Dog-Friendly Camping near Henderson, NY

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    Sun Outdoors Association Island accepts pets across its waterfront campsites, offering full hookups for RV campers and pet-friendly cabins on Lake Ontario. Westcott Beach State Park Campground and Southwick Beach State Park also welcome dogs, featuring spacious sites in both electric and non-electric camping loops. Most campgrounds in the Henderson area require pets to remain leashed outside accommodations, with specific pet exercise areas available at certain locations. Bedford Creek Marina & Campground maintains exceptionally clean grounds with staff described as wonderful by visitors with dogs. The beach areas at Southwick are particularly notable for pet owners, with the extensive sandbar providing ample space for walking.

    Lakefront trails throughout the Henderson area campgrounds allow for scenic pet exercise opportunities with beautiful sunset views over Lake Ontario. Camping with pets requires preparation for the lake's weather conditions, as winds can be significant at waterfront sites like those at Association Island where some evenings prove too windy for outdoor activities. Wildlife considerations include seasonal midge gnats that can be particularly bothersome during certain months, especially at lakeside campgrounds. Campers report that interior sites away from the water may offer more protection from insects for pets sensitive to bugs. The campgrounds typically provide fire rings and picnic tables at each site, allowing campers and their pets to enjoy meals outdoors together while appreciating the starry night skies visible from the minimal light pollution of these lakeside locations.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Henderson (74)

      1. Sun Outdoors Association Island

      4.3(15)5mi from HendersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The sunsets were spectacular and our site was literally just steps from Lake Ontario. All sites are full hook up. Wifi is available and fairly good."

      "Great location offering both sunrise and sunsets over the water of Lake Ontario. Loved the access to the water for our dogs to swim and for beautiful views."

      from $53 - $116 / night

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      2. Southwick Beach State Park Campground

      4.6(7)6mi from Henderson131 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There is TONS of beach to explore at this little State Park in New York. I used to visit here as a kid years ago because my grandparents owned a cottage on the lake."

      "Favorites are the beachfront sites, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario. Small campground but very nice."

      from $20 - $35 / night

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      3. Westcott Beach State Park Campground

      4.3(3)5mi from Henderson154 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "You can get campsites along Lake Ontario where you can see amazing sunsets."

      "Nice hiking trail as well."

      from $27 / night

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      4. Bedford Creek Marina & Campground

      5.0(1)5mi from Henderson2 sitesRVs, Cabins

      "I love everyone riding around on golf carts"

      from $70 - $999 / night

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      5. Long Point State Park Campground — Thousand Islands

      4.0(4)12mi from Henderson74 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Right on Lake Ontario and proximity to Saint Lawrence attractions make this a busy place. Its basically a field woth campsites."

      "Almost always a breeze and storms can come up quickly off the lake - be sure to keep things put away and weighted down, and be ready to “batten down the hatches” as my dad used to say!"

      from $17 - $26 / night

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      6. Selkirk Shores State Park Campground

      4.4(9)20mi from Henderson151 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Apparently C and D are always booked and full, because people like that it’s closest to the beach trail, the playground, and the camp store. We chose a site in loop B and were happy with our choice."

      "Lake Ontario has great fishing. The beach is smaller than it was before now that it is guarded."

      from $24 - $135 / night

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      7. Winona State Forest

      4.3(3)14mi from HendersonTents

      "The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail. It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful."

      8. Black River Bay Campground

      4.5(2)13mi from HendersonRVs, Tents

      9. Brennans Bay Campground and Marina

      5.0(1)11mi from HendersonRVs, Tents

      "A great park on Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario.  Mostly Permanent sites with 6 transient sites overlooking the marina.  "

      10. Brennan Beach Campground

      4.0(4)18mi from HendersonRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "Very nice thousand trail campgrounds. Very large I believe it's 1300 + sites. We went late summer show it was becoming offseason. Most amenities close down."

      "A lot of locals camp here seasonally, and if you're not from around there, you'll stick out. We had a few awkward interactions but nothing serious. Mostly just funny."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Henderson, NY

    254 Reviews of 74 Henderson Campgrounds

    • Frankie S.
      Oct. 27, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Great Little Spots

      Really enjoyed the atmosphere here. It felt relaxed without being boring, and there was plenty around the area to explore. We went for a drive one afternoon and found some great little spots nearby.

    • Mollie D.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Outside All Day

      We ended up extending our stay by another night because we werent ready to leave. The weather was perfect and it was just nice being outside all day. Definitely worth the trip.

    • Ethel C.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Around The River

      The location worked out really well for us. We were able to explore during the day and come back to camp in the evening. The area is beautiful, especially around the river.

    • E
      Oct. 17, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Wants To Camp

      Great spot for anyone who just wants to camp and enjoy the outdoors. We spent the day exploring and came back to cook dinner at the site. No complaints here.

    • B
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Made The Trip

      The river was gorgeous and there were some really nice spots to sit and enjoy it. We took our coffee down there every morning. Small things like that made the trip.

    • I
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Exactly what we needed

      Had a really fun weekend here with the kids. They spent most of the day outside while we relaxed around the fire at night. Exactly what we needed.

    • K
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Enjoyed The Area

      We stopped here on our way through and ended up wishing we had booked a longer stay. Really enjoyed the area and the campsite was comfortable.

    • Izabella  K.
      Oct. 7, 2026

      Riverbend East Campground

      Nice Place

      Loved waking up to the sound of the water. Such a nice place to unplug for a few days.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 5, 2026

      Remington Park

      Excellent Choice for Veterans and Active Duty

      The MWR shop was excellent to work with!

      The sites, under 15, are pull through and full hookups. They are spaced fast enough apart that privacy is a plus consideration!

      Check in at front gate was courteous and quick!

    Guide to Henderson

    Dispersed camping near Henderson, New York offers access to the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding Thousand Islands region. The area experiences significant seasonal weather variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months and frequent lake effect winds. Waterfront campsites throughout the Henderson area require proper tent stakes and secure awnings due to persistent lake breezes.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Sun Outdoors Association Island provides excellent fishing access directly from waterfront sites. "This place is amazing! It's not fancy but the location is spectacular. We were able to drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content. The water is clear and cool," shares Donna C.

    Explore state parks: Westcott Beach State Park Campground features hiking trails and a playground area. "Nice hiking trail as well. Nice new children's playground," notes Theresa F. The park includes electric sites on a plateau area across from the main beach.

    Water activities: The extensive Lake Ontario shoreline provides swimming, kayaking, and boating options. "I love going here! Going across to the island is so fun and feels so special. The views are beautiful," reports Megan P. about Association Island. The protected bays around Henderson offer calmer waters for paddling compared to the open lake.

    What campers like

    Private bathroom facilities: Long Point State Park Campground offers modern amenities unusual for state parks. "The campground has some of the best amenities we have seen in a state park. Personal toilet, shower & sink are contained within separate rooms within the amenity block, perfect for couples and young families," explains Britt B.

    Spacious campsites: Selkirk Shores State Park Campground provides larger sites in some areas. "We chose a site in loop B and were happy with our choice. Sites 66 and 67 are the exception that we saw, they're off together to the side and would be a good choice for two groups camping together," recommends Laura M.

    Marina access: Several campgrounds feature boat docks and launches for easy water access. "A great park on Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario. Mostly Permanent sites with 6 transient sites overlooking the marina," notes Jim G. about Bedford Creek Marina & Campground. Boat rentals are available at several locations during peak season.

    What you should know

    Bug considerations: Seasonal insects can affect camping comfort, particularly near water. "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario. Be prepared to deal with this as we were not and had to vacuum inside the RV every night for about an hour," warns Tracey G.

    Weather patterns: Lake Ontario creates unpredictable conditions that campers should prepare for. "It can get quite windy on the point so take a wind break or shelter," advises Britt B. about Long Point State Park. Temperature drops of 15-20 degrees can occur when wind shifts from the lake.

    Campground layouts: Sites have varying levels of privacy and views. "None of the sites at the campground have any privacy from your neighbor, you're all sort of camped in a big circle," explains Laura M. about Selkirk Shores. Most campgrounds offer a mix of waterfront, wooded, and open field sites with different amenities.

    Tips for camping with families

    Structured activities: Burnham Point State Park Campground offers river access perfect for children. "Beautiful view of the river. Easy access to swim in the water. Very clean bathrooms. Plenty of tree to hang your hammock," recommends John B. The smaller size makes it easier to supervise children.

    Beach options: Sandy beaches provide safe swimming areas for children. "BEST beach in CNY-sandbar goes on forever-campsites roomy and well taken care of," shares Theresa F. about Southwick Beach. The shallow sandbars extend hundreds of feet into the lake with gradual depth changes.

    Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature updated play areas. "We always camp in the plateau across the road from the main park area-sites are huge, clean bathrooms and a nice park right in the circle," explains Cheyenne about Westcott Beach State Park. Most playgrounds are centrally located for easy parental supervision.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: Southwick Beach State Park Campground offers various camping loops with different atmospheres. "Unfortunately when we arrived at southwick the rangers & staff had all gone home so we were unable to get a map or check in. After it rained one night our site & others around us were completely flooded," cautions Bella J. Request higher elevation sites if rain is expected.

    Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric sites but not all have full hookups. "All sites are electric, some are 30 and some are 50amp. There's a nice new dump station with several dumps and potable water," notes Laura M. about Selkirk Shores. Water fill stations are typically available at central locations.

    Pet-friendly accommodations: Campgrounds near Henderson maintain specific pet policies. "NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs," reminds Laura M. Most areas limit pets to designated camping areas and require leashes of 6 feet or shorter at all times.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Henderson, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Henderson, NY is Sun Outdoors Association Island with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Henderson, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Henderson, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.