Dogs at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Know where dogs are allowed, where they are restricted, and how to plan a safer visit in North Dakota’s badlands.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Dog Policy
Theodore Roosevelt National Park welcomes pets, but access is limited to developed areas rather than park trails and backcountry. Expect strict leash rules and extra caution around bison and other wildlife.
Pets are not permitted in the park backcountry, including overnight backcountry camping. In campgrounds, pets must remain physically restrained, cannot be left unattended, and owners should be especially careful because wildlife can be disturbed or provoked by dogs.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
Dog-Friendly Trails
The park does not allow pets on official hiking trails. These are the real developed walking areas and short accessible routes visitors commonly use near overlooks, campgrounds, and paved areas where leashed dogs are permitted.
Little Mo Nature Trail paved inner loop area
0.7-mile paved inner loop, easy. The trail itself is listed by NPS as not pet-friendly, but leashed dogs are allowed in adjacent developed paved areas and parking zones nearby; do not take pets onto the trail tread.
North Unit, Little Mo Nature Trail trailhead
Visit WebsiteSkyline Vista overlook area
0.1-mile paved route, easy. This short accessible overlook is a good stop for a brief leashed walk in developed pavement areas, but pets should remain only where park pet rules allow.
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
Visit WebsiteBoicourt Overlook area
0.2-mile route, easy. A short overlook stop with slight grade in the South Unit; suitable for a quick leashed stretch in developed paved areas only.
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
Visit WebsiteBuck Hill overlook area
0.2-mile route, easy to moderate. This is a short but steep accessible stop to a high viewpoint; dogs should stay only in allowed roadside, parking, and paved developed areas.
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
Visit WebsiteWind Canyon overlook area
0.4-mile route, easy. Popular sunset stop in the South Unit; practical for a brief leashed walk around the developed overlook and parking area without entering restricted trail sections.
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
Visit WebsiteCottonwood Campground loop roads
Short campground walking loops, easy. While not a formal trail, the campground roads are one of the best in-park places for a leashed dog walk in a permitted area.
Cottonwood Campground, South Unit
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park with Your Dog
Plan your visit around the park’s pet restrictions before you arrive. At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, dogs are generally limited to developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, sidewalks, and road shoulders, so this is not a park where most visitors can hike official trails with a pet. Bring a sturdy 6-foot leash, waste bags, and more water than you think you will need, especially in summer when sun, wind, and dry conditions can dehydrate both people and dogs quickly. Never allow your dog to approach bison, prairie dogs, or other wildlife; the park specifically warns that bison can be especially aggressive toward dogs. Watch for hot pavement, cactus, burrs, and sharp badlands terrain around pullouts and roadside stops. If you are camping, keep your dog attended at all times and settle in before dusk so you are not walking near wildlife after dark. Because pets are prohibited in the backcountry, make other arrangements if you want to do a longer hike without your dog. Visitor centers are for service animals only, so plan bathroom breaks, water refills, and shaded rest stops accordingly.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Medora
At the South Unit entranceThe main gateway town for the South Unit, with lodging, dining, and easy access to scenic drives.
Watford City
About 15 miles north of the North Unit entranceA practical base for visiting the North Unit, with hotels, fuel, and pet-friendly travel services.
Dickinson
About 35 miles east of MedoraA larger regional hub with more lodging and veterinary services for travelers with dogs.
Beach
About 27 miles west of MedoraA small western North Dakota stop useful for road trippers approaching from Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on trails at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
No. Pets are not allowed on the park’s official hiking trails. Leashed dogs are limited to roads, road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
How long can my dog’s leash be?
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise physically restrained where park rules allow.
Can dogs stay in the campgrounds?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in Juniper and Cottonwood campgrounds if they are leashed, attended, and their waste is picked up immediately.
Can I take my dog backpacking or backcountry camping?
No. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry, including overnight backcountry camping areas.
Are dogs allowed inside visitor centers?
Only service animals are allowed inside visitor centers and other park facilities.
Is there a kennel at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The park does not list an on-site kennel service, so travelers should make outside boarding arrangements if needed.
What is the entrance fee if I am bringing a dog?
Bringing a dog does not add a separate pet fee. Standard entrance fees still apply, including $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person entering on foot or bicycle.
Is Theodore Roosevelt National Park a good park for dogs?
It can work for short roadside stops, scenic overlooks, and camping, but it is not one of the better national parks for dogs because pets are not allowed on official trails or in the backcountry.