Crown Point Campground and Sharp Bridge Campground offer pet-friendly camping options near Elizabethtown, with sites nestled among scenic Adirondack landscapes. The region sits at elevations ranging from 600 feet at Lake Champlain to over 5,000 feet at nearby High Peaks, creating diverse camping environments. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F during the day and drop into the 50s at night, making it ideal for outdoor activities with pets.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: The High Peaks Wilderness region near Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides numerous trail options for hikers with canine companions. "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," reports Hannah O. Just be prepared for wildlife encounters during your hikes.
Kayaking and swimming: At Lincoln Pond Campground, the pond offers calm waters perfect for paddling with dogs. "Great for kayaking because the water is calm. A couple of off site spots that are hard to snag," notes Alice C. The waterfront sites provide direct access to the water for cooling off.
Historic exploration: Crown Point Campground features historic sites that can be explored with leashed dogs. "Walking around you can see sunrises, sunsets, boats, forts, the bridge, history. The fort and its museum are the main attractions but there's a lot more to do nearby as well," writes Justin S. The peninsula setting offers unique views of Lake Champlain.
What campers like
Quiet, wooded environment: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings at dog-friendly campgrounds near Elizabethtown. At Sharp Bridge Campground, "The campground is in a forest of red and white pines, giving it an open feeling," according to Amanda P. This creates a serene atmosphere for camping with pets.
Accessibility to trails: Proximity to hiking trails ranks high among camper preferences. "Great location for hiking in the Adirondacks," Gary G. says about Sharp Bridge Campground. Most trails accommodate leashed dogs, making them ideal for pet owners.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities. "The bathhouse by campground standard were fine... I asked my friends and they said the male toilets were the same," reports a Sharp Bridge camper. This practicality matters when camping with pets for extended periods.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. "Att phones didn't have service but Verizon ones did," notes a Sharp Bridge reviewer. This becomes important when planning hikes with dogs where reception might be completely absent.
Reserve waterfront sites early: At Lincoln Pond, "The waterfront sites are great, but you can be very close to your neighbors," warns Ian P. These prime spots fill quickly, especially during peak summer season.
Weather considerations: The Adirondack region experiences significant temperature swings. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, one camper noted, "My boyfriend and I braved the 12° nights and pitched a tent." Pack appropriate gear for your pets as well as yourself.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with beaches: North Beach Campground offers excellent swimming options for families with dogs. "The lake is extremely close and visible from sites," says Katherine B. The supervised beach area adds safety for families with children.
Choose spacious sites: For families traveling with both children and dogs, site selection matters. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, Nancy W. suggests the 100-Acre section where "sites are big and grass covered; but without many trees for hammocks."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: The region's temperatures can vary widely, even in summer. Bring extra layers for both humans and pets, especially for evening activities when temperatures drop significantly.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most dog-friendly campgrounds in the Elizabethtown area offer basic services. At Draper's Acres, one camper noted, "We had water/electric for a trailer at $35 a night in perfect location between Keene Valley and Lake Placid." Full hookups are less common in this region.
Check road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can be challenging. When visiting Wilderness Campground, one reviewer cautioned, "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution." This is particularly important for larger rigs with pets onboard.
Plan dump station visits: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. While Crown Point has a sanitary dump, others may require traveling to dispose of waste. Research options before arriving, especially for longer stays with pets that require regular cleaning.
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