Visit the Best Dog Friendly National Parks Near You and Unleash New Adventures!
Did you know that there are 63 national parks in the U.S.A.? National Parks are becoming increasingly popular vacation spots with over 325 million visitors in 2023.
If you prefer to travel with a furry companion, it’s important to know which ones are truly dog friendly national parks. You might be surprised to learn that many of these places either don’t allow pups at all, or there are so many restrictions that it’s barely worth bringing your four-legged friend along.
Good news! You don’t have to waste your time pouring over the rules and regulations of each individual park to find out which ones to visit. I put together a list of national parks that you and your dog will be able to fully enjoy.
What Does it take for a National Park to be Dog-Friendly?
If you are considering planning a trip with your pup, you probably have noticed that the term’ dog-friendly’ has a range of meanings. Worst-case scenario: it means your dog is technically allowed on the property but barely tolerated.
On the other hand, it could mean that your pets are valued guests with treats and activities specifically for the four-legged family members. Either way, checking each attraction’s pet policy before you arrive is important so you know what to expect.
In this post, for a national park to make the list, dogs must be allowed outside of your car in enough areas of the park so that you can fully appreciate and enjoy it. This means that parks like the Great Smoky Mountains where your pup is only allowed on two of the trails won’t make the cut.
Dog Friendly National Parks
Here is the list of the best national parks in the United States to take your dog to. I separated these parks into 2 categories: “Best Dog-friendly” and “Decently Dog Friendly”.
The best dog-friendly parks have very few restrictions on where your pets are allowed to go. The decently dog-friendly parks have multiple restrictions on where your pup can go but they are welcome in enough spots that you won’t miss out on too much of the park.
The Best Dog Friendly National Parks
- Congaree National Park in South Carolina
- Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska
- Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
- Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas
- Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana
- New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia
- Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
- Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
- Virgin Islands National Park in the Virgin Islands (on trails but not beaches)
- White Sands National Park in New Mexico
- Wrangell- St Elias National Park in Alaska
Decently Dog Friendly National Parks
- Biscayne National Park in Florida (one of the two islands)
- Crater Lake National Park in Oregon (5 trails, paved roads, and campgrounds)
- Death Valley National Park in California (not on hiking trails but they give walking path recommendations on their website.
- Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida- must hire a private ferry and they are only allowed on Garden Key
- Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona (above the rim)
- Olympic National Park in Washington (6 trails and campgrounds)
- Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado (on select paved trails)
- Saguaro National Park in Arizona (7 trails)
General Rules for Taking Your Dog to a National Park
Even the most welcoming of parks have a pet policy! Before you get excited and pack your pup for your upcoming NP adventure, here are a few general rules you should be prepared to follow:
- Pets aren’t allowed in most of the buildings in the parks. This includes the visitor centers.
- Leave no trace; it applies to your dog too! This means you need to bag your pup’s poop and carry it out on your hike to dispose of in a trash can.
- Leash laws apply. Your canine companion needs to remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. Leashed dogs also need a human on the other end of that leash. The exception would be if they are in a dog backpack carrier or stroller.
- Respect wildlife. It is your job to keep your pup from harassing other animals. This is for your pet’s safety as well as the safety of the local wildlife.
- Don’t take your pet into restricted areas, they are restricted for a reason. This is usually to keep fragile ecosystems and vulnerable animals safe.
Following the rules whether you are visiting a national or a state park is super important. This is the only way these places will allow our furry friends to continue to be able to travel with us.
Tips for Taking Your Dog to a National Park
Now that you have found a great pet-friendly national park to visit, here are some tips to help you and your furry friend enjoy your trip:
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, and poop bags
- Bring an emergency harness or dog backpack carrier in case you need to carry your pup because they are tired or injured.
- Always check the difficulty level on the hiking trails you plan to do. You want to make sure you and your doggy enjoy your trip!
- Take a picture of the trail map before you set off on your hike. That way you have easy access to it, so you don’t get lost.
- Double-check the park’s pet policy before you arrive. If you have any questions, ask a park ranger.
- Check if the park you are visiting has a B.A.R.K. Ranger program. This is a fun program that teaches how to be a responsible visitor with your pup. Depending on the program, you could get a special dog tag, bandana, or certificate. Some park rangers will even do a short ceremony to swear in your dog as an official Bark Ranger!
- Bring a small dog travel journal to record your doggie’s adventures! All national parks have a fun stamp to put in their official National Park Passports. You can use the stamp in a travel scrapbook for your pup like Remington’s Pup Memory Passport!
- If you run out of dog-friendly hiking trails in the national park you are visiting, don’t worry. There is often a national forest, state park, or state forest nearby with additional trails you and your pup can do.
Unleash the Adventure: Your Journey to Pawsome National Park Experiences
Now you have a list of incredible national parks that are ready to roll out the welcome mat for your furry best friend. Exploring these dog friendly national parks isn’t just about hiking new trails and checking another park off your list. It’s about creating lasting memories with your canine companion.
Even though all of the parks in this guide are incredibly pup-friendly, we all need to be responsible pet owners. Remember to do your research, follow each park’s rules, leave no trace, and respect the wildlife and other visitors. This way we can keep these parks dog-friendly for future visits.
So, are you ready to get out there and enjoy some bark-tastic adventures? Think of all the tail wags your dog will have on your upcoming trips!
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