71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kettletown State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its camping areas with designated pet-friendly sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. The park maintains clean facilities with regularly stocked bathrooms and numerous water access points, though specific pet amenities like designated dog areas are not featured. Campers should note that sites in the upper loop are closely situated, making it potentially challenging for those camping with larger or more active dogs. Lake Waramaug State Park and Black Rock State Park also welcome pets, offering similar accommodation options with picnic tables and fire rings at most sites. Sites at these parks can fill quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends, so advance reservations are recommended for pet owners planning overnight stays.
The hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly parks provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, though leashes are required on all pathways. Swimming restrictions apply at Kettletown due to occasional algae blooms, limiting water recreation options for pets. Freedom Farm Homestead offers a more rustic alternative with 20 pet-friendly campsites and basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and toilets without showers. Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce provides additional lodging diversity with pet-friendly tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping setups, and yurts. Pet owners should be prepared for early morning activity at most campgrounds, as construction workers staying at some locations often depart around 4 AM even on weekends, creating noise that might disturb sensitive pets.
"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"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"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"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 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
Check Availability"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"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
from $17 - $50 / 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."
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability
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.
ScoutRecently, we camped here for a week. We don’t ever post negative reviews like this. The last day, we experienced a violent attack by a very large and aggressive Pit Bull. The Pit Bull did not have a collar or a leash and was accidently let out of the RV to roam free and unsupervised. It immediately ran to our site(4 sites away) and attacked our dog that was tied at the time. The incident was unprovoked. While trying to save our dog, my wife and I were also attacked. The wounds were serious enough to require emergency transport to a hospital for treatment including stitches. All we could think of was what might have happened if our granddaughter had been playing with our dog.
To put it mildly, their existing pet policy is grossly lacking. They never checked what breed of dog or ask to see documentation of shots when we were registering. Yogi Bear Jellystone Park needs to better manage their pet policy to address aggressive dog breeds and ensure the safety of campers. We camped there for seven days and saw multiple sites have more than one large dog, which in many places we’ve camped at would have been banned due to breed type or size. We have RV’ed extensively across the US and have never seen such careless enforcement of a pet policy regarding aggressive dog breeds. Seriously, think about avoiding this park if you have pets or small children.
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!!
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.
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's western region offers various pet-friendly camping near Sandy Hook, with elevations ranging from 200-800 feet across state parks and private campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while fall camping brings cooler nights between 45-60°F. Most campgrounds in this area operate from May through September, with a few offering extended seasons into October or November.
Hiking with pets: Fahnestock State Park has over 40 miles of trails for leashed pets. "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," notes Mathew D. at Black Rock State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature fishing access for campers with pets. "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all," shares Topher L. who enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and fishing opportunities at Black Rock State Park.
Swimming access: Some parks have designated swimming areas, though policies for pets vary. "The swim area is marginal - best for little ones," notes a camper at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, where nearby water activities can supplement limited swimming options.
Varied site layouts: Many campgrounds offer diverse site configurations. "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," reports Erinn N. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
Seasonal camping atmosphere: The region has both weekend getaway options and longer-stay sites. "Kids riding around on the bikes and lots of laughter from other sites. It was nice. Was able to just relax and do some school work and watch some webinars and get some much needed work done," shares Topher L. about his extended stay experience.
Space for families: Many campgrounds accommodate larger family groups with pets. "Clean. Well run campground. Beautiful area. Fishing on site. Crafts And events. Great camp store and grill and hot food," writes Daniel M. about Cozy Hills Campground, noting the amenities available for families with various needs.
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities range from recently renovated to basic. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," writes Taylor C. about Kettletown State Park, though others note that bathroom quality can fluctuate throughout the season.
Site privacy considerations: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. "The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent," notes Justin P. about his experience at Kettletown.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly in peak season. "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" advises Shelly B. at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Playground access: Some parks have dedicated play areas. "The reason why I said 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!" shares Jennifer H. about Kettletown State Park Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Several parks have resident wildlife that may interest children but require caution. "One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!" warns Jennifer H., highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Kid-friendly water features: Many parks offer swimming areas specifically designed for children. "They have 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 - or you can bring your own boat to launch!" shares Shelly B.
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds have significant site variations for RVs. "Our go-to spot in the Northeast," shares Robyn S. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, noting "Some of the sites are side by side other campers, which is an interesting way to meet new people and expand your circles. Other sites are more isolated and provide a greater amount of privacy."
Hookup availability: Services vary widely between parks. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. about Lake Compounce Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," shares Diane R. about the RV-friendly layout at Lake Compounce Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sandy Hook, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sandy Hook, CT is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sandy Hook, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 dog-friendly camping locations near Sandy Hook, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
