Badlands, Bison, and Bow Wows: Navigating South Dakota National Parks With Your Dog
Did you know that the Black Hills region contains one of the more dog-friendly corners of the National Park system? Though most of the South Dakota national parks will welcome your four-legged travel companions, “pet-friendly” may not always mean what you think it should.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site with your dog.
From basic national park pet rules and safety tips to exactly where your furry friends are allowed (and not allowed) in each park, I’ll help you set realistic expectations. That way you can plan a stress-free, dog-friendly adventure while visiting these epic historical sites. Because with a little planning, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy these iconic places without leaving your furry family members at home.
National Park Pet Rules and Safety Tips
When traveling with your dog, it’s important to be a responsible pet parent and follow the B.A.R.K. ranger rules:
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet- 6 foot leashes for all National Parks!
- Respect wildlife- stay back and don’t let your pet harass or chase them
- Know where you can go
Your pup can get sworn in at several of South Dakota’s National Parks like Mt. Rushmore or Wind Cave National Park- just check with a park ranger to see what you need to do.
Check the weather forecasts and keep an eye on the skies before you set out for the day. South Dakota gets dangerously hot in the summer for both pets and people and strong storms move in quickly. Make sure you pack plenty of water and watch everyone in your pack closely for signs of heat exhaustion.
South Dakota’s Wildlife is no joke and is not to be messed with. From rattlesnakes and bison to even cute little prairie dogs (can you say bubonic plague?), they all pose a risk to our pets. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be honest with what your furry friends can handle.
Allowing your pets to get too close to wildlife or make them feel threatened because your pup is barking or lunging at them can create a dangerous situation. Especially if the wild animal feels like they need to protect themselves or their young. It can also result in heavy fines if a park ranger sees it so it might be better to alter your plans if you don’t think your canine companion can be on their best behavior.
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Create a tribute to all the places you’ve explored together and the experiences you’ve shared along the way.
With this unique travel journal, you’ll have a fun and easy way to:
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Is Mount Rushmore National Memorial Dog-friendly?
Mount Rushmore is a famous memorial where four former U.S. presidents; George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt have their faces carved into the side of a mountain.
The site itself does NOT charge an admission fee, but there is a PARKING fee if you drive there. Pets are allowed, but only in and around the parking garages and on the walkway and sidewalks up to the columns at the main entrance and on either side.
If you are traveling with a human buddy who can take turns sitting or walking with your pup, I’d plan for about 1-2 hours to see everything there is to see at Mount Rushmore like the visitor center and Sculptor’s Studio.
Is Badlands National Park Dog-friendly?
Badlands National Park is made up of 2 separate units: North and South. Each of these units have their own visitor center. There is a $30 entrance fee per normal sized passenger vehicle that is good for 7 days upon purchase.
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots and can also be taken for walks on the roads in this National Park. Remember that pets are NOT allowed on trails, or the backcountry or wilderness areas.
It is possible to drive the scenic loop with your four-legged friends so you can still see the sites without breaking the rules. Plenty of the North Unit’s trails are on the shorter side, so you can also easily take turns going on short hikes and staying with the pups in the comfort of your vehicle’s air conditioning.
Is Wind Cave National Park Dog-friendly?
Wind Cave National Park is famous for having a large amount of boxwork. Boxwork is made up of skinny blades of calcite that forms a honeycomb like pattern on the walls and ceilings of a cave. This park is also free to visit but you will have to pay in order to do one of the cave tours.
Wind Cave NP is pet friendly. They are allowed in the Elk Mountain campground, on the roads, the grassy area around the visitor center and on two pet-friendly hiking trails (Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trial). This means that if you’re trying to trade off with a friend or family member so you can do a tour or see the visitor center, whoever is with the dog will have a few options while they wait.
Here are the more strenuous hikes:
Keep in mind that there is a good chance you will run into wildlife on the trails so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings to keep everyone safe.
Is Jewel Cave National Monument Dog-friendly?
Jewel Cave National Park is famous for having the 3rd longest cave in the world. It’s free to visit this park but you will have to pay in order to go on one of their cave tours (which I highly recommend but make sure you book it in advance).
Jewel Cave NP is NOT considered pet friendly as they are only allowed in the parking lots, picnic areas, and roads. Which means they can’t go any of the three hiking trails in the park.
This makes it a bit difficult to trade off with someone to sit with any pets if you want to check out the visitor center or one of the four cave tours. The day we did Jewel Cave we left our pups back in our Airbnb and did the Scenic Cave Tour which gave a nice overview of the different formations you can find in Jewel cave.
Wildlife Cave Safety Announcement: White Nose Syndrome ; a fungal disease that has decimated bat populations across the world can easily spread to different caves on our clothes, shoes, and other items we travel with. If you are planning on going on tours in different caves during your vacation, avoid wearing the same clothes, jackets, bags, or shoes at each location and help keep bats safe.
Is Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Dog-friendly?
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site consists of three different locations; the visitor center, Delta-09 Missile Silo and Delta-01 Launch Control Facility and is meant to teach about the United States’ history with nuclear weapons and the Cold War. There is no fee to enter any of these sites.
This site is pet-friendly though it is restricted in where they can and can not go. At the Visitor Center, they have to remain outside the building at all times. And though the Delta-09 Missile Silo and Delta-01 Launch Control Facility sites are both outdoors, they each have areas where dogs aren’t allowed.
Nearby Dog Friendly Attractions:
If you are looking for more dog-friendly places to visit near the National Parks, here’s a short list of fun options:
Want a quick list of 25 places to visit in North and South Dakota? Click here!
Exploring South Dakota National Parks With Your Dog
Visiting South Dakota National Parks when you’re traveling with your pup will take some extra planning but believe me when I say it will make for some amazing memories. Even though pets aren’t allowed everywhere in the parks, as long as you understand the rules before you go, you can still have a fantastic vacation that works for you and your dog.
Get ready to see everything from sensational landscapes, majestic and adorable wildlife, and historical sites with your furry best friend. And when you’re done with the National Parks, the Black Hills region has plenty of other pet-friendly places for you to explore.
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South Dakota has a special place in my heart! I grew up in the Black Hills on the western side of the state. I have actually not visited the places you mentioned! Haha. Nice to see writers highlighting this special state.
I loved South Dakota! But I understand, I lived in Minnesota forever and never explored most of the places I read about now!!!
I drove through South Dakota this summer on my trip out west for my 30th birthday. I had visited the Badlands as a kid but wanted to see again as an adult. It’s SUCH a gorgeous state.
It is beautiful!!
its always a good reminder that some places are not pet friendly!
The dakotas are definately on my places to travel too some day being just south of me. s
And that pet friendly doesn’t mean pet-welcoming (like Mt Rushmore). You will love the Dakotas! So many amazing sights 🙂
Wow, that Petrified Wood Park looks incredible! What a unique attraction! It looks like a fascinating stop on the trip. Thanks for the great guide!
How cool is that petrified wood!? This looks like such an interesting part of your road trip to explore and great for taking photos of!
The petrified wood pieces were amazing!
This road trip looks so epic! I really want to visit the Dakotas. This is such a great article!
Thank you! The Dakotas are one of my favorite trip and very budget friendly!!
Why are baby animals so cute? Even a bison calf!
South Dakota has been on my bucket list for ages! The petrified wood sounds really cool!
These are all fun places. I remember going to each as a child. This is a great guide that will help a lot of dog parents as they prepare for their summer vacations. I know my Henry would love visiting each of these parks and seeing the prairie dogs and bison. Although we have a few bison here, nothing like those big herds. I’m sharing with my dog parents.
Thank you!
This sounds like a great place to take your dogs. Everywhere seems to have areas where you can safely walk and enjoy the outdoors. THIS if you are a dog over, is what matters. Know the rules, respect nature and Be A Dog!!!
Man, I wish I could visit these places!
Great information, thanks! It’s so important to find these things out before you plan itineraries. Sometimes it’s not worth bringing your dog when it’s super restrictive.
Exactly! A few spots we opted to leave the pups behind because it wouldn’t be worth bringing them. We could get the stop done faster so we could actually take them on hikes and things instead of just hanging out in a parking lot
Phenomenal post! I have always wanted to go explore out West! I actually have a piece of Black Hills gold jewelry from my Mom years ago. I love how these parks are dog-friendly, and you give so much useful and helpful information for visitors! So terrific! I’ve shared over on my FiveSibes FB page!
Thank you! I hope you get out there someday 🙂