America’s national parks are absolute treasures, true gems of astonishing beauty and breathtaking terrain. Across the nation, hundreds of millions of people have experienced their stunning landscapes, untouched wilderness, and rich biodiversity. Since Yellowstone was established as the first of its kind in 1872, a total of 63 national parks* have been designated by law across 30 states and two territories.
While many national parks welcome dogs, they often have specific rules about where pets can go. There are a few reasons for this, but these policies are mainly in place to conserve the environment and avoid any interactions with wildlife. Some parks, while allowing dogs, restrict their access to trails and backcountry areas.
The good news is there are still some spectacular dog-friendly national parks to explore. Of course, you’ll need to follow some basic rules like keeping your dog on a leash that’s six feet or shorter and making sure you clean up after them. We recommend checking each park’s website for any pet-specific rules they might enforce locally.
Alright, let’s dig in — here are the best dog-friendly national parks where you can make memories to last a lifetime.
*At the time this article was published.
1. Acadia National Park — Maine
Located along the coast near Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park encompasses half of two islands and the tip of a stunning, lush peninsula. Boasting the famous Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on America’s Atlantic coast, the park is filled with giant, glacially placed rocks, cobble beaches, granite domes, and stunning valleys. Dogs are welcome on over 100 miles of hiking paths and 45 miles of the historic crushed stone carriage road system established by John D. Rockefeller Jr. You won’t be able to bring your pup near lakes and natural water sources, but there’s still so much to explore in this incredible seaside jewel.
Best time to visit
- Acadia National Park is open year-round. During peak season — typically June through September — parking is limited and fills up early. From May through October, the Cadillac Summit Road is managed by a Vehicle Reservation System.
Entrance fees
- Per person: $20
- Motorcycle: $30
- Private vehicle: $35
- Annual Pass: $70
Scenic viewpoints
- Park Loop Road stretches 27 miles through Acadia’s stunning landscape, twisting past forests, skimming lakes and mountains, and tracing the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic scenery like Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
Camping
- Book your site in advance at recreation.gov, as campground offices do not accept in-person reservations.
2. Shenandoah National Park — Virginia
One of the most pet-friendly national parks of them all, Shenandoah National Park contains a gorgeous portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is famous for its Skyline Drive that cuts along the ridgeline of the mountains. Its namesake river carves a broad valley on the west side, while the hills of the Virginia Piedmont roll out beautifully to the east. Dogs are allowed on an incredible 500 miles of trails, including significant portions of the Appalachian Trail.
Best time to visit
- Shenandoah National Park is open year-round, though parts of Skyline Drive — the only public road through the park — may close due to severe weather. Even when the road is closed, visitors are welcome to enter on foot. Most facilities open in March and typically close by late November.
Entrance fees
- Standard Pass: $15-$30
- Annual Pass: $55
- America the Beautiful Pass: Free-$80*
*Includes US 4th graders, federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours, US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old, and others.
Scenic viewpoints
- Skyline Drive winds through Shenandoah’s Blue Ridge landscape — offering sweeping overlooks and leading to some of the park’s most beloved spots. Explore the open fields and stargazing opportunities at Big Meadows, take in the history and mountain views at Skyland, or tackle the rugged hike up Old Rag Mountain.
Camping
- Stay at a designated campground or venture into the backcountry. We recommend choosing the camping style that best fits your adventure.
3. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve — West Virginia
America’s newest national park* is also one of the friendliest to dogs. Nestled in the southern West Virginia Appalachian Mountains, it was created to protect and maintain the New River Gorge and the surrounding areas. Rich in natural and cultural history, the park features incredible geological features carved out by flowing water.
Visitors can enjoy a multitude of recreational activities, including some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. The features of the Appalachian Plateau are especially unique, with an exposure of over 300 meters of sandstone and shale. Allowed on 100% of trails throughout this pet-friendly park, dogs can explore everything from giant boulders and channels to the ruins of an abandoned mining town.
*At the time this article was published.
Best time to visit
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is open year-round, though visitor center hours vary by season.
- Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- Thurmond Depot Visitor Center operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with additional weekend hours in September and October.
- Grandview Visitor Center also operates seasonally from Memorial Day through October from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Park Headquarters in Glen Jean is open year-round, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but doesn’t have any public restrooms or amenities.
Entrance fees
- Park admission is free!
Scenic viewpoints
- New River Gorge offers a dynamic landscape — some roads have breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs and the river below, while others weave down to the water’s edge. Guests could see soaring vultures and riverbank herons to White-tailed deer moving through the forested slopes. In spring, wildflowers brighten the trails, while in fall, a canopy of color transforms the entire gorge.
Camping
- Camping in New River Gorge is truly an off-the-grid experience. The park has eight campgrounds, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are free but come with limited amenities: no drinking water, no hookups, and minimal restrooms.
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park — Ohio
Nestled between Akron and Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley is one of the most unique national parks in the country. The only one to border two major urban areas, it contains an extensive road network, several small towns, 15 public parks, a golf course, and many private attractions. You can even explore caves that were created by falling boulders. Dog parents can walk their pups on more than 100 miles of trails and see impressive rock outcroppings scattered along the way.
Best time to visit
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open year-round, though facilities follow a seasonal schedule. These areas are closed from dusk until morning:
- Brandywine Falls
- Ledges
- Octagon
- Kendall Lake
- Happy Days South Parking Area
- Kendall Hills Area on Quick Road
Entrance fees
- Park admission is free!
Scenic viewpoints
- Hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and travel through the heart of the park. The route follows the Cuyahoga River, winding through wooded landscapes with the chance to spot White-tailed deer, herons, beavers, and majestic Bald Eagles.
Camping
- Camping is not allowed
5. Indiana Dunes National Park — Indiana
Just southeast of Chicago along Lake Michigan, there is a vast stretch of dunes formed by glacial movement, as well as woods, prairies, and marshes. This diverse landscape comprises the 15,000+ acres of Indiana Dunes National Park. Visitors can enjoy the West Beach along the lake (with a view of the Windy City across the water), fish, camp near the dunes, and more. Best of all, leashed dogs are free to roam the entire 15-mile shoreline of this dog-friendly park.
Best time to visit
- The park is open year-round, but the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center has reduced hours from the Tuesday after Labor Day through the Thursday before Memorial Day. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Entrance fees
- Standard Pass: $15-$25
- Annual Pass: $45
- America the Beautiful Pass: Free-$80*
*Includes US 4th graders, federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours, US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old, and others.
Scenic viewpoints
- Each season offers new ways to experience the beauty of Indiana Dunes. Wildflowers brighten trails along the Little Calumet River in spring, especially in April and May. Summer is the perfect time to build sandcastles on the beach and catch sunsets over Lake Michigan. By late summer and early fall, the Calumet and Porter Brickyard Bike Trails come alive with color.
Camping
- Dunewood Campground includes two loops with a total of 66 campsites. Each loop has restrooms with showers. Four sites are wheelchair-accessible, and while some sites can accommodate RVs, length restrictions may apply.
6. Hot Springs National Park — Arkansas
Adjacent to its namesake city, Hot Springs National Park is an accessible, smaller park with a very distinctive feature. You'll see natural springs at the base of Hot Springs Mountain that produce over half a million gallons of hot, steaming water every day. Along with the historic bathhouses in town, guests can enjoy the mountains, woodlands, campsites, and nearby town at their leisure. You and your pal can explore 26 miles of pet-friendly trails that flank the city.
Best time to visit
- Hot Springs National Park is open year-round. As of March 4, 2025, the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum is open five days a week, from Thursday through Monday. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Entrance fees
- Park admission is free!
Scenic viewpoints
- Key spots include Hot Springs Mountain Lookout Point, Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive, West Mountain Scenic Drive, Goat Rock Overlook, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Up for even more adventure? There are additional overlooks and picnic areas along West Mountain.
Camping
- Campsites at Gulpha Gorge Campground vary in size and can accommodate both tents and RVs. Each site includes full hookups and costs $34 per night. Book your spot in advance at recreation.gov, as campground offices do not accept in-person reservations.
7. White Sands National Park — New Mexico
Covering a large portion of the Tularosa Basin, this unique national park contains a multitude of dunes composed of gypsum crystals. It’s one of the biggest national parks, spanning nearly 150,000 acres. A popular filming location of westerns during the golden age of Hollywood, it’s also surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range, a historic military testing area and firing range.
Like many other newly established national parks, White Sands is very dog-friendly. Your pup is allowed to walk on a leash across all its gorgeous sand dunes, on and off trails.
Best time to visit
- White Sands National Park is open year-round, with gates opening at 7 a.m. and closing 30 minutes after sunset. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours may vary seasonally, and occasional closures occur due to missile testing at the nearby White Sands Missile Range.
Entrance fees
- Standard Pass: $15-$25
- Annual Pass: $45
- America the Beautiful Pass: Free-$80*
*Includes US 4th graders, federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours, US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old, and others.
Scenic viewpoints
- Start your day at the visitor center, then head out on Dunes Drive — a scenic eight-mile route deep into the gypsum sand road. Along the way, stop to explore hiking trails, enjoy a picnic, or snap a few photos of the dazzling white sands.
Camping
- Some campsites are being restored, so backcountry camping is temporarily unavailable. A reopening date has not been announced.
