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Dog-Friendly Camping near Sterling Forest, NY

101 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation both welcome dogs at their campsites, offering diverse accommodation options for pet owners. At Beaver Pond, campers with pets can reserve sites with electric hookups, fires permitted, and access to sanitary dump stations. Wawayanda State Park Campground implements a strict leash policy for all dogs within the park boundaries while offering primitive tent sites surrounded by natural terrain. Multiple visitors report unsupervised dogs in campgrounds, with one incident at Jellystone Park involving a serious dog bite requiring emergency hospital treatment, highlighting the importance of following pet policies. High Point State Park Campground extends pet-friendly options to their cabin accommodations, though specific pet fees apply.

    Dogs can accompany hikers on numerous trails surrounding Sterling Forest campgrounds, with Stokes State Forest and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offering extensive pet-friendly trail networks. The designated dog park at Mahlon Dickerson provides an enclosed space for off-leash exercise after a day of camping. Several campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings at each site, allowing pet owners to keep their dogs close during meals and evening relaxation. Severe wildlife encounters have been reported, making secure nighttime containment essential for pet safety. Mountain Vista Campground receives consistently positive reviews for their dog-friendly atmosphere and dedicated dog park, with visitors noting the well-maintained facilities specifically designed for pets. Campers should verify individual campground pet policies before arrival, as signage at some locations like Swartswood State Park may not reflect updated pet-friendly status, causing confusion for visitors arriving with dogs.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Sterling Forest (101)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)18mi from Sterling ForestRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Police patrolled, and dog friendly."

      "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it’s a very easy hike and also very peaceful."

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      2. Wawayanda State Park Campground

      3.8(5)6mi from Sterling ForestTents

      "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."

      "Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."

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      3. Black Bear RV Park

      3.6(7)10mi from Sterling ForestRVs

      "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included."

      from $82 - $95 / night

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      4. High Point State Park Campground

      3.9(24)21mi from Sterling ForestRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."

      "_The campground at High Point State Park has 50 spacious tent sites, many with direct lake access, located in a wooded area surrounding Saw Mill Lake."

      from $5 - $20 / night

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      5. Wawayanda Group Shelter

      4.0(2)4mi from Sterling Forest

      "It’s within 15 mins NOBO of the park office where there is a 24:7 bathroom with sink and trash, and a fresh water spigot outside. Right now there’s also a box of socks at the shelter- trail magic!"

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      6. Stokes State Forest

      4.4(28)25mi from Sterling ForestRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash

      • There are outhouses scattered around, or if"

      "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

      from $7 - $55 / night

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      7. Kittatinny Campground

      2.9(32)26mi from Sterling Forest7 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "A few of my friends stayed at Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites recently, and while the location is fantastic for river enthusiasts, there are some areas that could use improvement. "

      "With over 160 sites spread across 18 acres, campers can choose from wooded, open field, or riverfront locations, all equipped with essential amenities like electric hookups, fresh drinking water, and picnic"

      from $75 - $400 / night

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      8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

      4.0(1)5mi from Sterling ForestTents

      "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

      9. Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort

      3.4(9)17mi from Sterling ForestRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "great location. great scenery. full hook ups animal petting and good fishing."

      "This is a great place to get away and bring your family and dogs. They offer several planned activities for kids and they have nice facilities like a great swimming pool and ping pong."

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      10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

      4.0(1)7mi from Sterling ForestTents

      "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Sterling Forest, NY

    72 Photos of 101 Sterling Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Sterling Forest, NY

    945 Reviews of 101 Sterling Forest Campgrounds

    • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families

      There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!

    • WThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Mills Norrie State Park Campground

      Car camped

      Made a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.

      Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.

    • Leo C.
      Oct. 4, 2026

      Winding Hills Park

      Nice but dated

      Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.

    • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 18, 2026

      Neversink River Resort

      Cool Riverside Campground

      I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.

    • eThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Black Bear RV Park

      Super clean and quiet

      Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited

    • K
      Sep. 9, 2026

      Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

      Check site photos first

      Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.

      BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it

    • K
      Sep. 8, 2026

      Stephens State Park Campground

      Great last min getaway

      Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.

      The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm

      Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 24, 2026

      Tri-State RV Park

      A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.

      This area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 23, 2026

      Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA

      Great off season camping

      We camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.

    Guide to Sterling Forest

    Sterling Forest offers camping opportunities within a 1,900-acre park in the Hudson Valley region of New York. The heavily forested area features elevations reaching 1,400 feet, with moderate to challenging terrain throughout its network of trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

    What to Do

    Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: The AT passes through Wawayanda State Park, providing access to well-maintained trails. "Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means," notes Meredith C.

    Swimming in natural lakes: Beaver Pond Campground offers swimming with lifeguard supervision during summer months. "Swimming right on site. Make reservations!! Some spots are better than others for views and privacy (try the W or A sites if you seek quiet)," recommends Amber A.

    Historical exploration: Visit the High Point Monument, constructed to honor war veterans. "The monument was erected in honor of war veterans and on weekends it is possible to ascend the staircase inside the 220-foot monument to ~1800 feet above sea level for mountain and valley views," shares Trip Over Life.

    What Campers Like

    Proximity to NYC: Many campers appreciate the accessibility from urban centers. "Only 45 minutes from sleepy hollow and Tarrytown. Beautiful park with deer running through it. Big Clean free hot shower house!" says Michael K. about Harriman State Park.

    Fall foliage viewing: The area transforms during autumn months. "Campground was nearly empty, quiet except for the wind blowing through the tall trees, sounding like ocean waves as it rustled the leaves," recalls Jonah S. about his October visit to Beaver Pond.

    Secluded campsites: High Point State Park offers privacy at many sites. "There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites, like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside. The sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy," explains Milty V.

    What You Should Know

    Weekday visits recommended: Many campgrounds get crowded on weekends. "This is a great campground during the week. Very few people. There are a few secluded campgrounds and lots of forest to explore. The weekends get a bit busy with families coming upstate," advises Ryan G.

    Wildlife considerations: Bears are present in the region. "It can be on the louder side of sites I've visited, but again, it's next to NYC. Go on a weekday and in spring or fall for the best experience. There can be bears, but I think they're trying to improve regulations/trash issues," warns Amber A.

    Limited amenities at some sites: Wawayanda Shelter provides basic facilities. "Extremely well maintained! In addition to the shelter there's a bear box, picnic table and modeling toilet. The privy is very clean and well maintained... Right now there's also a box of socks at the shelter- trail magic!" reports Katharine T.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sterling Forest, NY is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 101 dog-friendly camping locations near Sterling Forest, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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