Pet Friendly National, State & Local Parks

If you have a dog that really needs a lot of exercise, then plan your next trip at a destination that has a National, State or local park or park system nearby. This will give you both the chance to spend some quality time outdoors while also experiencing some of the most beautiful geography this country has to offer. From historic sites such as Gettysburg National Battlefield Park to Indian reservations to forest preserves and protected wilderness areas, you’ll be amazed at the diversity and beauty of the unique landscapes you can enjoy and experience with your pet.

Some of our favorites...

Watoga State Park

4800 Watoga Park Road ,
Marlinton, WV 24954
304-799-40
Pet Friendly Watoga State Park in Marlinton, WV
Great park to hike with your dog and you both can stretch your legs (all 6 of them)! The park is in the mountains of Pocahontas County. With 10,100 acres of land, Watoga has many recreational activities to enjoy with you dog. There is hiking, swimming, fishing, boating and vacation cabins, open year-round. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing. It has a multipurpose building, museum and observation tower to enjoy the unique attractions at Watoga State Park.

Amherst State Park

400 Mill Street,
Amherst, NY 14226
Pet Friendly Amherst State Park in Amherst, NY
A lovely pet-friendly park to enjoy with your family, friends, and pooch. Your dog needs to be kept on a 6-foot leash.

Mt. Philo State Park

5425 Mt Philo Rd.,
Charlotte, VT 05445
802-425-23
Pet Friendly Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte, VT
Traveling to Vermont on your next family vacation with your pet? This is a 237-acre park is located atop Mt. Philo overlooking the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains of New York. There is a visitors access to the top of the mountain. This is Vermont's oldest state park, created in 1924 and they claim to love pets. So make sure to include this on your places to visit when in the area. Dogs need to get out of the car and enjoy the trip too!

Big Run State Park

Grantsville, MD 21536
301-895-5453
Pet Friendly Big Run State Park in Grantsville, MD
Located at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, you can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, swimming and hunting with your pet. Campsites are available for tents. The park has a group shelter for up to 25 people. Dogs may be with owners in the camping and hiking areas. Must be on a leash. Pet clean-up is required.

Lake St. Catherine State Park

3034 VT Rte. 30 - South,
Poultney, VT 05764
802-287-91
Pet Friendly Lake St. Catherine State Park in Poultney, VT
Are you a fisher? Lake St. Catherine provides excellent fishing for anglers of all skill levels. Panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch and northern pike can all be found in the lake’s cool waters. While fishing your and your pooch may even get a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or even an occasional moose. Regularly scheduled nature programs are held at the nature center too. Pets can get out and run parts of the park.

Benicia Community Park

Benicia, CA
Pet Friendly Benicia Community Park in Benicia, CA
Benicia Community Park located off Rose Drive (Take the Columbus Parkway Exit off 780). Beautiful park for the entire family: two different playgrounds and a off leash dog park. For more info http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/

Lost River State Park

321 Park Drive,
Mathias, WV 26812
304-897-53
Pet Friendly Lost River State Park in Mathias, WV
The back drop of mountains in the Lost River State Park is the perfect setting to get away and enjoy the outdoors with your pet. Offering cabins and campsite and an abundance of outdoor recreation. With 3,712 acres of woods it is a secluded getaway for nature lovers. Hike to Cranny Crow with your family and pets, then enjoy the views of the surrounding ridges. Activities available in park: Biking, Geocaching, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Historical Sites and Swimming.

Bear Cove Park

Weymouth, MA
Pet Friendly Bear Cove Park in Weymouth, MA
Great park, paved trails, trash cans, many fetch fields. Located around estuary with salt water where dogs can swim. Free run for well behaved dogs. Lax leash law.

Lake Carmi State Park

460 Marsh Farm Rd.,
Enosburg Falls, VT 05450
802-933-83
Pet Friendly Lake Carmi State Park in Enosburg Falls, VT
Carmi is the fourth largest natural lake located entirely within Vermont. Making for a great place to bring your dog while on vacation in Vermont, get out and enjoy the fresh air and views with your pet they deserve it after a long car ride to your hotel or vacation rental.

Acadia National Park

Mount Desert Island, PO Box 177,
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207-288-3338
Pet Friendly Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, ME
Beautiful Park with carriage roads to walk your dogs. This park offers great views of the ocean, mountains and even ponds. Pets may not be left unattended and need to be leashed or otherwise physically restrained at all times. Pets are allowed in all park locations except Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, Isle au Haut campground, ladder trails, and inside public buildings. It is requested that dogs are not brought on any ranger-led activities. Service dogs or sight-guiding dogs may accompany their owner to all park locations unless the area is closed to all visitors. The park even offers a restaurant to dine along with your furry friends, Jordan Pond House Restaurant which is right along one of the trails/carriage road.