Planning a trip to a national park with your pup? 

The wild is even wilder — and better — with your dog along for the ride. There’s something about sharing a sunrise over the mountains or the stillness of a forest trail with your best friend that makes nature feel even more alive. 

Dogs don’t just join the adventure — they amplify it, reminding us to live in the moment, savor the smells, and celebrate every new sight with unfiltered joy.

That said, many national parks aren’t as welcoming to four-legged explorers as you might hope. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead if you want your pup by your side on the trail.

My family and I have been full-time RVers for years. Along the way, we’ve trekked, trotted and traveled with fur-friends in tow, so we know a thing or two about animal companions.  

In this guide, I’ll show you the best national parks to visit with your dog, plus my top tips for making the journey safe, fun, and unforgettable. Let’s hit the road!

What Makes a National Park Dog-Friendly?

Wondering what qualifies a national park as dog-friendly? The first and most important piece is that park rules allow dogs in the main park areas.

Certain popular parks, like Glacier, don’t allow dogs on trails and otherwise restrict access for fur-friends, making them less dog-friendly than others. 

Here’s what dog-friendly national parks generally offer:

• Fur-friends allowed on walking paths
• Pet-friendly camping
• Scenic drives (because you can always have your dog in the car with you)
• Dog-friendly ranger programs
• Pet access to hiking trails
• Off-leash areas
• Pet boarding options

Top 10 Dog-Friendly National Parks in the U.S.

We compiled this list based on a combination of research and our own travels. We chose these parks based on things like dog-friendly hiking trails, BARK ranger programs and user reviews.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Easily one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the country, Acadia National Park is a favorite park of mine. It’s especially amazing because dogs are allowed on over 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads throughout the park. 

There are also plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds in the park, so finding a place to stay isn’t a problem!

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Another great spot to take your pet is Shenandoah National Park. This dog-friendly national park is home to 500 miles of trails, and most of them allow pets. 

Our family loved this park because there were so many easy day hikes and overlooks—something your pup is sure to appreciate as well.

3. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona

While dogs are not allowed everywhere in Grand Canyon National Park, they are welcome on the paved trails on the south rim, meaning you can see a good chunk of the park with your pup. 

If you want to wander beyond these paved trails, you can always drop Fido (or Freya) off at the in-park pet hotel.

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains are absolutely stunning, especially when the fog settles over them. Luckily, you can share this beauty with your dog because pups are allowed within park campgrounds and at picnic areas.

You can also take pets hiking with you on the Oconaluftee and Gatlinburg trails.

5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

While dogs are not allowed in undeveloped areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, many other areas within the park allow dogs. Most parking areas are open to pups, as well as Nāmakanipaio Campground. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of hiking opportunities for dogs in the park. Still, the park is gorgeous, unique, and well worth exploring with your furry friend.

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the few parks that allows dogs to accompany their owners on nearly every trail. This is amazing because it means you can explore without many restrictions as long as you have a leash. 

Towpath Trail is a favorite of ours, so make sure to check it out!

7. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Okay, so this one isn’t technically a national park, but it’s a park managed by the National Park Service, so I think it’s close enough. 

I love this one for dogs because leashed pets are allowed on many of the beaches during the off-season. This is a nice treat considering how much most dogs love the water.

8. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Unlike most national parks, this park allows dogs throughout the grounds, as long as they are leashed. 

You can also get a Bark Ranger badge here, so make sure to do that!

9. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Another park perfect for dog lovers, White Sands National Park allows pups to explore all trails and sand dunes within the park. This is incredible because it means your dog can wander wherever you go. Some people even take their dogs sledding here! 

Be sure to protect your dog’s paws from hot sand by choosing a cooler time of year and/or putting booties on their feet.

10. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Lastly, I must mention North Cascades National Park. This park stands out in my memory because of the stunning contrast between the bright blue water and the lush greenery. Fortunately, you can share this beauty with your dog by taking them on the Pacific Crest Trail. 

As a bonus, the national forests surrounding the park feature more dog-friendly hiking trails.

Tips for Visiting National Parks With Your Dog

Once you’ve found the perfect dog-friendly national park, it’s time to start planning. For the most part, planning an RV trip with a dog is just like planning any other RV trip. That said, there are a few extra things you’ll want to do.

Keep Your Pup Hydrated

We all know how important it is for us humans to stay well hydrated while wandering the trails. Don’t forget that your dog needs to stay hydrated too! Carry a collapsible bowl and a sufficient amount of water specifically for your pup, so you can hike together safely. 

Clean Up After Your Dog

If you’ve ever visited a national park before, you’ve almost certainly heard of the “leave no trace” policy, which requires that visitors clean up after themselves and leave nature alone. This same set of rules applies to dogs. Make sure you clean up after your dog so the trail is clean and ready for the next set of hikers.

Avoid Heat

Some national parks experience extremely high temperatures during specific times of day and certain seasons of the year. If you’re visiting a park with especially warm weather, it’s best to avoid visiting in the middle of summer. 

If that’s unavoidable, making a point of staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day is the way to go. This will ensure your pup doesn’t overheat and that their paws aren’t burned by hot pavement or sand. 

Watch for Advisories

National parks will put out advisories about weather-related events and wildlife sightings. Pay attention to these factors and try to avoid areas with potentially aggressive wildlife, as well as locations that may be hazardous due to weather, flooding, or fire. This will ensure that you, your dog, and the wild animals remain safe. 

Use a Pet GPS

In most cases, your dog will likely be leashed while exploring the national parks—but what if they are too quick and hop out when you open the car door, or they manage to wiggle out of their collar? 

Because these things happen and because national parks are enormous, it’s a good idea to use a pet GPS or an AirTag (or equivalent tracking gizmo) to ensure you can find your pup wherever they may roam. 

Invest in Roadside Assistance

Keep you and your pup safe while traveling to and from national parks with a good RV roadside assistance plan. We love our RV roadside assistance because it allows us peace of mind while traveling. We appreciate knowing that a helping hand is never too far away, even when we travel to remote areas.

National Parks With the Most Dog Restrictions

I talked about the national parks that are the most welcoming to dogs, but what about national parks with the most dog restrictions? Below, I’ve listed some of the parks that seem to be the least dog-friendly. While I absolutely adore every single park on the list below, I wouldn’t recommend visiting them with Fido (or Freya):

• Yellowstone — Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
  
• Yosemite — Pets are not allowed on unpaved trails, in wilderness areas, or inside public buildings.
  
• Zion — Pets are not permitted on most trails, in wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings.
  
• Arches — Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails, at any overlooks, or in the visitor center or any buildings.
  
• Glacier — Pets are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or in any building. 

Alternative Dog-Friendly Public Lands

Can’t find a dog-friendly national park that you want to visit? There are other options! 

National Forests vs. National Parks

First, look into national forests. While the National Park Service manages national parks, national forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, resulting in distinct sets of rules. 

Dogs are allowed in most national forests. They must be leashed in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails, but can usually be off-leash in other areas. Always double-check with the local forest service for specific dog rules. 

As a bonus, many national parks are right next to national forests. This means that even if you choose to visit a national park that is not so dog-friendly, there might be a forest nearby where your pup can get out and run around!

BLM Lands and State Parks

Other options for exploring the great outdoors with dogs include state parks and areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

Depending on the state, many state parks permit leashed pets on all trails; however, rules vary from park to park. 

Dogs are permitted on most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trails. Please note that leash policies vary from one BLM trail to the next, so you’ll need to check each individually. 

Use Filtering Tools

If you’re still unsure where to take your dog on an RV adventure, consider using some tools. Apps like Bring Fido and AllTrails are excellent for finding dog-friendly spots nationwide. I find that the filtering tools these apps offer make searching for the perfect place a cinch!

FAQs: Dog-Friendly National Parks

Have even more questions about dog-friendly national parks? We’re here to help with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Can you bring dogs to national parks in the U.S.?

Yes! That said, many national parks have strict rules. Do your research to gain a thorough understanding of what your pup will be allowed to do once you arrive. 

What national park is the most dog-friendly?

This is a challenging question to answer, as different people will likely have varying opinions. That being said, Acadia National Park is often regarded as the most dog-friendly national park. This is because the park offers over 100 miles of pet-accessible trails.

Are there any national parks where dogs can be off-leash?

Most national parks require dogs to be on a six-foot leash. This is for the safety of you, your pet, other visitors, and the local wildlife. If your pet needs some off-leash time, I recommend heading to the surrounding national forests or BLM lands.

Which national parks don’t allow dogs?

All national parks permit dogs to some extent. That said, many have restrictions that make enjoying the park with your pup a challenge. As mentioned above, some of the least dog-friendly national parks include Zion, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, where dogs are not allowed to hike at all. 

Are service dogs allowed in all national parks?

Service animals protected under the ADA are permitted in all areas of national parks, including those closed to pets. That said, we only recommend taking your animal to these areas if necessary, as no-pet rules are usually in place for safety reasons. 

Closing thoughts

There you have it, the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the U.S.. Whether you’re climbing the glistening white dunes of White Sands or enjoying the incredible ocean views at Acadia, you’re sure to love taking it all in with your pup. Make sure you pack everything you need, and always explore responsibly!

 

 

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