Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is a unique and rugged landscape known for its colorful, eroded buttes, spires, and prairies. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live. With its striking scenery, excellent hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, Badlands is a popular destination for visitors exploring the Great Plains.
Many travelers consider their pets to be part of the family and want to bring them along on vacations, including visits to national parks. For pet owners, an important question is whether Badlands National Park allows pets and under what conditions. Understanding the park’s pet policies and restrictions can help visitors plan a safe and enjoyable trip to Badlands with their furry companions.
Are Dogs Allowed in Badlands National Park?
Yes, pets are allowed in Badlands National Park with some restrictions. The park permits pets such as dogs, cats, and other domestic animals as long as they are restrained on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pet owners are asked to clean up after their animals and prevent them from making excessive noise or approaching wildlife. Pets are prohibited from entering public buildings, campgrounds, and designated wilderness areas in the park.
There are a few exceptions to the leash requirements in Badlands. Pets are allowed off-leash in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center parking lot and the Cedar Pass Lodge grounds, though they should be under voice control. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise under the owner’s control at all times.
Pet Friendly Trails, Lookouts, and Attractions
While pets are not permitted on all trails and areas of Badlands, there are still plenty of pet-friendly activities and sights to enjoy with your furry friend:
Trails Allowing Pets
- Fossil Exhibit Trail – 0.25 miles
- Cliff Shelf Nature Trail – 0.5 miles
- Window Trail – 0.25 miles
- Door Trail – 0.75 miles
- Notch Trail – 1.5 miles
These relatively short trails offer excellent views of the Badlands’ rock formations and landscapes. The Window Trail and Door Trail let you walk right up to the unique notched canyon walls.
Overlooks Allowing Pets
- Big Badlands Overlook
- Bigfoot Pass Overlook
- Burns Basin Overlook
- Conata Basin Overlook
- Pinnacles Overlook
Take in panoramic views over the Badlands’ Stripped Mounds area from the Pinnacles Overlook or gaze out at the sagebrush sea from Bigfoot Pass Overlook. Just be sure to keep your pet safely away from cliff edges.
Other Pet Friendly Attractions
- Fossil Exhibit – Learn about fossils found in the park
- Cedar Pass Lodge grounds – Pet exercise area
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center – Rangers can provide pet tips
Pet Rules and Regulations in Badlands National Park
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both pets and other visitors, Badlands National Park has some rules pet owners must follow:
- All pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Pets are not allowed in park buildings, campgrounds, on backcountry trails, or designated wilderness areas.
- Pet owners must pick up and properly dispose of their pet’s waste.
- Pets should not make excessive noise or disturb wildlife.
- Pet owners are responsible for any property damage or injuries caused by their pets.
- Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or controlled by owner.
Violating these rules could result in fines, revoked park access, or impounding of pets. Pet owners who do not clean up after their pets face fines up to $500. Rangers may confiscate pets if they are left unattended or causing harm to resources or visitors.
Tips for Safely Hiking with Your Dog at Badlands
Badlands offers excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs on pet-friendly trails. Here are some tips to make sure you and your pup have a safe and pleasant hike:
- Bring plenty of water – Carry extra for your dog. Limited water is available in the park.
- Watch for wildlife like bison, snakes, and prairie dogs that could startle your dog.
- Bring dog booties to protect paws from hot or rough surfaces.
- Rest often in shade – Heat exhaustion is a risk for dogs.
- Leash your dog when others approach.
- Respect park rules by having voice control if off-leash.
- Bring waste bags.
- Know your limits – Keep hikes short if your dog tires easily.
With preparation and awareness, you and your leashed dog can safely venture out to experience Badlands’ natural splendor together. Avoid busy areas on hot summer days when park visitation peaks. Shoulder seasons like spring and fall offer more comfortable weather for exploring with pets.
Pet Boarding and Accommodations near Badlands
Since pets are not allowed in Badlands’ campgrounds or backcountry, pet owners staying overnight will need to arrange other accommodations for their animals. Here are some of the pet boarding and pet friendly lodging options near the park’s entrances:
Near Northeast Entrance
- Wobbly Bobby Bunkhouse – On-site indoor dog kennels
- Circle View Guest Ranch – Allows dogs in cabins
- Super 8 by Wyndham Kadoka – Pet friendly motel
Near Northwest Entrance
- Terry’s Mockingbird Lodge – Dog boarding available
- Sylvan Lake Resort – Cabins allow pets
- Rodeway Inn Belle Fourche – Pet friendly rooms
Near Southeast Entrance
- Shady Rest Campground – RV camping with pets
- High Country Guest Ranch – Dog-friendly lodging
- Super 8 by Wyndham Wall – Allows pets for a fee
Near Southwest Entrance
- Cedar Pass Lodge – Pet exercise area on grounds
- The Wilson Hotel – Rooms permit dogs
- Badlands Inn – Limited pet friendly rooms
Booking pet friendly accommodations or arranging boarding early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Be sure to confirm all pet policies when reserving.
Pet Emergency Services Near Badlands
Hopefully your pet stays happy and healthy during your Badlands visit. But it’s wise to be prepared and know your options for pet emergency services nearby:
Veterinary Clinics
- Kadoka Clinic – Kadoka, SD (25 miles from park’s northeast entrance)
- Belle Fourche Veterinary Clinic – Belle Fourche, SD (35 miles from northwest entrance)
- Taft Veterinary Service – Wall, SD (20 miles from southeast entrance)
- Black Hills Pet Hospital – Rapid City, SD (60 miles from southwest entrance)
These clinics can provide care for urgent pet health issues that come up during your travels. Call ahead to confirm emergency visit availability.
24 Hour Emergency Vet Services
For serious pet emergencies that need immediate treatment any time of day, two facilities provide 24/7 veterinary care:
- Pet ER – Rapid City, SD (60 miles southwest of park)
- Animal Clinic at Williamsburg – Rapid City, SD (65 miles southwest of park)
Know the route to these clinics in case you need emergency overnight vet assistance. Having their contact info readily available can provide peace of mind.
Conclusion
With proper precautions, Badlands National Park can be an amazing place to experience with your pet by your side. Dogs and other pets are welcome in Badlands as long as they remain leashed and under control. While pets cannot venture everywhere in the park, there are plenty of trails, overlooks, and attractions that allow you to explore Badlands’ natural beauty together. By booking pet friendly lodging outside the park, bringing supplies to keep your dog safe and hydrated, and knowing your vet options, you and your furry friend can have a fun and memorable visit to this badlands wilderness. With some preparation and awareness of the regulations, the unique landscapes of Badlands can be a rewarding destination to discover with your faithful companion along for the adventure.