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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation accommodates pets at all campsites with multiple trail options spanning over 40 miles through the 4,315-acre park. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the property, including on hiking trails and at campsites. The lean-to shelters provide weather protection while allowing pets to join overnight excursions. Sites are spaced far apart offering privacy for families camping with dogs. Most campers note minimal bug issues at the pet-friendly sites, though bringing tick prevention is recommended given the wooded surroundings. Reservation staff regularly patrol the grounds to ensure pet policies are followed.
Blydenburgh County Park features year-round pet-friendly camping with a dedicated dog run where pets can exercise off-leash. The park's 7-mile loop trail around the lake welcomes leashed dogs, making daily walks convenient for campers with pets. Water access is available, though swimming is prohibited for both humans and pets. Campground bathrooms remain clean and accessible throughout the camping season. Pet owners should be prepared for summer bugs typical of Long Island wooded areas. Most sites accommodate tents and RVs with electric hookups and water available. Wildlife encounters are minimal, creating a safer environment for pets than more remote campgrounds, though all dogs must be secured at night to prevent disruptions to neighboring campers.
"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"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"
"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 $17 - $20 / 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"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"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"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"* 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 $20 - $285 / 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
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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.
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.
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!
Camping near Norwalk, Connecticut offers diverse outdoor experiences within a 90-minute radius of the city. The region features elevations ranging from sea level at coastal parks to 1,300 feet at inland sites, with summer temperatures typically averaging 75-85°F. Many campgrounds remain open through October when fall colors peak, though availability and amenities often change after Labor Day.
Hiking trails for all levels: The Cathedral Pines County Park trail system provides secluded woodland walks through old-growth pine forests. "The wooded sites are lovely" and offer "occasional deer" sightings according to Karen R., making it ideal for wildlife observation.
Beach access with campsite proximity: At Hammonasset State Park Campground, the beach is just steps from your tent. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite" with options to "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," notes Tiffany T.
Seasonal apple picking: Fall visitors to Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground can enjoy nearby orchards. "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," shares Asher K., making it an excellent base for seasonal activities.
Privacy between sites: At Kettletown State Park Campground, campers appreciate the site layout. "I tented here while doing a river stream reconstruction project in southern Connecticut... The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful," reports Justin P.
Easy water activities: Many campers value the boating options at Croton Point Park. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," notes Thomas, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Access to multiple recreation options: Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park combines several outdoor activities in one location. "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.
Reservation requirements vary: Some parks require in-person booking. "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be," mentions Paul R. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears are active in some areas. Steve W. shares about Harriman: "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Bathroom conditions differ: Facilities quality varies across parks. At Wildwood State Park Campground, "Bathrooms are descent, lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own," reports Ossama B.
Campsite differences within parks: Sites can vary dramatically. "This place has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals," notes Shelly B. about Fahnestock State Park, while also mentioning "the campground bathhouse really needed more attention."
Child-friendly activities: Kettletown State Park offers plenty for younger campers. "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.
Beach camping options: Hammonasset provides ocean access for families. "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," notes Tiffany T.
Educational opportunities: Heckscher State Park Campground offers learning experiences. "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground," shares Giselle P.
Hookup availability: Wildwood State Park has essential services for RVs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports Lori R.
Site spacing considerations: Some parks have tighter RV arrangements. "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through," notes Michael G. about Wildwood State Park.
Reservation timing: For pet friendly camping near Norwalk, Connecticut, book early at popular spots. "The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site's to get to a different one," advises Jessica C. about Heckscher State Park, noting it fills quickly in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Norwalk, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Norwalk, CT is Ward Pound Ridge Reservation with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Norwalk, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 dog-friendly camping locations near Norwalk, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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