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America’s national parks offer some of the best road-trip adventures for travelers exploring with pets. Discover top dog-friendly parks, expert summer travel tips and ways AAA Member savings can help make the journey easier and more affordable.
Before you leash up and load the car, a little planning can make all the difference. From pet-friendly stays to travel must-knows, these tips will help keep your furry co-pilot safe, comfortable and ready for adventure.
Fetch the TipsFew travel experiences compare to the sense of awe that comes with rounding a bend in a U.S. national park and discovering a sweeping mountain vista, rugged canyon or towering forest. Even better? Sharing the adventure with your pet riding shotgun.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, this summer is the perfect time to hit the open road with your four-legged travel companion. From scenic coastlines to dramatic desert overlooks, the country’s national parks offer unforgettable road-trip experiences, and several are especially welcoming to pets.
AAA savings partners can help make summer road trips more affordable and convenient, with exclusive member savings on car rentals, fuel, hotels and travel essentials. Here’s how to plan a smarter pet-friendly road trip this summer, plus five national parks where pets are welcome to join the adventure.
One of the most dog-friendly parks in the country, Acadia offers more than 45 miles of carriage roads where leashed pets are welcome to explore alongside their owners. The scenic, vehicle-free paths wind through forests, around lakes and past mountain views, creating an ideal setting for long walks with your dog. Some steep or ladder-assisted trails remain off-limits to pets.
Few sights rival the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point. Fortunately, pets can experience many of the iconic rim views alongside their owners. Dogs are permitted on paved trails and viewpoints along the South Rim, as well as in developed campgrounds, provided they remain leashed at all times.
Yosemite’s waterfalls, granite cliffs and giant sequoias make it one of America’s most iconic national parks. While pets are restricted primarily to paved roads, sidewalks and campgrounds, the park still offers scenic drives and outdoor experiences perfect for a classic summer road trip with your dog.
Shenandoah stands out for its extensive pet access. Leashed dogs are allowed on most of the park’s more than 500 miles of trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Combined with the scenic Skyline Drive, the park makes an excellent East Coast road-trip destination for pet owners.
As the nation’s most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of pet-friendly lodging options and scenic drives. While pets are limited on many backcountry trails, they are welcome on select walking paths and throughout developed campgrounds, making the park an accessible choice for travelers with dogs.
From Yellowstone geysers to Yosemite waterfalls, AAA helps you experience America’s national parks for less.
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America’s national parks are filled with extraordinary wildlife, scenic trails and protected natural landscapes, which is why pet rules can vary widely from park to park. While many national parks welcome pets, restrictions are often in place to help protect sensitive ecosystems, reduce wildlife disturbances and keep both visitors and animals safe.
Many parks limit pets to paved roads, campgrounds and designated walking paths, while others allow dogs on select hiking trails. Before heading out, check the National Park Service website for the latest pet policies, trail access information and park-specific guidelines. Planning ahead can help make your adventure safer, smoother and more enjoyable for everyone — including your furry best friend.
Common national park pet rules
Traveling with pets can make a summer getaway even more memorable, but a successful trip starts with preparation. From mapping rest stops to staying safe in the heat, a little planning goes a long way for both you and your pet.
Skip the added mileage and wear on your personal vehicle by renting a car for your road trip. Hertz welcomes pets in rental vehicles at no additional charge, and AAA Members can access exclusive member benefits, including base rate and prepaid fuel savings, free additional drivers and more.
Summer road trips can mean frequent fuel stops. With the Shell Fuel Rewards program, AAA Members can save on gas at participating Shell stations, helping stretch travel budgets further during long-distance drives.
Build regular breaks into your route so pets can walk, hydrate and burn off energy. Love’s Travel Stops features more than 400 dog parks nationwide and AAA Members can save on gas at participating locations. The Love's Connect App helps travelers find nearby stops and fuel stations.
National parks can become dangerously hot during peak afternoon hours. Plan walks and hikes early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Bring extra water, a collapsible bowl and cooling gear to help keep pets comfortable outdoors.
Traveling with pets often means exploring unfamiliar trails, parks and outdoor environments. Pet insurance can help provide peace of mind if injuries or illnesses arise during the trip. Spot Pet Insurance offers coverage options for veterinary visits and unexpected medical care while traveling.
The AAA Mobile app is your go-to for planning your great next road trip. The app offers useful trip-planning features, including locating AAA-rated pet-friendly hotels, finding pet-friendly restaurants and on-the-road support.
Queue up this episode of Well-Traveled with AAA podcast before your next road trip and buckle up for pet safety must-knows, smart road-trip hacks and playful inspiration for unforgettable summer adventures with your furry copilot.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views, coastal sunrises or scenic overlooks, AAA can help make your national park adventure easier from start to finish. AAA Travel Agents can assist with everything from mapping scenic road-trip routes and booking pet-friendly hotels to finding exclusive member savings and more. And with trusted roadside assistance and travel benefits designed to help you save money and travel with confidence, AAA Membership helps make every national park getaway smoother and more affordable for you and your four-legged travel companion.
Many national parks offer pet-friendly lodging and campground options, though policies vary by property. Some lodges welcome pets with additional fees or size restrictions, while others may limit the number of pets allowed per room. Campgrounds are often more flexible, but advance reservations are recommended during peak summer travel season.
In addition to food and water, travelers should bring a leash, waste bags, vaccination records, a pet first-aid kit, cooling mats or towels, paw protection for hot surfaces and enough medication for the duration of the trip. A recent photo of your pet can also be helpful in case they become separated.
Yes. Encounters with wildlife can be dangerous for both pets and native animals. Even well-behaved dogs may unintentionally disturb wildlife or attract predators. Keeping pets leashed and maintaining a safe distance from animals helps protect everyone and supports conservation efforts.
Frequent breaks, proper ventilation and avoiding long stretches in hot vehicles are key. Experts also recommend securing pets with crash-tested harnesses or travel carriers for safety. Bringing familiar toys or blankets can help reduce stress during extended drives.
Late spring and early fall are often ideal for pet-friendly national park trips because temperatures tend to be milder and trails less crowded. Summer can still be a great option, but travelers should plan outdoor activities carefully to avoid extreme heat and peak visitation times.
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