Are you tired of leaving your furry best friend behind every time you plan a camping adventure? You’re not alone. Over 42% of pet owners who travel with their animals choose destinations specifically for hiking and fresh air, searching for pet-friendly trails and campgrounds as a primary goal. Finding the right dog-friendly national parks can transform your outdoor experience from just another trip to a memorable bonding adventure with your four-legged companion.
To build this guide, we combed through dozens of National Park Service official policies, analyzed park visitor forums across Reddit’s camping communities, and studied hundreds of camper reviews from pet owners who actually visited these parks with their dogs. We looked at which parks offered the best trail access, camping options, and overall dog-friendly experiences.
The result? A detailed list of the most dog-friendly national parks in 2025, ranked for trail accessibility, camping availability, and overall pet-friendliness. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer, this guide will help you find the perfect destination. And if you need more camping essentials, check out our guide on how to choose the best camping gear for your trip.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly National Parks for Camping
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
When it comes to the most dog-friendly national parks, Acadia consistently tops the list. Your pup can explore nearly 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, which means you won’t run out of new paths to discover even after multiple visits. Only about 20 miles of trails are off-limits, mostly those requiring ladders or iron rungs.
Dogs are welcome at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds, making overnight stays easy to plan. Popular dog-friendly hikes include the 2-mile Bar Island Trail, which you can walk during low tide, and the scenic Ocean Path Loop with stunning coastal views. The park even allows dogs on the free Island Explorer shuttle buses, a rare perk that makes getting around much easier.
Keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed at Sand Beach or Echo Lake Beach during peak season (mid-May through mid-September), and swimming in the park’s lakes is prohibited for both pets and people since they’re public water supplies. But with so many other options available, Acadia remains one of the best national parks that allow dogs for camping adventures.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, and dogs are welcome on more than 480 of them. This includes 115 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail that runs through the park, making it perfect for long-distance hikers who want their dogs along. The park’s proximity to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and other East Coast cities makes it incredibly accessible for weekend camping trips.
All of the park’s campgrounds welcome pets, and dogs are allowed at pullouts along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, where you can stop for photos with mountain vistas in the background. Popular dog-friendly trails include the Hawksbill Loop Trail, Mary’s Rock Summit, and Rose River Falls, offering everything from moderate walks to more challenging climbs.
Big Meadows Lodge offers pet-friendly rooms if you prefer indoor lodging over camping. Just remember to keep your dog leashed at all times and be aware that black bears are common in the park, so proper food storage and awareness are essential for everyone’s safety.
3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree is a hidden gem among pet-friendly national parks, protecting the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Dogs are allowed on every single trail in the park, including the popular 2.6-mile boardwalk that weaves through massive bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.
The park’s campground welcomes dogs, and you can even take your pup on guided kayak tours through Carolina Outdoor Adventures if your dog is comfortable in a boat. The park’s trails range from short walks to longer adventures like the 4.5-mile Weston Lake Trail, where you’ll spot champion-sized trees and diverse wildlife.
Visit in fall or winter to avoid the mosquitoes that arrive in force after spring flooding. Always check trail conditions before heading out, as many paths flood during spring when the Congaree and Wateree Rivers meet. Tick prevention is essential here, so check your dog thoroughly after each hike.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon might surprise you as one of the more dog-friendly parks, especially on the South Rim. Dogs are welcome on all 13 miles of the South Rim Trail, which hugs the canyon’s edge and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. While dogs can’t go below the rim or ride shuttle buses, there’s still plenty to explore above ground.
Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village all welcome dogs, and the Yavapai Lodge is the only in-park accommodation offering pet-friendly rooms. If you want to hike below the rim, the South Rim Kennel provides boarding services so you don’t have to miss those inner canyon trails.
The canyon’s high elevation and dry climate mean dehydration happens quickly, so bring extra water and a collapsible bowl for frequent breaks. The North Rim offers more limited options, with pets only allowed on the Bridle Path and a portion of the Arizona Trail near the entrance station.
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Few experiences compare to watching your dog bound across the tallest dunes in North America. Great Sand Dunes offers a unique landscape where grasslands, wetlands, conifer forests, and alpine lakes come together, creating diverse terrain for exploration.
Dogs can roam the dunes in the day-use areas, explore Medano Pass Primitive Road, and stay overnight at Piñon Flats Campground. Your pup can even splash in Medano Creek during spring runoff when water flows across the sand. However, summer visits require extra caution because sand temperatures can reach 150°F, hot enough to burn paw pads within seconds.
Consider dog booties for summer visits, and always schedule hikes for early morning or late evening when temperatures drop. Bring plenty of water, and watch for wildlife like coyotes, bears, and porcupines in the surrounding grasslands and forests.
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Located between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park welcomes dogs on all 125 miles of trails, making it one of the most accessible dog-friendly national parks in the Midwest. The popular Towpath Trail runs 20 miles through the park, following the historic Ohio & Erie Canal and offering flat, easy walking perfect for dogs of all fitness levels.
Other favorites include the Ledges Trail, a 1.8-mile loop through moss-covered boulders and rock formations, and the Oak Hill Trail for a peaceful woodland walk. While the park doesn’t have campgrounds within its boundaries, numerous pet-friendly camping options and lodging are available nearby.
Summer heat can be intense, so never leave dogs in vehicles, and always bring water for hydration. Ticks are common in the wooded areas, so use preventative treatments and check your dog after each hike. Dogs aren’t allowed on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train or the East Rim mountain bike trails.
7. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
As one of America’s newest national parks, New River Gorge is also one of the most dog-friendly parks. Dogs are allowed on all trails throughout the park and preserve, giving you endless options for exploration. The 2.4-mile Endless Wall Trail offers fantastic canyon views, while the 3.2-mile Grandview Rim Trail alternates between clifftop vistas and dense forest sections.
The area around Fayetteville provides excellent lodging options, and many campsites near the park welcome dogs. The park’s rugged terrain and whitewater rapids create stunning scenery, though dogs aren’t allowed on commercial rafting trips. Still, the trail system alone makes this a top destination for pet owners who love hiking.
Watch for steep drop-offs near trails, and keep dogs leashed to prevent accidents. The park’s relatively uncrowded trails compared to more famous national parks mean you’ll often have peaceful hiking experiences with your furry companion.
8. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs stands out as an urban national park where trails weave through the town of Hot Springs itself. Dogs are welcome on all 26 miles of trails, ranging from short walks under a mile to the challenging 13-mile Sunset Trail. Pet waste stations are conveniently located along Bathhouse Row and in the campground.
Gulpha Gorge Campground connects directly to many park trails and welcomes dogs, making it easy to start morning hikes right from your campsite. Popular dog-friendly trails include Goat Rock Trail and West Mountain Trail, both offering scenic views and moderate difficulty levels.
The park is free to visit, though your dog can’t join you inside the historic bathhouses for soaking. If you want to experience the thermal baths, you’ll need to arrange pet sitting through local services or leave your dog at your campground or lodging.
9. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest offers one of the more generous pet policies among national parks that allow dogs. Pets are welcome on all trails, roads, and even in designated wilderness areas, giving you complete access to the park’s unique landscape of colorful badlands and ancient petrified wood.
The Painted Desert section provides excellent sunset viewing opportunities with your dog, and the park’s relatively flat terrain makes hiking accessible for dogs of all ages and fitness levels. Summer temperatures can be extreme, so early morning or late afternoon visits work best.
There’s no camping within the park itself, but nearby options in Holbrook and the surrounding areas provide bases for day trips. Always keep dogs on a six-foot leash and bring extra water, as shade is limited across much of the park’s desert landscape.
10. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Indiana Dunes might not be what you picture when you think of national parks, but this unique landscape along Lake Michigan offers 15 miles of beaches plus diverse habitats, including dunes, ponds, marshes, and forests. Dogs are welcome on most trails and beaches, except for the lifeguarded areas at West Beach during summer.
The park’s proximity to Chicago makes it incredibly accessible for weekend camping trips with your dog. Popular trails include shoreline walks where your pup can splash in Lake Michigan’s waters and forest paths through the diverse ecosystems. The Dunewood Campground welcomes dogs and provides easy access to both beach and trail systems.
Adjacent Indiana Dunes State Park also allows dogs on trails and beaches outside the swimming area, effectively doubling your exploration options. Be aware that dogs aren’t allowed on Glenwood Dune, Great Marsh, and Pinhook Bog trails within the national park.
4 Tips for Camping with Dogs at National Parks
1. Preparation and Packing Essentials
Successful camping trips with dogs start long before you arrive at the park. Pack extra water and a collapsible water bowl, as natural water sources may not be safe for drinking. Bring waste bags, a first-aid kit specifically for pets, and any medications your dog needs, along with dog foods for camping that travel well and keep your dog energized. A long leash or tie-out cable helps at campsites, but remember that dogs must remain on a six-foot or shorter leash on all trails.
Consider your dog’s fitness level when planning hikes. Just like humans, dogs need time to build endurance for longer trails, especially at higher elevations. Start with shorter walks and gradually increase the distance over your trip.
2. Campsite Selection and Setup
Choose campsites with shade, especially during summer months, and set up a comfortable area for your dog with a blanket or dog camping beds that keep them off cold or uneven ground. Many dog-friendly national parks experience significant temperature swings between day and night, so pack extra bedding for your dog’s comfort.
Never leave dogs tied up and unattended at campsites, as they can become anxious, bark excessively, or even escape. Wildlife encounters are common at national parks, and an unsupervised dog could face danger from larger animals or inadvertently chase and stress wildlife.
3. Safety and Wildlife Awareness
Wildlife safety extends beyond protecting your dog; it’s also about protecting the animals that call these parks home. Dogs can carry scents that disturb wildlife behavior patterns for extended periods. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times, even if they’re well-trained off-leash at home, especially if they’re prone to issues commonly seen when camping with your dog in busy national parks.
Be aware of specific wildlife threats in each park. Bears, mountain lions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and other animals pose different levels of danger depending on location. Research the wildlife you might encounter and know how to respond if you see animals on trails.
4. Health Considerations
Apply flea and tick prevention before your trip, as these pests are common in wooded and grassy areas throughout most national parks that allow dogs. Check your dog thoroughly after each hike, paying special attention to ears, underbelly, and between toes.
Be aware of signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. Many parks are at high elevations or in hot climates where heat exhaustion can happen quickly. Take frequent breaks in shade, offer water regularly, and consider paw protection like booties on hot surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most national parks dog-friendly?
Not all national parks welcome dogs on trails, but many allow pets in developed areas like campgrounds, paved roads, and parking lots. The most dog friendly national parks include Acadia, Shenandoah, and Congaree, where dogs can access the majority of trails. Always check specific park policies before visiting, as rules vary significantly between parks.
Can dogs camp overnight at national parks?
Yes, most national parks that allow dogs also permit them in campgrounds. Dogs must typically remain on a leash no longer than six feet and should never be left unattended. Some campgrounds have specific pet loops or areas, while others allow pets throughout the campground with proper supervision.
What should I bring when camping with my dog at a national park?
Essential items include extra water, collapsible bowls, waste bags, leash, first-aid kit, any necessary medications, dog food, bedding, and flea/tick prevention. Consider paw protection for hot sand or rough terrain, and bring copies of vaccination records. A tie-out cable can be useful at campsites, though dogs should never be left unattended.
How do I keep my dog safe from wildlife at national parks?
Keep dogs leashed at all times to prevent them from chasing or surprising wildlife. Store food properly using bear-proof containers when required, and never feed wildlife or allow your dog to approach animals. Research specific wildlife threats for your chosen park and know how to respond to encounters. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals on trails.
What are the consequences of breaking pet rules at national parks?
Violating pet policies can result in fines, removal from the park, or even criminal charges in serious cases. Beyond legal consequences, not following rules endangers your dog, wildlife, and other visitors. Even well-intentioned rule breaking can disrupt sensitive ecosystems or create dangerous situations. Always follow posted regulations and B.A.R.K. Ranger guidelines to protect everyone’s experience.