Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground permits pets on both tent and RV sites with proper vaccination records. Located along US Route 7 in Sharon, this established campground operates from mid-May through Labor Day and provides electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Nearby Lone Oak Camp Sites in East Canaan also welcomes pets at tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins from April 15 to October 15. Both campgrounds maintain fire rings for evening campfires and picnic tables for outdoor meals. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground in Kent similarly allows pets at its walk-in and drive-in sites during its May to September season. Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam features a designated dog park, though some visitors note the fence is only three feet high, potentially inadequate for larger or athletic dogs that can easily jump over.
Kenneth L Wilson Campground in the Catskills offers pet owners a spacious, fenced dog park particularly appreciated by travelers with energetic dogs. Hiking trails accessible from many campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners. Campers should be aware that while most campgrounds welcome pets, they typically require leashes and proof of current vaccinations. Wildlife encounters are possible, with one camper reporting a morning bear sighting near their tent at Phoenicia Black Bear Campground. When selecting a site, many pet owners prefer spots with more space and privacy to minimize interactions with neighboring campers. Campsites range from open fields to more secluded wooded areas, providing options for different camping preferences with pets.
$14 / night
"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
$21 - $175 / night
"However, clean, dog friendly and good hiking nearby! Great for a getaway but not my first choice of campgrounds in NYS."
"There are 2 dog friendly loops at the back. Overall, very quiet and friendly. 2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of."
"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."
$17 - $50 / night
"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 !"
$21 - $24 / night
"This campground is also dog friendly so bring your fur babies!"
"This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "
$17 - $50 / night
$72 - $122 / night
"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."
$21 - $195 / night
"The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
"We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."
"We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."
"There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."
"We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain. I'll make this review short, as we also stayed at the Brassie Brook lean-to which is located only about a mile apart from each other."
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.
ScoutThe campsite was great. Big and going after Labor Day means there was tons of space. Well priced. We did have neighbors that had a trailer and used their generator early in the morning and late at night. Beside that it was fantastic. We had planned on driving to hiking but there was so much to do around the camp site we just walked around and did the hiking near by. The dog park is wonderful. Our dog loved it.
GuideLots of room in many sites for my 24 ft RV and 30 ft trailer. Big meadow in middle with new full playground set.
Dry camping but water available and a sewer dump. Gotta haul your own trash.
Two ponds to play in and a fenced dog park.
Some nice hiking in the park.
GuideSuch a clean and well maintained campground. Staff were so nice and friendly. Only one shower area that was a bit of a trek from our site, a bike would have been nice to get around. We had to move our tent as we had set it back too far and was not on the site pad and park ranger Brian who was very lovely came and asked us to move it and we had a nice chat. Lovely big dog park. There are some nice little walks and small hikes on the ground with a lake that you can rent kayaks or canoes. Close to Woodstock which is a cute town. Our site was a little exposed but the sites either side of us were closed for restoration thankfully. There are some more secluded and set back sites too though.
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.
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.
ScoutCan a campground be cozy? I think this place is.
It's not too big, and it's not too small, it's just right.
Bring decent tent pegs because you will probably hit a stone or two.
They sell huge bags of firewood for 8 or 9 dollars and it's much better than the plastic wrapped stuff you get at convenience stores.
Last time we went they were sold out and we had to buy (damp) wood elsewhere.
Each loop has a bathroom. They are clean and well-lit.
They have a single building for trash/recycle/reuse and for washing dishes. They also have a playground and a dog park.
The campsites are nice and shaded.
Each site has a picnic table and grill. The picnic tables can be moved around.
No Wi-Fi. Haven't tried to make a call so I'm not sure about that.
I'd feel safe here if I camped alone. Staff are friendly and helpful.
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.
Camping sites around Sharon offer varied terrain suitable for summer camping in the northwestern Connecticut hills. Overnight options range from sheltered state park campgrounds to Appalachian Trail lean-tos. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September with limited availability in cooler months.
Hike to waterfalls: From Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area, visitors can reach Bash Bish Falls on connecting trails. "A short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls," notes Erin B. about the proximity to this natural attraction from camping areas.
Paddle on lakes: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides water recreation opportunities. "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole," reports Rosie R. The park charges approximately $15 to use personal paddleboards and kayaks on the lake.
Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes this region ideal for night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds in the region feature raised platforms for tent setup. At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, "Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms," explains Katherine P.
Privacy at trail shelters: For hikers seeking seclusion, Brassie Brook Shelter offers peace. "It's a pretty great little site for being in the middle of nowhere like we like. The lean-to fit our small tens, and there is a picnic table. There's also a bear box near by," reports Tina D.
Off-grid experiences: Some campers appreciate disconnecting from technology. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Sharon: Most state parks permit pets with proper documentation. At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, "If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask," advises Erin B.
Seasonal limitations: Operating dates vary by campground but most close by mid-October. Courtney D. notes about Lone Oak Camp Sites: "Nice change from the dry camping we usually gravitate towards." Most campgrounds operate May through September.
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in the area. One camper at Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground shared: "We have also seen a bear eating food from the dumpster at housatonic meadows."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies considerably between locations. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, campers report "Issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they've finally fixed everything."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sharon, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sharon, CT is Macedonia Brook State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sharon, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dog-friendly camping locations near Sharon, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
