Eco-Friendly Hiking and Camping with Your Dog

Adventures that tread lightly—paws included.

There’s something delightful about sharing the great outdoors with your four-legged friend.

Their joy, their enthusiasm, their love of doing something with you.

Whether it’s sleeping under the stars or trekking through pine-scented trails, nature is better when your dog’s tail is wagging beside you. Depending on where you live, the end of summer can be a great time for a little weekend getaway with your pup. And if it’s still a bit too warm where you are, fall is right around the corner, a perfect time for relishing in nature’s colorful display with pup by your side.

Which piqued our curiosity…can pups go to National Parks? Turns out they can! Not all, but many allow you to bring a leashed companion with you, some limited to developed areas, but others welcome your pup out on the trail with you. Of course, there are a few rules to follow, which most are okay with—as dog lovers and planet protectors, it’s our job to ensure our adventures leave nature exactly as we found it—if not better.

Hoping to inspire your next excursion out hiking and camping responsibly with your pup, we’ve assembled some tips on where you might go—spotlighting a few national parks that welcome dogs—what you may want to pack for the eco-conscious pup, and adding a dash of the ever-important leave-no-trace principles tailored for pet parents.

Dog-Friendly National Parks for Hiking & Camping

While many U.S. national parks have understandable restrictions on dogs to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems, there are some wonderful parks that welcome dogs on leashes in developed areas and even on certain hiking trails and campgrounds.

Provided you follow their B.A.R.K principles, that is 😉

• Bag your pet's waste.

• Always use a leash (usually limited to 6 feet).

• Respect wildlife.

• Know where you can go.

You can research parks near you by state via the National Park Service website for openness to brining your pup with you to the park for some hiking and camping. Note that each park has its own rules and regulations for bringing pets to the park that you should review prior to making plans, with the underlying federal regulations for the parks listed out in the National Park Service Regulations for Pets (scroll down).

Now for the fun part – where to go? Here are a few top pet park picks to get you started:

Acadia National Park, Maine

With over 100 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, Acadia is a paradise for leashed dogs and their humans. Dogs are also allowed at most campgrounds. Many seem to recommend September to early October as an optimal time to visit.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Boasting more than 500 miles of trails open to pets (somewhat of a rarity for a national park), Shenandoah is a lush and peaceful escape where dogs are welcome almost everywhere—except a few rugged hikes. The summers can be a bit hot and humid in Virginia, with late spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) recommended most often for visits.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

While your pup cannot enter the caves of Mammoth Cave National Park, they are allowed on trails and in campgrounds. Bonus: there is pet-friendly lodging available in their Woodland Cottages, and day boarding by the hour, should you want to take a quick tour of the caves and let your pup relax in a safe, supervised place for a bit. While the caves are cool, Kentucky can also be a bit warm for you and pup to hike during peak summer months, so this may also be a good fall option.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Your pup can frolic in the sand and splash in Medano Creek, as long as they’re leashed. Just be cautious of the hot sand in midday sun—booties and/or cooling apparel may be needed. And probably best to schedule this one for spring or fall for that very same reason.

TEP Tip: Always check the park’s website just before you go—rules and access can change overnight or seasonally or due to local conditions and wildlife activity.

Packing List: Eco-Friendly Gear for Your Dog

Just like us, our pups need the right gear to stay safe and comfortable outdoors—but we can also make earth-conscious choices in what we pack. Here’s a sustainable checklist:

The Essentials:

• Collapsible food & water bowls – Look for BPA-free silicone or recycled material options. And don’t forget to pack the food and water, too!

• Eco-friendly waste bags – Opt for compostable or plant-based bags. Brands like The Original Poop Bags and Doggy Do Good offer green alternatives.

• Biodegradable wipes – For muddy paws and dusty fur.

• Natural tick and bug repellent – Look for DEET-free, pet-safe sprays made from essential oils.

• Sustainable leash and harness – Consider gear made from recycled webbing, leather or hemp.

• Cooling vest or bandana (in hot climates) – Great for helping your pup regulate body temperature; organic cotton is biodegradable, low-impact, and breathable for sensitive skin.

• Dog-safe sunscreen – Especially important for short-haired or light-colored dogs. Look for all natural options and Leaping Bunny certification.

• Lightweight blanket or sleeping pad – Choose recycled or organic materials for comfy, earth-friendly rest.

Bonus Items:

• Dog pack or saddlebag – If your dog is in good health and likes to help out, you may want to let them carry some of their gear in a pack made from recycled materials.

• Paw balm – Protects against rough terrain or snow. Choose organic, natural blends.

• Dog boots – For tender feet and/or challenging terrain (including hot sand and pavement), look for recycled rubber or vegan leather.

• LED collar light – For visibility during twilight or nighttime walks.

• Chew and/or toy – Don’t forget to pack an eco-friendly chew or toy to keep pup entertained in the campground.

• Tether stake – Note that parks do not allow you to tie your pup to a tree, so if you want a few hands-free minutes at lunchtime, you’ll want to pack a tether or tie stake – stainless steel can be a good choice here.

You can find many of these items from eco-minded brands like: Ruffwear, Wilderdog, West Paw, Only Natural Pet, and P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyle and You) – the last even offers outdoor dog tents!

Leave-No-Trace with Your Dog

We all know the golden rule of the outdoors: Leave no trace. But dogs add a few extra considerations. Here’s how to minimize your impact:

1. Pack out the poop

While it is part of life, your dog’s waste can be harmful to local ecosystems the parks are trying to protect. Always pick it up and carry it out using compostable bags. Never leave the bag behind, even “just for now.”

2. Keep your dog leashed

Leashes protect wildlife, delicate habitats, and your dog. Even well-trained dogs can chase critters, trample flora, or become startled and run off. Most parks seem to have a max length of 6 feet for your leash, so be sure to measure before heading out.

3. Stick to dog-friendly trails

Don’t be tempted to sneak onto restricted paths. These rules exist to protect fragile ecosystems—and to keep your dog safe from potentially dangerous terrain or wildlife.

4. Use eco-friendly grooming products and gear

Avoid the temptation of a pup bath with soaps or shampoos that might run off into waterways. And make sure your dog’s gear is clean so you’re not transporting invasive seeds or pests between home and parks.

5. Minimize noise and disruption

Help preserve the peace of nature for everyone. If your dog barks excessively in campgrounds or on trails, consider extra training or more gradual outdoor exposure. You’ll note “allowing a pet to make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, impact on park users, and other relevant factors, or that frightens wildlife by barking, howling, or making other noise” is prohibited per park rules.

Final Thoughts

Hiking and camping with your dog can be some of life’s greatest joys—and with a little preparation and some eco-minded choices, it’s also a great way to protect the places we love most while relishing in all they have to offer.

So, leash up, pack smart, and leave only paw prints (the metaphorical kind, of course).

TEP Tip: Make sure your pup has identification! Microchipping and your name/number on collars and harnesses can be lifesavers and money well spent.

Happy trails!