Highly restricted

Badlands National Park pet access

Reviewed summary of the park's official pet rules. This is not an official NPS website.

SDChecked 2026-09-28Official page updated April 23, 2021

Where pets are allowed

  • Developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic areas.
  • Areas open to motor vehicles, including gravel and paved roads, roadway corridors, and parking lots.

Where pets are not allowed

  • Hiking trails.
  • Public buildings, including visitor centers.
  • Backcountry, including Badlands Wilderness Area.
  • Prairie dog colonies.

Leash rule

Pets must be restrained; reviewed source states a maximum leash length of 6 feet.

Safety notes

Official source

Authority: National Park Service

Open the official NPS pet-rules page

Rules can change. Verify the official source before travel.

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