Dogs at Badlands National Park
What the official NPS pet policy allows, where leashed dogs can go, and how to plan a safer visit in South Dakota.
Badlands National Park Dog Policy
Badlands is very limited for dogs compared with some other national parks. Pets are allowed only in developed areas and on roads open to vehicles, not on hiking trails or in the backcountry.
NPS states that pets are only allowed in developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic areas, plus paved and gravel roads, roadway corridors, and parking lots. For a longer walk with your dog, NPS specifically suggests nearby Buffalo Gap National Grassland outside the park. Summer heat can exceed 100°F, and prairie dog colonies may pose disease risks, so plan short outings, carry extra water, and avoid leaving your dog in a vehicle.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
Dog-Friendly Trails
Badlands National Park does not allow dogs on its hiking trails, so the best dog-friendly walks inside the park are roads and developed-area walks where pets are allowed on a leash. Distances below are practical out-and-back or walking estimates based on the road or area described by NPS.
Old Northeast Road
Easy to moderate. A leashed road walk on a backcountry dirt road just north of Cedar Pass. Walk as far as conditions and your dog allow; many visitors do a 1 to 4 mile out-and-back.
Old Northeast Road, north of Cedar Pass, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit WebsiteBadlands Loop Road roadside walk
Easy. Flexible distance, typically 0.5 to 2 miles total in short segments near pullouts and developed roadside areas. Best for scenic sniff breaks rather than a continuous trail.
Badlands Loop Road (SD 240), Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit WebsiteSage Creek Rim Road
Easy to moderate. A scenic leashed road walk with prairie views; choose a short 1 to 3 mile out-and-back depending on weather and wildlife activity.
Sage Creek Rim Road, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit WebsiteCedar Pass Campground roads
Easy. Short strolls of about 0.25 to 1 mile total on campground roads and developed areas, useful for morning and evening walks.
Cedar Pass Campground, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit WebsiteSage Creek Campground roads and developed area
Easy. Short, informal walks of about 0.25 to 1 mile total around the developed campground area; watch closely for wildlife nearby.
Sage Creek Campground, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit WebsitePicnic areas and parking-area connectors
Easy. Very short walks, usually under 0.5 mile total, around picnic areas, pullouts, and parking lots where dogs are permitted on leash.
Developed areas throughout Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Badlands National Park with Your Dog
Badlands is a better park for scenic drives with short leashed walks than for traditional dog hiking. Bring more water than you think you need, because shade is limited and summer temperatures can climb above 100°F. Avoid midday outings, check pavement and gravel heat with your hand, and never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. Stick to developed areas, campground roads, parking lots, and roads open to vehicles, since dogs are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry. Give wildlife plenty of space, especially bison, pronghorn, snakes, and prairie dog colonies. Prairie dog areas can pose disease risks, and rattlesnakes are another reason to keep dogs close and leashed. Pack waste bags, clean up after your dog, and consider planning longer dog walks outside the park at Buffalo Gap National Grassland, which NPS specifically recommends for visitors traveling with pets.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Wall, South Dakota
About 8 milesThe closest gateway town to the park, with pet-friendly lodging options and quick access to the Pinnacles and Northeast entrances.
Interior, South Dakota
About 3 milesSmall community near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and Cedar Pass area, convenient for early starts and short stays.
Rapid City, South Dakota
About 75 milesA larger base with more dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and services before or after your park visit.
Kadoka, South Dakota
About 30 milesAn eastern gateway option for travelers approaching Badlands from I-90.
Custer, South Dakota
About 95 milesA useful Black Hills base if you are combining Badlands with other dog-friendly stops in western South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on trails in Badlands National Park?
No. Pets are not allowed on hiking or nature trails in Badlands National Park. They may be in developed areas and on roads open to vehicles if kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Where can I walk my dog in Badlands National Park?
You can walk a leashed dog in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roadway corridors, and on park roads open to vehicles. NPS specifically highlights Old Northeast Road as a good option for walking with a dog.
Can dogs stay in the campgrounds at Badlands?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in developed campgrounds such as Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground as long as they are leashed, attended, and cleaned up after.
Can I leave my dog in the car while I hike?
You should not. NPS warns that temperatures inside vehicles can become dangerous very quickly, and pets may not be left unattended.
Are dogs allowed in the visitor centers?
No, pets are not allowed in visitor centers or other public buildings. Service animals are the exception.
Is there a kennel at Badlands National Park?
NPS does not list an on-site kennel for Badlands National Park.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee if I bring my dog?
Yes. Bringing a dog does not change the park entrance fee. Standard 7-day fees are charged per vehicle, motorcycle, or person entering on foot or by bicycle.
What is the best season to visit Badlands with a dog?
Cooler months are usually safer and more comfortable. NPS notes that late fall, winter, and early spring are best for dog walks on back roads because temperatures are lower and rattlesnake risk is reduced.