Dogsandkittens: Exploring Our Pet-Friendly National Grasslands

A field of grass—uh, really? What am I supposed to do there? And, more importantly, what am I going to do there with my dogs? These were my actual thoughts while scouring maps for fun pit stops on our road trip through the Midwest. Many national and state park campgrounds fill up fast during the summer months, so I was on the hunt for other dog-friendly places with room to explore. It wasn’t until we actually arrived at our first national grassland that I realized what a gem we had stumbled upon!

Then and Now

The grasslands were originally home to native tribes and vast herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife. In the 1860s, incoming settlers saw these expansive lands as prime locations for hunting and agriculture. These farmers, however, were not accustomed to managing the arid soils of the grasslands, particularly during years of drought.

Without the native grasses to hold down the thin topsoil, the dry, sandy dirt blew away with little effort. This triggered the Dust Bowl period of the 1930s—20,000-foot walls of blowing dust and sand drifts 10 feet high ripping across the Midwest. Finally, the government stepped in during the Great Depression to purchase the land from farmers. This helped the families with financial troubles and benefited the land as they began to restore the original ecosystem.

The national grasslands are now managed by the Unites States Forest Service – which is great news for those of us traveling with pets! The Forest Service works to maintain the natural ecosystem while also developing land management techniques that provide sustainable habitats for livestock and the native species. And on top of that, they work to make these lands accessible to all of us!

Locations

There are 20 national grasslands across the United States, most of which are located west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains. Visit the National Grasslands online for more details and the contact information for the Forest Service Ranger District managing each location.

CA – Butte Valley
CO – Comanche
CO – Pawnee
ID – Curlew
KS – Cimarron
NE – Oglala
NM – Kiowa
ND – Cedar River
ND – Sheyenne
ND – Little Missouri
OK – Black Kettle
OR – Crooked River
SD – Buffalo Gap
SD – Fort Pierre
SD – Grand River
TX – Caddo
TX – Lyndon B. Johnson
TX – McClellan Creek
TX/OK – Rita Blanca
WY – Thunder Basin

You and your dog can experience these grasslands through a variety of activities: hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, sightseeing, and more. And keep in mind that these lands are more than just a field of grass—many contain rivers, lakes, canyons, and badlands. Cool Whip, Hercules, and I explored two grasslands in particular: Pawnee and Buffalo Gap. We camped and hiked along buttes and badlands, and relaxed with some of the best sunsets and sunrises we’ve caught in a long while. If you and your dog like to explore, the national grasslands are perfect as a pit stop or a destination.

Pawnee National Grassland – Colorado

Driving to Pawnee National Grassland feels like you’re heading into the middle of nowhere as you leave the pavement for a few long dirt roads. After crossing cattle guards (and possibly waiting for a herd of cows to mosey by), follow the signs to Pawnee Buttes Trailhead. Cresting a hill, the buttes jutting up from this otherwise smoothly flowing landscape suddenly appear. It’s almost a surprise, even though you’ve been expecting to see them.

At the trailhead, you’ll find bathrooms, picnic tables, and a sign with general trail and landscape information. Hit the trail with your dog for a relatively easy 4-mile hike (roundtrip) to see Pawnee Buttes close-up. Or, for a shorter hike, just head to the viewpoint (about 1-mile roundtrip).

If you plan to spend the night in the grasslands, there are several locations along the trailhead road suitable for dispersed camping. Or opt for the campground, about 45 minutes away at the Crow Valley Recreation Area, in the eastern section of preserve.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland – South Dakota

The Buffalo Gap National Grasslands wind across the southwestern corner of South Dakota in a sort of stretched out S-shape. The northern portion hooks around Badlands National Park and is just a few minutes from the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, South Dakota.

Make a point to stop by the Visitor Center before you head into the grasslands; they can provide maps and suggestions for making the most of your visit. This area is a good spot to camp if you want to visit Badlands National Park, but want a little more freedom for your dog. The views combined with the peace and quiet make for an outstanding campsite. And Cool Whip recommends getting up nice and close to the edge if any dogs want to give their mom a good scare!

National grasslands are a wonderful place to visit with your dog, especially when you respect the rules and keep your dog under your control at all times. This is not just for the safety of other visitors and local wildlife, but also for you and your dog. The tall grasses can hide cliffs and small cacti—nothing you want to stumble into. Also, certain areas of the grasslands are used for livestock grazing, so you never know when you’ll wake up to find a cow has stopped by for morning coffee. Keep an eye on your furry adventure pals and have a pawsome visit!