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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation's lean-to shelters and campsites welcome pets throughout the year, offering a convenient escape for campers with dogs near Stamford, Connecticut. The 4,700-acre park features tent camping, fire pits, and picnic tables at sites that accommodate up to eight people in two tents. Dogs must be leashed at all times while exploring the park's extensive network of hiking trails, with over 40 miles of paths available for pet exercise. Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park and Croton Point Park also accommodate pets with designated pet-friendly areas. The camping spots are far enough apart to provide privacy yet close to essential amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature shower facilities, toilets, and trash disposal, making extended stays comfortable for both pets and their owners.
Hikers with dogs particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails at Ward Pound Ridge, where the extensive path system provides varying difficulty levels suitable for different dog abilities and energy levels. The park's terrain includes elevation gains, creeks, and open fields, creating diverse environments for pet exploration. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including leash requirements, proper waste disposal, and keeping pets attended at all times. During summer months, Croton Point Park offers access to the Hudson River with designated swimming areas, though pets may be restricted from beach sections when lifeguards are on duty. Campers should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters, including raccoons that can be particularly bold around campsites with food. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, providing pet-friendly options across all seasons.
"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"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"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"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"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"
"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"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 - $250 / night
Check Availability"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / 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 - $320 / night
Check Availability"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
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.
Rangerthis place seemed okay to begin with, but then you start noticing that the bathrooms are run down and not well kept, the lots are near an expressway that constantly has loud traffic, and there are tons of feral cats wandering and sometimes even begging for food. i probably would like to find a different place to stay during my next visit
GuideCamp Gateway in Brooklyn New York is one of my favorite places to visit. I went to college in New York, and loved to get out of the busy city and go camping and be outdoors. Camp Gateway was always a place that I loved to go. It is pretty close to town-which is crazy because you feel like you are miles away. Camp Gateway does offer a lot of different activities for everyone. One thing I love to do is go kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. My girlfriends and I tried to do this once a month to get away from the city and school. Because you are so close to the city, you can plan outdoor activities as well as some activities in the city. My friends and I stayed 1 night in the campground, and the next day went to a recital show that took us 10 minutes to get to. You can also walk, hike or ride your bike along multiple paths- I have done the Fort Tilden trail (I just walked, but there were multiple people that passed us on their bikes). Within the campground they do have some fire pits- which my friends and I always use because we love cooking smores and hot dogs for dinner. A little further away from the campground, about 10-15 miles there is a place where you can do horseback riding, see the Statue of Liberty (which is gorgeous!), and there is a little beach area. This beach area is where I do my kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Again, its not very far away...you can either drive there, walk or ride your bike. The road is paved, which is nice. I stayed here also with my parents, and I know my dad went golfing one day (I didn't go, but he said it was awesome)- and again that was only a 10 minute drive from our camping spot. This campground like I said, does offer quite a bit. Sometimes it doesn't really feel like you are "camping" because things are pretty close by, but it definitely is worth going to and trying.
Pet friendly camping near Stamford, Connecticut is readily accessible in Westchester County, where state parks and county reservations accept dogs year-round. Located on the border of New York and Connecticut, this region features rolling hills with elevations between 200-400 feet and forest cover dominated by maple, oak, and hickory trees. Campers can expect mild summers with average highs around 82°F and moderate humidity levels throughout the camping season.
Hiking with dogs: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation has over 40 miles of marked trails with varying difficulty levels for you and your dog. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," notes Ethan K., who adds there are "over 40 miles of trails in this area."
Waterfront activities: Croton Point Park offers access to the Hudson River with camping sites near the water. "They also have a beach behind it... gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" says Anil S. The park features multiple water access points, though dogs must be kept away from designated swimming areas.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Kettletown State Park provide ample opportunities to spot local wildlife. "My family and friends stayed at the Kimberly campsite 7 on Sept, 2020... Clean porta potties and beautiful little creeks and waterways," reports Anil S. from Ward Pound Ridge. Bring binoculars and keep your dog leashed when wildlife might be present.
Shelter options: Sebago Cabin Camp provides rustic cabins as an alternative to tent camping. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," shares Sara P. The cabins include basic amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere.
Privacy between sites: Beaver Pond Campground offers spacious, separated campsites. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," notes Ethan K. Sites on platforms provide extra comfort during rainy conditions, a frequent consideration in the Northeast.
Convenient amenities: Many campgrounds provide facilities that make extended stays with pets more comfortable. "The camp grounds are far enough apart to provide privacy yet close to essential amenities," states Ming R. about Ward Pound Ridge. Another camper adds, "I particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
Reservation systems vary: Clarence Fahnestock State Park requires advance planning. "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," advises Asher K. Some parks like Ward Pound Ridge require in-person reservations; one camper notes "There isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!" at Kettletown.
Weather preparedness: Thunderstorms can develop quickly in summer months. "I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind," mentions Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park. Campers with pets should bring waterproof gear and shelter options.
Site selection matters: Campgrounds near Stamford vary significantly in privacy and amenities. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," shares Asher K. Review site maps carefully when making reservations, especially when traveling with dogs that may need extra space.
Child-friendly facilities: The region offers several campgrounds with facilities specifically for families. "The place is perfect for kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!" says Jennifer H. about Kettletown State Park. Playgrounds and open areas provide space for both children and pets to exercise.
Security considerations: Rangers maintain a presence at most campgrounds. "Park staff and rangers regularly patrol the campground and are diligent about cleaning up," reports a camper at Heckscher State Park. This provides peace of mind for families camping with children and pets.
Wildlife awareness: Blydenburgh County Park and surrounding areas have active wildlife. "Campers should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters," notes one camper, while another mentions "We had no issues of mosquitoes. Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Site spacing: RV sites in the region range from spacious to compact. "Sites are close together so recommend reserving two for more space," advises Melynda M. about Kettletown State Park. Most campgrounds accommodate medium-sized RVs, though larger rigs may find limited options.
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer electric and water connections. "There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'," shares Michael G. about Wildwood State Park. Check specific campground amenities when traveling with pets that may need climate control.
Location advantages: RV campers appreciate the convenience of camping near urban amenities. "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again," notes Andrew A. about Croton Point Park. The proximity to New York City makes weekend trips with pets practical for RVers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Stamford, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stamford, 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 Stamford, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 dog-friendly camping locations near Stamford, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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