Being out in nature is beneficial for both humans and dogs, and camping and going on hikes is an excellent way to spend the summer with your dog. Fortunately, you don’t need a passport to visit a wide variety of natural landscapes. The United States is home to numerous national parks with unique wildlife and biodiversity.
While many national parks don’t allow dogs, you can find several dog-friendly parks that allow dogs on some or most of their hiking trails. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most dog-friendly national parks that you can visit and explore with your dog.
West Coast
1. Yosemite National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm |
| Address: | 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | $35 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Reservations are required to drive into or through the park during peak months
- Leashes cannot exceed 6 feet long
- Dogs are allowed to walk on the Wawona Meadow Loop, fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths
Southwest
2. Petrified Forest National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm |
| Address: | 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ |
| Open Times: | Year-round from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas |
| Cost: | $25 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Leashed dogs are allowed on trails, paved roads, and designated wilderness areas unless stated otherwise
- Dogs aren’t allowed in any buildings, including visitor centers
- Temperature can reach over 100°F, so make sure to pack enough water and rest frequently
3. Grand Canyon National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm |
| Address: | S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | $35 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Leashed dogs are allowed above the rim and in Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and other developed areas
- You can board your dog at the Grand Canyon Kennel
- The South Rim is open year-round, while the North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October
- The besttimes to enter the park are before 10:00 AM or after 2:00 PM
- Weekends in the summer season can get very crowded
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm |
| Address: | 11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | $25 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Leashed dogs are allowed at Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, Medano Pass Primitive Road, the Liberty Road, and the northwest corner of the park
- Sand temperatures can reach up to 150°F in the summer months, so make sure to planvisits accordingly
- Beware of cactus spines when exploring desert grasslands
Midwest
5. Indiana Dunes National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm |
| Address: | 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN |
| Open Times: | Year-round from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Cost: | $25 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | Yes, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
- Leash dogs are allowed in most areas except for Pinhook Bog, the equestrian portion of Glenwood Dunes Trail, and the lifeguarded swim area at West Beach during the summer
- Dogs must remain leashed when at West Beach
- Summer season can get very crowded, especially on weekends
- Beware of shelf ice along the lake during the winter
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm |
| Address: | 6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Some areas of the park close at dusk, including Brandywine Falls, ledges, Octagon, and Kendall Lake
- Leashed dogs are allowed on over 100 miles of hiking trails
- Towpath Trail, Oak Hill Trail, and Lake Trail are short hikes suitable for beginners and families with young children
- Trails can get icy, slippery, or muddy during colder months
South
7. Mammoth Cave National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm |
| Address: | 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash Area: | Yes, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
- Leashed dogs are allowed on surface trails
- Leashed dogs can’t enter underground trails and caves
- Park entrance is free, but you must pay for a ticket to tour the cave
- Self-service day-boarding is available at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave
8. Congaree National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm |
| Address: | 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Leashed dogs are allowed on all trails, the boardwalk, and campgrounds
- Always check your dog for ticks before leaving the park
- Summers can get very hot and humid, so make sure to bring enough water and snacks
- Some parts of the park will be closed to all visitors at 4:30 PM during Firefly Synchronization season
East Coast
9. Acadia National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm |
| Address: | 18 Harbor Dr, Trenton, ME |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | $35 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Dogs are allowed on most trails
- Dogs aren’t allowed to swim at most lakes
- Some trails that allow dogs aren’t recommended because they can be too strenuous or have a lot of wildlife.
- Most popular hiking trails for dogs include Compass Harbor Trail, the Carriage Roads, and Great Head Trail
- Some roads and areas are closed during the winter season (October – May)
10. Shenandoah National Park
| ️ Website: | https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm |
| Address: | 3655 US-211, Luray, VA 22835 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | $30 standard pass |
| Off-Leash Area: | No |
- Known as one of the most dog-friendly national parks
- Leashed dogs are allowed to walk on most trails
- Hawksbill Loop Trail, Mary’s Rock Summit, and Rose River Falls are some of the most popular hiking trails with dogs
- Parts of Skyline Drive can be closed due to inclement weather
Conclusion
There are national parks all over the US that are dog friendly. Just remember that these lands are protected, and dogs must be leashed at all times when hiking through them. You can also face hefty fines for not picking up after your dog. Therefore, make sure to pack plenty of poop bags, along with water and snacks so that you and your dog can enjoy a safe and fun time exploring the great outdoors together.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Pozzi Zoophotos, Shutterstock
