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Walker Island Family Camping in Chester permits pets within its facilities surrounded by creeks and trees. The family-oriented campground features electric hookups, full RV services, and picnic tables at each site, making it suitable for both tent and RV campers traveling with their four-legged companions. Northampton/Springfield KOA, located approximately 20 miles northeast, offers more extensive pet-friendly options including cabin accommodations that welcome dogs. Most sites can be close but provide nice variety to choose from when planning a stay with pets. The bathrooms remain clean and well-maintained at both locations, though Walker Island has received mixed reviews about site cleanliness, with one visitor noting significant dog waste issues at their assigned spot.
October Mountain State Forest Campground and Tolland State Forest Campground allow dogs throughout their facilities while providing a more natural camping experience. Water-loving dogs particularly enjoy Tolland's lakefront sites where owners can launch kayaks directly from their campsite and let pets cool off in the clean, non-mucky water. The surrounding vegetation creates privacy between campsites while still maintaining access to hiking trails suitable for dogs. Beartown State Forest and Granville State Forest also maintain pet-friendly policies for primitive camping enthusiasts. During cooler months, pet owners find camping more comfortable as mosquitoes and other insects that might bother pets become less problematic. Campgrounds enforce typical leash requirements, and visitors should pack waste bags as amenities can be limited at the more rustic state forest locations.
"We stayed in the cabins and they were clean, and we liked our proximity to the pool."
"I’m more of a quite, in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of camper, so I tend to shy away from commercial campgrounds, but it was easier for me to commute from the KOA than from home when work was crazy because"
"I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts. The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
"Quiet off the beaten path. There are 3 yurts available May-October (no dogs allowed in the yurts☹️. There are several tent sits available. Dogs are welcomed here!"
from $17 - $55 / 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"Wish all fellow campers with dogs would leash them at all times per the campground rules, and clean up after their dog(s). Very family friendly."
"There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well."
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Small park on a property surrounded by creeks and trees. Very clean."
"A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It's a compact,clean campground tucked at the end of a quiet neighborhood street, within walking distance to a lake. Many of the RV site are occupied by seasonal campers, and the sites are well-kept."
"It’s located off a dead end street . There is a lame right down the street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites. Have a small camp store. But downtown Pittsfield very close by."
from $39 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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
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.
RangerThis place is pretty awesome. They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer. RV Spots, tent camping spots, a dog park, badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works. The bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean. The laundry room is pretty good too. Its close to Brattleboro and Putney and just across the border to New Hampshire. I'd most definitely stay again when I'm in the area. The other guest were very nice and we could also have packages delivered.
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.
ScoutBeautiful clean campground! Great for kids and pets. We love taking the dog to the dog beach for a swim.
Camp store is great, fun fishing on the lake and tons of activities for the kids.
GuideMiles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground. AWESOME pools (very kid friendly), parks, dog park, hiking trails and even sections off of the trails to find your own private beach on the water. Went there in a tent rather than our camper, which turned out to be better. Tent sites were very dispersed and way up on the top of the mountain. Camper sites seemed a little close but worth the sacrifice due to the incredible environment. On the more expensive side but worth the money if you have kids. Another big plus was the abundance of wood to get from fallen trees (not having to pay for the expensive bundles at the store) and the size of the fire pits
RangerI really wanted to like this place. It's in a very cool area that I didn't expect to be so awesome. First main issue was how bad the cell reception is. Normally, I'd day that's a perk for camping but we're full-timers and work on the road so it is important for us. Next, the place is massive and they are more about make money than making people comfortable. What could easily be a very nice and spacious pull-thru spot are 2 back to back back-ins. Unless you're lucky enough to get an end spot, those are pull-thru. Pros: awesome dog park, great office with laundry, activities, arcades, adult only room, community campfire, indoor pool with lifeguard, the staff is nice, there's a lake for swimming, boating, catch and release fishing. Their basketball court is on a shuffleboard court, playground is nice though. Close to Old Sturbridge Village and many cool hikes and MA cities.
GuideThis place was recommended by a friend It is exactly what she said Clean, friendly stuff , large RV welcome, but it seems tight for the big ones We had a site with Electric and Water hook up There are sewer hook up available also Over all a great place Pet friendly, ( we had two dogs)
ScoutTully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!
This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.
The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.
The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!
Chester, Massachusetts sits in the western part of the state at approximately 640 feet elevation in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The surrounding region features forested hills, clear streams, and moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-80°F. Camping season in this area runs primarily from May through mid-October, with most facilities closing before the first frost.
Hiking trails: October Mountain State Forest provides numerous trail options for all skill levels. "The trails in October Mountain State Forest are very pretty, with some grand vistas to pull over if you're some sort of nature pervert or lookie loo. Good fishin' and mushroom hunting and other things white folks like to do in these parts, too," notes reviewer Kiye A. at October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Farmington River offers excellent trout fishing for anglers staying in the region. A visitor to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground shares, "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
Swimming spots: Otis Reservoir provides clean swimming opportunities during summer months. "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," writes Rebecca D. about her experience at Tolland State Forest.
Privacy between sites: At Tolland State Forest Campground, campers appreciate the natural separation. "There is plenty of vegetation between sites," notes a reviewer, providing more seclusion than some other area campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest maintains well-kept amenities. "The bathrooms were clean and well stocked... The grill grate in the firepit is ADJUSTABLE which I love for cooking over the live fire," explains Alan in his review of DAR State Forest Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers seek the peaceful environment. "Very quiet (besides occasional plane overhead) lots of trees, spacious sites, clean and modern bathrooms and showers, nice friendly helpful staff," reports Missi N. about her stay at Northampton/Springfield KOA.
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. "They do run dogs through the campground once a week or so to scare the poor critters away, but they say they have never had an issue in the last fifteen years, so I had zero concern about bears," explains a camper at DAR State Forest.
Seasonal changes: Late summer and fall bring cooler temperatures but fewer insects. "In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!" warns Katherine P. about camping at Austin Hawes Memorial.
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal privacy or amenities. At Beartown State Forest Campground, "With only 12 sites, 4 of which have Benedict Pond access, it's a quiet, lovely site," according to Patricia E.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for children. Jason A. says about Prospect Mountain Campground, "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Swimming options: Many local families seek out beaches with shallow entry points. "The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids," Nicole G. mentions about Tolland State Forest.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can occur even in summer months. "We went fall camping and it was fantastic cooking on the open fire," reports Lisa W. about her experience camping with family in the area.
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, one camper notes, "This is a parking lot with grass. The Men's room was so disgusting that my husband refused to use it... We didn't like being right on top the other rvs, our sewer pipe was in front of my neighbors picnic table."
Electric service: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Chester vary in their power options. A reviewer at Walker Island Family Camping mentions, "While the full hook ups were nice, it definitely wasn't worth the smell or energy."
Arrival considerations: Access roads can be challenging in some areas. "We stayed here for one night en route to Cape Cod. Although we had requested a specific site on the KOA website, the gentleman in the front office had arranged for us to park in an easily accessible pull-through site," explains Lisa D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chester, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chester, MA is Northampton / Springfield KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chester, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 127 dog-friendly camping locations near Chester, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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