a lot of different activities for everyone. One thing I love to do is go kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. My girlfriends and I tried to do this once a month to get away from the city and school. Because you are so close to the city, you can plan outdoor activities as well as some activities in the city. My friends and I stayed 1 night in the campground, and the next day went to a recital show that took us 10 minutes to get to. You can also walk, hike or ride your bike along multiple paths- I have done the Fort Tilden trail (I just walked, but there were multiple people that passed us on their bikes). Within the campground they do have some fire pits- which my friends and I always use because we love cooking smores and hot dogs for dinner. A little further away from the campground, about 10-15 miles there is a place where you can do horseback riding, see the Statue of Liberty (which is gorgeous!), and there is a little beach area. This beach area is where I do my kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Again, its not very far away...you can either drive there, walk or ride your bike. The road is paved, which is nice. I stayed here also with my parents, and I know my dad went golfing one day (I didn't go, but he said it was awesome)- and again that was only a 10 minute drive from our camping spot. This campground like I said, does offer quite a bit. Sometimes it doesn't really feel like you are "camping" because things are pretty close by, but it definitely is worth going to and trying.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation spans 4,315 acres with elevations ranging from 350 to 750 feet above sea level. The park features diverse terrain including dense forests, meadows, and rocky outcroppings formed during the Pleistocene epoch. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, with campgrounds remaining open year-round for hardy campers.
Hiking network exploration: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers extensive trail options beyond the main paths. "I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," notes Ethan K. about the reservation's trail system.
Beach activities at Harriman: Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out," explains Steve W. The lake area includes concessions and facilities for day use.
Kayaking options: Croton Point Park offers water access along the Hudson River. "There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well... There are also hiking trails and a place where you can rent a kayak," mentions Giselle P., highlighting the water recreation opportunities.
Winter activities: When temperatures drop, the reservation transforms for winter use. "Ward Pound Ridge is very well known to the locals as a great place for sled-riding in winter (Pell Hill area) and a place for big group gatherings," explains Ming R., showing the park's year-round appeal.
Privacy between sites: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers secluded camping areas. "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well," shares Jeremy S. about the reservation's layout.
Platform tent options: Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park features elevated camping surfaces. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," reports Ethan K.
Heated cabin comfort: For those seeking more amenities, Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park offers basic shelters with some conveniences. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," notes Sara P., adding that "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "We enjoyed playing there, especially chasing the Canadian Geese by the lake," recalls DrDavid P. about Kettletown State Park's natural setting.
Reservation systems vary: Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond uses a standard booking process, while Ward Pound Ridge has specific requirements. "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots," advises Anil S.
Seasonal limitations: Kettletown State Park operates during warmer months. "Open during its May to September season," limiting camping to specific times of year.
Bathroom proximity factors: Consider restroom location when selecting sites. "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids," explains Ming R. about Ward Pound Ridge.
Off-season benefits: Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers special access after peak season ends. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes," reports Courtney D., highlighting a unique perk for campers.
Dog-friendly hiking options: Many campgrounds near Northfield welcome pets on trails. "Dogs are welcome on a leash. The trails in the area are really beautiful," says Sam H. about Kettletown State Park, making it an excellent dog friendly campground near Northfield.
Kid-oriented activities: Kettletown State Park offers open spaces for younger campers. "The place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!" explains Jennifer H., highlighting why families choose this location.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local animals while maintaining proper precautions. "Be aware of bears! Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," recounts Steve W. about camping at Beaver Pond.
Seasonal programming: Some parks offer special events for families. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too," shares Sara P. about the structured entertainment options.
Hookup availability: Blydenburgh County Park offers facilities for larger vehicles. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail. 30 or so sites around a central public restroom," reports Erik R., noting the amenities for RV campers.
Off-season camping: Winter camping options exist for properly equipped RVs. "If your going to be on Long Island, Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place. Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless. Very clean campgrounds lots of space," advises Maria P. about accessing Blydenburgh in colder months.
Utility considerations: Check which hookups are available at each location. "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," notes Stacey R. about the convenience factors at Fahnestock State Park.
Park layout: Understanding campground design helps with selecting appropriate sites. "All sites were so different. There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival," shares Erinn N. about Fahnestock's varied camping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Northfield, CT is Ward Pound Ridge Reservation with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.
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