Jacques Cartier State Park

Found just west of Morristown on the banks of the beautiful St. Lawrence River, Jacques Cartier State Park is a paw-some destination for anyone who loves water-based recreational activities almost as much as they enjoy camping with their furry friend.

Encompassing 461 acres on the river's southern bank, this gorgeous park boasts a protected bay that shelters a sandy swimming beach. It's the ideal spot to go for a cooling swim in the summer months, while there's a boat dock for campers who want to get out on the water. Excellent fishing, boating, and water skiing conditions are on offer for all to enjoy.

Back on land, the park boasts plenty of open, grassy spaces for those wanting to enjoy a picnic or a game. Other park features include a kids' playground, a forested picnic area, and cross-country skiing trails for wintertime visitors.

If you're planning to stay the night, the Jacques Cartier State Park campground features 89 campsites offering views of the river and the surrounding forest. However, there's limited shade on some sites, so choose your spot carefully. A $7 vehicle entrance fee applies during peak periods, while campsites range from $15 to $31 a night. Please note that there's also an extra $5 nightly charge for out-of-state visitors.

Pets are permitted in the campground, but they must be kept on a leash of no longer than six feet, and a two-pet maximum that applies per campsite. You'll need to be able to provide proof of your pet's current rabies vaccination, and also be aware that dogs are not permitted in picnic or bathing areas.

As always, it's essential that you properly dispose of your dog's waste. If you can follow these simple rules, you'll be doing your bit to ensure that paw-some state parks like this one remain pet-friendly well into the future.