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Plan a smarter pet-friendly road trip this summer.
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5 Most Pet-Friendly
National Parks in the U.S.
America’s national parks offer some of the best road-trip adventures for travelers exploring with pets. Discover top dog-friendly parks, expert summer travel tips and ways AAA Member savings can help make the journey easier and more affordable.
by Zachary Laks
Few travel experiences compare to the sense of awe that comes with rounding a bend in a U.S. national park and discovering a sweeping mountain vista, rugged canyon or towering forest. Even better? Sharing the adventure with your pet riding shotgun.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, this summer is the perfect time to hit the open road with your four-legged travel companion. From scenic coastlines to dramatic desert overlooks, the country’s national parks offer unforgettable road-trip experiences, and several are especially welcoming to pets.
AAA savings partners can help make summer road trips more affordable and convenient, with exclusive member savings on car rentals, fuel, hotels and travel essentials. Here’s how to plan a smarter pet-friendly road trip this summer, plus five national parks where pets are welcome to join the adventure.
Acadia National Park
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One of the most dog-friendly parks in the country, Acadia offers more than 45 miles of carriage roads where leashed pets are welcome to explore alongside their owners. The scenic, vehicle-free paths wind through forests, around lakes and past mountain views, creating an ideal setting for long walks with your dog. Some steep or ladder-assisted trails remain off-limits to pets.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As the nation’s most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of pet-friendly lodging options and scenic drives. While pets are limited on many backcountry trails, they are welcome on select walking paths and throughout developed campgrounds, making the park an accessible choice for travelers with dogs.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite’s waterfalls, granite cliffs and giant sequoias make it one of America’s most iconic national parks. While pets are restricted primarily to paved roads, sidewalks and campgrounds, the park still offers scenic drives and outdoor experiences perfect for a classic summer road trip with your dog.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah stands out for its extensive pet access. Leashed dogs are allowed on most of the park’s more than 500 miles of trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Combined with the scenic Skyline Drive, the park makes an excellent East Coast road-trip destination for pet owners.
Grand Canyon National Park
Few sights rival the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point. Fortunately, pets can experience many of the iconic rim views alongside their owners. Dogs are permitted on paved trails and viewpoints along the South Rim, as well as in developed campgrounds, provided they remain leashed at all times.
Verify park pet policies before heading out.
Understanding national park pet rules
America’s national parks are filled with extraordinary wildlife, scenic trails and protected natural landscapes, which is why pet rules can vary widely from park to park. While many national parks welcome pets, restrictions are often in place to help protect sensitive ecosystems, reduce wildlife disturbances and keep both visitors and animals safe.
Many parks limit pets to paved roads, campgrounds and designated walking paths, while others allow dogs on select hiking trails. Before heading out, check the National Park Service website for the latest pet policies, trail access information and park-specific guidelines. Planning ahead can help make your adventure safer, smoother and more enjoyable for everyone—including your furry best friend.
Queue up this episode of Well-Traveled with AAA podcast before your next road trip and buckle up for pet safety must-knows, smart road-trip hacks and playful inspiration for unforgettable summer adventures with your furry copilot.
Common national park pet rules
Pets are typically required to remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet
Many backcountry trails and wilderness areas do not allow pets
Pets are often prohibited inside buildings, visitor centers and shuttle buses
Owners are expected to clean up and properly dispose of pet waste
Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles or campsites
Wildlife encounters can be dangerous, so pets should stay close and under control at all times
Some parks may restrict pet access during peak wildlife seasons or extreme weather conditions
Build breaks into your route.
How to plan a smarter road trip with pets
Traveling with pets can make a summer getaway even more memorable, but a successful trip starts with preparation. From mapping rest stops to staying safe in the heat, a little planning goes a long way for both you and your pet.
Rent a car for the journey: Skip the added mileage and wear on your personal vehicle by renting a car for your road trip. Hertz welcomes pets in rental vehicles at no additional charge, and AAA Members can access exclusive member benefits, including base rate and prepaid fuel savings, free additional drivers and more.
Save on fuel along the way: Summer road trips can mean frequent fuel stops. With the Shell Fuel Rewards program, AAA Members can save on gas at participating Shell stations, helping stretch travel budgets further during long-distance drives.
Plan pet-friendly rest stops: Build regular breaks into your route so pets can walk, hydrate and burn off energy. Love’s Travel Stops features more than 400 dog parks nationwide and AAA Members can save on gas at participating locations. The Love's Connect App helps travelers find nearby stops and fuel stations.
Beat the heat: National parks can become dangerously hot during peak afternoon hours. Plan walks and hikes early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Bring extra water, a collapsible bowl and cooling gear to help keep pets comfortable outdoors.
Be ready for the unexpected: Traveling with pets often means exploring unfamiliar trails, parks and outdoor environments. Pet insurance can help provide peace of mind if injuries or illnesses arise during the trip. Spot Pet Insurance offers coverage options for veterinary visits and unexpected medical care while traveling.
Download the AAA Mobile App: The AAA Mobile app is your go-to for planning your great next road trip. The app offers useful trip-planning features, including locating AAA-rated pet-friendly hotels, finding pet-friendly restaurants and on-the-road support.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views, coastal sunrises or scenic overlooks, AAA can help make your national park adventure easier from start to finish. AAA Travel Agents can assist with everything from mapping scenic road-trip routes and booking pet-friendly hotels to finding exclusive member savings and more. And with trusted roadside assistance and travel benefits designed to help you save money and travel with confidence, AAA Membership helps make every national park getaway smoother and more affordable for you and your four-legged travel companion.
Plan your next pet-friendly getaway. Make every mile easier with route planning and travel support from a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent.
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