Top 5 dog-friendly national parks in the USA! It has been a daydream of mine to pack up and explore the USA in an RV. To walk the natural treasures of our country with my dog sounded like the best idea EVER! It took just shy of a decade to make it happen, but the time has come! YAYYERZ!! ????????
When younger I was quite the explorer and caught the travel bug early. I was frugal and savvy when it came to travel. I didn’t stay in nice places, but that was half the fun of it. In the movie TITANIC with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, I would have been in the lower level dancing on tables and drinking mead. “Young, wild, and free” as some might say. Those days are long gone, but the memories are vivid. Seeing people as their true selves and in their own context where there weren’t expectations was so interesting to me.
The primary takeaway from my travels: People are people, there are arse holes and kind people everywhere you go. Religion, color, language doesn’t matter – all are human.
Learning about different cultures and their phycology in action was life-altering. I made a promise to myself when I made it back to the States to explore America. (Side note: I already had seen much of America, but it was from a child’s perspective. I wanted to explore as an adult and on my own terms)
I encountered that conflict traveling the world as the “American”. My gosh, I would catch so much heat sometimes… Anyways, I digress. Is this a blog post or a flipping personal journal entry! Ha + yikes!
Getting back to the point! I’m beyond excited to explore the United States of America!! Even thinking about it I start to miss our AMAZING dog walking clients of Game Time!! I am going to be a ‘Weekend Warrior’ with plans to make a few week-long trips when business is slow. We’ll see how it works out, Game Time, our clients, and team are a priority to me. We’ll see how this works. I’m toying with the idea to document the RV Travel as Bee’s Knees RV…. Do I have the time or am I biting off more than I can chew…? ????????????
That being said US Park Pass has listed the top 5 dog-friendly parks in the USA:
Planning a getaway with your fur best friend? These pet-friendly National Parks are perfect for enjoying some much deserved outdoor quality time with the whole fam.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
One of the most pet-friendly National Parks! Pets have access to 100 miles of hiking trails, plus 45 miles of carriage roads. They can hike on Isle au Haut and take in the views from the top of Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain. For camping, check out Blackwoods, Schoodic Woods, or Seawall Campgrounds.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
One of America’s most eclectic parks in between two cities. Once a national recreation center in the 70s, it is now is a designated national park since 2000. Pets can hike on over 110 miles of trails and can camp at Stanford Campground.
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
One of the seven wonders of the world. Your four-legged friend can hike on trails above the South Rim Trail which runs the perimeter of the park. There are several pet-friendly lodging areas, including Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village. Boarding kennels available in case you hike the canyon’s depths.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Just 75 miles outside of Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park offers leashed dogs access to over 500 miles of hiking trails in the incredible Blue Ridge Mountains. Pooches are welcome to stay at any of the campgrounds.
Yosemite National Park (California)
Your dog will love the views in the High Sierras and enjoy talking walks in Wawona and Hodgon Meadow. They can walk through developed areas, including paved roads, sidewalks, and bike paths and are welcome at most campgrounds with the exception of walk-ins and group sites.
Turn your weekend dog walking sessions into an adventure with CAMP’s dog pack essential list. Sleeping under the stars with your pooch never felt so good.
Dog Pack Essentials
- Collar with tags + Leash
- Sleeping pad + Blanket
- Lightweight food + lots of treats
- Water filter + Water bowl
- Toiletry bag w first aid kit + Dog towel
- Pet waste bags
Pro Tip
Leashed pets can explore most developed areas, trails/campgrounds, and some lodging facilities. Check with your park before booking!
