National Parks With Dog-Friendly Cabins

Posted by Erin Ballinger

Is visiting a national park with Fido on your bucket list? Many of our national parks can seem a bit dog-unfriendly at first glance due to restrictions implemented to protect undisturbed natural areas, wildlife, and park visitors. Pets are generally allowed in developed areas, some campgrounds and lodging, and on a few trails, but the rules vary per park. Cabins are a unique way to visit these destinations with your pets. They are a “pupular” option, though, so be prepared to book up to six months in advance. Keep reading for a list of national parks that offer pet-friendly cabins.

Shenandoah National Park

Waynesboro, VA
All smiles in Shenandoah! Photo by @jenjenpanetti

With almost 500 miles of marked hiking trails, Shenandoah National Park gives Fido a lot of nature to explore! Some of the best short hikes to take with your dog are accessible along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Pets are allowed at Shenandoah's campgrounds, and the national park has two pet-friendly lodging options available at Skyland Resort and Lewis Mountain Cabins. Skyland Resort boasts cabins and hotel rooms (many of which have kitchenettes) where you can stay with Fido. Lewis Mountain cabins are a bit more rustic but still contain creature comforts including bathrooms, electric lighting, towels and linens. You’ll need to bring a cooler to keep food items cold and your own dog bed. Skyland Resort and Lewis Mountain Cabins welcome two pets of any size for an additional fee of $30 per pet, per night. Nightly rates start at $144.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, WY
“Say geyser!” Photo by @chachasuuunnnn

While it might not be the most pet-friendly national park on our list, Yellowstone National Park certainly has the most dog-friendly cabin accommodation options. Bring Fido to gaze from across the road at the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, and walk around developed sections. Then, spend the night in a comfortable cabin at Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cottages, Lake Lodge Cabins, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins, Canyon Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful Snow Lodge Cabins, or Roosevelt Lodge Cabins. Pets of any size are allowed for an additional fee of $25 per stay. Nightly rates start at $95.

Wrangell - St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Copper Center, AK
“Fly me to the … room.” Photo by @kristen_and_noli

Bring Fido to stay in the wilds of Alaska at Wrangell - St. Elias National Park & Preserve Backcountry Cabins. Most of these rustic cabins were old mining, trapping, or hunting cabins that are now owned by the National Park Service. They are located in remote areas only accessible by plane or air taxi, and offer a true escape into nature. Cabins have a wood stove and bunk beds but do not feature running water or plumbing, so be prepared to “ruff” it. Backcountry Cabins are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except the four requiring reservations. You should submit reservation requests at least two weeks in advance of your desired dates. The lodging accommodations are very popular from May through September, so book early if you want to visit during these months. Only the Esker Stream Cabin charges an additional fee of $25 per night.

Olympic National Park

Port Angeles, WA
Pooped pooches by the fire. Photo by BringFido/Rebecca

Hikers, climbers and backpackers trek to Olympic National Park to see spectacles like Mt. Olympus and be surrounded by old-growth forests. In addition to being welcome on a number of trails throughout the park, dogs are allowed in cabins at Kalaloch Lodge, Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins at Lake Crescent Lodge, the Camper Cabins at Log Cabin Resort, and in cabins at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Lodging varies from the rustic Camper Cabins at Log Cabin Resort to the turn-of-the-century chic Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins at Lake Crescent Lodge. All cabins within the park welcome two pets of any size for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per stay. Nightly rates start at $126.

North Cascades National Park

Sedro-Woolley, WA
Cabin critter. Photo by @bozziesworld

After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and exploring the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan Recreation Areas at North Cascades National Park, check in at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. Located at the north end of Lake Chelan overlooking the boat docks, the resort is accessible by ferry or boat. Summer is a popular season at the waterfront resort, which offers kayaking, cycling and fishing. Dogs are welcome in cabins and other select room types at the Lodge for an additional fee of $40 per night. Nightly rates start at $122.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, KY
Feeling lucky in Kentucky. Photo by @seline.messmer

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you navigate the rolling hills and deep river valleys of Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Book a Woodland Cottage at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave for a retreat in the forest during your stay. The cottages can accommodate 4-16 people and have mini fridges and ceiling fans. If you want to take a tour to explore the world’s longest known cave system, the lodge offers hourly pet sitting services, too. Two dogs of any size are welcome in Woodland Cottages for an additional fee of $9 per night. Nightly rates start at $71.

Kings Canyon National Park

Miramonte, CA
Snow treats! Photo by @devynnmichele

Located within California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Kings Canyon National Park is home to the General Grant Tree, the second-largest sequoia in the world. Leashed dogs are welcome in cars, parking lots, campgrounds and Grant Grove Cabins. These rustic, pet-friendly accommodations lie within walking distance of the General Grant Tree, restaurant, gift shop, and other attractions. Reservations should be made in advance. Grant Grove Cabins permits two dogs up to 50 lbs for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per night. Nightly rates start at $234.

Grand Teton National Park

Moose, WY
Cabin, check. Bone, check. Happy dog, check. Photo by @kimbertheswissy

Bring your furry friend to Grand Teton National Park for a cozy mountain getaway in one of the dog-friendly cabins at Colter Bay Village. Pets are allowed inside Grand Teton National Park, but they must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on hiking trails, inside visitor centers, or other facilities. A good rule of thumb is that a pet may go anywhere a car may go: roads and road shoulders, campgrounds and picnic areas, and parking lots. The cabins at Colter Bay Village allow pets of any size for an additional fee of $15 per night. Nightly rates start at $200.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley, CA
Desert dog. Photo by @crazy.lazy.maisie

Can you and Fido handle the “hottest, driest, and lowest” place in the United States, Death Valley National Park? Dogs are welcome to visit the park campgrounds and picnic areas, before checking in at Panamint Springs Resort. The small, Western-style resort’s tent cabins feature cots and a fire ring on site. Dogs are allowed for an additional fee of $5 per pet, per night. Nightly rates start at $45.

Have you ever stayed in a national park with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @kimbertheswissy.