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Austin Hawes Memorial Campground accepts pets throughout its secluded riverside campsites and rustic cabins in Pleasant Valley, Connecticut. The state forest campground maintains well-spaced sites providing privacy for campers with dogs, with access to the Farmington River for fishing and paddling opportunities. Pets must remain leashed in common areas and hiking trails, though some riverside sites offer more space for dogs to explore. The campground provides basic amenities including hot showers, clean bathrooms, and water hookups, while the office sells ice and firewood. White Pines Campsites in Barkhamsted also welcomes pets at their tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Both campgrounds require campers to clean up after their pets, with visitors noting the importance of bringing extra waste bags as dedicated pet waste stations are limited. Sites backing up to wooded areas require vigilance due to wildlife, including black bear sightings reported in the area.
The Farmington River Trail provides excellent walking opportunities for dog owners staying at Austin Hawes, with the riverfront location allowing pets to cool off during summer months when mosquitoes become abundant. Visitors recommend bringing substantial bug spray to protect both humans and pets during peak season. Nearby trails in American Legion and People's State Forests offer additional hiking options of varying difficulty levels, though the Henry Buck Trail receives significant foot traffic on weekends. The Pleasant Valley General Store, located a short drive from the campground, stocks pet supplies along with fishing gear and basic camping necessities. The area lacks cell phone service, making it ideal for disconnecting but requiring advance research for emergency veterinary services in nearby towns. Campers with dogs particularly value the quieter atmosphere at Austin Hawes compared to larger commercial campgrounds, with strict quiet hours enforced and minimal nighttime disturbances.
"If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place. "
"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"
"However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."
from $74 / night
Check Availability"The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!"
"This is over the boarder in mass from ct We did a three month seasonal Site Staff is super nice and helpful We had a nice quite spot even though we where in the road to the lake"
"Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."
"I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."
"Trails are right near the sites so def scope out your spot before purchase. Has a full shower/bath and sink for washing very well kept and water pump rnot to far from the site."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."
"It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
"campground the bathroom was clean and well equipped with toilet paper and soap
we stayed at site 70 which was very spacious and set back from the road so had more privacy, although site 71 is very close by"
"There are some easy hikes nearby also. Great for our dogs also."
from $17 / 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."
"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
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $65 / 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.
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.
GuideMy first visit to New York state was amazing, largely in part due to my campsite at the Woodland Hills campground. I had a back in site and was having problems with my camper, and they were able to change to a pull through at time of check in. However, it was in early May and before the summer crowds. The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom. Very nice bathrooms and showers, and my dog loved the dog park.
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.
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.
LegendLet me just start off by saying we did stay at the end of the season so the campground was quiet… But this is a stunning park and totally worth a stop if you’re traveling via hwy 84! They had such great customer service and the amenities are on point. 2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming; large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond! (We picture kickball more than baseball happening here) Facilities were east to use and clean. Sites were wide open and easy to access, my only complaint being that they offer “full hookups” but you’re told to just leave your grey tanks open. We chose to wait and dump on our way out. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll absolutely love the dog run!
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.
Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers ten river-adjacent camping sites and six rustic cabins across 40 acres in Pleasant Valley, Connecticut. Located at 1,200 feet elevation in the Berkshire foothills, the area features a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds near Riverton operate from May through mid-October, with the Farmington River serving as the region's primary water recreation source.
Fishing opportunities: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides direct access to the Farmington River's trophy trout section. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes Melissa R. The Pleasant Valley General Store sells fishing supplies, bait, and even replacement gear if needed.
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking routes of varying difficulty surround the campgrounds. "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place," writes Anthony and Kim C. The area features both short nature walks and more challenging terrain in American Legion and People's State Forests.
Outdoor relaxation: Many campers enjoy the quiet atmosphere at White Pines Campsites in Barkhamsted. Stephanie reports, "We liked this campground a lot! Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!" The campground includes a small pond for fishing plus additional recreational amenities.
Privacy between sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Riverton feature well-spaced sites. "Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy," says Austin S. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. This privacy factor makes the area popular for campers with pets who need extra space.
Water access: The Farmington River provides cooling relief during summer months. Tom C. writes, "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots." Water access points vary in suitability for dogs, with some rocky sections and others offering gentler entry points.
Clean facilities: Cozy Hills Campground maintains high cleanliness standards throughout their facilities. "Clean. Well run campground. Beautiful area. Fishing on site. Crafts and events. Great camp store and grill and hot food," notes Daniel M. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area provide clean bathroom facilities with hot showers.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife present safety considerations when camping with dogs. "Beware of bears. We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours. I'm sure they are fed well," reports Sylvia P. from White Pines Campsites. Keep food secured and dogs leashed when outside your campsite.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds near Riverton have minimal or no cell service. Katherine P. notes about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground: "Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it." Download maps and pet-related information before arrival.
Bug preparation: Summer months bring heavy mosquito activity. "In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!" warns Katherine P. Consider pet-safe insect repellents and bring extra for both humans and animals.
Kid-friendly activities: Lake Compounce Campground offers convenient access to the adjacent amusement park. "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here," notes Tina. The campground provides various amenities specifically designed for families.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. Rebecca D. describes Tolland State Forest: "The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved the campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff." Swimming areas vary in suitability for dogs, with some requiring pets to stay away from designated human swimming zones.
Educational opportunities: Many local campgrounds offer nature programs. "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip," writes Marshall S. about Onion Mountain Park. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Riverton provide educational activities about local wildlife and ecology.
Utility hookups: Most RV-friendly campgrounds provide water and electric connections. "Campground is only years old. Sites were large enough for RV. NO privacy, but tent sites were ok. Few showers for number of campsites, but very clean," explains Ruth K. about Lake Compounce Campground. RV campers with dogs should request sites with adequate space for pet areas.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full sewer hookups at sites. "Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. about Lake Compounce Campground. Plan accordingly for longer stays with pets that require regular site cleaning.
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy levels. "The sites were nice and large, with room for trailers, and they also have a few cabin sites as well," Katherine P. explains about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. When traveling with dogs, request sites away from high-traffic areas when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Riverton, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Riverton, CT is Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Riverton, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 111 dog-friendly camping locations near Riverton, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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