121 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Alander Trail Campground in Mount Washington State Forest features tent sites with bear boxes at each location, situated along a 1.5-2 mile hiking trail from the parking area. Dogs are welcome at this primitive camping area where hikers can enjoy complete privacy among several well-maintained sites. The Appalachian Trail shelters at Riga Lean-to and Brassie Brook also permit dogs, with both sites offering picnic tables, toilets, and shelter structures for hikers and their pets. Pets must remain leashed on trails and in camp areas throughout the region's parks. The sites remain pristine with no trash on the ground, indicating responsible pet owners carry out all waste. Each camping location requires hikers to pack in all supplies, as there are no drinking water sources or showers available at these primitive sites.
Several dog-friendly hiking trails connect these campsites to spectacular viewpoints and natural features. Bear Mountain summit provides access to both the Brassie Brook and Riga shelters, with trails leading through forests and along streams suitable for dogs needing water breaks. Campers should utilize bear boxes for all food and pet supplies as wildlife encounters have been reported in the area. Sites at Rudd Pond Area in Taconic State Park offer more developed options with picnic tables, fire pits, and access to a pond where dogs can cool off after hiking. These platform tent sites provide views of the water while maintaining proximity to hiking trails. The trail to Bash Bish Falls makes for an excellent day excursion with dogs from nearby campgrounds, though visitors should be prepared for steep and rocky terrain on many of the area's trails.
"Taconic State Park has a beautiful campground. No electric hookups, but plenty of water and tent sites are available with very large platforms. Bathroom facilities are adequate."
"However, clean, dog friendly and good hiking nearby! Great for a getaway but not my first choice of campgrounds in NYS."
from $21 - $175 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $21 - $195 / night
Check Availability"This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "
"This campground is also dog friendly so bring your fur babies!"
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
"Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"
"We have plans to return with friends due to the proximity to home and easy access to local things to do."
from $79 - $229 / night
Check Availability"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."
"No matter where you start, you'll be hiking on some of the steepest parts of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts."
"Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail."
"A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."
from $14 / 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.
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.
TravelerTaconic State Park has a beautiful campground. No electric hookups, but plenty of water and tent sites are available with very large platforms. Bathroom facilities are adequate. 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. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls
If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask.
Fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees.
Taconic State Park spans across New York and Connecticut, offering visitors over 16 miles of hiking trails with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet. The park includes access to the South Taconic Trail and Appalachian Trail systems. Most campgrounds in this region are situated near mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and hemlock trees.
Hike to waterfalls: Bash Bish Falls trail connects to several dog friendly campgrounds near Taconic. From Taconic State Park, "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible" (Jackie G.).
Swimming in natural areas: Lake Taghkanic State Park provides swimming opportunities in a natural lake setting. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten" (Kurt S.). The park maintains designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months.
Fishing for largemouth bass: Rudd Pond at Taconic State Park offers productive fishing opportunities. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water" (Rosie R.).
Privacy at hike-in sites: Alander Trail Campground offers secluded camping spots away from crowds. "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you're looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots" (Kay D.).
Clean facilities: Taconic area campgrounds maintain well-kept restroom facilities. "Probably the cleanest bathrooms I've ever used at a state park" (Jared D.). Most sites have regular maintenance schedules with staff checking facilities multiple times daily during peak season.
Stargazing opportunities: The region's low light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low" (Seth K.). The best viewing spots are typically at higher elevation campsites or near open water areas.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. "May 6 to October 15" is the typical operating season for Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, with most facilities closing during winter months due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Weekend crowding: "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends. The staff was friendly and helpful. I scooped out my spot via several different websites prior to coming" (John E.). Weekday camping provides a quieter experience with better site selection.
Bear safety requirements: "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby" (Kay D.). Most wilderness camping areas near Taconic require use of bear boxes or proper food storage techniques.
Kid-friendly activities: Lone Oak Camp Sites specializes in family-oriented camping experiences. "Big fun for kids and adults. Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day" (Kim T.). Activities typically include organized games, movies, and themed weekends.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms for easier tent setup. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection! The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring" (Rosie R.). Platform sites help families stay dry during rain and provide a flat surface for camping.
Emergency preparedness: Cell service is limited throughout the region. "We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy" (Kay D.). Family campers should bring emergency supplies and establish meet-up locations for children.
Site selection cautions: When booking RV sites, carefully research what hookups are available. "Be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies" (Natalie N.).
Campground amenities: Copake Camping Resort provides full-service sites for RVs. "Our site was shady and long. There is a farmers market not far away every Sat. 9-1" (April L.). Many RV sites have concrete patios and fire rings, though amenities vary by location.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. "This closure then means anyone checking in may have to navigate through a really tight seasonal area to access their site. This is seemingly done without consideration for rig size or angles needed to access sites" (April L.). RVers should call ahead to confirm access details for their specific vehicle size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Taconic, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Taconic, CT is Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Taconic, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 121 dog-friendly camping locations near Taconic, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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