Dog-friendly national parks in the US

The national parks that span the US are some of the most breathtaking in the world, and who better to experience those epic views with than a canine companion? (No-one, by the way). Whether you’re house sitting or you’re branching out from your usual walkies spots, it’s only natural that you’d love nothing more than your pup by your side as you explore. But are dogs allowed in national parks across the US? 

Are dogs allowed in national parks?

According to the National Park Service, many national parks welcome dogs in developed areas, on trails, campgrounds, and even some lodging facilities, but some restrictions apply across trails and wilderness areas. While there’s no better companion than a canine companion, these restrictions are in place to protect your pooch, as well as the wildlife native to the parks. So, before planning your next adventure, be sure to find out whether dogs are allowed in the national parks you plan to visit.

Acadia National Park - Maine

With 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, you won’t be short of routes to explore in the simply stunning Acadia National Park.

Are dogs allowed in Acadia National park?

Yes, they’re allowed on the park’s 45 miles of carriage roads along with Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods campgrounds. As many of the (rather eye-catching) lakes are also public water supplies, they’re off limits to both dogs and their humans for swimming.

Yellowstone National Park - Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a popular one amongst America’s dog-friendly national parks. Known for its canyons, alpine rivers, thriving forests, hot springs and even geysers, it’s a force of nature and a sight to behold for both you and your pooch. Keep your eyes peeled as it’s also home to bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.

Are dogs allowed in Yellowstone National Park?

Yes, but only in the park’s developed areas and must remain within 100 feet of roads, campgrounds and parking spots. Sadly, pet’s aren’t permitted on the hiking trails, boardwalks, the backcountry or any of the thermal areas.

Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

Maybe the most well-known national park in the US and home to the Grand Canyon, here you and Fido can feast your eyes on millions of years of geological history in the landscape’s almost eerie orange shades.

Is Grand Canyon National Park dog-friendly?

Are dogs allowed in national parksthis famous? Well luckily for you, fellow dog lover, it’s a yes. You and your pup are welcome on all 13 miles of the South Rim Trail.

Shenandoah National Park - Virginia

Home to waterfalls, rocky peaks, wetlands and even black bears, Shenandoah is a must-see if you’re house sitting in Virginia.

Are dogs allowed in Shenandoah National Park?

Yes, you and your pooch pal can explore 480 of the 500 miles part of this national park, with no scrimping when it comes to views. You can even walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a feast for the eyes (and probably Fido’s nose, naturally). If you’re staying over, you and your pooch pal are welcome at the site's campgrounds.

Capitol Reef National Park - Utah

Sitting in the state of Utah’s south-central desert, find centuries-old layers of golden sandstones, canyons and breathtaking geological formations. Famous sights include the Chimney Rock pillar, Hickman Bridge arch, Cathedral Valley and of course, Capital Reef which is famous for its white sandstone domes.

Are dogs allowed in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, but your pooch must be kept on a leash at all times (and let’s face it, you wouldn’t want to lose Fido here!). Explore the Fruita Campground, Fremont River Trail and the campground to the south of Hattie’s Field.

North Cascades National Park - Washington

If mountains, glaciers and lakes are your idea of a feast for the eyes, you’ll love North Cascades National Park - a must-see if you’re passing through the state of Washington.

Are dogs allowed in North Cascades National Park?

In part - your pooch can accompany you on your adventure through the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches down to Southern California or the Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas, which are right next to North Cascades National Park.

Petrified Forest National Park – Arizona

Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park probably won’t be like anything you’ve seen before - it truly is a sight to behold. In the southern part of the park find the Rainbow Forest, which is full of (you guessed it) colorful, petrified wood.

Are dogs allowed in Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed to accompany their humans across all the park trails, roads and wilderness areas, so long as they’re kept on a leash.

Congaree National Park - South Carolina

Fun fact: Congaree National Park is home to America's largest spot of swampland, which is protected by its national park status. If your pooch is trained for it, rent a kayak or canoe which will allow you to see the local wildlife from a whole new perspective.

Are dogs allowed in Congaree National Park?

Are dogs allowed in national parks with such protected areas? Yes, you and your pooch can explore all of Congaree’s trails, including the boardwalk and campgrounds.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Ohio

If the sound of crashing and thrashing water is your idea of relaxation, you’ll love Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Filled with waterfalls amongst woodlands, wetlands and old fields, you’re in for a treat here.

Are dogs allowed in Cuyahoga National Park?

Are dogs allowed in national parks with waterfalls and wetlands? It’s a yes from Cuyahoga National Park - your dog can accompany you on all 125 miles of the reserve, just be sure to keep them on a leash.

Yosemite National Park in California

Known for its epic rock faces, ancient sequoia trees, Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall, you can also explore Yosemite Village for its museum, shops, restaurants and art gallery filled with moving prints of the park.

Are dogs allowed in Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is one of California’s dog-friendly national parks, with pups allowed on all developed areas including the sidewalks, cycle paths and paved roads. Luckily, this includes the Yosemite Valley Loop trail, where you and Fido can soak up the views of Yosemite Falls, the Merced River, Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan.

White Sands National Park – New Mexico

Brace yourself - White Sands National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in the world. Covered in white ‘sand’ dunes made of gypsum crystals, it was once an ancient sea, formed over centuries of geological transformation.

Are dogs allowed in White Sands National Park?

White Sands has to be one of America’s most original dog-friendly national parks - explore nine miles of the park with your pooch, covering the Playa Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and Interdune Boardwalk.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Michigan

Maybe walkies by the water is more your thing - if so, Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes will be right up your street. Home to epic views of Lake Michigan, the Dune Climb (which isn’t for the faint-hearted), and stunning beaches including Platte River Point, it’s the perfect place for a day out in nature.

Are dogs allowed in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

If you’re after dog-friendly national parks with the tranquility of the water, Sleeping Bear Dunes is ideal, welcoming your furry pals across most of the park (just watch out for the signs that clearly signal where pups - for their own safety - aren’t permitted).

Padre Island National Seashore – Texas

While we’re on the topic of tranquil, waterside walkies, let’s explore Padre Island National Seashore. Known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and vibrant blue waters, it’s a must-visit if you’re passing by in the state of Texas.

Are dogs allowed in Padre Island National Seashore?

Are dogs allowed in national parks with protected coastlines? It’s a yes from Padre Island, with our (leashed) furry friends welcome for more than 60 miles of beaches.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – West Virginia

Sitting in the Appalachian Mountains, the reserve protects the New River Gorge, and rightly so - just check out those lush, green views and that powerful, flowing white water. Fun fact? It’s one of the oldest rivers on the continent.

Are dogs allowed in New River Gorge National Park?

Your pooch pal is welcome on almost all of the park’s stunning trails, including the Grandview Rim Trail and the Endless Wall Trail.

Hot Springs National Park - Arkansas

As you might have guessed, Hot Springs National Park is famous for its steaming water pools, which comes from the lower west slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Besides its geothermal allure and ‘healing waters’, it’s also a fab spot for pretty epic views of the Arkansas landscape.

Are dogs allowed in Hot Springs National Park?

Are dogs allowed in national parks with hot springs? It’s a certainly as far as Hot Springs National Park is concerned, with furry pals welcome along the Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade, along with the 26 miles of trails across the city.

Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

If mountains, forests and reflective lake views are more your thing and you’re in Colorado, head to Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore the famous Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road for epic views of the park’s wildlife.

Are dogs allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park?

As one of America’s partially dog-friendly national parks, your pooch can accompany you alongside the developed roads, campgrounds and picnic areas, and must be kept on a leash when exploring further into the park.

Death Valley National Park - California

With a name like Death Valley, you might be put off visiting this epic national park, but avoid no more! Find the famous Titus Canyon and its (almost eerie) set of rocks in all the colors of the rainbow, along with the salt flats of Badwater Basin (which, fun fact, is North America’s lowest point).

Are dogs allowed in Death Valley National Park?

Yes! Your pooch is welcome to accompany you on the park’s developed routes including the boardwalks at Badwater and Salt Creek.

Arches National Park - Utah

Home to over 2000 naturally-formed arches, the site at Arches National Park is another breathtaking, unusual site to soak up. 

Are dogs allowed in Arches National Park?

Yes, as a semi dog-friendly national park, Arches allows dogs around the campground, in picnic areas, parking spots, along paved and unpaved roads.

Zion National Park - Utah

You may have cottoned on by now, but Utah is filled with epic, must-see geological sites that are probably like nothing you’ve seen before. Zion National Park is no exception, with impressively steep red cliffs, forest trails along the Virgin River, the Emerald Pools and stunning waterfalls.

Are dogs allowed in Zion National Park?

As long as your pooch is leashed and you stick to the park’s paved areas, you’re both welcome to roam.

Glacier National Park - Montana

If glacier-capped peaks are more your thing, Glacier National Park will be right up your street. Explore over 1500 square miles of wilderness filled with valleys and grasslands, and watch out for the site’s wildlife including mountain goats and grizzly bears.

Are dogs allowed in Glacier National Park?

One trail at Glacier National Park is dog-friendly - McDonald Creek Bike Path that runs between the West Glacier and Apgar Village.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Sitting in the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park is rather varied, to say the least. Stretching across old-growth forests all the way to the peaks of the Olympic Mountains, it’s a popular spot for those who love the outdoors and a physical challenge.

Are dogs allowed in Olympic National Park?

Yes, there are areas of Olympic National Park where your pooch is allowed. Explore Peabody Creek Trail, Rialto Beach, Ellen Creek and the beaches between Hoh and Quinault Reservations.

Sequoia National Park - California

Famous for its towering sequoia trees, this national park is a truly humbling sight to check out. And if it’s your sort of thing, the underground Crystal Cave is a must-see.

Are dogs allowed in Sequoia National Park?

Unfortunately your furry pal won’t be allowed to run free in Sequoia National Park, but they can accompany you along paved roads, campgrounds and picnic areas.

Lassen Volcanic National Park - California

Scattered with lava rocks and bubbling mud pots, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a rather unique one, and well-worth a visit if you’re house sitting in the state of California.

Are dogs allowed in Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Sadly, pets aren’t permitted on any of the hiking trails, in the park backcountry or in any of the water at the park. If you’re passing by though, know that dogs are welcome in the campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots.

Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah

In Utah’s standard fashion, find unique canyon views of ancient red rock formations, looking out for Bryce Amphitheater in particular.

Are dogs allowed in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Fortunately, your furry friend can be part of your holiday snaps as dogs are permitted on all of the site’s paved viewpoints (except Piracy Point), along with the campgrounds, parking lots and paved roads.

Mount Rainier National Park - Washington

For mountain views, wildflower meadows and trails perfect for hiking, Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park has it all.

Are dogs allowed in Mount Rainier National Park?

Sadly, dogs aren’t allowed on the park’s trails or wilderness areas, apart from the Pacific Crest Trail, where pups must be kept on a leash.

House sitting in the Emerald City any time soon?

Sitting in the heart of the leafy state of Washington, it turns out that Seattle is pretty dog-friendly, offering countless bars and restaurants that welcome canine companions. To get chatting to new companions of your own, check out the off-leash dog parks Seattle has to offer - a great way to connect with locals through something you both love - dogs!