Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Utica, NY

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Utica

342 Reviews of 84 Utica Campgrounds

• H

  Heather E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  Verona Beach State Park Campground

  Nice stop

  We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.

• R

  Ray P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 4, 2024

  St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina

  Water and R.R. tracks

  One night stay. Great sight. Friendly helpful staff. Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well.

• R

  Ray P.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 25, 2024

  Visit Eatonville

  Unable to contact this campsite

  Call the telephone number got a recording left a message. Did not get a call back. Send email. Got no response.

• 

  Ashley L.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 21, 2024

  DevilDoc Campsites

  Primitive camping with a great host!

  I came up here with my dog for a solo camping trip for a couple of days to get away! Rich the host is super nice and answered any questions I had about staying/getting there. I had the whole camp ground to myself so that was even better. It is definitely off the beaten path but we'll worth it if your just trying to escape a little bit. But Verizon does get service. There are some nearby trails that are within 15 minutes of the camp ground which is also a plus. No need to bring Fire wood as there is a ton all around you. You can also buy from the host as well. There was a decent portapotty on the camp ground which is very nice to have. This was just what we needed. We really loved our stay and cant wait to go back! Thank you Rich!

• 

  Martin W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 19, 2024

  Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area

  Camping in the woods

  Nice and calm place in that little State Forest. Internet and fire pits are available. All sites seem fairly similar, except two are tent-only (no car acces to the site).

• 

  Eric L.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 4, 2024

  Beaver Valley Campground

  Clean, well laid out campground

  Clean, modern bathrooms.  Campsites were raked and ready for us when we arrived.  Super friendly staff!  Just a well laid out campground that was perfect for us.  Peaceful, a mix of wooded sites for RV's and open sites with their cabins.  2 swimming pools, really nice playground for the younger kids, 2 baseball fields.  Just a top notch place.

• 

  Tate T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Delta Lake State Park Campground

  Nice but BUSY

  This was our first time here, and we were looking forward to a relaxing visit. The sites were very large and well spaced out, with a beautiful fire ring. The bathrooms were clean. This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced. Unfortunately, people were up blaring radios until approximately 3 am, being roudy. At approximately 2 am, someone decided it would be a good idea to do burnouts with their diesel truck, and went around the camp loop twice, doing just that. Vehicles were driving by the campsites all night long. This is naturally not entirely the campgrounds fault, but it was unfortunate to be misled by the campground rules. On a positive note, the campground is dog friendly, in certain areas, with proof of rabies vaccination, of course. Overall, I would say that this campground is geared more toward the RV and trailer crowd.

• S

  Sharon V.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2024

  West Canada Creek Campground

  Great Family Campground

  This campground has it all. Heated pool, great store, large sites, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river). FHU as well as tent sites and cabins. We love staying here, the facilities are clean and big showers.

• 

  Randall K.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 17, 2024

  Green Lakes State Park Campground

  If you love a good bathroom…

  Yes, it’s true! You’ve hit the campground bathroom lottery here!

  Let’s start off with the pros: bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers! Very handicap accessible as well.

  The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking. Five stars all the way for the people running this place. They are doing an awesome job keeping it very fresh.

  Maintenance/facilities: 5 stars

  Camping sites:

  I’ll start with the positive. It was a simple and easy, level site. And we had electric. So it was good.

  The cons: There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites and sites are close to each other. In the rolling meadow sites opt for the electric as the tent only sites are basically a sardine can of campers. I mean in one spot the tents were so close to each other I thought it was a group campsite but it was not. Like a group hostel room but with tents instead of bunks.

  We were only here for 1 night passing through and it was great for that but I would not feel comfortable hanging outside at my site in quarters so close. Maybe I’m just weird because many people did. I can’t imagine spending any longer than 1-2 nights here. I would stay again but would check out other camp spots first. In our area 118 and 120 seemed to the best that backed up onto trees as opposed to just other sites.

  Camping sites: 2 stars

  Amenities: there’s a lot to do here. However I feel I must say you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car, bike or very long walk. You can see a bit of round lake through the trees but it really isn’t accessible. Expectations are the doom of any trip so just keep that in mind. You’re not going to bed with any sort of lake views or sounds near you. Also you can only swim at the beach which is pretty small and guarded by some pretty enthusiastic lifeguards taking the job pretty seriously. I guess you will appreciate it if you have little kids to me it was a turn off as I don’t prefer to feel like a fish in a bowl when I swim. But again this is just personal preference! Also there were a lot of rules at this tiny beach - more than I have seen at pretty much any other beach anywhere in the world. Mostly I assume the rules are there to protect the water which I can appreciate but don’t expect a relaxing lake vibe here. Lots of picnic tables and a perfect place to have a picnic and chill for a bit. Very clean beach bath area and I really appreciated the charging station with 4 covered outlets available and a charging counter. I didn’t use it but was impressed someone thought to add that in to the building plans.

  With all the rules in place there is just one missing: No political propaganda of any type should be allowed at the campsites. We were almost blinded by idiocy each time we walked to the bathroom as we had to go past a full size Trump flag someone was flying in front of their site. Can’t even imagine the rage I would’ve felt if I had to camp next to that. Fortunately I found a cut through in the woods which I used to get around it on the way to the bathroom. Camping is where you go to get away from all of it! This is state owned land and they should not be allowing that sort of inflammatory full sized political flag in any area as it only raises the blood pressure instead of dropping it. You can’t bring your own SUP or kayak, face mask or list of any other things to the lake (rules) but you can have your heart attack inducing propaganda all over your site and in everyone else’s face - makes no sense.

  Would I stay here again: Yes. But only for 1 night passing through. I felt too crowded to be there for any length of time. It was hard for me to relax outside.

  Value was a 5 star because I had full electric for $30/night and there was plenty to do. I should note for kids this place is a goldmine! Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks. And it’s great for bikes. And it was all very handicap accessible which I thought was very impressive. You can tell a lot of thought went into the facility side of park. If they cut out 1/4 of the camp sites it would be spacious and amazing. And the trumpeter is just a case of bad timing for me, not a permanent thing (although I do think they should ban that decoration of insanity at state run parks).

• J

  Jon P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Old Forge Camping Resort

  Very tight, no grassy areas

  The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult. There was very little grass around the sites, mainly dirt. They also charge for every extra activity. In general just too tight for my liking.

• B

  Butch K.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 25, 2024

  Delta Lake State Park Campground

  overcrowded, tightly packed, sketchy campers

  I'm not used to seeing so many druggies in a state park: they typically can't afford a state park. I pulled in and my site was free on both sides. Then a small car pulled in and a woman sat on the picnic table chain-smoking cigarettes. A little later a pick up truck showed up with three more people. A little later another vehicle showed up with more people. I think at one point there were at least five people, but you couldn't tell if it was a family or, some strange tribe. Well, they camped right under my window and proceeded to burn fallen sticks and branches and whatever they could find. They came and left a lot probably to get drugs.

• D

  De W.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 24, 2024

  Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake

  Nice spot

  Nice area. Lots of room. Laundry room ok with 2 washers and 2 dryers. Lots of open fields.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 23, 2024

  Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

  Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

  The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 23, 2024

  Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area

  Primitive camping at Stoney Pond

  This is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 18, 2024

  Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

  Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

  This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

  You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

   general info for this state forest is here: 

  https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 18, 2024

  Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

  Primitive Dispersed camping at Morgan Hill

  This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication

• 

  Russel M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 18, 2024

  The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

  Turning Stone has lovely

  Turning Stone has lovely locations and is kept up nicely. Over Memorial Day weekend, the weather is gorgeous for spring. Every fully equipped site, with complete shade or full sun. been visiting for more than 25 years. Nearby are a golf course, food options, a casino, and @geometry dash online .

• 

  mitchell M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 17, 2024

  Green Lakes State Park Campground

  loved where we were

  @penalty shooters 2 said loved where we were this time. page 121. On these hot days, with a slope and a nice breeze.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 16, 2024

  Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

  Bear Wallow Pond

  This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

  You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site

• 

  Sam M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 15, 2024

  St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina

  Hidden gem

  This place is great! $10 for a tent site right on the canal and the staff is super friendly

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 11, 2024

  Glimmerglass State Park Campground

  It glimmers like glass! The lake and more

  Both the Glimmerglass State Park and the Glimmerglass Festival Opera House list their location as Cooperstown, but in actuality the Park is 8 miles outside of Cooperstown on the northeast side of Otsego Lake, with the Opera House nearby on the northwest corner of the lake nearby. If you are going to visit one, you should also visit the other! In fact the park is an ideal spot to stay if you are wanting to take in any of the Glimmerglass music or theater productions which have quite a professional lineup in the summer season. If staying at the park you will also enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake, and great kayaking on the lake as well as the stream flowing into it. You can also hike, ot take a day trip into Cooperstown, especially for museums and all things baseball.

  The camping opportunities give you three options: the main campground by the park office, which is wooded and shady and has electric hookups as needed, and is close to the beach, but you will have a lot of neighbors. If you want a quiet tenting experience, choose the Beaver Pond primitive tenting campground! This offers a small number of large, well spaced and private tent only sites set back in the woods by a beautiful pond and by the Beaver Hiking trail. Very peaceful with more solitude than the main campground, but a longer walk to the beach. The third and newest option, the Travis Field campsites, reminds me of an overflow parking area at an outdoor festival, unfortunately just a bunch of basic tent campsites plunked in an open grassy field located in between the beach and the Beaver Pond sites. I am guessing the park has greater demand for campsites than the original campground offers, so they put these spots up in an open field, and maybe folks would rather have these sites than nothing if they want a week at the lake, but they would not be a first choice unless perhaps you have a group that wants to gather together and take a block of these sites. I didnt check out the cabins, but there are some, which might be especially good if you want to come in the winter as the park is open year round

• L

  Luis R.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 25, 2024

  West Canada Creek Campground

  Great campground

  I visited this campground. One of the notable features of West Canada Creek Campground is its proximity to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, playing uno online, and kayaking. The West Canada Creek itself is known for its trout fishing, attracting anglers from various skill levels. Additionally, the surrounding area offers hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and natural landmarks. The campground provides various amenities and facilities for campers. These may include spacious campsites suitable for tents and RVs, picnic tables, campfire rings, and clean restroom facilities. It's always a good idea to check with the campground directly or consult recent reviews for the most up-to-date information on amenities and services.

• 

  Ashley F.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 20, 2023

  O Land

  New Listing

  Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to welcome this new listing to our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love.

• 

  Meghan B.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 19, 2023

  Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

  Powley Road

  Had a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.

• S

  Sean M.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 15, 2023

  West Canada Creek Campground

  Wonderful camping experience!

  My wife, our 3-year old son and myself had the pleasure of spending 10 beautiful weeks at West Canada Creek Campground.

  From our first interaction to the time we left and every moment in between the owners of the campground were welcoming, kind, friendly and just overwhelming pleasant.

  Under new ownership as of Summer 2022. The new owners, Imrana and Jason, made us feel welcomed from the moment we checked in. Whether it be making recommendations for food, sightseeing or things to do in the area. Jason even went as far as stopping by our site to make sure everything was up to our satisfaction.

  The property is clean and well manicured. The camp store is well stocked. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. The laundry room is clean and machines are new.

  The West Canada Creek wraps around the entire property and provides such a tranquil backdrop. The sites are surrounded by lush oaks and pines. Makes it feel as though you are truly immersed in nature. Most of the sites are fairly level, either gravel or grass.

  The campground also has a tubing business on property with an upstream shuttle as well as an ice cream stand! There is a playground with slides and swings as well as a swimming pool. There is a beach volleyball court, half court basketball and horseshoe pits.

  We stayed on three different sites (2 partial hookups, 1 full hookup). Each site was level and easily accessible.

  Throughout our 10 weeks there, we encountered dozens and dozens of guests who have been returning to this campground year after year.

  Their themed weekends and accompanying activities throughout the season are wonderful. We had the pleasure of staying for Labor Day weekend in which they had a kids carnival set up among many other things. Their Halloween weekend is truly a must see, with wagon rides and trick-or-treating! This weekend like many others fill up nearly a year in advance. Return guests reserve their spot the following year before they even check out.

  There are a number of seasonal sites with repeat guests who return year after year. Everyone we met was friendly and hospitable. The seasonal guest sites are well kept and clean and gives the campground a safe and serene atmosphere.

  The guests at the seasonal sites are invested in this campground, volunteering for the themed weekends. A vast majority of them go all out for Halloween weekend, decorating their sites and RV’s.

  Having had the opportunity to be on property for an extended time, I personally witnessed the dedication and love the owners are pouring into this campground daily. They continue to make improvements and updates that not only made our time here more enjoyable, but will certainly guarantee current and future guests will be returning year after year.

  We had a tremendous time here and would highly recommend visiting. We will certainly be returning. We are so happy to have been apart of the West Canada Creek Campground family.

• C

  Christine M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 10, 2023

  Glimmerglass State Park Campground

  Close to Cooperstown

  The campground was fine. There is a pretty covered bride and historic home. Places to play for the kids at the lake. Restrooms were clean. We were traveling on a schedule so only stayed for one night, but had to pay for two. Would have prefered to pay a higher one night fee and left the site available for others.

• 

  Meghan B.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 10, 2023

  Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground

  Nice enough spot when traveling through

  I called and booked ahead of time knowing I'd arrive late and leave early, which was absolutely no problem, so I'm very thankful for that. I paid over the phone, was given clear instructions on where to park, and was told to enjoy my stay. This location is great if you're in a van or RV and need a quick place to stay for the night in this area of NY in mid- / late-October (because it seems NY closes its state parks quite early) or if you're here for the rock-hunting. From what I could see late at night (which honestly wasn't much) I wouldn't recommend for tent-camping as the sites were quite close to each other and not much soft ground for sleeping.