Tolland State Forest

If you're searching for a pet-friendly campground where you can indulge in fishing, boating, and a whole lot of other water sports, Tolland State Forest is well worth a visit.

Nestled in the rolling Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, the forest centers on the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir. This scenic lake offers impressive trout and bass fishing, and campers can enjoy easy access to a boat launch for watercraft up to 24 feet in length. The park's day-use area also features a popular sandy beach where swimmers can take a dip or just soak up some sun.

The campground in Tolland State Forest sits on a pretty, wooded peninsula. It's a large campground with 89 reasonably spacious sites, 29 of which are tent-only. There are no hookups or dumping station available in this campground, so it won't be the best choice for all campers, but comfort stations throughout the campground offer flush toilets and hot showers. It's worth pointing out that some sites are a decent walk away from the amenities -- far from ideal for those late-night calls of nature -- so check a campground map before reserving your spot.

The easy water access also makes Tolland State Forest quite a popular destination, particularly at the height of summer, so the facilities can get a little crowded, and you might also need to get used to some early-morning boat noise out on the reservoir. That said, there is a decent amount of privacy between many sites and most are well-shaded.

Camping season runs from the middle of May until mid-October. Camping costs $17/night for Massachusetts residents and $27/night for residents of other states.

Pets are permitted in the campground but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. Please also note that your dog is not allowed on the beach.

All in all, there's plenty to like about Tolland State Forest. Its scenic location lends itself to easy relaxation, while the wide range of water-based activities on offer means you'll find plenty of ways to spend your time. Your whole family, including any four-legged members, should have a grrr-eat time.