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Dog-Friendly Activities in The Black Hills, SD

There are 21 dog-friendly activities within 20 miles of The Black Hills. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in The Black Hills.

Pet Friendly Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of amazing views and dog-friendly outdoor experiences in Custer, SD. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop allows pets and humans to explore the park and view the indigenous wildlife from the comfort of the car. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails where pets are welcome to join the fun. Set out on a hike along Black Elk Peak Loop, a seven-mile route with stunning views of the cathedral spires and Black Hills wilderness. Visitors should note that dogs are not allowed at designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations).

Pet Friendly Needles Highway

Needles Highway

Needles Highway

Take a drive to the pet-friendly Needles Highway in Custer, SD. This spectacular trip through ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen and rugged granite mountains can't be missed if you're visiting South Dakota. The name comes from the needle-like granite formations that sprout out of the ground.

Sunday Gulch Trail

Sunday Gulch Trail

The pet-friendly Sunday Gulch Trail is a popular hike in Custer State Park, located in Custer, SD. At nearly four miles in length, this trail is considered quite difficult as a bit of scrambling is required. The trail will take you near Sylvan Lake. In the beginning, you’ll traverse over large boulders down a valley to some great views of big granite spires and the northern Black Hills all around you. There are handrails to aid you in your journey along the pathway. You'll be pleased they're there on the way back down. Leashed pups are allowed to join, but make sure to clean up after them.

Four Mile Old West Town Museum

Four Mile Old West Town Museum

Experience the Wild West with Fido at dog-friendly Four Mile Old West Town Museum, open seasonally from mid-May to the end of September in Custer, SD. Small pets are welcome to join you for self-guided tours of this historic site, featuring an old west town, boardwalks and artifacts.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

Leashed pets are allowed to share the Crazy Horse Memorial experience with their human companions, which is located in Crazy Horse, SD. Pets are welcome at the dog-friendly outdoor viewing veranda and outdoor exhibits. Pups small enough to be comfortably carried or contained are allowed in any of the buildings except for the restaurant or the snack bar. Pets are not permitted on the bus rides to the bottom of the mountain.

Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead

Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead

The Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead is the starting point for a pet-friendly hike around Sylvan Lake in Custer, SD. It's a 1.1-mile easy loop trail that'll take under 30 minutes to complete with Fido. The area offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming and fishing.

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead is a pet-friendly hike to take on with your pooch in Custer, SD. The trail is 3.6 miles in length and is best used between April to October, ending up at a rocky outcrop. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

Legion Lake Loop

Legion Lake Loop

Check out the pet-friendly Legion Lake Loop, a one-mile trail that goes past a store, cafe and beach in Custer, SD. This easy-to-moderate trail also features beautiful views of the lake.

Custer Bark Park

Custer Bark Park

Bring your pooch to the fenced Custer Bark Park, and make some new canine friends in Custer, SD! The space is divided into separate sections for small and large dogs. It's also the only fenced dog park within a 50-mile radius. Humans can hang out under the gazebo when the weather is sunny. Bring your pooch to play, but don't forget to clean up any mess that they leave behind.

Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Peak is a pet-friendly trail in Keystone. If you're visiting nearby attraction the Crazy Horse Memorial, spend an afternoon hiking up one of the greatest lookouts in the state. At just over six miles, the trail is no walk in the park, but the stone fire tower that blends into the rock provides unbelievable views from the top and makes the journey worthwhile. The trail is rated as moderate and can be completed in a few hours.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, SD is pet friendly in certain areas. Pups aren't permitted beyond the columns at the entrance to the memorial, but you can still see the sculpture from the entrance. Elsewhere at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on Blackberry Trail, a designated National Recreational Trail with a moderate rating. Or, follow the yellow paw prints from the parking lot to the pet exercise area that will take you and your pooch on a shady walk under the pines to a lovely view of Mount Rushmore.

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest

Leashed dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams and lakes. Fido is welcome to hike on any of the dog-friendly trails, however, dog owners should be aware that some trails are bike and horse friendly, too. Pups are not allowed in every campground, so guests should check the website for restrictions before planning their stay. The National Forest is open to the public free of charge. Some activities, campgrounds and parking areas do charge fees.

Mystic Hills Hideaway

Mystic Hills Hideaway

Explore the backcountry of South Dakota with your furry co-pilot! Pet-friendly Mystic Hills Hideaway in Deadwood, SD, welcomes dogs in their entire fleet of ATV rentals. Two, three, four and five seaters are available.

George S. Mickelson Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail

The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Custer! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Cathedral Spires Trailhead

Cathedral Spires Trailhead

Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail is a pet-friendly hike in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This moderate to strenuous hike is just over 1.5 miles in length out-and-back and takes visitors along an enchanting trail with unusual rocky outcrops along the way. This hike is a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you're driving along Needles Highway. Dogs must remain on a leash as the area is frequented by a variety of animals, including mountain goats.

Pactola Pines Marina

Pactola Pines Marina

Pactola Pines Marina offers a variety of pet-friendly boat rentals on the crystal waters of Pactola Lake near Rapid City, SD. Float all day with your furry first mate on the largest reservoir in the Black Hills region. If you want a workout on the water, embark on a self-guided standup paddleboard tour with your Terrier or paddle with your pup in a kayak or canoe rental. Dogs are welcome for a fee.

Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, SD is a dog-friendly outdoor recreation area that welcomes four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome to unwind with their owners in the picnic areas near the visitor center and within the Jewel Cave Historic Area. While pets may walk along the roadways in the park, they aren't permitted on hiking trails, service roads, inside or near buildings or the cave. Pets must be on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

George S. Mickelson Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail

The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Deadwood! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

George S. Mickelson Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail

The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Hill City! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

World's Largest Smokey Bear

World's Largest Smokey Bear

Make a stop in Hill City, SD to see the World's Largest Smokey Bear. This dog-friendly roadside attraction stands 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and was created by chainsaw artists in just 10 days. The attraction is open to visitors year-round.

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The Black Hills, SD, US