Dogs in Badlands National Park: Where Bison, Badlands, and Good Boys Collide

Worried that bringing your dogs in Badlands National Park will make you miss out on the best experiences the park has to offer? It’s a important question and one worth answering before you hit the road. Should you bring your four-legged friends along, leave them behind, or skip this park altogether?

Since Badlands is one of the top destinations people visit when traveling to South Dakota, it’s a valid concern for pet-loving travelers. The good news is that the park is set up in a way that lets you take it all in, even when your pup can’t join you out on the trails.

I’ve visited twice, once with our dogs and once without, and I can honestly say the only real difference was a few hikes. This guide covers everything you need to know before bringing your pups along.

Is Badlands National Park Dog Friendly?

Yes Badlands NP is pet-friendly but there are enough restrictions that it’s worth knowing the rules before you go.

Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails, in back country areas, or inside any buildings. While in the park, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, can’t be left unattended, and aren’t allowed to harass wildlife.

If that leaves you wondering what you and your pup actually can do, here’s the short answer: plenty. Dogs are welcome at campgrounds, picnic areas, and anywhere you can drive or park. 

That means they can join you for the scenic drives and explore the parking areas along the way. For the best dog-friendly walking opportunities take advantage of gravel back roads like Old Northeast Road just north of Cedar Pass. 

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What to Expect When You Travel with Dogs in Badlands NP

Badlands National Park is made up of two separate units: North and South, each with its own visitor center. As long as you have plenty of water and a second person to take turns with, you’ll be able to enjoy almost everything the park has to offer. And even if it’s just you and your furry sidekick, the views along the scenic drives are absolutely worth the trip.

Where to Stay When Visiting Badlands National Park?

If you want to stay inside the park, you have a few options. Cedar Pass Lodge offers cabin rentals for those who prefer a solid roof over their heads. And Cedar Pass Campground is a paid campground for RVs and tent campers complete with flush toilets, drinking water, and ranger programs.

For those who don’t mind roughing it, Sage Creek Campground is free and first-come, first-served. This is where I had set up camp during my first visit. If you plan to camp here, try to arrive by noon at the latest to secure a spot. It’s a primitive campground, so there’s no running water, though pit toilets are available.

If you’re camping with a dog, be prepared for plenty of wildlife encounters. Bison are common in the area, frequently wandering through the campground and using the camp posts as scratching posts. There’s also a large prairie dog colony in the middle of the campground.

Visiting with Dogs in Badlands National Park

Badlands is one of the few not-fully-dog-friendly national parks where I was still able to do almost everything I wanted to with my pups in tow. In fact, with a second person along, you can pretty much see the entire park in one full day. In order to fit in all the hikes you’ll need to plan for a second day and arrange for your pets to stay behind at your cabin or short-term rental.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

Badlands South Unit with Your Dog

The South Unit is a good distance from the more popular North Unit. There is a scenic drive through this part of the park that your pup can enjoy, but be warned that the roads are rough, and some require four-wheel drive.

Camping and Hiking in the Badlands South Unit

There are no campgrounds or official hiking trails in the South Unit however back country camping is allowed. The biggest draw here is Sheep Mountain Table unfortunately without a capable vehicle (my little Honda Fit didn’t make the cut), you’ll need to hike up to take in the view. The good news is that since Sheep Mountain Table is classified as a scenic drive pets are welcome.

Badlands North Unit with Your Dog

The North Unit is by far the more popular of the two units. It’s home to two scenic drives, two campgrounds, a lodge, a visitor center, and numerous hiking trails.

Families with children will find several Ranger Programs designed to make the trip more fun and educational. You can find more information about them online or at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

North Unit Visitor Center

Even though the Ben Reifel Visitor Center isn’t pet-friendly, it’s still worth a stop. Ideally you’ll be with a travel companion so you can take turns going inside if you have pets with. Inside you’ll find a film and exhibits about the park’s wildlife, history, fossils, a Fossil Preparation Lab, and rangers available to answer questions. You’ll also want to get your National Park and Pup Memory Passport stamped in the gift shop.

If fossilized bones and wood are your thing, check out our guide to Black Hills South Dakota Attractions for a few other nearby spots you might enjoy.

Scenic Drives in Badlands NP North Unit

The Badlands Loop Road and Sage Creek Rim Road are the two scenic drives in the North Unit. Since dogs aren’t allowed on the hiking trails, these drives are the best way to experience the park with your pup. Both offer amazing opportunities to take in the landscape and spot wildlife along the way.

Make use of the pull-offs to safely soak in the views, drive slowly through the park, and keep a close eye out for animals on or near the road.

Hiking in Badlands NP North Unit

All 8 official hiking trails in the Badlands are off-limits to pets, but many offer incredible views that are well worth the extra effort; especially if you’re traveling with a companion who can take turns staying with your pup. At least half of the trails are short enough that you won’t be leaving your dog waiting long.

The parking lot closest to the visitor center gives you access to four popular trails: Notch, Window, Door, and Castle.

Notch Trail (1.5 miles) is a fantastic introduction to the park’s dramatic scenery. A rope ladder and a few spots where you’ll need to wait your turn mean it takes longer than the distance suggests but it’s absolutely worth it.

Window Trail (0.25 miles) offers a beautiful view just steps from the parking lot. It’s quick, easy, and perfect if you have people and pets waiting in the car.

Door Trail (0.75 miles) leads you to a natural “doorway” into the Badlands with stunning scenery along the way. It moves quickly enough that you won’t feel guilty leaving your pup behind, and you don’t even need to go the full distance to get great photos.

Castle Trail (10 miles out and back) connects to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Save this one for a pet-free day.

And for the remaining trails in the park:

Saddle Pass Trail (0.25 miles) is short but steep, and the view from the top makes the workout worthwhile. Don’t have your travel companions wait on this one; it’s quick in distance but not in time.

Fossil Exhibit Trail (0.25 miles) features signs about the types of fossils found in the area. It moves fast even if you stop to read everything meaning its a good candidate for a quick solo detour.

Cliff Shelf Trail (0.5 miles) winds through a juniper forest and involves stairs. How long it takes depends on your pace, but I found it a bit too long to feel comfortable leaving someone waiting which is why I saved it for our dog-free day.

Medicine Root Loop (4 miles) takes you through open prairie. Another one best saved for when your pets aren’t along for the trip.

Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park may not be the most pet-friendly park out there, but your dog is welcome enough that you can still have a great visit. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your trip:

• Bring a Second Human. If you want to do any of the short hikes, pop into the visitor center, and enjoy the overlooks on the scenic drives, having another person to take turns with is crucial. Someone needs to stay with the fur kids while the other explores!
• Keep Everyone Hydrated. South Dakota gets hot and humid in the summer. Give your dog frequent water breaks to keep them from overheating.
• Use Window Shades. If your car windows aren’t tinted, window shades can make a big difference in keeping your pets comfortable. Your A/C alone isn’t always enough to combat the sun beating down on furry passengers in the back seat.
• Respect the Wildlife and Treat for Fleas and Ticks. You might cross paths with bighorn sheep, bison, snakes, porcupines, and prairie dogs along the way. Keep a close eye out so you and your pup can avoid any unwanted encounters. Even the adorable little prairie dogs have sharp teeth and can transmit diseases through direct contact or flea bites.
• Know Your Dog. If your dog likes to bark at other animals, take extra precautions around wildlife, especially if they are around their young or it’s breeding season. A bark can be taken as a threat and you don’t want your pup to be the reason someone ends up in the hospital or vet clinic.

Nearby Attractions to Badlands National Park

Looking for more dog-friendly stops in the area? Here are a few worth adding to your itinerary:

• Wall Drug
• Custer State Park for more hiking
• Downtown Rapid City for shopping 

And be sure to check out our guide for taking your dog to South Dakota National Parks for even more ideas!

Adventure Awaits You and Your Pup in Badlands National Park: 

So, is it worth bringing your dogs to Badlands National Park? Absolutely! As someone who has visited both with and without my pups, the biggest difference in my experience was a little extra time keeping my dogs company in the car while my husband tackled the shorter hikes.

Yes, there are limitations since pets aren’t allowed on the hiking trails, so you’ll need to plan ahead for the longer ones. But what you gain in return is pretty great: a chance to share the unique and amazing scenery and incredible wildlife with your favorite canine travel companion.

And honestly? Your dog deserves a Badlands NP stamp in their passport too. So go ahead and grab that leash and bring your pup because this park is worth it for both of you.

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