Dog-Friendly Camping near Barre, VT

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    Lazy Lions Campground in Graniteville welcomes pets at all tent, RV, and cabin sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Several state parks near Barre including Ricker Pond, Little River, and Kettle Pond State Park maintain pet-friendly policies throughout their grounds. Campers report that sites are fairly private without being built too close together, creating comfortable spaces for families with dogs. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed when outside vehicles or tents, with typical restrictions including proof of current vaccinations and owner supervision. Onion River Campground in Plainfield offers full hookup sites with 50-amp service for RVers traveling with pets, while Brookside RV Camping provides more basic electric-only sites for pet owners seeking simpler accommodations.

    The Groton State Forest area contains multiple pet-friendly camping options including Big Deer, Stillwater, and New Discovery State Park campgrounds, all featuring hiking trails accessible to leashed dogs. Limehurst Lake Campground maintains separate dog parks for large and small dogs, providing safe off-leash exercise areas. Campgrounds near water bodies like Ricker Pond and Stillwater offer opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months, though swimming policies vary by location. Most state park campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations and trash collection facilities important for proper pet waste disposal. The region's KOA locations typically offer dedicated pet exercise areas and walking paths, with the nearby Quechee-Pine Valley KOA featuring a fenced dog park where labs can happily chase balls according to visitor experiences.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Barre (169)

      1. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

      4.6(14)13mi from BarreRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming."

      "The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing."

      from $19 - $110 / night

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      2. Little River State Park Campground

      4.7(25)18mi from BarreRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"

      "Stopped by midweek without reservation after vehicle issues forced a stop by the nearby shops in Barre/Berlin. Very peaceful with ample hammock spots."

      from $19 - $28 / night

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      3. Lazy Lions Campground

      3.5(6)3mi from BarreRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $49 - $100 / night

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      4. Kettle Pond State Park Campground

      4.7(9)12mi from BarreRVs, Tents

      "Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. 3 night get away with son, and first time on Kettle pond."

      "Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."

      5. Big Deer State Park Campground

      4.0(7)13mi from BarreRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer. For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy."

      "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them! Access to Boulder Beach is included, which is a short walk or drive down the road."

      6. Limehurst Lake

      3.7(3)7mi from BarreRVs, Tents

      "Limehurst Campground was perfect for our stay in Vermont. We had a site right on the beautiful lake with full hook-ups. Campground is well maintained."

      from $30 - $150 / night

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      7. Brookside RV Camping (Electric hookup only)

      4.5(2)6mi from Barre2 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $24 / night

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      8. Stillwater State Park Campground

      4.6(5)13mi from BarreRVs, Tents

      "Tucked away in a beautiful part of Vermont, the campground is right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and designated boat launch."

      "**Campground Review **    
      Stillwater State Park in Groton VT is a delightful retreat, nestled on the shores of Lake Groton. The campground has a mix of lean-tos and tent sites."

      9. Onion River Campground

      2.2(5)9mi from BarreRVs, Tents

      from $30 - $55 / night

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      10. New Discovery State Park Campground

      4.0(6)14mi from BarreRVs, Tents

      "Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion. Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at."

      "There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."

      from $20 - $38 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Barre, VT

    946 Reviews of 169 Barre Campgrounds


    • Shawn B.
      Sep. 25, 2018

      Silver Lake Campground

      This is a great place for the whole family

      This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.

    • D
      Oct. 3, 2021

      North Beach Campground

      Great Campground “On The Water”

      I have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.

      Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.

      Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.

      Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

      Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose. Clean easy to use dump with water.

      Tent sites looked nice.

      Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.

      Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride.

      Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.

      Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.

    • Christopher  S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 25, 2023

      Lake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc.

      Great Campsite

      Very nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.

    • D
      Aug. 9, 2019

      Littleton / Franconia Notch KOA Holiday

      Top Notch

      We just spent 5 days at this wonderful campground. They have paid attention to all of the finer details. Beautiful landscaping, well leveled sites, very clean and neat. The staff is wonderful. My only disappointment with the camp is that there are only a few sites with sewer hookup. However, the dumping station is conveniently located, so if you have a small tank, daily trips are not a problem. There is plenty to do in the area - Littleton is a beautiful little town. The old houses in are incredible. New Hampshire is not a dog friendly state, but a short Drive into Vermont gets you access to many fine restaurants where you can bring your dog. Be sure to visit Dog Mountain in Vermont- a truly touching memorial to departed pets.

    • A
      Jun. 24, 2018

      Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA

      Pet friendly Campground

      We enjoyed our stay here and our dog loved the dog park! We would highly recommend this campground.

    • Dawn S.
      May. 30, 2020

      Quechee-Pine Valley KOA

      Everything

      We stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.

    • T
      Sep. 1, 2018

      Camp Kiki

      A hidden gem in the heart of the Kingdom Trails.

      This campground is drive in and never touch the car again. Two huge sites that can be rented in tandem as a group site. Each site has a prep table, picnic table, fire pit, 5 gallons of fresh water, a raised platform for tents, and a porta potty. Very spacious sites. Easily two camoer vans and two tents on each site. Site is at the bottom of Kitchel and Herbs trails, atop the exit/entrance trails into the village of East Burke. Showers are a short walk away at Mike's Tiki Bar, in the Kingdom parking lot. The sites can be reserved, and usually are up to a year in advance. So call ahead! Sites are pet friendly and there's lots of space for big dogs to run around. Sites are super private from the outside world. This place is truly a hidden gem that can make your trip.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 26, 2021

      Moose River Campground

      Great People, Nice Campground

      This is a small family-owned and operated campground just a few miles outside of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The campground abuts the Moose River which makes for a pretty backdrop and wonderful place to dip your toes in the water. The shallow river is a clear flowing rocky river. 

      The campground is a mix of seasonal and transient campers with sites large enough to fit big rigs. There is also a rental camper and cabin available. There were tent sites but the owner mentioned they may fade those out. We stayed in a large pull thru (well over 125’), full hook-up site in the center section of the campground. (Site 27 @ $47/night). The electric worked fine and the sewer was easily reached with my 20’ sewer hose. The pad was gravel (as were the roads) and the patio was nice grass. Cable television is available and produced 32 stations. Our Verizon hotspot and phone worked well. 

      There are lots of activities at this park. It seems like every week there was a community bonfire where lots of palettes were set ablaze. During our stay, there was a potluck dinner in which the owners supplied roast beef and hosted us in a large covered pavilion. One evening they drove around the campground offering free ice cream sandwiches or drum sticks. Some mornings they supplied free bagels or donuts and always had free coffee. And, there were people always on the porch playing cards. Amenities include river access, a decent size dog park, large covered pavilion, bathhouse and laundry. When you arrive, you are given a swag bag with printed information about the surrounding area and businesses. This is a really nice touch because the reusable bag can be used in the grocery store as plastic bags have been banned in Vermont. 

      If you can score a riverfront site those are nice to sit outside and enjoy a fire. The pull thru sites are very close on one side as each RV pulls in the opposite direction; however, the sites are so long that if you pull up far enough you are not looking at your neighbor. Your patio opens to a neighbor but the sites are far enough away that it’s not a bother and you don’t feel like you are on top of them. Probably the nicest site in the park is #23 which is a back-in site with your patio facing the river. 

      The campground is in a good location, just a few miles from downtown St. Johnsbury, just a mile or so from “Dog Mountain,” and about 15 miles from Littleton, New Hampshire. There is a town forest just a few miles away that has some nice hiking trails. The campground is pretty small so we were happy to find places to hike with our dog.

    • Jen B.
      Jul. 14, 2018

      Quechee State Park Campground

      Great kid friendly campground near it all

      Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos. It’s a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water.

      It’s very close to Quechee village and Woodstock so there are plenty of other activities, shopping, and dining options near by.

      Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)

      Pets are welcome.


    Guide to Barre

    Barre, Vermont sits at the edge of the Groton State Forest, a 26,000-acre wilderness area with several ponds and lakes at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night, while many campgrounds in this region operate from mid-May through mid-October. Cell service is notably limited throughout the forest, with most campgrounds reporting spotty reception or none at all.

    What to do

    Paddle the motorboat-free waters: Ricker Pond State Park offers calm waters perfect for paddling. "The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish," notes Hannah H. "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing."

    Explore historic ruins: Several hiking trails near Little River State Park lead to abandoned settlements. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M.

    Bike the Cross Vermont Trail: The rail trail passes through many campgrounds in the area. "We took a half day bike trip on it one day to go to the town of Marshfield to visit Rainbow Sweets, home of some of the best French pastries in Vermont," mentions a visitor at Kettle Pond State Park.

    Search for loons: Kettle Pond offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We were able to watch the Loons teaching its chicks to hunt for food," describes M.A.D. P. "One evening, during a sunset paddle, we got to float alongside a loon family, which was VERY cool."

    What campers like

    Remote camping options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Barre feature remote sites. At New Discovery State Park, Sambath T. enjoyed "the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene, beautiful!"

    Disconnecting completely: The limited connectivity is a feature, not a bug. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," advises Michele S. about Ricker Pond. Shari G. adds: "Leave your mobile devices off, because cell towers haven't quite made it to this quiet corner of the woods."

    Lean-to accommodations: Many campsites offer these rustic shelters. "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years... My favorite lean to site is directly on the water, private, and fills up fast," shares Neena B. "The lean-tos are large enough to accommodate 2 moderately sized free-standing tents."

    Dog-friendly swimming areas: Stillwater State Park offers waterfront access for pets. "Our site was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful," notes Drew H. Other campers report that designated swimming areas at most state parks allow supervised dogs to cool off.

    What you should know

    Reserve well in advance: Popular sites book up quickly. "If you have a certain week you want to camp, make sure you book early in the spring, otherwise you might have to wait for a cancellation," advises a camper at Stillwater State Park.

    Limited provisions available: The area is remote with few stores. "This area of VT is 25-30 minutes from any type of grocery store. There is the camp store, but their stock is limited," notes Rita M.

    Variable site sizes: At Big Deer State Park, Tim R. observes, "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them!" However, at other campgrounds, "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there."

    Pack for bugs: Insect repellent is essential in summer. "Bring Deet the bugs are thick," warns Chris H., while another camper suggests "bring a head netting" for comfort during peak insect season.

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose by water access: Lakefront sites are prized but book quickly. "If you can get one of the sites on the pond, it's perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The pond is right there at your site," shares a reviewer at Ricker Pond State Park.

    Check for beach quality: Sandy beaches are limited. "The lake is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons, but when we were there it carried lots of noise from other sites," mentions Emma B.

    Explore interpretive programs: Rangers offer educational activities. "On our second day, there was an interpretive program at the pavilion. The ranger led visitors in making bark boats out of materials found in the park."

    Consider rental options: Equipment is available onsite. "Canoes can be rented at the main visitors center," notes a camper, while another adds, "With boats available for rent, you don't even need to bring your own."

    Tips from RVers

    Limited hookup options: Most state parks lack full services. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded," warns Laura M. at New Discovery State Park.

    Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have tight access. "Sites are relatively level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring," reports Greg D. about Lazy Lions Campground.

    Bridge access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow entry points. "You need to go over a bridge in order to get to the campground which is ridiculously narrow and there are terrible potholes. Our 42 foot fifth wheel barely made it in," cautions Cyn D. about Onion River Campground.

    Seasonal availability varies: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Barre operate seasonally. "This is a small campground, really it's an extension of Stillwater just up the road," notes Miccal M., adding that most state parks close by mid-October.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Barre, VT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Barre, VT is Ricker Pond State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Barre, VT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 169 dog-friendly camping locations near Barre, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.