Updated for 2026 with current park fees, trail conditions, and policy changes.

Pet-Friendly State Parks: Best in Every Region

State parks are the unsung heroes of dog travel. While national parks get all the attention — and most of them severely restrict where dogs can go — state parks across America offer dramatically more access for dog owners. Many state parks allow dogs on every trail, in every campsite, and at every beach. Some even have dedicated off-leash areas within park boundaries.

I have visited state parks with my dogs in 28 states and counting, and the disparity between the best and worst state park systems for dog access is enormous. Some states treat dogs as welcome visitors; others restrict them almost as severely as national parks. This guide identifies the best state parks for dogs in every region of the country, with specific details on trail access, camping policies, and amenities.

Why State Parks Over National Parks?

The comparison is stark:

Feature	State Parks (typical)	National Parks (typical)
Trail access for dogs	Most or all trails	Paved roads and parking areas only
Camping with dogs	All or most campsites	Designated campsites only
Beach access	Often allowed	Rarely allowed
Leash requirements	6-foot leash standard	6-foot leash standard
Off-leash areas	Some parks have them	Almost never
Entry fees	$0-$10	$20-$35

National parks restrict dogs primarily to protect wildlife and because the parks are managed under a federal mandate to preserve natural resources. State parks, managed under state mandates that often emphasize recreation, are far more accommodating. For dog owners, state parks offer the beauty, trails, and camping of national parks with far fewer restrictions.

Northeast

Harriman State Park — New York

Harriman State Park in the Hudson Valley is one of the largest state parks in New York at over 47,000 acres, and it is magnificently dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on all trails (leashed), in campgrounds, and at picnic areas.

Dog highlights:

• Over 200 miles of trails through forests, over mountains, and around lakes
• Multiple lean-to shelters available for overnight backpacking with dogs
• Lake Sebago and other water bodies for dog swimming (leashed)
• Less than 1 hour from New York City

Trail recommendations:

• Appalachian Trail section (moderate, 10+ miles through the park)
• Seven Hills Trail (strenuous, 14 miles loop with panoramic views)
• Lake Skannatati Loop (easy-moderate, 3.5 miles, lake swimming access)

Camping: Sebago Beach Campground and Beaver Pond Campground both allow dogs. Reserve through ReserveAmerica.

Baxter State Park — Maine (Notable Exception)

It is important to mention that Baxter State Park in Maine does NOT allow dogs on any trails, in any camping areas, or in any part of the park. This is the most dog-restrictive state park in the Northeast and catches many visitors off guard. If you are heading to Maine with your dog, choose Acadia National Park’s carriage roads or Camden Hills State Park instead.

Camden Hills State Park — Maine

Camden Hills is the dog-friendly alternative to Baxter in Maine. Dogs are welcome on all trails, including the summit of Mt. Battie, which provides one of the most photographed views in New England.

Dog highlights:

• Mt. Battie Trail (1 mile to summit, moderate, spectacular ocean views)
• 30 miles of total trails through coastal mountains
• Camping with dogs allowed
• Views of Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor from multiple vantage points

Southeast

Huntsville State Park — Texas

Deep in the Sam Houston National Forest, Huntsville State Park centers on the 210-acre Lake Raven and offers some of the best dog-friendly hiking and camping in Texas.

Dog highlights:

• 8 miles of trails through pine and hardwood forests
• Lake Raven swimming for dogs (leashed shoreline access)
• Camping with dogs in all campsite types
• Excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing
• Shaded trails even in summer

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park — Florida

If you want a dog-friendly beach in Florida’s Panhandle, Topsail Hill is the answer. Dogs are allowed on the 3.2-mile Gregory E. Moore Nature Trail and in the campground. The beach itself requires leashed dogs.

Dog highlights:

• Pristine white sand beach with leashed dog access
• 3.2-mile paved nature trail through coastal dunes
• Campground with full hookups allows dogs
• One of the most beautiful beaches in the Panhandle

Table Rock State Park — South Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina border, Table Rock State Park offers challenging hiking with stunning mountain views and full dog access.

Dog highlights:

• Table Rock Trail (3.6 miles one way, strenuous, summit views)
• Carrick Creek Trail (2 miles loop, moderate, waterfall)
• Camping and cabin rentals allow dogs (cabin dog fee applies)
• Swimming lake with dog access in designated areas
• Elevation provides relief from lowcountry heat

Midwest

Starved Rock State Park — Illinois

Starved Rock is Illinois’ most visited state park, and for good reason. Dramatic sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and 13 miles of trails are all accessible with your leashed dog.

Dog highlights:

• 13 miles of trails through 18 canyons
• Seasonal waterfalls (best in spring after snowmelt)
• Illinois River views from blufftop trails
• Lodge and campground both allow dogs
• Less than 2 hours from Chicago

Trail recommendations:

• French Canyon Trail (1 mile round trip, easy, seasonal waterfall)
• St. Louis Canyon Trail (1.5 miles round trip, moderate, tallest waterfall)
• Lover’s Leap Overlook (0.5 miles, easy, Illinois River panorama)

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — Michigan

The Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the most dog-friendly wilderness areas in the Midwest. At 60,000 acres, it offers genuine backcountry experiences with full dog access.

Dog highlights:

• 90 miles of trails through old-growth forest
• Lake of the Clouds overlook (one of Michigan’s most iconic views)
• Backcountry camping with dogs (cabins and yurts also available)
• Lake Superior shoreline access
• True wilderness experience with minimal crowds

Custer State Park — South Dakota

Custer State Park is 71,000 acres of Black Hills beauty with wildlife, lakes, and some of the best hiking in South Dakota. Dogs are welcome on most trails and in all campgrounds.

Dog highlights:

• Sunday Gulch Trail (3 miles loop, moderate, granite formations and creek)
• Sylvan Lake shore trail (1 mile, easy, stunning mountain lake)
• Wildlife viewing (bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs — keep dogs leashed)
• Nine campgrounds, all dog-friendly
• Adjacent to Wind Cave National Park (limited dog access — stay in Custer)

West

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — California

Anza-Borrego is the largest state park in California at over 600,000 acres, and it is extraordinarily dog-friendly. Unlike most California state parks, Anza-Borrego allows dogs on all trails, not just paved paths and campgrounds.

Dog highlights:

• Dogs allowed on ALL trails (rare for California)
• Over 500 miles of dirt roads and trails
• Borrego Palm Canyon Trail (3 miles round trip, moderate, desert oasis with palm trees)
• Spectacular spring wildflower blooms
• Dispersed camping with dogs throughout the park
• Night sky viewing (one of the darkest skies in Southern California)

Important note: Visit October through April only. Summer temperatures exceed 110 degrees and are deadly for dogs and humans. Carry at least 1 gallon of water per dog per day in the desert.

Smith Rock State Park — Oregon

Smith Rock is a world-class climbing destination and an excellent dog hiking park. Dogs on leash are welcome on all trails, and the dramatic basalt cliffs and Crooked River setting provide some of the most scenic hiking in Oregon.

Dog highlights:

• Misery Ridge Trail (3.8 miles loop, strenuous, cliff-top views)
• River Trail (easy, flat, runs along the Crooked River)
• Crooked River swimming for dogs
• Iconic views of Monkey Face and other rock formations
• Less than 30 minutes from Bend, Oregon

Dead Horse Point State Park — Utah

Dead Horse Point offers views that rival those of nearby Canyonlands National Park — with the critical difference that dogs are allowed on trails here.

Dog highlights:

• Dead Horse Point Overlook (short paved trail, wheelchair accessible, jaw-dropping Colorado River views)
• Intrepid Trail System (9 miles of mountain bike/hiking trails, dogs welcome)
• Campground with electric hookups allows dogs
• Views 2,000 feet above the Colorado River
• Far less crowded than Canyonlands or Arches

Pacific Northwest

Cape Lookout State Park — Oregon

Cape Lookout juts dramatically into the Pacific Ocean, and its trails offer some of the best coastal hiking in Oregon. Dogs on leash are welcome on all trails and in the campground.

Dog highlights:

• Cape Lookout Trail (5 miles round trip, moderate, ocean views and old-growth forest)
• Beach access directly from the campground
• Whale watching from the cape (December through March)
• Campground with yurts allows dogs (yurt dog fee applies)
• Rain gear recommended — this is the Oregon coast

Deception Pass State Park — Washington

Deception Pass bridges Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island in the San Juan Islands region, and the state park offers dog-friendly beaches, trails, and camping with spectacular views.

Dog highlights:

• North Beach and West Beach allow leashed dogs
• Goose Rock Perimeter Trail (3.5 miles loop, moderate, 360-degree views)
• Camping with dogs in forested campsites
• Iconic Deception Pass Bridge viewpoint
• Tide pools for exploring (keep dogs away from marine life)

Mountain West

Cherry Creek State Park — Colorado

Located just outside Denver, Cherry Creek State Park is the urban outdoor playground for Denver’s substantial dog-owning population. The park features a dedicated 107-acre off-leash dog area that is one of the largest in any state park system.

Dog highlights:

• 107-acre off-leash dog area with its own parking lot
• Cherry Creek Reservoir swimming for dogs
• 12 miles of paved trails and 4 miles of bridle trails
• Campground allows dogs
• Model airplane field and nature center

Sawtooth Scenic Byway / Redfish Lake (Sawtooth NRA) — Idaho

While technically a National Recreation Area rather than a state park, the Sawtooth area is managed more like a state park and is incredibly dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on trails, in campgrounds, and at Redfish Lake.

Dog highlights:

• Redfish Lake swimming (stunning mountain lake)
• Hundreds of miles of trails through the Sawtooth Mountains
• Dispersed camping throughout the recreation area
• Some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the lower 48
• Far fewer visitors than comparable destinations in Colorado or Washington

Tips for Visiting State Parks With Dogs

General Etiquette

1. Always leash your dog unless in a designated off-leash area. Most state parks require a 6-foot leash. Retractable leashes often do not meet this requirement when fully extended.

2. Pack out all waste. Carry bags and pick up immediately. In backcountry areas, bury waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.

3. Yield to other hikers. Step to the side of the trail and have your dog sit when other hikers pass, especially those with children or other dogs.

4. Keep dogs out of sensitive habitats. Even in dog-friendly parks, meadows with wildflowers, wetlands, and wildlife nesting areas should be avoided.

5. Carry water. Do not rely on natural water sources for your dog. Stream water can contain giardia, leptospirosis, and other pathogens.

Camping With Dogs in State Parks

• Reserve dog-friendly sites early. Some state parks designate specific loops or sites for pets. These book up fast during summer.
• Bring a stake and long line. A 15-20 foot tether attached to a corkscrew stake gives your dog freedom at the campsite while keeping them contained.
• Never leave your dog unattended at the campsite. Barking dogs are the number one complaint in state park campgrounds and can result in being asked to leave.
• Pack a first aid kit. State parks have limited or no veterinary services. The nearest emergency vet may be an hour away.

Trail Safety

• Check for ticks after every hike. State parks in the East, Southeast, and Midwest are prime tick territory. Run your hands over your dog’s entire body, paying attention to ears, armpits, and the groin area.
• Watch for snakes. In warm-weather parks, venomous snakes are a real risk on trails. Keep your dog on a short leash and on the trail — do not let them explore in tall grass or under rocks.
• Monitor paw pads. Hot pavement, rocky trails, and sand can damage paw pads. Check pads during rest breaks and carry dog booties for rough terrain.
• Know the altitude. Dogs can experience altitude sickness above 8,000 feet, just like humans. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and loss of coordination. Acclimate gradually.

Planning Resources

Reserve America: The booking platform for state park campgrounds in most states. Filter for “pet-friendly” campsites.

State park system websites: Each state’s park system website lists pet policies for every park. Always verify policies before visiting, as they can change seasonally.

AllTrails: Filter for dog-friendly trails within or near state parks. User reviews often mention specific trail conditions for dogs.

Final Thoughts

State parks offer some of the best outdoor experiences available to dog owners in America. They combine the natural beauty of national parks with the access and flexibility that dog owners need. Whether you are hiking sandstone canyons in Utah, swimming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or camping under old-growth forest in Oregon, state parks welcome you and your dog in ways that most federal lands do not.

The key is research. Check each park’s specific pet policy before you go, verify trail access, and always follow leash rules. State parks remain dog-friendly because dog owners respect the rules and clean up after themselves. Be the kind of visitor that makes park managers glad they allow dogs, and these incredible places will remain open to us all.

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You Might Also Like

• Dog-Friendly National Parks Guide — What you CAN do with your dog at national parks, and how to maximize the experience.
• Camping With Dogs: Complete Guide — Everything you need for a successful dog camping trip at state and national parks.
• Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in America — The best trails for dogs coast to coast, including many in state parks.