It is always fun to do activities with our dogs. As furparents, we want nothing but the best for our four-legged companions. And having a great outdoor adventure is on the bucket list of most families with dogs. Luckily, the United States offers plenty of state parks to get out and explore the beauty of nature. With all these available options, not sure where to go? Here is the first part of our overview of 50 states parks.
If your favorite state isn’t on this list, check out the following articles:
Pet-Friendly State Parks 2: Louisiana – North Dakota
Pet-Friendly State Parks 3: Ohio – Wyoming
Prepare yourself and your pet because Alabama state parks will be glad to have you. A few other requirements are your pet’s vaccination certificate and a six-meter leash. However, swimming in their pools and beaches is not allowed for added safety precaution for your furry friend. It is also essential to train your pup to behave and be quiet, or else they’d be taken out of the park for misbehaving as part of their rules. Check their website for more state park pet policies and locations.
Alaska is a very pet-friendly state, and its state parks allow your four-legged friends to jump, play, and run around. Ensure you train your pets under your voice comm and if you want to unleash them in their park grounds. Click here for more information about Alaska state parks’ locations and pet policy.
Keep your pets on a leash if you wish to be in Arizona state parks. Here, you can enjoy running around on their grounds; but there are a few restrictions in their cabins, buildings, and pools where all animals cannot get in. Please have a look at their state park website to know more about their pet policy and locations.
Arkansas state parks allow dogs on their grounds as long as they are on a leash during your entire stay. This restriction is for the protection of you and other pet owners and dogs as well. Read more of their state park locations and pet policy here.
California also allows dogs on their park grounds as long as they are on a leash at all times. Dogs that are vicious, unruly, and rowdy will not be allowed, so you have to make sure to train your dogs well. There are also some parks in California where restrictions apply to where your pets can roam around. Here is what they have to say about having your dogs in their parks.
Your pets should be on a six-foot leash while in their parks. Colorado also does not allow dogs to swim in their beaches and pools to protect and keep your furry friend safe. Barr Lake, Cheyenne Mountain, James Robb in Colorado River, and Mueller parks have specific restrictions on allowing dogs. However, Chatfield and Cherry Creek parks allow your dogs to be off-leash while in their parks. Check their website to know more about their state park pet policy and their state park locations.
Most state parks and forests in Connecticut welcome pets on a leash, but they cannot enter state park campgrounds, swimming pools, or buildings. Dinosaur State Park, Sherwood Isl ands State Park, and Squantz Pond State Park do not allow pets from April 15 to September 30. Click here for more information about Connecticut State Parks and pet policy.
If you wish to visit one of their state parks with your dog, you have to ensure that your four-legged companion is on a six-foot leash. Some of the st andard requirements are your dog’s vaccination certificate, and their rabies vaccination must also be updated. However, there are some restrictions, such as the picnic areas, cabins, and cottages. Most of the beaches in Delaware are pet-friendly, especially during the off-season. However, Beach Plum Beach, which prohibits, is not allowed throughout the year. Here’s more of their state park pet policy and locations.
Pets are generally welcome in most state parks in Florida, provided that your furry member of the family is on a st andard six-foot leash. However, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park does not allow pets since they have wild animals captive. Also, as part of their safety and security, pets are not permitted in some areas like on beaches, pools, playgrounds, washing areas, and parking areas. Here is their state park pet policy and locations.
Pets are permitted to be brought into all Georgia state parks and campgrounds that are pet friendly if they are leashed not longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed at Panola Mountain and Tallulah Gorge sites and many historic lodges, swimming areas, group camps, and most trails. Read the Georgia State Parks locations and pet policy if you plan on bringing your dog to any of their state parks.
It is prohibited to bring pets and other animals into State Parks in Hawaii. Pets are restricted from campgrounds, restaurants, pavilions, swimming areas, lodges, beaches, and wherever else posted as a precaution. All pets must be kept on a leash less than 6 feet in length; they can also be in crates or cages or under physical restraint at all times unless otherwise specified. Here are their state park locations and pet policy.
The Idaho State Parks allow pets almost everywhere, except on beaches and in some cabins and yurts. Recently, some parks have had tighter restrictions. Pets must be leashed no longer than six feet, placed in a camper, or confined within a vehicle. Dogs are permitted in the public campgrounds of all Idaho state parks, except the Harriman State Park, and more have dog-friendly cabins available for rent. Here’s what Idaho State Parks have to say about their pet policy and state park location.
Pets are permitted within Illinois state parks and campgrounds, provided they are kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet, but they are not allowed in cabins, beachside, concessions, or picnic areas. In addition, a noisemaker, dangerous animal, or vicious animal must be removed from the premises upon request, and the owner must provide proof of vaccination. Check their state park locations and pet policy here.
State parks and campgrounds in Indiana welcome pets on leashes up to six feet long. Pools, beaches, rental recreation buildings such as Pioneer Village in Springmill State Park, and public buildings are the only places where pets are permitted. Your canine and feline friends must have their proof of updated vaccination.
If you want to know more about the state’s pet policy and locations, click here.
Iowa parks and forests welcome pets on a leash up to six feet long. Also, several parks for rent near Iowa offer pet-friendly accommodations, such as cabins and yurts. The cabin/yurt can accommodate up to two dogs per room, with pets always being restrained.
For more information on the state’s pet police policy and location, click here.
The Kansas state parks and campgrounds welcome pets on a leash up to ten feet. The only exception is in areas where buoys or other markers delineate swimming boundaries or public buildings or structures. Review their state park pet policy and locations before visiting any state parks with your four-legged companion.
Pets are generally permitted in Kentucky state parks, except for trails that share the l and with State Nature Preserves and archaeological areas. These areas include all the tracks, including one at Natural Bridge State Recreation Area and John James Audubon State Park, and Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site. The Blue Licks Battlefield State Parks, Carter Caves, Cumberl and Falls, and Pine Mountain state parks contain trails designated as nature preserves and are marked, so pets aren’t allowed on such routes. There is no charge for pets in the thirty-one campgrounds in the Kentucky state parks. Read their state location and park pet policy for more information.
Pets are the best companions in our outdoor activities. If you wish to take your four-legged friends with you in a park, it is best to check which state parks are pet-friendly before heading out. Enjoy your next park escapade!
