Dog-Friendly Camping near Russell, MA

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    Northampton/Springfield KOA welcomes pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, cabins and glamping options. Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park provides spacious sites for campers with dogs, offering full hookups for RVs and pet-friendly cabin rentals. These established campgrounds maintain clean facilities with well-maintained grounds that pet owners appreciate. Tolland State Forest Campground offers a more natural setting for dogs and their owners with lakeside sites where pets can enjoy the outdoors. Most campgrounds require dogs to be leashed and under supervision at all times, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. Sites are typically equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing families and their pets to enjoy meals and evening campfires together. Very friendly staff and helpful attendants quickly assist campers with pets at these locations.

    Dog-friendly hiking trails surround the Russell area campgrounds, providing excellent exercise opportunities for pets. The spacious sites at Walker Island Family Camping allow room for dogs to rest comfortably at camp while staying on leash. Black Rabbit Farm offers a peaceful camping experience where pets can enjoy watching fireflies dance in the meadows during summer evenings. When camping with dogs, visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters and maintain control of pets at all times. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October. Swimming areas at locations like Tolland State Forest provide cooling options for pets during hot summer days, though some may have restrictions on dogs in designated swimming zones. Camp stores at several locations offer basic pet supplies if campers forget essentials. Some sites feature ground cover of large gravel while others have softer dirt and pine needles that may be more comfortable for pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Russell (126)

      1. Northampton / Springfield KOA

      4.2(12)8mi from RussellRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      2. Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park

      4.4(8)9mi from RussellRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      3. Tolland State Forest Campground

      4.8(5)10mi from Russell89 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      4. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

      4.4(16)19mi from Russell35 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      5. October Mountain State Forest Campground

      3.9(16)21mi from Russell45 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      6. Granville State Forest

      2.6(5)11mi from Russell21 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      7. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground

      4.1(10)18mi from Russell50 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      8. Black Rabbit Farm

      5.0(1)8mi from RussellRVs, Tents

      from $45 - $65 / night

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      9. Walker Island Family Camping

      3.0(2)8mi from RussellRVs, Tents

      "Small park on a property surrounded by creeks and trees. Very clean."

      10. White Pines Campsites

      3.6(11)20mi from Russell1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Russell, MA

    640 Reviews of 126 Russell Campgrounds


    • Kim J.
      Jun. 8, 2025

      Cozy Hills Campground

      Very nice campground however…

      We 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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 22, 2020

      Waters Edge Family Campground

      Incredible campground

      Most 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.

    • K
      Jun. 25, 2020

      Wilderness Lake Park

      Really enjoyed our time here

      Quaint 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.

    • A
      Jun. 3, 2024

      Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

      A peaceful place with character.

      My 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.

    • Rob G.
      Jul. 10, 2019

      Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

      One of our favorite places to stay

      Beautiful 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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 23, 2020

      Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

      Great spot in the middle of nowhere

      Miles 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

    • Sammii D.
      Jun. 20, 2019

      Thousand Trails Sturbridge

      Nice, yet cramped and no cell reception

      I 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.

    • Andrzej K.
      May. 30, 2021

      Pine Hollow Campground

      Great Small campground

      This 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)

    • Nancy R.
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

      Tully 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!


    Guide to Russell

    Camping areas near Russell, Massachusetts offer varying terrain options from lakeside sites to forest settings at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers reaching 80°F and cool fall camping conditions with temperatures dropping to 40°F at night. Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October with limited availability outside these periods.

    What to do

    Trail hiking with dogs: Hikers with pets can access the Bobcat trail at Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground, though the beaver dam destination is "not really anything much to see, so just enjoy the hiking," according to Alan. The forest also features a fire tower only 0.6 miles from site 44 offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

    Fishing opportunities: The Farmington River at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides trophy trout fishing in a catch-and-release section. Tom C. notes it's an "excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots."

    Water activities: Otis Reservoir at Tolland State Forest Campground allows campers to launch kayaks directly from lakefront sites. Rebecca D. explains, "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."

    What campers like

    Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site sizes at DAR State Forest. "Site #44 is HUGELY HUGE. Seriously, you could put down three tents and a couple of campers and not feel crowded," notes Alan, who also mentions the site has "three fire opportunities" including a normal fire ring, charcoal cooking device, and a large rock fire ring.

    Clean facilities: Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park receives positive comments for its maintenance standards. One camper, Dean S., specifically mentions "Great customer service attendants are very quick to help. Even if you need a jump!" The campground also features a "great pool" according to Stephanie.

    Night wildlife viewing: Pet friendly camping opportunities near Russell include Black Rabbit Farm, where Steve W. describes "a great night watching the stars twinkle and the fireflies dance in the vineyard and meadows." The quiet natural setting offers a different experience than larger established campgrounds.

    What you should know

    Bear awareness: Several campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. DAR State Forest has them at each site, though Alan notes "they say they have never had an issue in the last fifteen years, so I had zero concern about bears." The campground does run dogs through weekly as a preventative measure.

    Alcohol policies: Massachusetts state campgrounds strictly enforce no-alcohol rules. One reviewer at Granville State Forest warns, "if you bring beer, you can expect to be kicked out without notice. No warnings." This differs from private campgrounds like White Pines Campsites where alcohol is permitted.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Russell, MA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Russell, 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 Russell, MA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 126 dog-friendly camping locations near Russell, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.