Pet Friendly Campgrounds in America’s National Parks: The Complete Guide

Camping is one of the most enjoyable and economical ways to appreciate our national parks and preserves! Each year millions of families pitch a tent or park their camper and have the time of their lives exploring seashores, mountains, and deserts. Of course, national park camping with pets makes the trip even more fun. What dog doesn’t dream of the walks and hikes, campfire dinners, and sleeping under the stars? And just think of all those trees to sniff!

We want to make sure you all have a ball on your next vacation, so we’ve gathered details for all the pet friendly campgrounds at national parks. We’ve also added these campground to the database of more than 65,000 pet friendly locations on GoPetFriendly.com, so they’ll show up on our Pet Friendly Road Trip Planner, so you’ll never miss an opportunity to go national park camping with your dog!

 

National Park Camping with Pets

Keep in mind that some national parks protect sensitive habitats and endangered species. The rules regarding pets vary by the site and time of year. We’ve provided a link to detailed pet guidelines for each park and encourage you to review them when planning your visit.

Acadia National Park, Maine– Pet Policy

Acadia is one of the country’s most pet friendly national parks, with nearly all the trails and carriage roads open to pets on leashes. Pets may not be left unattended in vehicles and you must clean up after them. Because many of the bodies of water in the park provide drinking water for surrounding communities, neither pets or humans are allowed to swim in them.

Campsites in all three of Acadia’s pet friendly campgrounds are wooded and within a short walk of the shoreline. All campgrounds accommodate tents and small RVs and have flush toilets, running water, and dump stations. The only showers are for a fee in surrounding private sites outside the park.

• Blackwoods Campground – Located on Route 3, the campground is 5 miles south of Bar Harbor. It is open all year, with some restrictions. Fee shower facilities and camping supply stores are located in the village of Otter Creek, 1/2 mile from the campground.
• Schoodic Woods Campground – Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is 3 miles southeast of Winter Harbor. It is open from late May through Columbus Day, and grocery and supply stores are located in Winter Harbor. While this is the only campground in Acadia with electric sites, there are currently no shower or laundry facilities nearby.
• Seawall Campground – Located on Route 102A, Sewall Campground is 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor. It is open from late May to the end of September, and fee shower facilities and camping supply stores are located 1 mile from the campground.

Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas – Pet Policy

Amistad National Recreation Area is on the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Pets are allowed in all developed campsites, but must be on leash and cleaned up after. They are not allowed in archaeological sites, caves or rock shelters, marinas or docks (unless going to and from a boat), or administrative buildings.

There are five options for national park camping with pets within the park, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campgrounds are generally open year-round and rarely fill up, except on holiday weekends. The only potable water and dump station available are near the Diablo East Boat Ramp at the Governors Landing Campground. The other campgrounds have vault toilets and no hook-ups.

• Governors Landing Campground – located off US-90 with 15 sties
• Rough Canyon Campground – located on the water, four sites suitable for tents or RVs
• San Pedro Campground – 30 sites suitable for tents or RVs, and 5 tent-only sites
• Spur 406 Campground – 6 sites suitable for tents or RVs
• 277 North Campground – 17 sites suitable for tents or RVs, each with a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin – Pet Policy

Pet friendly camping is available on 19 of the Lakeshore’s 21 islands, and at one campsite on the mainland. All campgrounds have either vault toilets or privies. Only Sand Island and Stockton Island have water available and each also has a handicapped accessible campsite.

Pets are not allowed on the Apostle Island Cruises run by the National Park Service, but they are welcomed on the following private charters, taxis, and ferries which can take you to island camping areas:

Adventure Vacations – Dogs are allowed on boat tours and boat taxis. If you will be sharing a boat taxi with another party, you must get the agreement of the other passengers to bring your dog aboard.

Madeline Island Ferry – Pets are welcome but must be leashed or crated at all times.

PMG Charters – Dogs are permitted on water taxis.

Arches National Park, Utah – Pet Policy

Activities with pets are very limited at Arches National Park. Leashed pets are allowed only along park roads, in parking areas, in picnic areas, and in Devils Garden Campground. Pets are not allowed at any overlooks, on any hiking trails or any off-trail areas, or in the visitor center. You also may not leave your pet unattended, except in paid campsites in Devils Garden Campground, where they must not cause a disturbance.

Devils Garden Campground has 50 sites and is open year-round. From November through February, sites are first-come, first-served, but can be reserved from March through October.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland – Pet Policy

Assateague is know for it’s heard of wild horses, and pets on leashes are welcome in specific areas of the Maryland section of the National Seashore, including the beach. Note that pets are not allowed in any part of the Virginia section of the park, including inside cars, so visitors traveling with pets must enter the park by the north entrance, on route 611.

READ MORE ⇒  Visiting Assateague Island With Dogs

National park camping with pets is available in the following campgrounds, which have chemical toilets, cold water showers, and drinking water:

• Oceanside Drive-in Sites: Tents, trailers and RVs (no hook-ups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Oceanside Walk-in Sites: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Bayside Drive-in Sites: Tents, trailers and RVs (no hook-ups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. The “Generator-Free Zone” is located in Bayside B Loop.
• Horse Camp: There are 2 campsites for horse camping available October 16 through April 14. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota – Pet Policy

Leashed pets are only allowed in developed areas, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and other areas open to motor vehicles in Badlands National Park. Pets cannot be left unattended, and are not allowed on hiking trails, in buildings, or in backcountry areas, including the Badlands Wilderness Area and areas with prairie dog colonies.

The park has two developed campgrounds, both of which are pet friendly:

• Cedar Pass Campground – cold water and flush toilets
• Sage Creek Campground – free, but has no water and only pit toilets available

In addition to the campgrounds, this park offers pet friendly cabins at the lodge.

Cedar Pass Lodge – pet friendly cabins available upon request for $20 per night per pet plus tax (2 pet maximum)

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico – Pet Policy

Pets are not permitted on any park trails at Bandelier. But they are welcome in Juniper campground, the parking lot in front of the visitor center, and in the Cottonwood Picnic Area across Frijoles Creek between the “No Dogs Permitted Beyond this Point” signs. All pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet while in the park.

• Juniper Campground has restrooms with running water, but no electric hook-ups or showers.

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Alaska – No Online Pet Policy Available

Bering Land Bridge places no restrictions on pets, except that they are not allowed in buildings. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed; there are no designated camping areas and campers are expected to use leave-no-trace practices.

Big Bend National Park, Texas – Pet Policy

Pets are not permitted on trails or in buildings at Big Bend, however they are welcome in all the campgrounds. The National Park Service operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds suitable for RVs that provide drinking water and restroom facilities:

• Rio Grande Village RV Campground – full hook-ups with 25 RV sites,  restrooms with running water and showers a short walk away.
• Cottonwood Campground – pit toilets
• Chisos Basin Campground – flush toilets and running water. Trailers over 20′ and RV’s over 24′ are not recommended here due to narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites at this campground.
• The park also allows primitive roadside camping for small RVs and trailers.

Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida – Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails at Big Cypress, but may accompany visitors in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and at pullouts along the paved scenic drives. Pets may be walked along roads or in parking lots, but must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle, and may not be left unattended.

 

Of the five national park camping options at Big Cypress, only Midway has running water, electrical hook-ups, and a dump station.

• Bear Island Campground – accessed by a long, gravel road, sites are first-come, first-served. Primitive camping with no water or electric and vault toilets.
• Burns Lake Campground – Primitive camping with no water or electric and vault toilets.
• Midway Campground – 26 RV and 10 tent sites, restrooms, drinking water, day-use area, and dump station. RV sites have electric hook-up.
• Mitchell Landing Campground – 11 sites accessed by a secondary gravel road. Primitive camping with no water or electric and vault toilets.
• Monument Lake Campground – 26 RV and 10 tent sites, restrooms, drinking water. No hook-ups for electricity, sewer, or water are available.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee and Kentucky – Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Big South Fork! Though some trails have steep ladders and rock ledges that pets might not be able to negotiate without your help. Check with park rangers for trail information. Pets must be on leash at all times and should have identification and rabies tags on their collars.

This park offers pet friendly campgrounds with both primitive facilities and developed campsites, plus two equestrian campgrounds with full amenities:

• Alum Ford – Located west of Whitley City, Kentucky. The campground has six campsites each with picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets are available, but no drinking water.
• Bandy Creek – Located west of Oneida, Tennessee. Some sites have electric and water, but no sewer hook-ups are available. All campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. A dump station is located near the registration kiosk.
• Bear Creek – Located west of Stearns, Kentucky. Each site has water and electric hook-ups, picnic table, grill, tie-outs for 4 horses, access to miles of horse trails, modern restrooms with hot showers, and a dump station.
• Blue Heron – Located west of Stearns, Kentucky. All sites have electric and water hook-ups with access to restrooms, hot showers, and dump station.
• Station Camp – Located west of Oneida, Tennessee. Each of the 24 sites has water and electric hook-ups, picnic table, grill, tie-outs for 4 horses, access to miles of horse trails, modern restrooms with hot showers, and a dump station. The campground is

In addition to the campgrounds, this park offers pet friendly accommodations in its lodge.

Charit Creek Lodge – a pet friendly rustic backcountry lodge only accessible by hiking, biking or horseback.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Montana and Wyoming – Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome to explore all 17 miles of trails in Bighorn Canyon with you, as long as you clean up after them. This park also offers pet friendly camping with a variety of setting and amenities:

• Afterbay Campground – sites for tents and RVs with drinking water and vault toilets
• Black Canyon Campground – only accessible by boat. It has vault toilets but not drinking water.
• Horseshoe Bend Campground – some sites have electric hook-up. There are also modern restrooms and a swim beach (pets are not allowed at the beach).
• Trail Creek Campground – primitive sites for tents and small RVs
• Medicine Creek Campground – primitive sites, reached only by hiking or boating in.

Biscayne National Park, Florida – Pet Policy

With 95% of its 173,000 acres covered by water, Biscayne National Park welcomes leashed pets on the grounds surrounding the visitor center and in the developed areas of Elliott Key. With the exception of service animals, pets are prohibited on other islands in the park.

• Elliott Key Campground – accessible only by shallow-draft boats, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent campers have access to restrooms with running water and cold water showers. Drinking water is available on the island, but bringing water is suggested if the system goes down.

Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado – Pet Policy

In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, pets on leash may be walked along roads, in campgrounds, to the overlooks, and are allowed on the Rim Rock Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other hiking trails, inner canyon routes, or in the wilderness area.

Dog Restrictions
From June 1 to July 31, dogs are allowed in campsites, but may not be taken on walks (even on leash) around the South Rim Campground or on the Rim Rock Trail due to potentially aggressive deer protecting their fawns.

• North Rim Campground – Located approximately 16 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. The last 7 miles of North Rim Road are unpaved. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have a maximum 14 consecutive day stay in a 30 day period. RVs greater than 35 feet are not recommended, and no electric or sewer service is provided. Generator use is allowed within designated hours, and water is brought in by truck, so RV water filling is not available. All sites have vault toilets.
• South Rim Campground – Located approximately 6 miles north of the intersection of CO Hwy 347 and U.S. Hwy 50 east of Montrose, Colorado. Reservations can be made for Loops A and B only, and must be made at least 3 days in advance. Loop C is first-come, first-served. All sites have a maximum 14 consecutive day stay in a 30 day period. Electrical hook-ups (30 amp) are available during the summer in Loop B only. Generator use is not allowed, and vehicles longer than 35 feet are not recommended. All sites have vault toilets.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina – Pet Policy

The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders for 469 miles with visitor centers, campgrounds, and hiking trails along the way to enhance your visit. Pets are welcome on all trails, but must be leashed and under their person’s control.

The Parkway has eight pet friendly campgrounds which are open from May through late October, weather permitting. All campgrounds have drinking water, restrooms with running water, and a dump station, but only Mount Pisgah Campground has showers.

• Otter Creek – Milepost 60.8 – 45 tent sites and 24 RV sites
• Peaks of Otter – Milepost 85.9 – 86 tent sites and 58 RV sites
• Rocky Knob – Milepost 167.1 – 81 tent sites and 28 RV sites
• Doughton Park – Milepost 239.2 – 110 tent sites and 25 RV sites
• Julian Price – Milepost 297.0 – 119 tent sites and 78 RV sites
• Linville Falls – Milepost 316.4 – 50 tent sites and 20 RV sites
• Crabtree Falls – Milepost 339.5 – 70 tent sites and 20 RV sites; first-come, first-served
• Mount Pisgah – Milepost 408.8 – 64 tent sites and 62 RV sites

In addition, three backcountry campground are available. Backcountry camping permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are available from May 1 to October 31.

• Rock Castle Gorge – Milepost 167.1 – 8 sites
• Basin Cove – Milepost 244.7 – 8 sites
• John’s River Road – Milepost 296.9 – 2 sites

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – Pet Policy

Pets are permitted on all paved surfaces at Bryce Canyon: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved overlooks, on the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, and on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point. Leashes are required, and pets are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings, or on public transportation vehicles.

Bryce Canyon has two pet friendly campgrounds, North and Sunset. Neither has electric service, but North Campground has flush toilets, laundry, and coin-operated showers.

Buffalo National River, Arkansas – Pet Policy

At the Buffalo National River, pets are allowed in campgrounds and on gravel bars up to 100 feet from the water’s edge, as long as they are on a leash. Pets may not be left unattended and are not allowed in any buildings or caves. Pets are prohibited in the designated wilderness area, with the exception of gravel bars along the river corridor in those areas. Pet friendly trails include Mill Creek (Pruitt Landing) and Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail (Buffalo Point).

There are several options for national park camping with pets, and the campgrounds have varying amenities:

• Steel Creek Campground – Tents only – has water and flush toilets available from March – November
• Kyles Landing Campground – Tents only – vault toilets. Road access requires high clearance vehicle.
• Erbie Campground – Drive-in sites available for RV or tent camping – no hook-ups, running water, or dump station. There is a vault toilet at the boat launch.
• Ozark Campground – Open year round for tents and RVs – flush toilets and drinking water from mid-March to mid-November. Vault toilets available after water shut off.
• Carver Campground – 8 sites open year round with vault toilets. No trash service.
• Tyler Bend Campground – Walk in and drive in sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground provides flush toilet restrooms, one with hot showers. A dump station and water tank fill is located near the park entrance at Highway 65, but there are no RV hook-ups in the campground.
• Mt. Hersey Campground – Primitive sites available year-round with no running water or services
• Woolum Campground – Primitive sites available year-round with vault toilets
• Grinders Ferry, Shine Eye, and Gilbert gravel bars – Sites have vault toilets and are available year-round for free with limited or no services
• South Maumee Campground – Free sites with vault toilets and no services
• Spring Creek Campground – Tents only – free sites with vault toilets and no services
• Buffalo Point Campground – 100 sites, including some with RV hook-ups
• Rush Campground – 12 sites for tents with vault toilets and no services

In addition to the campgrounds, this park offers pet friendly cabins:

Buffalo Point Cabins – pet friendly cabins available upon request for a $30 non-refundable deposit

Canyonlands National Park, Utah – Pet Policy

Pets are very restricted in Canyonlands National Park. You may only have your pet with you on paved scenic drives and parking lots, on the Potash/Shafer Canyon road between Moab and Island in the Sky, and at Willow Flat and Squaw Flat campgrounds.

You may not have your pet with you overlooks, on any hiking trails, anywhere in the backcountry, on the rivers, or on any backcountry roads, even inside your vehicle.

Campsites at the pet friendly Willow Flat and Squaw Flat campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water. There are no RV hook-ups.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina – Pet Policy

At Cape Hatteras National Seashore, pets can enjoy all the trails and any beach not designated as a swimming beach. Pets must be leashed at all times and may not enter any resource closure.

This park has four pet friendly campgrounds for tents and RVs, all open from mid-April to late November. Facilities include running water and showers, and all campgrounds are a short walk to the beach.

• Cape Point Campground – 202 reservable sites, no hook ups
• Frisco Campground – 127 reservable sites located among the sand dunes, no hook ups
• Ocracoke Campground – 136 reservable sites, accessible only by pet friendly ferry, no hook ups
• Oregon Inlet Campground – 120 reservable sites, no hook ups

Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina – Pet Policy

Cape Lookout is only accessible by ferry or private boat, and pet friendly ferry services include:

Davis Shore Ferry Services – vehicle and passenger service from Davis, NC to Great Island cabin area with vehicle access to South Core Banks.

Morris Marina Ferry Services – vehicle and passenger service from Atlantic, NC to Long Point cabin area with vehicle access to North Core Banks/Portsmouth Island.

Pets must be on a leash at all times, and are not permitted in buildings (except pet friendly cabins). All camping within the park is primitive beach camping; there are no designated campgrounds. Please use leave-no-trace practices.

In addition to camping, this park offers pet friendly cabins:

Great Island and Long Point Cabins – pet staying in the cabins must be kept in a crate

Reservations should be made in advance, and the ferry services note that their boats’ steel decks can become hot in the sun, plan to take steps to keep your pet’s paws comfortable on your trip.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can enjoy the developed areas of the park: within 50 feet of center line of roads (paved and dirt) that are open to public vehicles, parking areas open to public vehicles, in unfenced and/or unlocked orchards, in the Chestnut and Doc Inglesbe picnic areas, on the trail from the visitor center to the Fruita Campground, on the Fremont River Trail from the campground to the south end of Hattie’s Field, and in the campgrounds. Pets are not permitted on any other hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry.

The pet friendly Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and is surrounded by historic orchards on the banks of the Fremont River. This campground has 64 RV/tent sites and 7 walk-in tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire pit or grill, but no individual water, sewer, or electrical hook-ups. There is a RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B. The restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers. Open year-round, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and often fill by early to mid-morning in the spring and fall seasons.

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah – Pet Policy

Cedar Breaks welcomes pets on leashes in all the paved areas of the park, which includes the overlooks located throughout the Monument. Pets can also access one trail, which runs from the Information Center to the campground.

Pet friendly camping at Point Supreme Campground is available from mid-June to mid-September (weather permitting). Each of the 25 sites has a picnic table, fire pit or grill, and access to restrooms with showers, chopped firewood, and water spigots. Ten sites are available for reservation, and the other fifteen sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can join you on backcountry hiking trails (Pueblo Alto, Peñasco Blanco, South Mesa, and Wijiji trails), as long as you carry out all pet waste and keep your pets under control at all times. Pets are not permitted to accompany you into the principal Chacoan sites (Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Casa Rinconada, Pueblo del Arroyo, Hungo Pavi, and Una Vida) located along the Canyon Loop Drive.

Gallo Campground is pet friendly and open year-round. Each site has a picnic table, fire grate with a grill, access to non-potable water, restrooms with flush toilets from March to October (chemical toilets at all other times), and a dump station. There are no showers, but drinking water is available 24 hours a day in the Visitor Center parking area. Trailers and RVs over 35 feet in length cannot be accommodated.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland – Pet Policy

A commercial waterway for nearly 100 years, the canal is now a recreational treasure for boaters, bikers, and walkers. The only places leashed pets cannot go are on Section A of the Billy Goat Trail and on the overlook trail to Great Falls.

Pet friendly Hiker-Biker and Drive-In campsites are available every few miles along the canal and are open year round. Drive-in sites must be reserved, and all campgrounds have chemical toilets and drinking water in season. The only campgrounds that can accommodate RVs are Fifteen Mile Creek Campsite in Little Orleans (mile 140) and McCoy’s Ferry Campground in Big Spring (mile 110.4). View the full list of campsites online.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma – Pet Policy

Water has always been the reason people are drawn to Chickasaw. Many of the park trails in the Platt Historic District hug the banks of the streams, pass by cool rushing waterfalls, and meander along mineral water and freshwater springs. In the Arbuckle District the trails offer panoramic views of Lake of the Arbuckles.  Leashed pets can explore most of the park with you. The only exceptions are within the Travertine Nature Center, on the trails east of the Travertine Nature Center, and in all swimming areas along Travertine Creek east of US 177.

 

Chickasaw offers several options for national park camping with pets, each with different amenities:

• Cold Springs Campground – Open from May through September, this campground has non-electrical sites that are best for tent camping, though small RVs and pop-up campers (less than 20′) might fit. Amenities include restrooms and water spigots close to campsites.
• Rock Creek Campground – Open year-round, this campground has 105 non-electrical sites that can accommodate some RVs, but are mainly for tent camping. Amenities include restrooms and water spigots close to campsites.
• Buckhorn Campground – This campground has 134 sites, 24 with electrical (30 amp) and water hook-ups. All sites are first-come, first-served, showers are available, and there is a dump station on Buckhorn Road outside the campground.
• Guy Sandy Campground – This campground has 40 campsites with water faucets and pit toilets.
• The Point Campground – Lower Loop has 9 water/electric sites and 28 tent sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Upper Loop has 12 water/electric sites (50 and 30 amp) and 9 tent sites, including 2 handicapped accessible sites; these sites are reservable. Showers are available, and there is a dump station on the road to the campground.

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona – Pet Policy

At Chiricahua pets can hike all the trails in the lower canyon: Silver Spur Trail, Faraway Ranch, Bonita Creek, and the trail connecting the visitor center and the campground. Beyond that, pets may go anywhere a car can go: roads and road shoulders, picnic area turnouts, campground, and parking lots. Pets are not permitted on other hiking trails in the park, inside the visitor center or public buildings, on interpretive walks/programs, or in the wilderness area.

Pet friendly Bonita Canyon Campground has sites for tents and RVs up to 29 feet with no hook-ups. Campers have access to flush toilets and water.

City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho – Pet Policy

Emigrants following the California Trail described the rocks here as “a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks,” and “the silent city.” Today, this park attracts rock climbers, campers, hikers, hunters, and those with the spirit of adventure who are looking to get off the beaten path. Pets are welcome in the park, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet when outside your camper.

The City of Rock Campground has 64 pet friendly campsites, four that will accommodate small RVs and 40 for tents. There are no hook-ups, but campers have access to restrooms. Reservations are available from May 1 through September 30, the remainder of the year sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Colorado National Monument, Colorado – Pet Policy

At Colorado National Monument, leashed pets may accompany you in the developed campground area and can be walked along paved roads. Pets cannot go on hiking trails or anywhere in the backcountry. Additionally, pets may not accompany cyclists while riding on Rim Rock Drive.

Pet friendly Saddlehorn Campground has three loops, one of which is open year-round and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are suitable for tents and RVs, and have picnic tables and charcoal-only grills. Some pull-through sites are available, and campers have access to restrooms with running water during the summer, but no showers.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina – Pet Policy

Congaree National Park boasts the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, and  allows pets on ALL trails – including the boardwalk – as long as they are leashed and clean up after.

The park has two developed campgrounds as well as primitive, backcountry campsites. Camping in this park is for tents only – RVs are not permitted.

• Longleaf Campground – vault toilets and no running water
• Bluff Campground – walk-in sites with no restrooms or water

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon – Pet Policy

At Crater Lake leashed pets can walk the 1/4-mile paved promenade at Rim Village, where you’ll enjoy fine views of the lake. Dogs can also hike teh Godfrey Glen Trail, Lady of the Woods Trail, Grayback Drive, and Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the “alternate” PCT along the rim of the lake), though none of these provide lake views. Pets can also join you for a walk along paved roads and in parking lots, and up to 50 feet from any paved areas.

Mazama Campground is pet friendly and has sites which can accommodate RV’s and tents. Some sites have water and electric hook-ups, and campers have access to flush toilets.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho – Pet Policy

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. Pets can go in the campground and along paved roads, but not in buildings or on hiking trails.

Lava Flow Campground is pet friendly and has 42 campsites for RVs and tents, available on a first come-first served basis. Large RV’s and trailers can be accommodated on a limited number of sites, and there are no hook-ups available. Campers have access to water and restrooms, but no showers.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia – Pet Policy

Touching three states, Cumberland Gap National Park has miles of trails and activities to enjoy, and leashed pets can explore the entire park with you!

The pet friendly Wilderness Road Campground is located off Hwy 58 near the park visitor center in Ewing, Virginia. Open from mid-May to late November, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Electrical hook-ups (20, 30 and 50 amp) are available at 41 sites, and RVs up to 50 feet can be accommodated. Hot showers and potable water are available.

READ MORE ⇒ Cumberland Gap – A Pet Friendly National Park

Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado – Pet Policy

Curecanti is a series of three reservoirs along the once wild Gunnison River. Best known for salmon and trout fishing, this park also offers opportunities for hiking, boating, camping, and bird watching. Leashed pets are welcome to explore all Curecanti’s hiking trails with you, however pets are not allowed on the Morrow Point Boat Tour.

Curecanti National Recreation Area has nine pet friendly campgrounds suitable for tents or RVs, along with several campsites accessible only by boat. Each campground has different amenities:

• Elk Creek Campground – 160 sites for RVs and tents with electric hook-ups and showers
• Lake Fork Campground – No electric hook-ups, but water and showers during summer season
• Stevens Creek Campground – Drinking water available from May to September; vault toilets and no electric hook-ups
• Cimmaron Campground – Non-electric sites for tents and medium sized RVs with flush toilets and water
• East Portal Campground – 15 sites for tents only; drinking water and vault toilets
• Dry Gulch Campground – Sites for small RVs and tents with vault toilets and no water
• Ponderosa Campground – Sites for small RVs and tents with vault toilets and no water
• Red Creek Campground – A single site for a tent or an RV less than 22 feet long with vault toilets and no water
• Gateview Campground – Six sites only suitable for tents with vault toilets and water

Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada – Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome in Death Valley National Park, though they are restricted to developed areas: along roads (paved and dirt), in campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas of the park.

Pets are welcome in all Death Valley’s campgrounds, but must be leashed anytime they are outside your camper. No more than four pets are allowed per campsite, and pet owners should be good neighbors by keeping their pets quiet, cleaning up after them, and never leaving pets unattended. Food and water bowls must not be left outside.

There are several options for national park camping with pets at Death Valley, each with different amenities:

• Furnace Creek Campground – Full hook-ups with pull-through RV sites and tent sites, restrooms, and water
• Sunset, Texas Springs, Stovepipe Wells, and Mesquite Spring Campgrounds – Tent and RV sites with restrooms and water
• Wildrose Campground – Sites for tents and small RVs (less than 25 feet long) with pit toilets and water
• Emigrant Campground – Tents only with restrooms and water
• Thorndike and Mahogany Flat Campgrounds – Accessible on to high clearance vehicles no longer than 25 feet. 4-wheel drive may be necessary. Pit toilets and no water.

In addition to camping, this park offers pet friendly hotel options:

Stovepipe Wells Village  – rustic hotel with clean, comfortable rooms

Panamint Springs Resort – small, western-style, resort in the beautiful Panamint Valley. Additional pet fee: $5 per night per pet in a motel room or tent cabin, and $5 per visit in RV or tent sites.

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska – Pet Policy

Denali is six million acres of wild land bisected by a single ribbon of road, and pets visiting Denali are welcome in campgrounds accessed by private vehicles, along roads, and on the Roadside Trail and Bike Path, but not on any other trails.

None of Denali’s campgrounds have hook-ups, but there are several of pet friendly options to choose from:

• Riley Creek Campground – Sites for tents and large RVs with seasonal access to restrooms and showers
• Savage River Campground – Sites for tents and large RVs with seasonal access to restrooms, but no showers

• Teklanika River Campground – Though nearly all private vehicles must turn around at Savage River Campground, Tek campers are an exception to that rule. The trade-off for experiencing this section of Denali Park Road is that you must stay at least  three nights, and your vehicle must stay in your campsite for the duration of your stay. Teklanika has seasonal water for drinking and vault toilets.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania and New Jersey – Pet Policy

The Delaware Water Gap offers stunning scenery to hikers on the peaks and kayakers in the valleys – and with miles of pet friendly trails, you’ll find plenty to explore with your pet!

Pet friendly camping is available at Dingmans Campground where most sites are rustic, but there are a few RV sites with electric and water hook-ups. Campers also have access to showers and running water. Additionally, there are many spots for backcountry campers and their pets.

Devils Postpile National Monument, California – Pet Policy

Leashed pets visiting Devils Postpile are welcome in the day use areas, on the trails, and in the campground. Dogs are even allowed on the shuttle buses as long as they’re leashed and muzzled.

Due to operational challenges associated with winter storm impacts, Devils Postpile National Monument will not reopen its 20-site campground in 2019. Please visit the park’s website before planning your visit.

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming – Pet Policy

Devils Tower is an magnificent geological feature, rising over the rolling plains. Leashed pets are allowed in the picnic area, parking areas, along the roads, and in the campground, but not on trails or in buildings.

The pet friendly Belle Fourche River Campground is open May through October (weather permitting). It’s a 2-loop, 50-site campground that can accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, there are no hook-ups, and campers have access to restrooms but no showers. Pets in the campground may not be left unattended.

Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah – Pet Policy

Dinosaurs once shook the Earth, and your dog can join you for a walk in their footsteps at Dinosaur National Monument. Leashed pets are allowed on the Cold Desert, Plug Hat Butte and other trails at the Plug Hat Picnic Area, Echo Park Overlook, and Iron Springs Bench Overlook on the Colorado side, and on the River Trail on the Utah side. In addition, pets are welcome in day-use areas, river launches, campgrounds, parking areas, and within 100 feet of roads.

Campers with pets have plenty of options, with three pet friendly campgrounds in Colorado and three in Utah:

• Deerlodge Park, Colorado – Walk-in sites for tents only with no water and vault toilet
• Echo Park, Colorado – Sites for tents and truck campers with drinking water and vault toilets. High-clearance vehicles only.
• Gates of Lodore, Colorado – Sites for RVs and tents with drinking water (May to October) and vault toilets
• Green River Campground, Utah – Sites for tents and RVs with restrooms but no showers
• Rainbow Park, Utah – Walk-in sites for tents only with no water and vault toilet. Road may be impassable when wet.
• Split Mountain Campground, Utah – Sites for tents and large RVs with seasonal restrooms and vault toilets in spring, fall, and winter

El Morro National Monument, New Mexico – Pet Policy

A reliable waterhole hidden at the base of a sandstone bluff made El Morro (the headland) a popular campsite for hundreds of years. Now you and your leashed pets can explore the trails where ancestral Puebloans, Spanish, and American travelers have carved over 2,000 signatures, dates, messages, and petroglyphs in the stone.

The nine-site, pet friendly campground at El Morro is open year-round and accommodates tents and RVs under 27 feet on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site has a graveled tent pad, picnic table, and ground grill for fires. Water is available during the summer season.

Everglades National Park, Florida – Pet Policy

Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee,  American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. To protect wildlife and visiting pets, leashed dogs are restricted to maintained grounds surrounding public facilities, residential areas, roadside picnic areas, campgrounds, along roadways open to public vehicles, and aboard boats. All pets must be leashed and under close supervision, even in designated pet friendly areas.

There are two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park: Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Both campgrounds have tent and RV sites, restrooms, showers, water, and a sewer dump station with fresh water fill, but only Flamingo campground has electric hook-ups.

Fire Island National Seashore, New York – Pet Policy

Pets visiting Fire Island must be on a six-foot leash at all times and cleaned up after. They are only allowed on the beaches from October to March and you may see signs with additional restrictions during shorebird nesting seasons.

The 26 sand campsites at Fire Island National Seashore Watch Hill campground can be reached by boat or pet friendly ferry. Wilderness/Backcountry camping is also available in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness on the eastern end of Fire Island.

Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia – No Online Pet Policy Available

Pets on leashes no longer than six feet are permitted in the park, but are not allowed in the buildings.

You’ll find 18 primitive campsites for tents and RVs at pet friendly Gauley Tailwaters Campground. From April through October there is a restroom less than a hundred yards from campground with potable water and flush toilets. The remainder of the year campers have access to a vault toilet and non-potable water from rainwater collection system.

Glacier National Park, Montana – Pet Policy

At Glacier, leashed pets can explore developed areas, front country campgrounds and picnic areas, along roads, in parking areas, and on boats on lakes allowing motorized watercraft. Pets cannot go on trails, along lake shores, in the backcountry, or in any building. Further, roads closed to vehicle traffic in winter are considered backcountry trails so dogs cannot walk on them. Finally, you cannot tie your pet to an object and leave him unattended.

None of the 13 front country campgrounds have water or electric hook-ups, but all welcome pets:

• Apgar Campground – the largest campground at Glacier with 194 sites, 25 of which can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. Near Apgar Village, this campground has potable water, restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water, and a dump station.
• Avalanche Campground – 87 sites, 50 of which will accommodate vehicles up to 26 feet. Sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has potable water and restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water.
• Bowman Lake Campground – the drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy on dirt roads, and the 48 campsites are for tents only. Potable water is available during the summer season only, and there are pit toilets nearby. Sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Cut Bank Campground – accessed by a 5 mile dirt road off of highway 89, the 14 sites here are first-come, first-served. RVs are not recommended, and there are no water or restroom facilities.
• Fishcreek Campground – the second largest campground at Glacier, with 173 sites, 18 of which can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet. The campground has potable water and restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water, showers in Loop A, and a dump station.
• Kintla Lake Campground – the most remote of Glacier’s frontcountry campgrounds, Kintla is accessed via a bumpy drive on dirt roads and RVs are not recommended. The 13 sites are rarely filled, and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A hand pump is available for potable water during the summer, and pit toilets are available.
• Logging Creek Campground – accessed by a dusty, narrow, winding road, the 7 campsites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and RVs are not recommended. There are no water or restroom facilities.
• Many Glacier Campground – 109 sites, 13 of which will accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet. The campground has potable water and restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water during the summer season. A separate building at nearby Swiftcurrent Motor Inn has token operated showers, and a dump station is available.
• Quartz Creek Campground – the smallest of Glacier’s campgrounds, access is via a 20 mph rough dirt road with many blind curves and few pullouts. The 7 tent sites are first-come, first-served, and pit toilets are available, but water is not.
• Rising Sun Campground – 84 sites, 10 of which can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet, are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has potable water and restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water. Adjacent to the campground is a camp store, a casual restaurant, token operated showers, and a dump station.
• Sprague Creek Campground – 25 tent sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and early arrival is recommended.The campground has potable water and restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water. Amenities such as a camp store, restaurant, gift shop, tour buses, boat tours, and horse rides can be found at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, about a mile away from the campground.
• St. Mary Campground – open year-round, this campground has 148 sites, 3 of which will accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet, and 22 that can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet. During the summer campers have access to potable water, restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks with running water, and showers in Loop C. At the nearby St. Mary’s Visitor Center you will find amenities such as restaurants, gift shops, camp stores, gas, and a grocery store.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah – Pet Policy

This recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing over 1.25 million acres with unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation.

Leashed pets can enjoy most of the park with you, but cannot go in the following areas: archeological sites, in marinas, or on docks, walkways, or launch ramps, except when proceeding directly to or from a boat, along the San Juan River from Clay Hills Crossing to the Glen Canyon NRA boundary, at Orange Cliffs special permit area, at Rainbow Bridge NM, except for pets in vessels at the courtesy docks, on the Colorado River downstream from the dam to the boundary of Grand Canyon NP, or at Coyote Gulch within the boundaries of GCNRA.

 

The park has campgrounds operated by the National Park Service as well as by private concessionaires. The NPS campsites do not require reservations and include:

• Lees Ferry Campground – 54 sites with no hook-ups, modern restrooms with potable water, and a dump station
• Lone Rock Beach Campground – primitive dune camping with micro-flush and vault toilets, outdoor cold shower, potable water (seasonal), and dump station
• Farley, Dirty Devil, and Stanton Creek – primitive beach camping areas with no amenities

Pet friendly campgrounds operated by concessionaires at Glen Canyon include:

• Wahweap Campground – 112 sites with no hook-ups, 90 with full hook-ups, and 6 group camping sites. Facilities include restrooms, laundry, showers, store, phones, dump station and potable water. The amphitheater, picnic area and swim beach are nearby.
• Bullfrog: 78 sites, restroom, phones, dump station, potable water station, ½ mile to laundry, store, post office, launch ramp. No reservations. The concessioner also operates a separate RV park with 24 full hook-up sites.
• Halls Crossing: 43 sites, 2 group sites, dump station, potable water, 2 dish sinks, hot/cold showers. Laundry, store, gas, phones, and launch ramp 1/2 mile. The concessioner also operates a separate RV park with 32 full hook-up sites.

In addition, you can camp anywhere on the shorelines of Lake Powell except in developed marinas. There is no camping fee or permit required to camp on the lake in undeveloped areas.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – Pet Policy

At the Grand Canyon, leashed pets can enjoy the developed areas, all named trails above the rim, including the 13-mile South Rim Trail, and the campgrounds.

READ MORE ⇒  Things to do at the Grand Canyon with Dogs

• Desert View Campground – 50 sites (no hook-ups) assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Total vehicle length maximum is 30 feet. Campers have access to potable water, restrooms with flush toilets and running water in the sinks, but no showers.
• Mather Campground – Open year-round with no hook-ups, accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet. Campers have access to restrooms, showers, and laundry.
• Trailer Village – paved RV sites with full hook-ups which can accommodate vehicle up to 50 feet.

In addition to camping, this park offers pet friendly hotel options:

Yavapai Lodge  – rustic hotel with clean, comfortable rooms

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – Pet Policy

Leashed pets at Grand Teton National Park can walk only in developed areas: along roads (paved and dirt), in campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas of the park. Pets cannot go on any park trails, in the backcountry, on boats on park waters, except for Jackson Lake, in the buildings, or on the multi-use path.

There are several pet friendly campgrounds at Grand Teton to choose from:

• Colter Bay – 335 sites, 13 with electric hook-up, and modern comfort stations in a wooded campground with larger sites and easier access if you are traveling with a camper, trailer, or RV. Close to Jackson Lake with dump station, showers, and laundry nearby.
• Gros Ventre Campground – more than 300 sites, 36 with electric hookups, and modern comfort stations with access to fresh water and a dump station.
• Headwaters Campground – 175 sites with full hook-ups for RVs, and access to modern comfort stations, a dump station and landry, plus camper cabins
• Jenny Lake Campground – 40 tent-only sites only with restrooms but no showers
• Lizard Creek Campground – 60 sites with no hook-ups and modern comfort stations that can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet.
• Signal Mountain Campground – 81 sites, 36 with electric hook-ups adjacent to Signal Mountain Lodge and Marina. Access to modern comfort stations with campstore and other amenities nearby.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada – Pet Policy

Leashed pets are allowed on the Lexington Arch Trail (which requires a high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle and advanced driving skills to reach the trailhead) and the trail between Baker and the Great Basin Visitor Center and along campground road only. Pets can not accompany you on any other trails, on tours of Lehman Caves, at evening programs, or in the backcountry.

However, there are developed, pet friendly campgrounds at Great Basin, with vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, campfire grills, but no hook-ups. Lower Lehman Creek is the only campground open year-round. The other campgrounds open as the weather permits.

• Lower Lehman Creek Campground – 11 sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a limited number of pull-through sites for RVs and trailers and water is available spring through fall, weather permitting.
• Upper Lehman Creek Campground – 22 sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available spring through fall, weather permitting.
• Wheeler Peak Campground – 37 sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available spring through fall, weather permitting. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is narrow and winding. Climbing an 8% grade over 12 miles, the road is closed to vehicles or combinations longer than 24 feet past Upper Lehman Campground.
• Baker Creek Campground – 38 sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available spring through fall, weather permitting.
• Grey Cliffs Campground – 16 reservable sites with group camping available. Water is accessible 1.4 miles away at Baker Creek Campground.
• Snake Creek Campground – 12 sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. No water is available, and Snake Creek Road is a primitive dirt road.
• Strawberry Creek Campground – 8sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. No water is available. Closed until further notice due to fire recovery efforts.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado – Pet Policy

Pets can join you in exploring the most commonly used areas at Great Sand Dunes, as long as you keep them leashed  and clean up after them. The places pets cannot go include: Dunefield outside the main day use area, Sand Ramp Trail north of Point of No Return (including backpacking sites), and undeveloped areas of the park outside the day use areas and road corridors.

You’ll find 88 sites at pet friendly Piñon Flats Campground, one mile north of the Visitor Center, a few of which will accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. It is open April through October, and half of the sites a reservable, with the other half available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are restrooms with flush toilets and sinks, but no water or electric hook-ups.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee – Pet Policy

At Great Smoky Mountains, leashed pets can walk only in campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, and on two walking paths, the Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 miles one-way) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 miles one-way). They cannot go on any other park trails and you cannot leave them unattended in vehicles or RVs.

There are ten pet friendly, front country campgrounds throughout the park with restrooms, cold running water, and flush toilets. Shower facilities are available in the communities surrounding the national park, so ask where the closest is when you check into the campground. Most sites provide no hook-ups, but there are a few sites in Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont for use only by those with medical needs.

• Abrams Creek – 16 sites, maximum RV length is 12 feet
• Balsam Mountain – 46 sites, maximum RV length is 30 feet
• Big Creek – 12 sites, tents only
• Cades Cove – 159 reservable sites, open year-round, maximum 40 foot RV and 35 foot trailer length, dump station available year round
• Cataloochee – 27 reservable sites, maximum RV length is 21 feet
• Cosby – 157 reservable sites, maximum RV length is 25 feet
• Deep Creek – 92 sites, maximum RV length is 26 feet
• Elkmont – 220 reservable sites, maximum 35 foot RV and 32 foot trailer length, dump station nearby (in season)
• Look Rock – 68 sites, no size limitations
• Smokemont – 142 reservable sites, open year-round, maximum 40 foot RV and 35 foot trailer length, dump station available year round

Greenbelt Park, Maryland – No Online Pet Policy Available

Greenbelt Park is only twelve miles from Washington. DC and has nine miles of pet friendly trails for you to explore while camping with your pet. You must leash your pets and clean up after them.

Greenbelt Park Campground has 174 no hook-up sites for tents and RVs. Campers have access to hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

The Greenbelt Park Campground is closed until Spring 2020.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas – Pet Policy

Pets visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park can only walk in areas accessible to vehicles, including roadsides, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. In addition, leashed pets may walk with you on the short trail between the campground and the Pine Springs Visitor Center, and along the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Station. Pets cannot go on any other trails or in the backcountry.

The park has two pet friendly front country campgrounds. Available on a first-come, first served basis, neither provides hook-ups, but both have potable water, restrooms, and a utility sick for dish washing.

• Pine Springs Campground – 20 tent and 20 RV sites with 1 stock corral
• Dog Canyon Campground – 9 tent sites, 4 RV sites and 1 stock corral

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi – Pet Policy

At Gulf Islands National Seashore, leashed pets can walk all trails, paths, and along roads, but cannot go on the beaches or inside the buildings.

Gulf Islands National Seashore maintains two developed campgrounds, one in Mississippi and one in Florida. Each campground offers water, grill/fire rings, restrooms with hot showers, and picnic tables.

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii – Pet Policy

Leashed pets at Haleaklā can visit developed areas only, including parking lots, drive-up campgrounds, on paved paths, and along roadways. Pets cannot go on the trails.

The park has two pet friendly drive-up campgrounds. Available on a first-come, first served basis, you can camp here just three nights per month:

• Kīpahulu Campground – located on the east side of the park near sea level. The limit in this campground is 100 people. Campers have access to picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pit toilets. There is no water at the campground, but drinking water is available at the nearby Kīpahulu Visitor Center restrooms.
• Hosmer Grove Campground – located in the cloud belt of Haleakalā, just below the 7,000-foot level in the summit area. The limit in this campground is 50 people. Sites are close together in an open, grassy area near the forest and have access to picnic tables, BBQ grills, drinking water, and pit toilets.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can only go in developed areas of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, including paved roadways, parking areas, and the campgrounds. Please be sure they do not harass the endangered Nene geese which may be found in the campground.

• Kulanaokuaiki Campground – 9 designated campsites with picnic tables and tent pads, available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no water and a vault-type toilet.
• Nāmakanipaio Campground – 7-night camping limit, and the campground has restrooms and water but no RV hook-ups.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can enjoy the trails and campground at Hot Springs National park, but cannot go inside the visitor center or other park buildings.

The Gulpha Gorge Campground has full hook-up sites that can accommodate tents or RVs. Assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water nearby. Access to potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station are available, but there are no showers.

Hovenweep National Monument, Colorado & Utah – Pet Policy

Hovenweep National Monument preserves six prehistoric villages built between AD 1200 and 1300. Leashed pets are welcome on all trails and in the campground, as long as you dispose of their waste properly.

Hovenweep Campground has 31 sites and is open year-round. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, most sites fit a tent, but a few will accommodate RVs up to 36 feet long. There are no hook-ups, but campers have access to flush toilets, and running water.  Drinking water is available only during the summer months and there is a five-gallon limit per person.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana – Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, including the beaches east of Indiana Dunes State Park (Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach and Lake View Beach). Pets must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times, even when swimming. While pets can go on trails and in the parking areas west of the state park, they cannot those beaches (Porter Beach, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Beach and West Beach). In addition, pets cannot go on the portion of the Glenwood Dunes Trails specifically designated for horses, the Great Marsh Trail System, or the nature Play Area.

The pet friendly Dunewood Campground is open from April through October on a first-come, first-served basis. It has 66 sites, and 12 of those are for tents only. There are no hook-ups but the campground has restrooms and showers.

Joshua Tree National Park, California – Pet Policy

At Joshua Tree, leashed pets can explore developed areas, including picnic areas, parking lots, along the many paved and gravel roads, and in campgrounds. However, pets cannot go on any trails or in the backcountry.

 

Joshua Tree has many campground options to choose from. During the quieter summer months, you can get a site on a first-come, first-served basis. During other times of the year, you can make reservations at Black Rock and Indian Cove campgrounds. None of the sites have hook-ups, and all campgrounds will accommodate RVs and tents.

• Black Rock – 99 sites with water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates and a dump station
• Belle – 18 sites with pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
• Cottonwood – 62 sites with water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates and a dump station
• Indian Cove – 101 sites with pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
• Hidden Valley – 44 sites with pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
• Jumbo Rocks – 124 sites with pit toilets, tables and fire grates. No water.
• Ryan – 31 sites with pit toilets, tables and fire grates
• White Tank – 15 sites with pit toilets, tables and fire grates. No water.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Arizona and Nevada – Pet Policy

At Lake Mead, pets on leashes no longer than six feet are welcome throughout the park, but must not be left unattended in vehicles.

Lake Mead offers a great selection of pet friendly campgrounds, which are open year round and accept reservations:

• Boulder Beach Campground – 154 RV or tent sites. No hook-ups or showers.
• Callville Bay Campground – 81 RV or tent sites. No hook-ups or showers.
• Callville Bay RV Park – 5 RV sites with hook-ups
• Echo Bay Campground – 136 RV or tent sites. No hook-ups or showers.
• Echo Bay RV Park – 55 RV sites with hook-ups
• Lake Mead RV Park – 115 RV sites with hook-ups
• Las Vegas Bay Campground – 86 RV or tent sites, some with full hook-ups. No hook-ups or showers.
• Temple Bar Campground – 157 RV or tent sites. No hook-ups or showers.
• Temple Bar RV Park – 10 reservable RV sites with hook-ups

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Texas – No Online Pet Policy Available

Pets on leash are welcome to enjoy all Lake Meredith offers with you! There are a variety of camping opportunities, including scenic overlooks, shoreline camping, and wooded campgrounds. All campgrounds are free and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trailer/RV hook-ups are not available anywhere at Lake Meredith and dump stations with non-potable water are located near Fritch Fortress and Sanford-Yake campgrounds.

• Blue Creek Bridge – undeveloped camping with no drinking water, and pit toilets
• Blue West – picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills with vault toilets and no drinking water
• Bugbee – undeveloped camping with vault toilets and no drinking water
• Cedar Canyon – undeveloped beach camping; restroom with potable water and flush toilets near parking lot
• Chimney Hollow – semi-developed campground with picnic tables and vault toilets, but no drinking water
• Fritch Fortress – sites suited for RV, campers, and trailers, with picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills. Bathroom with potable water, showers, and flush toilets and paved road & pull-through parking available.
• Harbor Bay – picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills with vault toilets and no drinking water
• McBride Canyon – picnic tables, shade shelters, grills, and horse corrals with vault toilets and no drinking water
• Mullinaw Creek – picnic tables, shade shelters, grills, and horse corrals with vault toilets and no drinking water
• Plum Creek – picnic tables, shade shelters, grills, and horse corrals with vault toilets and no drinking water
• Rosita – undeveloped camping with no drinking water and no toilets
• Sanford-Yake – 51 sites suited for RV, campers, and trailers, with picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills. Bathroom with potable water, showers, and flush toilets and paved road & pull-through parking available.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Washington – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can join you throughout the park, as long as you clean up after them. However, pets cannot enter buildings, designated picnic areas, or developed swim beaches. Additionally, you cannot tie pets to objects and leave them unattended.

Lake Roosevelt has 11 boat-in campgrounds and 16 drive-in campgrounds, all of which are pet friendly and open year round. Most are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no hook-ups at any of the campgrounds, but each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and a paved parking space that is either a pull-through or a back-in pad. Some sites are long enough to accommodate large RVs. Most car campgrounds have flush toilets, but during winter water and restrooms are not available.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California – Pet Policy

Pets visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park can join you in developed areas, including picnic areas, parking areas, along roadways, and in campgrounds. They cannot go on any hiking trails, in the backcountry (including snow-covered roads or trails), in any body of water, or inside visitor centers or other park facilities.

Lassen Volcanic NP has eight campgrounds ranging from developed to primitive, sites at half the campgrounds are reservable, and all welcome pets. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring equipped with grill, and a metal bear box for food storage. There are no hookups in the park, and a dump station is located near Manzanita Lake.

• Butte Lake – 101 sites with a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet. No potable water and vault toilets.
• Juniper Lake – 18 sites with no potable water and pit toilets. The last 6 miles to the campground is rough dirt road not suitable for buses, motor homes, or trailers.
• Manzanita Lake – 179 sites with a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet. Flush toilets, potable water, and dump station available in summer. Showers and laundry nearby.
• Summit Lake – 94 sites with a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet. RVs are limited to the north section. Flush toilets are available in the north section; pit toilets and potable water are available in the south section.
• Southwest Walk-in – 21 tents-only sites available year round. Flush toilets and potable water available until mid-October, and at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (24-hour vestibule) year round.
• Warner Valley – 17 sites available on a first-come, first-served, basis with vault toilets and potable water. RVs are not recommended.

Lava Beds National Monument, California – Pet Policy

At Lava Beds, leashed pets can walk in developed areas, including parking areas, along roadways, and in campgrounds, but not on trails, in caves, or in buildings.

Pet friendly Indian Wells Campground has 43 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hook-ups, and sites can accommodate tents, pickup campers, small trailers and motor homes up to 30 feet (not all sites can accommodate motor homes). Restrooms with water, sinks and flush toilets are available year round.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky – Pet Policy

Most people come to see the caverns, but pets on leash are welcome to enjoy nearly everything that’s above ground at Mammoth Cave NP with you, including 84 miles of trails! Pets can also enjoy the picnic areas and campgrounds, but cannot go in any of the caves. The Mammoth Cave Lodge operates a kennel where your pet will be comfortable while you tour the caves.

Mammoth Cave offers a variety of options for national park camping with pets:

• Houchin Ferry Campground – 12 primitive, tent-only campsites with portable toilets and potable water.
• Mammoth Cave Campground – 105 sites (99 tent, 6 RV) with potable water, hot showers, and flush toilets. Available seasonally and by reservation. Maximum RV length is 38 feet, maximum trailer length is 26 feet. There are no electric or water hookups except at two VIP sites. A dump station is available at the adjacent service center.
• Maple Springs Campground – 8 sites (6 tent, 2 RV) with electric hook-ups at two sites and potable water seasonally. Maximum RV length is 40 feet, maximum trailer length is 26 feet.

Pet friendly lodging is also available at Mammoth Cave Lodge’s Woodland Cottages for a small pet fee.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado – Pet Policy

At Mesa Verde National Park, leashed pets may be walked along paved roads, in parking lots, at the campground, and on some of the trails on Wetherill Mesa when it is open in the spring, summer, and fall, including the 5-mile Long House Loop. Please check signs at trailheads before taking your pet on any trail and use the pet waste stations located along the trails to clean up after your pet. Pets cannot go on any other trails in the park, in archeological sites, or in buildings. You cannot leave pets unattended or tied to any object within the park, including the exterior of vehicles within park boundaries.

Pet friendly Morefield Campground has 267 sites, each with a table, bench, and grill. Camping is open to tents, trailers and RVs, including 15 full hook-up RV sites that require reservations. The remaining sites have no electric or hook-ups, but an RV dumping station, coin-operated laundry, complimentary showers, gift shop, and grocery store are located in Morefield’s full-service village.

Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can join you throughout the park, except on designated swimming beaches or in buildings. However, don’t leash pets when they’re in a canoe or boat on the river. In Nebraska, pet leashes must be no longer than 6 feet; in South Dakota, leashes can be 10 feet.

Missouri National Recreational River offers primitive camping available at the 220-acre Bow Creek Recreation Area, which is accessible only on foot or by boat. Please follow leave-no-trace practices.

Additional pet friendly camping options are available at two Gavins Point Dam campgrounds operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and campgrounds in nearby Nebraska and South Dakota State Parks.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – Pet Policy

Leashed pets visiting Mount Ranier are welcome on the Pacific Crest Trail, and in developed areas, such as parking lots and along roadways. Pets cannot go in the following areas: trails other than the Pacific Crest Trail, in wilderness and/or off-trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, and on snow-covered roads closed for winter, except designated snowmobile routes.

There are several pet friendly camping options at Mount Rainier, but none have water, electrical, or sewer hook-ups.

• Cougar Rock Campground – 173 sites, open late-May to late-September, with water, flush toilets, dump station, and fire grates. Maximum RV length is 35 feet, maximum trailer length is 27 feet.
• Ohanapecosh Campground – 188 sites, open late-May to late-September, with water, flush toilets, dump station, and fire grates. Maximum RV length is 32 feet, maximum trailer length is 27 feet.
• White River Campground – 112 sites, open late-June to late-September, with water, flush toilets, and fire grates. Maximum RV length is 27 feet, maximum trailer length is 18 feet.
• Mowich Lake Campground – 10 primitive, tent-only campsites with vault toilets and no potable water.

Natchez Trace Parkway, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee – Pet Policy

The Natchez Trace runs 444 miles, from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee – a quiet alternative to our modern, fast-paced highways – and along the way, more than 100 exhibits, interpretive signs, and marked trails provide an opportunity for you step back in time. Best of all, pets on leashes no more than six feet in length are welcome throughout the park.

READ MORE ⇒  Exploring the Natchez Trace with Pets

There are many private and state park campgrounds along the Natchez Trace, and the park itself has three pet friendly campgrounds that are free and available on a first come, first serve basis. They do not have electricity, showers, or dump stations.

• Rocky Springs Campground – Mile Marker 54.8 – 22 sites with restrooms, drinking water, and hiking
• Jeff Busby Campground – Mile Marker 193.1 – 18 sites with restrooms, drinking water, and hiking
• Meriwether Lewis Campground – Mile Marker 385.9 – 32 sites with restrooms, drinking water, and hiking

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can only go in developed areas at Natural Bridges, including at overlooks, pull-outs, along the paved scenic drive, and in campgrounds. Pets cannot join you on hiking trails or in buildings.

The pet friendly Natural Bridges Campground has 13 sites with fire grills, picnic tables, tent pads, and vault toilets. There are no hook-ups, but visitors do have access to drinking water (limited to 5 gallons per person) and flush toilets year round in the visitor center, a quarter mile away. Maximum RV length is 24 feet.

New River Gorge National River, West Virginia – Pet Policy

Pets can enjoy the New River Gorge, as long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet and you pick up after them.

New River Gorge National River provides eight pet friendly, primitive camping areas along the river. Sites are available at no charge, but have no drinking water or hook-ups and limited restroom facilities. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, these sites cannot be reserved.

• Stone Cliff Beach – 6 walk-in and 1 vehicle site
• Army Camp – 11 drive-in sites for tents or RVs
• Grandview Sandbar – 10 sites for tents or small to medium sized RVs, plus 6 walk-in tent sites
• Glade Creek – 6 walk-in tent sites and 5 drive-in sites for tents or small to medium RVs
• War Ridge / Backus Mountain – 8 drive-in sites for tents or small to medium RVs
• Brooklyn – 4 walk-in sites and 1 drive-in site for tents only
• Thayer – description not provided
• Gauley Tailwaters – Located at the Gauley River National Recreation Area – 18 drive-in sites for tents and RVs

Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee – Pet Policy

Pets on leashes no longer than six feet can enjoy the park, however they cannot swim in the water.

Rock Creek Campground is pet friendly and has 11 campsites with grills and primitive toilet facilities, but no running water. The campground does take reservations.

Olympic National Park, Washington – Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome only in certain areas within Olympic National Park, including Peabody Creek Trail, Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek (1/2 mile), Madison Falls Trail, Spruce Railroad Trail, the beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations, and the campgrounds. Pets cannot go on any paved or dirt trails, in public buildings, on interpretive walks, in the wilderness, on boats in rivers, or on any beaches other than those listed above.

Olympic National Park has numerous pet friendly camping options:

• Deer Park Campground – 14 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis; tents only with pit toilets and no potable water
• Dosewallips Campground (Walk-in) – open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; tents only with pit toilets and no potable water
• Fairholme Campground – 88 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (max 21 feet) with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station
• Graves Creek Campground – 30 sites available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; tents only with pit toilets and no potable water
• Heart O’ The Hills Campground – 105 sites available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (most sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35), except in winter when it may be necessary to walk in. Campers have access to flush toilets and potable water.
• Hoh Campground – 78 sites available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (max 21 feet) with flush toilets and potable water
• Kalaloch Campground – 170 reservable sites available year round; accessible for tents and RVs (most sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35) with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station
• Mora Campground – 94 sites available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (most sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35) with  flush toilets, potable water and dump station
• North Fork Campground – 9 sites available year round on a first-come, first-served basis; RVs not recommended with pit toilets and no potable water
• Ozette Campground – 15 sites available year round on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (max 21 feet) with pit toilets and potable water
•  Queets Campground – 20 sites available year round on a first-come, first-served basis; RVs not recommended with pit toilets and no potable water
•  Sol Duc Campground – 82 reservable sites; accessible for tents and RVs (most sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35) with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station
• South Beach Campground – 55 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (most sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35) with flush toilets and no potable water
• Staircase Campground – 49 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis; accessible for tents and RVs (most sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35) with flush toilets and potable water in season and pit toilets and no water in off-season

Privately-operated campgrounds in the park also allow pets, can accommodate larger RVs, and provide hook-ups.

Pet friendly lodging is also available in the Boathouse Rooms at Lake Quinault Lodge for a $25 per pet, per stay fee.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona – Pet Policy

At Organ Pipe leashed pets are welcome on the Palo Verde Trail, Campground Perimeter Trail, and along all roads open to visitors, including the paved campground areas. Pets can also enjoy the nature trail at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, but must access the trail from the parking lot, not through the visitor center. Pets cannot go on any other trails or in the wilderness.

 

Campers with pets have two campground options at Organ Pipe:

• Twin Peaks Campground – 34 tent and 174 RV sites, which will accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet. Camper have access to restrooms with running water, a few of which have solar showers. There are no water or electrical hook-ups available, but there is a dump station.
• Alamo Campground – 4 tent-only sites available on a first-come, first-served basis with no facilities. You cannot have fires at this campground.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri – Pet Policy

At Ozark National Scenic Riverways, leashed pets are welcome throughout the park.

There are many pet friendly year round camping options available. And the campsites have tables, fire grills, and some have electrical hook-ups. Campers also have access to restrooms and some campground have showers and dump stations.

• Alley Spring, Big Spring, Powder Mill, Pulltite, and Two Rivers – No hook-ups. Restrooms with showers during summer season.
• Round Spring – Some sites with electric hook-ups. Restrooms with showers during summer season.
• The park also has numerous primitive camping areas

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas – Pet Policy

Leashed pets at Padre Island can enjoy much of the park, including camping areas and over 60 miles of beach. The only areas where pets cannot go are: the deck of Malaquite Pavilion and its facilities, the boardwalk that goes from the deck down to the beach, and the short stretch of beach directly in front of the Pavilion. But even there, pets and their owners can still get to the beach using a pet access trail at the northern end of the Malaquite Pavilion parking area, and pet owners have access to restrooms and rinse-off showers near the trailhead.

Padre Island also has several pet friendly camping options, available year round on a first-come, first served basis. There are no RV hook-ups in the park, but a water filling station and dup station are available.

• Bird Island Basin Campground – tent and RV sites with chemical toilets
• Malaquite Campground – 48 sites for tents or RVs. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers.
• North Beach – beach camping for tents and RVs with no facilities
• South Beach – beach camping for tents and RVs with chemical toilets only
• Yarborough Pass – beach camping accessible only by 4-wheel-drive or boat with no facilities

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can explore Petrified Forest National Park, including on all trails and in the backcountry. However, they cannot enter park buildings and you must pick up after them.

While Petrified Forest does not have developed camping facilities, backcountry camping is allowed within the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area, requiring, at minimum, a 1 mile hike away from two designated parking spots. Permits are free and available in person at least an hour before the park closes. In addition, there are pet friendly national park, state park and private campgrounds in the area.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan – Pet Policy

This park hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles, and pets can explore the day use areas, developed campgrounds, scenic sites including Miners Castle and Munising Falls, and Sand Point and Miners Beaches. Even when swimming, pets must wear a leash, and they cannot go on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in forests and fields. They are welcome in campgrounds and along roads.

Assigned on a first-come, first served basis, the campgrounds at Pictured Rocks have picnic tables, fire grates and a tent pad. The facilities are rustic, with pit toilets and solar-powered wells providing water. There are no hook-ups and typically no cell phone reception.

• Little Beaver Lake Campground – 8 sites with a small boat ramp; not accessible to motorhomes longer than 36 feet and trailer combinations longer than 42 feet
• Hurricane River Campground – 21 sites; motorhomes longer than 36 feet and trailer combinations longer than 42 feet not recommended
• Twelvemile Beach Campground – 36 sites on a sandy plateau above the beach with beach access; motorhomes longer than 36 feet and trailer combinations longer than 42 feet not recommended

Other pet friendly camping options are available nearby that can accommodate larger RVs and provide full hook-ups.

Pinnacles National Park, California – Pet Policy

Leashed pets visiting Pinnacles can walk only in picnic areas,  parking lots, campground, and along paved roads. You can’t leave pets unattended in a vehicle, and they cannot go on any park trails.

You access Pinnacles Campground from the east side of the Park, as no roads connect the two park entrances. Tent sites have a picnic table and fire ring, and most RV sites have electrical hookups and share community tables and barbecue pits. Water is located throughout the campground, showers and a dump station are available, and the swimming pool is typically open from middle of April through the end of September.

Prince William Forest Park, Virginia – Pet Policy

Prince William Forest Park is popular with dog walkers with miles of pet friendly hiking trails and gravel fire roads. Pets must be on leashes no longer than six feet, and may not be in the following areas: Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, any public building, and the cabin camps.

There are two pet friendly camping options at Prince William Forest Park:

• Oak Ridge Campground – 100 sites with bathrooms, grills, and picnic tables. Accessible for tents and RVs, though there are no RV hook-ups and length restrictions exist.
• Prince William Forest RV Campground – 76 sites for RV and tents, some with full hook-ups; modern restrooms, hot showers, swimming pool, playground and laundry

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – Pet Policy

Leashed pets can enjoy the developed areas in Rocky Mountain NP, including parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds, and roadsides. However, pet cannot go on any trails or in the backcountry.

The Park has five campgrounds where pets are welcome:

• Aspenglen Campground – 54 reservable sites for tents and RVs with flush toilets and potable water available seasonally. Maximum vehicle length is 30 feet and no showers or hook-ups are available.
• Glacier Basin Campground – 147 reservable sites for tents and RVs with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station available seasonally. Maximum vehicle length is 35 feet and no showers or hook-ups are available.
• Longs Peak Campground – 26 tent-only sites available on a first-come, first-served basis; vault toilets and potable water (seasonally)
• Moraine Park Campground – 247 reservable sites for tents and RVs with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station available seasonally. Maximum vehicle length is 40 feet and no showers or hook-ups are available.
• Timber Creek Campground – 98 first-come, first-served sites for tents and RVs with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station available seasonally. Maximum vehicle length is 30 feet and no showers or hook-ups are available.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parka, California – Pet Policy

Pets on leash can enjoy the developed areas at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, but cannot go on any trails.

There are fourteen pet friendly campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, including three that are open year-round. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a metal food-storage box, and most are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no RV hook-ups in the park, and dump stations are located at Potwisha Campgrounds, with additional dump stations at Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, and Princess campgrounds available during the summer months. Check vehicle-length limits on park roads before deciding where to drive in these parks.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Pet Policy

Accessed by the lovely Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park has nearly 500 miles of trails for you to explore with your pets! Pets must be on leashes no longer than six feet at all times, and cannot attend the ranger programs.

Shenandoah has three main camping areas, which are all pet friendly:

• Big Meadows Campground (Mile 51.2) – tent and RV sites with potable water, but no electric hook-ups; a combination of reservable and first-come, first- served sites are available. Three waterfalls are within walking distance of the campground and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is close by.
• Lewis Mountain Campground (Mile 57.5) – 31 sites for tents and smaller RVs, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The smallest campground in the park, Lewis Mountain appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry, – it’s just seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area.
• Loft Mountain Campground (Mile 79.5) – tent and RV sites with potable water and showers, but no electric hook-ups; a combination of reservable and first-come, first- served sites are available. The largest campground in the park, Loft Mountain offers some of the best scenic views.
• Mathews Arm Campground (Mile 22.1) – tent and RV sites with potable water, but no electric hook-ups; a combination of reservable and first-come, first- served sites are available. A nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park, run from the campground. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan – Pet Policy

At Sleeping Bear Dunes leashed pets can explore most of the park, including some areas of the beach, as long as you clean up after them. Any sections of the Park marked with “No Pets” signs are nesting locations of the endangered piping plovers and must be protected. In addition, pets cannot go on the Dune Climb, Maritime Museum grounds, North Bar Lake, Platte Point Beach, White Pine and Valley View backcountry campsites, North and South Manitou Island.

Sleeping Bear Dunes offers two pet friendly camping options:

• D. H. Day Campground – a rustic campground with 88 private sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis, for tents and RVs. Vault toilets and potable water are accessible throughout the campground, and there is a dump station near the entrance. Best of all, campers enjoy easy access to Lake Michigan.
• Platte River Campground – sites for tents and RVs, some with electrical hook-ups. Restrooms with hot showers, potable water, and a dump station are available for campers.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota – Pet Policy

Leashed pets at Theodore Roosevelt NP can walk in developed areas, including parking areas, along roadways, and in campgrounds. However, they cannot go in park buildings, on trails, or in the backcountry. Be aware that dogs can agitate bison, potentially creating a dangerous situation.

Juniper and Cottonwood Campgrounds are both pet friendly and accommodate tents and RVs. Located along the Little Missouri River, both campgrounds are open year-round and have restrooms with flush toilets (no showers) and potable water during summer.  In winter, one spigot for potable water is available at Cottonwood Campground and vault toilets are available in both campgrounds.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota – Pet Policy

The best way to explore the interconnected waterway of Voyageurs is by boat, and pets are welcome to enjoy cruising with you. When its time for a walk, pets on leash can explore the 1.7-mile Recreation Trail and be in the immediate visitor center areas and parking lots. Pets cannot go on any other trails or in the backcountry. All pets have current vaccinations and possess a valid vaccination tag as required by Koochiching and St. Louis County.

Voyageurs National Park has more than 270 campsites, houseboat sites, and day use sites within its boundaries. All campsites are accessed by boat, and pets can join you at the front country campsites only. For reservations, make arrangements at least 1 day prior to the day you intend to occupy the site.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California – Pet Policy

The sparkling water of Whiskeytown Lake, framed by mountain peaks, is the most prominent feature of the park – but there are waterfalls, pristine mountain creeks, 70 miles of trails, and history of the California Gold Rush for you and your pet to explore as well! Leashed pets can explore most of the park, but cannot go inside buildings or on the following beaches: Brandy Creek, East, Oak Bottom, and Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area Beach.

Oak Bottom Tent Campground has fire grates, central restrooms, and some lakeside sites. Oak Bottom RV Campground (separate from tent campground) has a central restroom, dump station, and potable water, but no hookups. Pets can join you in both camping areas for a fee of $2.00 per night per pet.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico – Pet Policy

Pets on leashes no longer than six feet are welcome to explore all White Sands has to offer with you. Picking up after your pets is a must, and the park provides two designated pet walking stations complete with waste bags to facilitate the removal of pet waste. White Sands only places two restrictions on pets: they cannot go in park buildings, and the cannot be left unattended.

READ MORE ⇒ Visiting White Sands with Pets

White Sands National Monument offers the opportunity for backcountry camping among the glistening gypsum dunes. You’ll need a permit, and reaching the campsites requires hiking at least a mile. Orange trail markers with a spade symbol indicate the backcountry camping trail, and orange markers with a tent symbol and site number mark the location of the campsites.

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota – Pet Policy

At Wind Cave leashed pets can walk in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and in other developed areas. Pets are also welcome on the Prairie Vista Nature Trail (1 mile) and Elk Mountain Nature Trail. Pet cannot go in buildings, on cave tours, in the backcountry (including along park roads), or on any other trails.

 

Elk Mountain Campground is pet friendly and has 25 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers have access to flush toilets and potable water in season. During the off-season, the campground has pit toilets and water is available at the visitor center. There are no hookups, showers, or dump stations in the campground, and Loop B has no restrictions on vehicle length.

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming – Pet Policy

There is a limited selection of pet friendly activities at Yellowstone. Pets on leashes no longer than six feet may accompany you only in developed areas of the park, including parking areas, campgrounds, and areas within 100 feet of roads (excluding thermal areas). Pets cannot go on trails, boardwalks, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.

Yellowstone offers 12 pet friendly campgrounds with over 2,000 sites and a variety of amenities:

• Bridge Bay Campground – 432 reservable sites with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station (in season)
• Canyon Campground – 273 reservable sites with flush toilets, potable water, laundry, showers (2 per night), and dump station (in season)
• Fishing Bridge RV Park – 340 reservable sites for hard-sided campers and RVs only. Water, sewer, and electrical hook-ups for RVs, flush toilets, potable water, laundry, showers (2 per night), and dump station (seasonal)
• Grant Village Campground – 430 reservable sites with flush toilets, potable water, laundry, showers (2 per night), and dump station (in season)
• Indian Creek Campground – 70 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; primitive camping with vault toilets. Tens sites will accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet, thirty-five sites will accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet.
• Lewis Lake Campground – 85 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; primitive camping with vault toilets. Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.
• Madison Campground – 278 reservable sites with flush toilets, potable water, and dump station (in season)
• Mammoth Campground – 85 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; campground has flush toilets. In winter tight turning radius limits total vehicle length to 30 feet.
• Norris Campground – 111 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; campground has flush toilets and two sites that will accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet, and five that will accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet.
• Pebble Creek Campground – 27 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; primitive camping with vault toilets. Some long pull-throughs for larger RVs.
• Slough Creek Campground – 16 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; primitive camping with vault toilets. Fourteen sites will accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet.
• Tower Fall Campground – 31 sites available on a first-come, first served basis; primitive camping with vault toilets. Hairpin turn limits total vehicle length to 30 feet.

Yosemite National Park, California – Pet Policy

At Yosemite, leashed pets can walk in developed areas, on fully-paved roads, on sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets), and in all drive-in campgrounds (except group campsites). Pets can also explore the following areas:

• Wawona: Wawona Meadow Loop, Chowchilla Mountain Road, and Four Mile and Eleven Mile fire roads (but not the Four Mile Trail in Yosemite Valley)
• Hodgdon Meadow: Carlon Road from the trailhead to Hodgdon Meadow, and on the Old Big Oak Flat Road from Hodgdon Meadow to Tuolumne Grove parking lot

Leashes must be no longer than six feet, and pets cannot go on any other trails, in any buildings, on the shuttle buses, on snow-covered roads, or in the backcountry.

There are 12 pet friendly campgrounds at Yosemite, 9 of which will accommodate RVs and trailers of varying lengths. RV hookups are not available in the park, although dump stations and potable water are available at Upper Pines Campground (all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only).

Showers are only available in Yosemite Valley at Half Dome Village and Housekeeping Camp. Showers are not available elsewhere.

• Upper Pines, North Pines, Lower Pines, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Campgrounds have potable water and flush toilets seasonally.
• Tamarck Flat, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Flat have vault toilets and water from the creek which you must boil.

Yukon – Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska – Pet Policy

Pets on leashes no longer than six feet are welcome throughout the park, and may not be left unattended in a public use cabin.

Yukon – Charley River allows primitive dispersed camping; campers should use leave-no-trace practices. The National Park Service maintains seven public use cabins on the Yukon River, which are available for no charge on a first-come, first served basis.

Zion National Park, Utah – Pet Policy

Most of Zion National Park is access by shuttles leaving the visitor center. Pets cannot ride the shuttle buses, or be inside park buildings. Leashed pets can walk in the parking areas, in the developed campgrounds and picnic areas, on the grounds of the Zion Lodge, on the Pa’rus Trail (1.7 miles one-way), and along public roads. Pets cannot be on any other trails, or any wilderness areas.

Zion National Park has three campgrounds.

• Lava Point Campground – 6 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis for no charge, with pit toilets, and trash cans, but no water. Vehicles over 19 feet cannot access the road to the campground.
• South Campground – 117 sites available on a first-come, first served basis, with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, but no showers or hook-ups
• Watchman Campground – 178 reservable tent and electric sites available year round with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, but no showers.

 

 

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