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Macedonia Brook State Park Campground attracts visitors with pets seeking a more primitive camping experience near West Cornwall. Well-spaced sites provide privacy while portable toilets and water pumps serve basic needs. The park welcomes dogs in both tent and RV camping areas, with sites positioned near the brook providing water access for pets to cool off. Nearby Kent offers additional services for pet owners. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground also permits pets, with camping spots located along the Housatonic River. Both parks maintain standard state park pet policies requiring leashes no longer than 7 feet and proof of rabies vaccination. Campers with pets frequently mention bear sightings in the area, making proper food storage essential for pet safety.
Several hiking trails throughout the region accommodate dogs, particularly the loop trail at Macedonia Brook that offers moderate terrain and scenic mountain views. The Appalachian Trail passes near West Cornwall with multiple access points allowing leashed pets. Campers should note that Macedonia Brook State Park has no bathhouse facilities, only portable toilets, which may affect longer stays with pets. The Housatonic River provides excellent water access for dogs that enjoy swimming, with multiple entry points along the campgrounds. For pet supplies and emergency veterinary services, the town of Kent is approximately 15 minutes from Macedonia Brook, while Sharon is closest to Housatonic Meadows. During summer months, early morning or evening hiking is recommended to prevent pet overheating on trails.
"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."
"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!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / 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"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"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."
from $21 - $175 / night
Check Availability"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
"Hawes is one of the few campgrounds in CT that's dog friendly. The sites are nice and large, with room for trailers, and they also have a few cabin sites as well."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."
"We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"
from $74 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $21 - $24 / 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."
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.
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.
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.
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 options near West Cornwall range from primitive tent sites to family-friendly campgrounds with amenities. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,500 feet within the Litchfield Hills, creating varied terrain for camping and recreation. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with cooler nights in the 60s, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
Fishing access points: The Housatonic River provides excellent fishing opportunities year-round. Anglers can access the river from Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground where "we have stayed there many times. We have a few favorite sites. We have also seen a bear eating food from the dumpster at housatonic meadows," reports Dawn D.
Hiking trails beyond the park: Trek to nearby Bash Bish Falls from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park. Priscilla M. notes it has "great trails around it," while Katherine P. mentions that "there's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer swimming options beyond the river. At Lake Waramaug State Park, one camper mentions, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones."
Privacy in primitive settings: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground features "well spaced sites. No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps. And a night sky as dark as you can find in CT," according to Kate, making it ideal for stargazers and those seeking seclusion.
River proximity: Many campers value sites located along water. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, Anthony and Kim C. note, "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place."
Escape from connectivity: Cell service is limited at many campgrounds in the area. Neil T. reports about Macedonia Brook: "No cell service. Loved the drive to the camp and following the winding brook. The camp sites were laid out kind of odd, making some of them right up on a neighbor spot even when they didn't need to be."
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear sightings. Dawn D. warns about Housatonic Meadows: "We have also seen a bear eating food from the dumpster," reinforcing the importance of proper food storage at all area campgrounds.
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Brassie Brook Shelter, Nora S. notes, "Brassie Brook has a small lean-to as well as about 4/5 campsites located all around. Firepits, toilets but that's about it. Leave NO Trace!"
Bathroom conditions: Bathroom quality varies significantly between parks. Mo S. reports about Lake Waramaug: "True, the bathrooms are usually unclean, they run out of tissue, there is only 1 shower for the entire bathroom AND they clean them right when people are waking and need to pee (between 7-8)."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programs. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, Kim T. reports, "We loved this campground! Big fun for kids and adults. Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day."
Swimming options for children: Choose locations with designated swimming areas. Rino S. mentions about Cozy Hills Campground: "Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool."
Quiet weekdays vs. busy weekends: For a more peaceful family experience, schedule midweek stays. One camper notes about Lake Waramaug, "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," while adding that weekends can become crowded and noisy.
Size limitations: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near West Cornwall have size restrictions for RVs. At Macedonia Brook, Kate notes sites are "primitive car camping" with only basic accommodations for smaller vehicles.
Limited hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer only partial hookups. Andrzej K. shares about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground: "We had a great time, very friendly stuff. We stayed right on the river side, No hook up, but they have a dump station."
Campsite slopes: Check site descriptions carefully for levelness. At White Pines Campsites, Becca Z. warns, "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near West Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near West Cornwall, CT is Lone Oak Camp Sites with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near West Cornwall, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 108 dog-friendly camping locations near West Cornwall, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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