In our modern era, for those of us who enjoy being active during the weekends, it seems more like a carefully planned getaway in the great outdoors rather than a spontaneous road trip across the country. That’s not to imply that one is superior to the other, but this article will mainly focus on the latter option. Whether you’re packing your car with your dog and a tent or embarking on a journey in a pet-friendly camper, there are countless opportunities for camping with your beloved pets. Our overall suggestions revolve around selecting backpacking trips or campgrounds that offer ample natural shade, bringing more food than you anticipate needing, and ensuring you are well-informed about your dog’s physical abilities and behavioral limitations.
Finding Pet Friendly Campgrounds at America’s National Parks
When you are organizing your visit to pet friendly campgrounds in America’s national parks, it is important to note that there are limitations on where pets are allowed in most national parks. These restrictions are implemented to safeguard vulnerable habitats and species at risk, and they may differ depending on the location and time of the year. To help with this, we have included a link to the pet regulations for each national park in the provided information. We recommend reviewing these policies prior to making any reservations.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is an ideal national park to go camping with pets, as it is one of the most pet-friendly parks in the country. You will have a wide range of activities to enjoy together, as almost all the trails and carriage roads allow pets on leashes.
Pets cannot be left unattended in vehicles and it is necessary to clean up after them. Additionally, swimming is prohibited in many of the park’s bodies of water for both pets and humans, as these bodies of water serve as a source of drinking water for nearby communities.
There are three pet friendly camping options in Acadia National Park. All of them are located in wooded areas and are a short distance away from the shoreline. These campgrounds allow both tents and small RVs and provide facilities such as flush toilets, running water, and dump stations. However, if you want to take a shower, you will have to pay for it at privately-owned sites outside the park.
Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas
Amistad National Recreation Area is located on the United States’ portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. While pets are permitted in all developed campsites, they must be kept on a leash and any droppings must be picked up after. However, pets are not allowed in archaeological sites, caves or rock shelters, marinas or docks (except when going to and from a boat), or administrative buildings.
Within Amistad, there are a total of five options for camping with pets. The campsites are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Generally, the campgrounds are open throughout the year and seldom reach maximum capacity, except during holiday weekends. The sole location where potable water and a dump station can be found is near the Diablo East Boat Ramp at the Governors Landing Campground. The remaining campgrounds feature vault toilets and lack hook-ups.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
The National Lakeshore is spread over 720 square miles in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior. It provides opportunities for recreation, solitude, reflection, and appreciation of its beauty. The archipelago consists of 12 miles of mainland that can be accessed by car, as well as 21 islands that are only accessible by water.
Pets are prohibited on the Apostle Island Cruises operated by the National Park Service. Nevertheless, they are permitted on the subsequent private charters, taxis, and ferries that facilitate transportation to camping areas on the islands.
When going on adventure vacations, it is permissible to bring dogs on boat tours and boat taxis. However, if you plan to share a boat taxi with other individuals, you should obtain consent from them in order to bring your dog along.
Pets are allowed on the Madeline Island Ferry but must always be kept on a leash or contained in a crate.
PMG Charters allows dogs to be brought on water taxis.
Arches National Park, Utah
With its contrasting colors, land forms, and textures, Arches National Park preserves a unique landscape that is unrivaled. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as numerous towering pinnacles, vast rock fins, and colossal balanced rocks.
Pets are permitted to accompany you at Devils Garden Campground, at the picnic areas, and can join you on all the unpaved roads in the park. However, it is not permissible to bring your pets to any overlooks, hiking trails, off-trail areas, or the visitor center. Moreover, you must not leave your pet alone, excluding in paid campsites, and they must not cause any disruptions.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The Badlands, which cover 244,000 acres, have experienced erosion that has shaped their impressive geological formations. On the other hand, the park’s vast mixed-grass prairie provides a habitat for various animals such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
Leashed pets are only allowed in developed areas in the Badlands, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and areas open to motor vehicles. Pets cannot be left alone and are prohibited on hiking trails, in buildings, and in backcountry areas, including the Badlands Wilderness Area and areas with prairie dog colonies.
Colorado National Monument, Colorado
Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and soaring eagles as you travel along Rim Rock Drive at Colorado National Monument, where towering monoliths overlook a vast plateau and canyon panorama.
Leashed pets are allowed in the developed campground area and can be walked on paved roads at Colorado National Monument. However, they are not permitted on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or to accompany cyclists on Rim Rock Drive.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
With a length of over 40 miles, Pictured Rocks embraces the shore of Lake Superior and is renowned for its sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and untamed lakeshore. The park’s distinct topography and ecosystem are predominantly shaped by the force of Lake Superior, providing a one-of-a-kind terrain to discover.
Leashed pets are permitted to explore various areas at Pictured Rocks such as day use areas, picnic areas, developed campgrounds, Lake Superior beaches near campgrounds and day-use areas, Lake Superior Overlook and Beach, Miners Beach, Sand Point Beaches, Sable Falls Trail and Beach, Au Sable Access Road to the Light Station, and the Munising Falls, Miners Falls, and Miners Castle trails. However, it is important to note that pets are not allowed on any other trails or beaches, in backcountry campgrounds, at Log Slide and nearby dunes, at Grand Sable Dunes, or on any groomed winter ski trails.
Car Camping on Public Lands
If you and your dog are new to camping together overnight, start by trying it out at a recognized campground in a nearby state park, national forest, or other publicly accessible recreational land. By choosing established campgrounds, you can ensure that there will be ample resources and amenities for both you and your dog, such as drinking water, trash cans for disposing of waste, and fellow campers who may have helpful information about swimming spots or nearby trails. Additionally, staying close to home allows for the option of leaving if any issues arise. While campgrounds on public lands are generally dog-friendly, it is always wise to research or inquire about specific sites’ rules and regulations. It is also advisable to keep your dog on a leash in busy campgrounds, as it is often a requirement. If you desire more seclusion for you and your dog, dispersed camping on public land is a viable option. However, it is crucial to thoroughly research the rules and regulations beforehand. Obtain a detailed topographic map and explore lesser-known side roads. Occasionally, you may discover a breathtaking view with no other individuals in sight. Generally, only set up a tent in areas where others have done so before, and avoid creating new fire rings. Trust us, these are readily available. This way, you and your furry companion can enjoy some off-leash time (as long as your dog remains within your sight) and strengthen your bond.
