Best National Parks to Visit with Pets: Top Dog-Friendly Destinations in the U.S.

Traveling with your furry companion is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors. From mountain trails to sandy dunes, more national and state parks are welcoming pets than ever before, however every park has its own rules. With a little research and planning, your next outdoor getaway can be a tail-wagging success for both you and your furry friend.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the best pet-friendly national and state parks, along with important regulations, tips, and must-do activities for you and your dog.

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National Park Pet Rules: What You Need to Know

While 61 of the 63 U.S. National Parks allow dogs, each park sets its own specific restrictions. The two exceptions are Isle Royale National Park (Michigan) and Channel Islands National Park (California), which don’t allow dogs at all.

Here are some general guidelines that apply to most national parks:

-Dogs must be leashed at all times (maximum leash length: 6 feet).

-Pick up after your pet: bring plenty of waste bags.

-Dogs are usually allowed in developed areas, paved roads, and campgrounds.

-Never leave your dog unattended in cars, tents, or tied up at campsites.

Check each park’s website for trail-specific rules before your visit.

Do Your Research Before You Go

This is the most important thing to do before your visit for a safe and enjoyable journey. Every park is unique. Before heading out, check the park’s official site for:

-Pet-friendly trail maps

-Leash laws and restricted areas

-Weather conditions (especially heat and altitude)

-Nearby pet-friendly accommodations and campgrounds

Doing this ahead of time can help you plan the safest and most enjoyable trip for your pup.

Best Pet-Friendly National Parks in the U.S.

Here are some of the most dog-friendly national parks where your pet can stretch their legs and join in the adventure.

Acadia National Park – Maine

Acadia National Park is a contender for the most dog-friendly National Parks, as they have one hundred miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that are all dog-friendly. This alone gives you hundreds of miles of hiking opportunities for you and your pup. For dogs that may not be able to hike a lot, Acadia is set up in a loop you can drive with pitstops along the way so you and your pup can get out and explore with you .There is dog-friendly camping available with short trails connected to the campgrounds so you can enjoy  morning walks by the ocean cliffs with your pups. If you aren’t into camping, there are many dog-friendly cabins available inside and near the National Park where you can stay with your pup and enjoy modern amenities too! Dogs aren’t allowed to swim in the lakes, but there are two beaches where dogs can swim starting Sept. 16^th through May 14^th.   Of the 120 miles of hikes, dogs are only banned from 20 of those miles including some of the more difficult hikes which have ladders and iron rungs

Best Dog Friendly Activities in Acadia National Park: Ocean Path Loop and Cadillac South Ridge Trail

Congaree National Park – South Carolina

Congaree is a haven for four-legged friends who are allowed to meander on all the trails including boardwalks in the country’s largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. The park is home to champion trees, that is, the largest of the swamp tupelo species and was once a swampy hideout for bootleggers and runaway slaves. Take a walk along the park’s 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop trail, where bald cypress trees eerily jut out of the water, just keep a lookout for alligators. Pets are also welcome in the campgrounds. One thing you need to look out for is ticks on your dog. You’re in  a swamp area, so there tend to be  a lot of them.

Easiest Trails for Pups in Congaree National Park: Boardwalk Trail, Bluff Trail and Sims Trail.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park -Ohio

This Ohio National Park is only 30 minutes from Cleveland and runs along the Cuyahoga River. There are over one hundred miles of dog-friendly trails and twenty miles of the famous bike trail, Towpath Trail. This park offers rolling hills, waterfalls and wetlands to enjoy. Cuyahoga Valley National Park can get very hot and humid in summer, so be sure you have plenty of water for both you and your pup. Always keep your dog on the trails and check them for ticks. Pets are not allowed in any park building, except service dogs, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train, and the East Rim Mountain bike trails. It should be noted that Cuyahoga does not allow any camping inside the park but there is plenty of dog-friendly lodging and camping nearby.

Amazing Dog Friendly Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Ledges Trail and Towpath Trail.

Grand Canyon National Park- Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited National Park in America which isn’t surprising with the amazing landscapes and breathtaking views. Although you won’t be heading down into the canyon rim with your dog, the park still has found ways to allow you to take in its beauty while keeping your dog with you. Beware that it gets incredibly crowded here, so if your pup doesn’t like a crowd, maybe don’t bring them here. Dogs are allowed on trails above the South Rim, giving you 14 miles of scenery to enjoy, and they are also allowed in developed areas. At the North Rim, you can use the Bridle Trail which is a 3.2-mile quiet walk through the woods with a few canyon views at the beginning of the trail. Dogs are allowed at Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village. The Yavapai Lodge is the only lodge that is pet-friendly inside the park

Great Dog Friendly Activities in Grand Canyon National Park: South Rim Trail and Bridal Trail on North Rim.

Great Sand Dunes National Park -Colorado

The many miles of sand dunes make this an amazing place to visit with your pet. But there is so much more here including wetlands, mountains and forests.  Experience many of the dog-friendly trails on the sand dunes, play in Medano Creek and stay a night at Piñon Flats Campground. Keep in mind that the sand dunes can great really hot so it’s best to explore them early in the morning or evening with your dog to protect their feet. Dogs can explore the preserve, Dunes Overlook Trail, and Medano Pass with you as long as they stay on leash. Make sure to avoid the visitor center and bathrooms, paths off the Dunes Overlook Trail, Sand Ramp Trail, and areas of the backcountry.

Best Dog Friendly Activities in Great Sand National Park: Play in Medano Creek, Hike in the Sand Dunes

Great Smokey Mountains National Park- North Carolina/Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, offers enchanting trails for both dogs and their humans. Pets are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, however they’re welcome on the Oconaluftee River Trail and the Gatlinburg Trail. These paths offer gentle walks with picturesque views, perfect for leisurely exploration. Please be aware that the Great Smokey Mountains are home to black bears.

Pet Friendly Activities at Great Smokey Mountain National Park: Hike Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg trail. Take a ride and explore Cades Cove.

Hot Springs National Park -Arkansas

Visit the Nation’s oldest park with over 26 miles of trails, all dog-friendly. Hot Springs National Park features 37 thermal springs and combines nature with trails running through the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. A big bonus is that visiting Hot Springs National Park is completely free. Pets are not allowed in the buildings but are allowed in the Superior Bathhouse Restaurant and Brewery.  To get a full experience stay a few days at Gulpha Gorge Campground which connects to many of the park trails, pets are welcome but must remain on a leash.

Epic Dog Friendly Activities in Hot Springs National Park: Hike Goat Rock Trail and West Mountain Trail.

Indiana Dunes National Park- Indiana

This dog-friendly National Park has 15 miles of beach to splash around in and 50 miles of trails to hike. Dogs are allowed on most of the trails. Pets are allowed year-round on all beaches with the following exception: They’re not allowed in the lifeguarded swimming area at West Beach from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day Weekend.  Dogs must always remain on a leash on the beach. Check out one of the more popular trails, Cowles Bog Trail, which offers 4 miles of trails with a stunning view of Lake Michigan and a beach to run on. For a trail that will get you straight to the beach, head to West Beach, Dune Succession Trail, a 1-mile trail that will get some of your dog’s energy out before enjoying the water. Dogs are not allowed on the Pinhook Bog Trail or the equestrian portion of the Glenwood Dunes Trail system.

Exciting Dog Friendly Fun in Indiana Dunes National Park: Cowles Bog Trail and Dune Succession Trail

Mammoth Cave National Park -Kentucky

Another great option for you and your pup is Mammoth Cave National Park. Known for the longest underground cave in the world, Mammoth Cave has plenty more to see for any visitors that want to bring their dogs along with them. The park has 80 miles of trail for you and your dog to explore that will give you views of the Green River, waterfalls, and lakes.  Pets must always be on leash. Dogs are not allowed inside the caves but they do have outdoor hourly kennels available if you want to go on a tour by yourself. Dogs are allowed at campgrounds and at the Woodland Cottages. Be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your pup.

Incredible Dog Friendly Activities in Mammoth Cave National Park: Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk

New River Gorge National Park – West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park, located in the heart of West Virginia, is a rugged Appalachian Park filled with towering cliffs, dense forests, and the mighty New River winding its way through the gorge. Known for its world-class whitewater rafting and iconic New River Gorge Bridge, this park is perfect for adventure-packed activities. It’s also an awesome National Park to take your dog, with tons of dog-friendly trails to explore! Dogs are allowed on all trails. Dogs are not allowed on the park’s river rafting trips or inside buildings.

Wonderful Trails in New River Gorge National Park: Low Point Trail and Kaymoor Miners Trail are beautiful. Take the 83-miles scenic drive through the park.

Olympic National Park -Oregon

The wonderland of Olympic National Park includes several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Pets are allowed on 6 trails in Olympic National Park, two of which lead to beaches. They are also welcome at drive in campgrounds and picnic areas as well as paved or dirt roads. They aren’t allowed in public buildings, on interpretive walks, or in the wilderness. As in all National Parks, pets must be leashed at all times.

Awesome Dog Friendly Adventures in Olympic National Park: Peabody Creek Trail and Rialto Beach.

Petrified Forest National Park- Arizona

 Petrified National Forest is known for its colorful landscape made up of over 200-million-year-old petrified trees. Take a scenic drive to explore the park before finding one of the many trails to hike or explore the backcountry with your dog. Dogs are allowed on all trails and the backcountry as long as they stay leashed. Beware that it can get very hot so be prepared by coming in early in warmer months and bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. Pets aren’t allowed in any buildings.

Fun Dog Friendly Hikes in Petrified Forest National Park: Tawa Trail, Painted Desert Rim Trail

Shenandoah National Park- Virginia

Another one of the most dog-friendly National Parks is Shenandoah National Park, a true gem in Virginia. You and your dog can explore all but 20 of the 500 miles of trails at Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy the Skyline Drive which runs along the Blue Ridge mountains giving you expansive views of the park all while behind the wheel. After that pick from the miles upon miles of gorgeous scenery to start exploring. Dogs are allowed at all campgrounds and there is dog-friendly lodging available as well. Make sure to keep your dog on a 6 foot or shorter leash and pick up pet waste.

Amazing Dog Friendly Activities in Acadia National Park: Jones Run Falls, Lewis Falls Trail

White Sands National Park – New Mexico

 White Sands National Park is sure to be a favorite for you and your dog since they are allowed to explore all of the park with you! Bring a sled and act like a kid again as you and your pup slide down one of their many dunes. Stay for sunset and enjoy the views of the colors bouncing off the sand. A cool fact about the park is that although the area can get extremely hot, the sand is made of gypsum and is cool to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about burning your dog’s paws. New Mexico can get extremely hot so be sure to bring plenty of water. Dogs are not permitted in any buildings and must be kept leashed.

Epic Dog Friendly Activities in Acadia National Park: Play on the Sand Dunes

Yosemite National Park- California

Yosemite National Park may not be the most dog-friendly National Park, but it still deserves mention for having dog-friendly trails available. Explore Glacier point, the Mirror Lake Loop, and take a quick stroll to Bridalveil Fall, and explore the Wawona Meadow Loop. These are just a few of the trails that dogs are allowed on at Yosemite National Park. Dogs can explore any of the paved roads, developed areas, and in all campsites other than group or walk-in campsites. Dogs are not allowed on trails (unpaved) or buildings. Make sure and keep your dog on 6 foot or shorter leash.

Down the road a bit from the park are the dog-friendly towns of Groveland and Mariposa, offering pet-friendly accommodations and dining options along with hikes such as the Hetch Hetchy, Hite Cove Trail, and Tuolumne Grove. These are great places to spend the night and relax from your trip to Yosemite National Park.

Fun Dog Friendly Hikes in Yosemite National Park: Mirror Lake Loop and Bridalveil Falls.

Come Prepared: Pet Hiking & Camping Essentials

When preparing for your trip, it can be easy to forget your pet’s needs. Here are some basics you’ll need to pack so that they enjoy their adventure:

Leash and harness- The leash should be no longer than 6 ft. Be sure you can control your pet at all times.

Collapsible water bowl or pourable water bottle & extra water- This pourable water bottle takes up little space in your backpack.

Dog food & treats- When you get hungry, your pet probably is too.

Waste bags- Don’t forget to pick up after your pet. This poop bag holder attaches to the leash and is easy to clean.

First-aid kit- Be sure to include paw balm to protect your dog’s feet and tweezers for ticks. I don’t know about your dog, but mine hate the booties, so I use this paw balm to help protect and moisturize their paw. It’s also good for their nose, especially if you’re going to be out in the sun a lot.

Towel or blanket for rest stops- This helps a lot when you’re going to play in the water with your pup.

Updated tags and vaccination records- Always keep your info updated so if your pet does get loose, you will be alerted quickly when the pup is found.

Final Thoughts

Exploring America’s national and state parks with your dog is one of the most joyful ways to travel, but preparation is key. Always check the park’s website for up-to-date pet rules, trail closures, and weather conditions before you go.

With the right planning, these dog-friendly national parks offer unforgettable memories, incredible scenery, and countless photo ops of your pup living their best adventure life. We love providing you with information and tips we learn along the way to make planning your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.