Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Shelton, CT

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Shelton, CT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Connecticut camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Shelton, CT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Shelton, Connecticut (65)

    1. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    3. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "   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."

    4. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $20 - $250 / night

    "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."

    5. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "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."

    6. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

    7. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    8. Totoket Valley RV Park

    1 Review
    North Branford, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 484-0099

    $55 / night

    9. Black Rock State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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 .."

    10. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shelton, CT

476 Reviews of 65 Shelton Campgrounds


  • Kim J.
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Very nice campground however…

    We 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Waters Edge Family Campground

    Incredible campground

    Most 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.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       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. 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!!

  • Tom S.
    Dec. 10, 2021

    Aces High RV Park

    Nice campground

    Clean, family friendly campground. Pet friendly with plenty of area to walk. Close to I-95 and 15 minutes from the beach. fishing areas for the kids. Spots are well organized and no issues with hookups. Propane is available at the store.

  • Michael O.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Steep Rock Association

    Great secluded campsites!

    I 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.

  • M
    Mar. 18, 2017

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    A nice family friendly campground

    This 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.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Hidden Lake Farm

    Quiet and Private

    Ashley here with The Dyrt. I would like to welcome your host, Mary, to our platform. There are 2 lodging options to choose from. Pets welcome! Book your stay today and come back here to leave them some love.

  • Laura L.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Okay beach with nice facilities

    The 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2023

    The Farm at Carter Hill

    Charming Layover at the Farm at Carter Hill

    While 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.


Guide to Shelton

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Shelton, Connecticut, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

  • At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, pets are welcome, making it a great choice for families looking to camp with their dogs while enjoying numerous hiking trails.
  • This campground features reservable sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings with your pet.
  • With access to both drive-in and hike-in sites, you can choose how adventurous you want your camping experience to be.

Tips for camping with dogs near Shelton

  • When visiting Gentiles Campground, be mindful of the close proximity to other campers, as it can be a bit crowded.
  • Always keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone at Branchbrook Campground.
  • Make sure to check the campground's rules regarding pets, as some places may have specific guidelines to follow.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Shelton

  • Enjoy the scenic trails at Lake Compounce Campground, where you can take your dog for walks and explore the beautiful surroundings.
  • Spend time fishing or kayaking at Point Folly Campground, which offers a peaceful lake setting for you and your pet to enjoy.
  • Participate in family-friendly activities at Cozy Hills Campground, where your dog can join in the fun while you engage in arts and crafts or swimming in the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Shelton, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Shelton, CT is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Shelton, CT?

TheDyrt.com has all 65 dog-friendly camping locations near Shelton, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.