Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Connecticut

Don’t discount this east-coast state because of its small stature. It may be New England’s second smallest state, but Connecticut’s 5,018 square miles are full of surprises, especially for outdoorists. From the forest to the shore there’s lots to explore – Connecticut offers 250-miles of Long Island Sound shoreline! This small but mighty state should be the next pin in your map, let’s go camping in Connecticut from the coast to the country!

If you’re looking for a truly outdoorsy experience, and a little taste of the Appalachian Trail, give backcountry camping in Connecticut a try and head to Sages Ravine. There are designated sites for campers to enjoy, and peak baggers will appreciate the ability to combine this camping trip with a trek to Connecticut’s tallest mountain, Bear Mountain. The climb up Bear Mountain isn’t terribly treacherous, or strenuous, but there is some scrambling involved to up the ante. The views from 2,323 ft. make the trek well worth it!

Not into backcountry camping? Camping in Connecticut can cater to the desires of just about any kind of camper – including those looking for an experience that brings back memories of summer camp. Club Getaway is the can’t-miss all-inclusive, all-things-fun, camp in Kent, Connecticut. Club Getaway’s ‘Camp For Adults’ (don’t worry, there’s one for families, too) offers everything from adrenaline pumping activities like rock climbing, SUP, and zip lining, to the more chilled-out vibes of yoga and massages, arts and crafts, and mixology classes, too. There are even flip cup competitions, and rounds of Cards Against Humanity.

Want a taste of that salty shore air? Head to the coast and camp at Rocky Neck State Park on the Long Island Sound in East Lyme, Connecticut. Be warned, though, this is a very popular spot. This 710-acre park offers half a mile of sandy shores, and a 5 month camping season from May to September—pro tip: heading out later in the season may make for smaller crowds. Also worth mentioning, you can’t camp on the beach, but you won’t be far from it!

From the country to the coast, camping in Connecticut offers a variety of opportunities for visitors to get outside and get exploring. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best places to venture out whether you’re looking for an epic adventure or some outdoor R&R.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Connecticut (79)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $100 / 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."

    2. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    Website
    +1 (712) 255-4698

    $20 - $110 / night

    "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."

    "Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."

    3. Mystic KOA

    24 Reviews
    North Stonington, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 599-5101

    "Lots of places around to go sightseeing. Most of the area isn’t dog friendly, so be careful if you take your pet. No problem at the campground"

    "During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."

    4. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."

    "Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."

    5. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $70 / night

    "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!"

    "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."

    6. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    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. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    7. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $60 / night

    "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."

    8. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."

    "We had two sites side by side for our group of 7 and two dogs. The staff will deliver wood right to your site. The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."

    9. Strawberry Park

    12 Reviews
    Griswold, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 886-1944

    $60 - $120 / night

    "Plenty of open space a dog park area. 3 pools a kiddie pool and outdoor in ground hot tub. Golf cart rentals. Very clean and accommodating"

    "It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"

    10. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 79 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Connecticut

445 Reviews of 79 Connecticut Campgrounds



Guide to Connecticut

Connecticut offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. Here are some great spots to consider for your next adventure.

Tips for camping with dogs near Connecticut

  • At Hammonasset State Park Campground, pets are allowed, making it a great choice for families looking to enjoy the beach while bringing their dogs along.
  • Mystic KOA welcomes pets and features spacious sites, ensuring your dog has plenty of room to roam and play.
  • Brialee Family Campground is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities that can include your four-legged friends, making it a fun family destination.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Connecticut

Pet owners appreciate the amenities offered

  • Strawberry Park provides a welcoming environment for pets, with plenty of space for them to explore and play.
  • Niantic KOA offers a shuttle service to nearby attractions, allowing you to easily take your pet along for day trips.
  • Riverdale Farm Campsites features clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable choice for pet owners.