Is Badlands​ National Park Dog Friendly?

Most National Parks aren’t the most dog friendly destinations. And for good reasons, these places are the homes of wild animals that can do some serious damage to your furry friends. Not only that but your pups can do damage to the habitat of these wild animals as well. For these reasons, in most parks, pets are not allowed on trails and in wilderness areas. However, there’s unquestionably no better companion in the outdoors than your beloved pup(s) but visiting a national park with your dog(s) can present certain challenges. 

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The Big Question: Is Badlands National Park dog friendly?

What do I mean? Well, there aren’t many dog friendly options within the park. But if you are willing to make a few changes then that shouldn’t stop you from visiting Badlands National Park with your pup(s) in tow! 

National Park Dog Friendly Rating: 

Check Out: One Day In Badlands National Park

Know Before You Go: Pup Edition 

As always, be aware that bringing dogs into National Parks can be dangerous.

• Pets are allowed in Parking areas and along paved roads
• Some campgrounds
• Some picnic areas
• Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
• Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
• Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace

Dogs Are Not Allowed:

• Inside buildings (unless service animal)
• Shuttle buses (unless service animal)
• Trails or backcountry
• Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
• Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
• Excessive barking

Things to Keep In Mind: Pup Edition 

This terrain definitely presents some hazards – be aware: 

• Extreme range of weather
• Poisonous Snakes
• Poisonous Plants
• Predatory animals
• Prairie dogs that potentially carry the plague 
• Ticks and biting insects
• Do not drink from waterways

What To Pack For The Pups

• Extra Tags (in case of loss)
• Rabies Vaccine Records – General Vet/Vaccine Records
• Extra Water (Badlands can be hot and humid in certain seasons)
• Leashes
• Harnesses
• Hammock Seat Cover 
• Dog Seat Belts
• Crate/Kennel 
• Dog Bed (I usually bring one for the car)
• Food & Water Bowls 
• Care Products – I always bring Benadryl, Famotidine, Nose & Paw Ointment 
• Dog First Aid Kit 
• Poop Bags (and please use them) And THIS handy little thing
• Cleaning Supplies (at the very least carpet cleaner)
• Toys/Kong/Bones/Treats (Freya needs distractions on long roadtrips)
• Ball (its always a good idea to have at least a ball)
• 50 ft leashes for Airbnb yards 
• Towels (esp if you have messy dogs like mine) 
• A Current Photo (in case they get lost)
• Backpack 
• Collapsible Water Bowl

Need A Free Checklist For Your Next Adventure With The Pups?

6 Fun Things To Do In and Near Badlands National Park With Your Pups

1. Drive Badlands Loop Road –

Even if you can’t get out and hike with your pups inside the park, you can still drive the gorgeous and scenic loop road. Loki really enjoyed driving through the park with the windows cracked so he could “wind surf.” And they can still get out of the car at some of the overlooks for photo-ops and potty breaks. 

2. Hike Badlands Back Roads With Your Pup – 

Scenic back roads in and around Badlands National Park provide an exciting backcountry experience for you and your dog. My favorite is the Old Northeast Road just north of Cedar Pass. This active ranch road takes you into the prairie and away from the highway. Find out more here.

Check Out: 10 Fun Things To Do In Badlands National Park

3. Check Out Buffalo Gap National Grasslands – 

These grasslands were originally home to native tribes and vast herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife. You and your dog can experience these national grasslands through a variety of activities: hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, sightseeing, and more. Luckily, for those of us who travel with pups, the northern portion of Buffalo Gap hooks around Badlands National Park. And it’s actually just a few minutes from the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, South Dakota.

Bonus: It is open 24 hours, all year round, and there is no fee to visit! 

4. Visit A Dog Friendly Brewery –

Lost Cabin Beer Company:

• Where: 1401 W Omaha St #3, Rapid City, SD 57701
• Hours: To go and Curbside – Daily 12 – 9 pm
  • Mon-Thurs 2 – 10 pm
  • Fri – Sat – 12 – 11 pm
  • Sun – 12 – 9 pm
• This dog friendly brewery has food trucks that rotate throughout the week. Oh, and of course, the best part – pups are welcome! Check them out here.

Custer Beacon:

• Where: 315 Washington Street, Custer, SD 
• Hours: W-F : 4PM-9PM | SAT: 11AM-9PM
• More info here.

Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co:

• Where: 140 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD
• Hours: Closed for the season
• But check for next summer’s hours and more info here.

5. Don’t Skip Custer State Park –

This is a great option for anyone looking for dog friendly options in an absolutely stunning location that’s only about 1 hour and 30 mins from Badlands.

Custer State Park at A Glance: 

Cost: $20 for admission – good for 7 days 

Things to Do: 

• Drive Wildlife Loop – 18 miles 
• Drive Needles Highway – 14 miles
• Sylvan Lake – Tons of trails and dogs can get in water. You could easily spend an entire day here! 
• Iron Mountain Road – 17 miles – tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore 

Dog Friendly Hikes At A Glance: 

Sylvan Lakeshore Trail 

• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 59 ft

Lover’s Leap Trail

• Distance: 4.2 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 262 ft

 Iron Creek Trail

• Distance: 4.9 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain 318 ft

Grace Coolridge Walk-In Fishing Area to Center Lake 

• Distance: 5.8 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 396 ft

Black Elk Peak 

• Distance: 7.4 miles
• Rating; Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1,515 ft

6. Check Out The Cute Towns of Spearfish and Deadwood – 

In Spearfish – 

Hikes At A Glance: 

Roughlock Falls Trail 

• Distance: 2.1 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 242 ft

Devil’s Bathtub 

• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 173 ft

Sips & Eats: 

Red Water Café’

• Where: 741 N Main St Suite #120, Spearfish, SD 57783
• Hours: Mon – Fri 11 am – 9 pm, Weekends 8 am – 9 pm

Spearfish Creek Wine Bar 

• Where: 127 W Grant St, Spearfish, SD 57783
• Hours: Tues – Thurs 12 – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 – 11 pm, Sun 12 – 7 pm
  • Closed Monday

In Deadwood – 

Hike At A Glance: 

Deadwood Trailhead

This was South Dakota’s first rails to trails project, providing 109 miles of varied and scenic terrain for hiking, bicycle, and horseback riding – right down the middle of the Black Hills. Persons aged 12 and older are required to purchase a trail pass. It’s $4 for a day pass or $15 for an annual pass. 

The Homestake Trail

• Distance: 5.7 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 810 ft

Friendship Tower

• Distance: .8 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 164 ft

Wander around in Historic Downtown where many of the shops are dog friendly. 

Sips & Eats:

Saloon No. 10

• Where: 657 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
• Hours: Daily 8 am – 2 am

Mustang Sally’s

• Where: 634 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
• Hours: Sun – Thurs 10:30 am – 11 pm, Fri – Sat 10:30 am – 1:30 am

Lee Street Station Café

• Where: 3 Lee St, Deadwood, SD 57732
• Hours: Daily 7 am – 2 pm

Six String

• Where: 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732
• Hours: 6:30 – 11 pm

Check Out: 14 Fun Things To Do In Deadwood, South Dakota

Not As Dog Friendly But Close To Badlands 

Mount Rushmore

Click here to check out this post on if Mount Rushmore is worth a visit.

• Cost: $10 for parking 
• Dog Friendly – Sorta Kinda – there are places for your pups to potty but no dogs (besides service dogs) are allowed to enter Mount Rushmore.

Tip: After you check out Mt. Rushmore treat your pups to ice cream from Memorial Team Ice Cream. It’s located right there at Mount Rushmore! Loki and Freya tried TJ’s vanilla ice cream, which is based on Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe from 1780. President Jefferson is credited with bringing the first written recipe for ice cream to the United States.  They LOVED it!

Wind Cave National Park

• Cost: Free to enter and hike but have to pay for cave tours
• Pet Friendly Options:
  • Grassy Areas near the Visitor Center
  • The Elk Mountain Campground Trail and the Elk Mountain Nature Trail
  • The Prairie Vista Nature Trail, located near the visitor center. 
• Pet Rules:
  • Pet should not be left unattended.
  • Owners are responsible for removing waste.
  • Pets are not permitted in backcountry areas.

Mapping Out 6 Dog Friendly Adventures At Badlands:

The general rule of thumb when traveling with dogs is even if there are things on your list that aren’t dog friendly (ahem, Badlands National Park). There are usually a ton of dog friendly options not far away! So, go ahead, bring the pups with you to South Dakota!

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