There’s no need to leave your four-legged adventure buddy behind when exploring America’s national parks. With a little planning, dog-friendly glamping lets you spend your days discovering mountains, coastlines, forests, and red-rock landscapes before relaxing together beneath the stars. Dogs are welcome at every Under Canvas location, providing a comfortable base for outdoor adventures. Since each national park has its own pet rules, it’s important to know where your pup can join you before you go. Read on to discover dog-friendly glamping near U.S. national parks, plus helpful tips for planning a tail-wagging getaway.
Acadia National Park
Rocky coastline, evergreen forests, granite peaks, and historic carriage roads make Acadia one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the country. Leashed dogs are welcome on roughly 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, although certain beaches, swimming areas, ladder trails, and buildings are off-limits. Acadia even offers a Bark Ranger program for dogs who practice responsible park etiquette.
Here are more of the best things to do with your dog in Acadia National Park.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Acadia
At Under Canvas Acadia, waterfront views and wooded surroundings set the scene for a peaceful Maine escape. After exploring the park together, unwind outside your safari-inspired tent each night and watch the sunset over Union River Bay.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smokies are known for misty mountain ridges, mossy trails, and waterfalls. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas, parking areas, and along roads. For a walk together, choose the Gatlinburg Trail or Oconaluftee River Trail, the park’s two dog-friendly trails. Cruise the 31-mile Newfound Gap Road scenic drive through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stop at overlooks for picturesque views and plenty of good sniffs.
Read the top 5 things to do in the Smoky Mountains with dogs for more.
Where to Stay With Dogs in The Smoky Mountains
Surrounded by forest in Pigeon Forge, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains offers pet-friendly glamping near the park’s Sugarlands entrance in Gatlinburg. Spend your evenings around the campfire before settling into a cozy king-size bed.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Four monumental presidential portraits carved into granite make Mount Rushmore one of the Black Hills’ most recognizable landmarks. Pets are not allowed in the main visitor area, but leashed dogs are allowed in pet exercise areas, parking garages, and areas outside the developed portion of the memorial. Find a spot outside the restricted area to snap a patriotic pup portrait. For more room to roam, explore dog-friendly trails in the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, or splash around at Pactola Lake.
Learn more about the best things to do around Mount Rushmore with dogs.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Mount Rushmore
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is situated on a historic gold-mining settlement, surrounded by ponderosa pines with views of the national memorial. Use camp as a base for scenic drives and dog-friendly Black Hills adventures.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is home to alpine lakes, rugged peaks, forests, and wildlife along the Continental Divide. Dogs are limited to developed areas, including picnic areas, parking areas, and roads. They are not permitted on park trails, in the backcountry, or along most undeveloped lakeshores. Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the best ways to experience Glacier with your dog. Take in mountain views from the comfort of your vehicle and stop at viewing areas along the way.
Check out our guide to Glacier National Park with dogs.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Glacier
At Under Canvas Glacier, you and your pup can relax beneath towering trees near the park’s west entrance. It’s a comfortable place to recharge after a day of scenic drives and outdoor adventures.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and larger-than-life wildlife are unforgettable, but these features also mean pet access is highly restricted. Dogs must remain within 100 feet of roads and parking areas and cannot enter trails, boardwalks, thermal areas, or the backcountry. Explore the Grand Loop Road and take turns visiting attractions when dogs are not permitted.
These are some of the best things to do with dogs around North Yellowstone.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Yellowstone
Choose Under Canvas West Yellowstone for convenient access to the West Entrance or Under Canvas North Yellowstone–Paradise Valley for riverside scenery, rolling ranchland, and outdoor adventures north of the park.
Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
In Moab, Utah, Arches and Canyonlands showcase soaring arches, balanced rocks, canyons, and dramatic desert views. Pet access within both parks is limited to roads and parking areas; dogs are not permitted on hiking trails. Fortunately, both parks offer spectacular scenic drives. Cruise past Balanced Rock and other red-rock formations along Arches Scenic Drive, or take in expansive views from the Island in the Sky scenic route in Canyonlands.
For paw-sitively memorable adventures, check out the best ways to explore Moab with your dog.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Moab
Under Canvas Moab offers dog-friendly glamping surrounded by red-rock scenery, close to two national parks.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos create a colorful natural amphitheater unlike anywhere else. Leashed dogs are welcome on paved surfaces, including viewpoints, the Shared-Use Path, the half-mile section of Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points, and the 38-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive where you can stop at overlooks and enjoy the views together. They cannot join you on unpaved trails below the rim.
Here are more of the best things to do with dogs around Bryce Canyon National Park.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Bryce Canyon
Set among juniper trees, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon provides a peaceful base near the park. After a day of exploring, cozy up together beneath some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Zion National Park
Zion surrounds you with towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and sweeping desert landscapes. The paved Pa’rus Trail is the park’s dog-friendly trail and offers beautiful views along the Virgin River. Leashed pets are not permitted on other trails, wilderness routes, or park shuttles. Keep dogs out of the Virgin River, where potentially harmful cyanotoxins may be present, and avoid midday activity during hot weather. You can also explore the Zion Canyon and Mount Carmel Highway by car or seek out dog-friendly trails just beyond the park boundaries.
Learn more about the best ways to explore Zion with your dog.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Zion
Under Canvas Zion pairs pet-friendly accommodations with sweeping views of red-rock cliffs. Enjoy quiet walks around the property, then return for dinner and treats beneath the desert sky.
Grand Canyon National Park
See one of the world’s wonders with your best bud by your side. At the South Rim, leashed dogs can walk trails above the rim, but they cannot travel below the rim or ride park shuttle buses. Walk a section of the Rim Trail together, stop at scenic overlooks accessible by car, or watch the colors of the canyon change at sunrise or sunset. The park also operates a kennel near Maswik Lodge.
Here are the top 5 things to do with dogs around the Grand Canyon.
Where to Stay With Dogs in the Grand Canyon
Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers wide-open skies and safari-inspired accommodations near the South Rim. Start early for cooler temperatures and carry extra water for both you and your pup.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite’s granite walls, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and meadows create one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Leashed dogs are welcome on most paved roads, sidewalks, bicycle paths, select developed areas, and on a handful of trails. They are not permitted on shuttles, beaches, meadows, or in wilderness areas. Explore Yosemite Valley’s paved paths, walk the dog-friendly Wawona Meadow Loop, or take a scenic drive past landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Your pup can even become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger, making the experience even more memorable.
For more info, check out our guide to Yosemite with dogs.
Where to Stay With Dogs in Yosemite
Surrounded by forested Sierra foothills, Under Canvas Yosemite gives dogs and their humans a comfortable place to recharge after scenic drives and walks through the national park.
Tips for Glamping with Dogs
- Pack the essentials: Bring food, treats, collapsible bowls, plenty of water, waste bags, and a secure harness with a leash no longer than six feet. Review our dog glamping packing list before your trip.
- Check each park’s rules: Confirm each park’s pet rules before setting out and identify nearby dog-friendly trails, public lands, or pet-care services as backup options.
- Never leave your pup unattended: Dogs should not be left alone in your tent or vehicle. If an activity does not permit pets, arrange a kennel or pet sitter, arrange a dog-friendly alternative, or take turns exploring.
- Start early and bring extra water: Early mornings offer cooler temperatures, quieter trails, and fewer crowds. Carry more water than you think you’ll need and take breaks in the shade.
- Protect those paws: Hot pavement, sharp rocks, sand, and rough terrain can damage sensitive paw pads. Test surfaces with the back of your hand, consider dog booties, and check paws for cuts, burrs, or irritation after each outing.
- Keep wildlife wild: Keep your dog leashed to protect you and your dog as well as wildlife. Never allow your pup to chase or approach animals, and give everything from squirrels to bison plenty of room.
- Leave no trace: Pack out everything you bring in, clean up after your pet, and dispose of waste properly to keep trails clean and ensure these special places remain welcoming for future two- and four-legged visitors.
Where to Stay With Dogs Near National Parks
Experience dog-friendly glamping near some of America’s most extraordinary national parks and landscapes with Under Canvas. Upscale, safari-inspired tents feature king-size beds, contemporary furnishings, wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, and optional ensuite bathrooms. Healthy café-style dining, daily camp programming, adventure add-ons, and nightly s’mores bring extra comfort and fun to every stay. Because the great outdoors are even better with your best friend by your side, dogs are welcome at every Under Canvas location for a nightly fee, which includes a special bandana keepsake.