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Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest permits pets at all campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Winsted accommodate dogs in various lodging options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabins. White Pines Campsites offers pet-friendly tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, glamping options, and yurts where dogs are welcome. Cozy Hills Campground provides 178 sites where pets are permitted, with full hookups available for RVs and cabin options for those seeking more shelter. Most campgrounds require pets to remain leashed when outside accommodations. The enclosed dog park at Cozy Hills features a 3-foot fence that smaller dogs can enjoy, though owners of larger or athletic breeds should note this height may be insufficient for containing jumping dogs.
Farmington River access points near Austin Hawes Memorial Campground allow dogs to cool off during summer months when mosquitoes are prevalent in the area. Wilderness Lake Campground permits dogs to swim in the lake alongside their owners, with a patio overlooking the water where pets and people can relax together. Hiking trails at nearby Taylor Pond accommodate both children and pets for family-friendly outdoor recreation. The tent sites at Wilderness Lake Park offer varying levels of seclusion, with some providing a more private camping experience away from RV areas. Campers should note that cell phone service is limited or unavailable at some locations like Austin Hawes, which can affect emergency veterinary contact options. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, with some offering delivery service to tent sites located farther from the main office.
"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"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"
"However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."
from $74 / 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 kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!"
"This is over the boarder in mass from ct We did a three month seasonal Site Staff is super nice and helpful We had a nice quite spot even though we where in the road to the lake"
"We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."
"It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
"Trails are right near the sites so def scope out your spot before purchase. Has a full shower/bath and sink for washing very well kept and water pump rnot to far from the site."
from $17 / 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"campground the bathroom was clean and well equipped with toilet paper and soap
we stayed at site 70 which was very spacious and set back from the road so had more privacy, although site 71 is very close by"
"There are some easy hikes nearby also. Great for our dogs also."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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
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.
GuideMost 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.
TravelerQuaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they’re cash or check only! Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets. This campground was perfect for us and our dog. Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge.
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.
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.
LegendLet me just start off by saying we did stay at the end of the season so the campground was quiet… But this is a stunning park and totally worth a stop if you’re traveling via hwy 84! They had such great customer service and the amenities are on point. 2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming; large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond! (We picture kickball more than baseball happening here) Facilities were east to use and clean. Sites were wide open and easy to access, my only complaint being that they offer “full hookups” but you’re told to just leave your grey tanks open. We chose to wait and dump on our way out. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll absolutely love the dog run!
GuideWhile 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.
TravelerConnecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground.
While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring. We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance. It also looked like they were building a little outbuilding for Women and Men's bathrooms near the tent sites.
The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes. It's also conveniently located off I-84(exit 70).
Campgrounds near Winsted, Connecticut provide varying site layouts with terrain ranging from open meadows to wooded settings. Sites in American Legion and Peoples State Forests sit at elevations of 700-1100 feet while nearby options in Massachusetts reach higher elevations approaching 1500 feet. Winter camping options are limited with most locations operating from April through mid-October due to seasonal weather patterns.
Fishing opportunities: Access trophy trout fishing at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, where catch-and-release rules apply. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes Melissa R. The Farmington River provides prime angling spots directly accessible from some campsites.
Waterfall hiking: Take a short hike to Bash Bish Falls from Taconic State Park in nearby New York. "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," states Jackie G. The falls straddle the Massachusetts-New York border with a 60-foot cascade.
Exploring trails: Discover local hiking options at Onion Mountain Park, a primitive camping spot with well-marked routes. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," shares Nora S. The mountain offers both yellow and blue trails of varying difficulty levels suitable for day hikes.
Privacy levels: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. "Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy," says Austin S. Sites backing up to the Farmington River tend to be larger but experience more foot traffic from the riverside trail, while inner sites provide more seclusion.
Swimming options: Tolland State Forest Campground offers water access for cooling off during summer months. "We love Tolland and have had good luck securing lakefront sites. We have brought out kayaks and took off right from the site. There are rocks to get into the water but the water is clean and not mucky," explains Rebecca D. Waterfront sites often book quickly during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: Nocturnal wildlife sightings are common at several campgrounds. "Night fell and we were the only campers in the entire place Sunday night. So we were treated to a really great lightning bug display and watched the raccoons check out the other sites," reports Rebecca D. about Granville State Forest. Bear sightings occasionally occur at White Pines Campsites, requiring proper food storage.
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have site maintenance issues to be aware of. At White Pines Campsites, one camper reported problems: "Upon arrival, I liked the atmosphere and friendly service but our site was filthy. A bag of dog poop by a tree, trash under the picnic table, cigarette butts littering the rocks around the fire pit." Checking sites upon arrival allows time to request assistance from staff.
Noise factors: Weekend noise levels vary significantly across campgrounds. "Taconic State Park has a beautiful campground... Overall, very quiet and friendly," states Erin B., while at White Pines Campsites: "Night fell and the place turned into Margaritaville. The seasonal RVers have really taken over the place... The music was so loud." Weekdays typically offer quieter conditions.
Bathroom facilities: Shower and restroom quality varies widely between locations. "Bathrooms are nice, maintained, and well lit," reports Emily M. about American Legion State Forest, while at Granville State Forest, limited facilities may present challenges for extended stays. Certain campgrounds require longer walks to reach bathroom facilities.
Activity options: Lone Oak Camp Sites provides structured programming for children. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," mentions Sandra S. Most activities run primarily on weekends.
Swimming safety: Several locations offer designated swimming areas appropriate for children. "The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved the campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff," notes Nicole G. about Tolland State Forest. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards except during peak summer months.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds include playground equipment to keep children entertained. "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. writes about Lone Oak Camp Sites. When selecting a site, check proximity to play areas which may generate noise throughout the day.
Hookup options: Cozy Hills Campground offers 178 sites with various hookup configurations. "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel," reports Jon R. Full hookups are available for extended stays.
Parking considerations: Site dimensions vary widely across campgrounds. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," explains Diane R. about Bear Creek Campground. Larger RVs should confirm site dimensions before booking at older campgrounds with potentially tight turning radiuses.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full sewer connections. "It does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. about Bear Creek Campground. RVers planning extended stays should factor in holding tank capacity and dump station locations when booking sites without sewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Winsted, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Winsted, CT is Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Winsted, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 106 dog-friendly camping locations near Winsted, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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