Dog-Friendly Medora, North Dakota
A practical 2026 guide to pet-friendly stays, patios, parks, and badlands adventures with your dog in Medora.
Medora, ND
Best for dogs
One of the clearest dog-friendly lodging options in town, with designated dog-friendly rooms for up to two dogs under 75 pounds.
A free, enclosed off-leash area just west of town near the Medora Campground.
A top option for leashed exercise outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park, since dogs are not allowed on park trails.
Know before you go
Leashed pets are allowed on roads, sidewalks, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking areas, but not on park trails.
Medora has several restaurants with outdoor seating, but dog access is venue-specific, so call ahead before visiting.
Many Medora businesses run on seasonal schedules, with the biggest selection of dining and activities from late spring through early fall.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Medora
Badlands Motel
A western-themed drive-up motel in downtown Medora with a limited number of dog-friendly rooms that must be reserved in advance.
AmericInn by Wyndham Medora
A convenient hotel near the South Unit entrance area, with indoor amenities and a location that works well for road-trippers with dogs.
75 East River Road South, Medora, ND 58645
Visit WebsiteMedora Campground
A practical option for travelers camping with dogs close to town and the national park gateway.
Rough Riders Hotel
A beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of town, ideal for travelers who want walkable dining and Medora attractions.
Hotel 1883
A new Medora lodging option announced to open in summer 2026, positioned near major attractions in town.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Casual Stops
Boots Bar & Grill
A family-friendly stop on the western edge of Medora with indoor and outdoor dining plus scenic views.
300 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
Visit WebsiteLittle Missouri Saloon & Dining Room
A classic Medora favorite known for steaks, burgers, craft cocktails, and a second-level outdoor deck.
440 3rd Street, Medora, ND 58645
Visit WebsiteBadlands Pizza & Saloon
A family-friendly pizza stop with vegan and gluten-free options and easy carryout for relaxed evenings with your dog.
Theodore’s Dining Room
A polished dining room inside the Rough Riders Hotel serving breakfast and dinner in a historic setting.
Hidden Springs Java
A handy coffee-and-snacks stop off I-94 with espresso drinks, smoothies, bakery items, chocolates, and gifts.
350 4th St, Medora, ND 58645
Visit WebsiteSheriff Bear’s
A casual seasonal stop for burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream with a shaded sitting area.
Dog-Friendly Activities, Parks, and Outdoor Stops
Ruff Riders Dog Park
Medora’s dedicated off-leash dog park with a large enclosed area for exercise near the campground.
Maah Daah Hey Trail access from Medora
One of the best ways to get real trail time with your dog near Medora, especially because dogs are not permitted on Theodore Roosevelt National Park trails.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit scenic areas
A must-see stop for badlands views, wildlife watching from roads and pullouts, and leashed walks in allowed developed areas.
East River Road, Medora, ND 58645
Visit WebsitePoint to Point Trails
A scenic set of bluffside trails and viewpoints connected to Medora’s Point to Point Park area, great for stretching legs close to downtown.
Rough Rider State Park
Just minutes from Medora, this state park gives you another outdoor base near the Maah Daah Hey Trail corridor.
Bully Pulpit Golf Course
Even if you are not golfing, the setting is one of Medora’s standout landscapes and worth considering for a human-focused outing.
3731 Bible Camp Rd, Medora, ND 58645
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Medora
This sample plan balances pet-friendly stops with the realities of national park rules and Medora’s seasonal business hours.
Day 1: Arrival and easy town strolls
Arrive in Medora and check into a dog-friendly room at Badlands Motel or set up at Medora Campground. Let your dog decompress with a short walk around town.
Head to Ruff Riders Dog Park for off-leash play, then grab coffee or snacks from Hidden Springs Java. If weather is good, explore approved walking areas near the South Unit entrance or along town paths.
Pick up dinner from Badlands Pizza or try a patio-friendly table at Boots Bar & Grill if dogs are being allowed outside that day. Finish with a sunset stroll near town.
Day 2: Badlands views and trail time
Drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit for scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing from the car. Use only pet-allowed developed areas for short leashed walks.
Take your dog on a leashed outing on an eligible section of the Maah Daah Hey Trail outside the national park, or visit Rough Rider State Park for more room to roam.
Clean up and head to Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room for dinner on the deck if the current patio policy allows dogs. If not, order takeout and relax back at your lodging.
Day 3: One more Medora morning
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast stop for humans, then give your dog one last run at Ruff Riders Dog Park or a final walk around town.
Before leaving, stop for photos around Medora’s historic core and pick up road-trip snacks. If you have extra time, make a quick scenic detour toward Bully Pulpit or another badlands viewpoint.
Depart Medora with plenty of water packed for the drive and a tired, happy dog.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Dickinson
35 milesThe nearest larger city to Medora, useful for extra pet-friendly lodging, supplies, and dining options.
Bismarck
135 milesA bigger North Dakota base with more year-round dog-friendly hotels, parks, and restaurant patios.
Williston
150 milesA practical western North Dakota stop with additional lodging and services for travelers road-tripping with dogs.
Miles City
165 milesA Montana option for extending a badlands-and-plains road trip with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs go on trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
No. In the South Unit near Medora, leashed pets are allowed on roads, road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas, but they are not allowed on park trails.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Medora?
Yes. Ruff Riders Dog Park is located just west of town near the Medora Campground and offers a large enclosed area for dogs to run off leash.
Which hotel in Medora is best for travelers with dogs?
Badlands Motel is the clearest dedicated pet-friendly lodging option in town. It offers designated dog-friendly rooms that must be reserved in advance and allows up to two dogs under 75 pounds.
Are dogs allowed at Medora restaurants?
Sometimes, but it depends on the business. Several Medora restaurants have outdoor seating, yet dog access is usually a venue policy rather than a townwide guarantee, so it is smart to call ahead the same day.
What is the typical pet fee in Medora?
A common published fee in town is $40 per night at Badlands Motel for dog-friendly rooms. Other properties may have different rules or may not allow pets at all.
When is the best time to visit Medora with a dog?
Late spring through early fall is usually the easiest time because more restaurants, attractions, and seasonal businesses are open. Summer is busiest, so book dog-friendly lodging early.
Ready to plan more dog-friendly road trips?
Browse more city guides for pet-friendly stays, patios, parks, and practical travel tips.
Browse More City Guides