Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit With Your Pup

RV Life

One of the best things about RVing is the fact that you can take your dog along. Getting outdoors and exploring the world with your pup is a ton of fun. We especially love seeking out dog-friendly national parks for outdoor fun and hiking.

While most national parks allow dogs in a few areas, not all national parks allow dogs to go hiking with their human friends. That’s why it’s best to do a bit of research before you head to a national park with your dog.

Below, we’ve listed the most dog friendly national parks in the US to get you started on your national parks adventures with your pup.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park is an excellent pick when it comes to finding national parks that allow dogs. This is because all of the park’s 70+ miles of surface-level trails are open to pets. That means the two of you can do hours of hiking.

Like all national parks, this park does not allow pets in the visitor center or other buildings. Dogs also are not allowed to go on cave tours. Obviously, you can’t just leave Fido in your car to wait while you experience these things. Fortunately, there is a kennel at the nearby Mammoth Cave Lodge where you can leave your furry friend to explore the indoor areas and the cave itself.

Find campgrounds near Mammoth Cave National Park!

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

We love visiting Indiana Dunes National Park with water-loving pups. Why? Because of the awesome lake access, of course! Dogs are allowed to play in the water at any of the in-park Lake Superior beaches in the fall, winter, and spring.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the options are more limited. But you should still be able to find a dog-friendly beach in the park.

Aside from swimming, dogs who visit Indiana Dunes are also welcome to enjoy hiking. Every trail in the park allows dogs except three. These include Great Marsh Trail, Glenwood Dunes Trail, and Pinhook Bog Trail.

Find campgrounds near Indiana Dunes National Park!

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Most people don’t think about spending time outdoors while in Hot Springs National Park. Therefore, it isn’t usually the first park that comes to mind when looking for a place to take your dog. Oddly though, this is one of the most dog friendly national parks in the country.

Naturally, dogs are not allowed in the historic bathhouses or the visitor center at Hot Springs National Park. That said, they are allowed to stay at the in-park campground, walk Bathhouse Row, or hike any of the trails.

Find campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Looking for even more excellent trails to hike with your doggo? Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.

This popular national park plays host to 110 miles of dog-friendly trails. This includes 20 miles of the ever-popular, historic multi-use Towpath Trail, so you can experience this iconic piece of the park with your pup.

It is important to note that dogs are not allowed in the East Rim mountain bike area. Additionally, pets cannot ride the in-park scenic railroad or explore the many park buildings, so you might want to bring a pet-sitter along or find a kennel in town if you want to experience these things.

Find campgrounds near Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

Dog in White Sands (one of the dog friendly national parks)

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Have a dune that loves to play in the sand? You are not alone, and you and all those other folks with dogs that love the sand should definitely head to White Sands National Park.

This park welcomes dogs with open arms. They are happy to see dogs trotting along all 9 miles of in-park trails, and even more excited to watch pups play in the incredibly soft white sand dunes that the park is known for. Obviously, the visitor center is off-limits to dogs, but otherwise, you and Fido are free to roam wherever you please.

Find campgrounds near White Sands National Park!

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park is also happy to host you and your pup. This brand new national park is absolutely stunning. It features the spectacular New River Gorge Bridge and offers exciting outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, white river rafting, and of course, hiking with dogs.

Yep, dogs are welcome on any of the park’s many miles of trails, meaning you and your hiking buddy can explore to your heart’s content. Check out the amazing Endless Wall Trail or take in the Views at Grandview Rim Trail. No matter which trail you choose, it’s sure to be made even better by the company of your dog.

Find campgrounds near New River Gorge National Park!

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Looking for a place for you and Fido to stop and stretch your legs while driving through Arizona on I-40 or Route 66? Petrified Forest National Park is the place for you!

This incredible park features some beautiful pieces of petrified wood and some lovely views, and is a ton of fun to walk through. Dog owners will appreciate the fact that all in-park trails and roads are open to dogs, and pups are also welcome to explore official wilderness areas for an added adventure.

Find campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park!

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

An absolutely gorgeous spot to enjoy a scenic drive or go on a hike with views, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for people and dogs alike.

Here, there are nearly 500 miles of trails that welcome dogs, and only 20 miles of trails that prohibit them. If the aforementioned scenic drive sounds more appealing to you, you’ll be happy to learn that pups are allowed in all pull-offs along Skyline Drive. On top of all that, pets are welcome to camp with their people in any of the in-park campgrounds in Shenandoah.

Find campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park!

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

A bucket list destination, Grand Canyon National Park is one you won’t want to miss, and Fido shouldn’t have to miss it either. The good news? He won’t have to, because Grand Canyon is one of the most dog friendly national parks out there!

At this park, dogs are allowed on all of the South Rim trails that stay above the canyon rim. On the North Rim, pets are only allowed on the bridle trail (greenway) and a portion of the Arizona Trail. Your pup is also welcome to stay with you in most in-park campgrounds.

Please note, dogs are not allowed in park buildings (of course), on park shuttles, or below the canyon’s rim.

Find campgrounds near Grand Canyon National Park!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is another one of those must-see parks that everyone should see at least once in their life. In our opinion, dogs should also get the chance to see this incredible place, and with the park’s welcoming pet policies, this is totally possible.

There are 100 miles of pet-friendly trails winding their way throughout Acadia. Additionally, there are 45 miles of carriage roads that you and your dog are welcome to check out. To top it all off, dogs can camp in all in-park campgrounds (with the exception of Duck Harbors).

Just remember that dogs are not allowed on Sand Beach and cannot swim in the park.

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Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Looking for a park that will give your dog a good old-fashioned southern welcome? Congaree National Park will do just that.

At this park, canine pals are allowed on any of the trails, and walking one of the park’s boardwalk paths with your pet is 100% okay. Amazingly, well behaved dogs are also allowed on guided tours with Carolina Outdoor Adventures, meaning a guided adventure is not out of the question, and while the park does not offer RV camping, pets are allowed in the onsite walk-in tent sites.

Find campgrounds near Congaree National Park National Park!

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Last on our list of dog friendly national parks is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. This is another one of those parks that is just perfect for sand-loving pups.

Here, pets and their owners are welcome to hike together along the Mosca Pass Trail or Dunes Overlook Trail. Dogs are also invited to play in the enormous sand dunes all the way up to the first high ridge.

Find campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Things to Remember when Visiting National Parks With a Dog

Finding national parks that allow dogs is awesome for sure! Who wouldn’t want to explore these wonderful places with their beloved pet? That said, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when visiting a national park with a dog.

First, remember that your dog must always be kept on a leash six feet or shorter and should be kept far away from wildlife. Additionally, it’s good to note that dogs are never allowed in national parks buildings.

Keep in mind that pests may be more prevalent and take measures to protect your pet (such as flea and tick treatment, dog safe bug repellent, and heartworm treatment), and remember that pavement and sand can get very hot, so your dog may need dog shoes to protect their paws. Lastly, be sure you carry plenty of water for your pet, especially when the weather is hot.