Who makes a better hiking buddy than a four-legged friend? Dogs can be amazing adventurers, and we have your guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Arizona’s state parks!

Dog Friendly Camping

Several state parks allow your furry friend to join in on the fun when it comes to tent camping, RVs, or even cabins! Enjoy the sunset with your dog by your side in your tent or RV at Lake Havasu State Park, just north of the dog beach at Cattail Cove! If you’re looking for something a little closer to the city, just outside of Phoenix in Apache Junction lies Lost Dutchman State Park, an area jam-packed with hiking trails and wonderful outdoor areas to walk dogs and enjoy your tent or RV camping trip (Note: dogs are not allowed in the new cabins at this time)! South of Phoenix are two incredible parks for outdoor recreation: Catalina State Park and Picacho Peak State Park. Both parks offer dog-friendly camping complete with some of the best hiking trails the state has to offer! If you're up north, check out Homolovi State Park, where you and your pup can enjoy the sprawling vistas. Take advantage of fall’s cooler weather to get out and enjoy a day with your dog!

Several state parks offer camping cabins that are pet-friendly as well! Take your pup to the lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, where there are plenty of grassy areas and hiking trails for you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors together along the water. Alamo Lake State Park lets you camp in comfort with your dog, and you can take your leashed pup for a walk along the gorgeous waters of the lake. In the evening, gaze up at a galaxy of stars and a possible sighting of the Milky Way, away from the lights of the city. Lyman Lake State Park’s cabins also offer dog-friendly camping near the White Mountains in northeastern Arizona. Three trails in the park allow you and your dog to see the sights of Lyman Lake and check out the petroglyphs, scenery, and amazing sunsets!

Places to Walk Dogs

While all of these parks offer day-use trails within that are pet-friendly, there are also non-camping parks with scenic places to walk dogs! Oracle State Park includes over 15 miles of trails, including four miles of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. With the exception of two education trails, dogs are allowed throughout the park to explore the parks from a four-legged perspective! Fort Verde State Historic Park has plenty of grassy outdoor areas to take a stroll with your pet, around the main event area or near the garden overlooking the expansive Verde Valley.

At Slide Rock State Park, your pup can have a picnic with the family in the day-use areas. Your pet can also accompany you on the trail, hiking through red rock country! The orchards offer plenty of grass and greenery for your dog to enjoy. For more choices, Lost Dutchman State Park has plenty of trails for all skill levels, from an easy walk with your pup to a steep, tough hike up to Flat Iron, all of which are dog friendly! Lost Dutchman also has Hiking with Dogs, a chance for your pup to socialize with other dogs and their owners on a guided hike through the mountains. Park rangers will also answer any questions you have if you're new to dog ownership or wanting to get out on the trails with you furry friend more often! With the weather cooling down, Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of desert hikes like Lost Dutchman, Picacho Peak, or Catalina state parks! For more hiking trails, click HERE.

 

Dog Friendly Beaches

Arizona is commonly mistaken to be entirely dry, desert landscape, but some of the most beautiful beaches are at the shores of lakes and rivers right here in our state! Cattail Cove State Park, a short 20-minute drive down the Colorado River from Lake Havasu State Park, has its very own dog beach for your best friend to enjoy! Travel 15 minutes farther south, and you‘ll reach Buckskin Mountain State Park, which allows dogs on the North Beach of the park and has a fenced off-leash park! Buckskin Mountain also has awesome hiking trails around the park, which give you and your pup amazing views of the Colorado River. Just one mile north is River Island State Park, where your pup can enjoy the beach east of the boat ramp and a fenced off-leash park! Plus, all three of these scenic, family-friendly parks allow your dogs to camp overnight with you so you can spend more time exploring! The campsites offer full RV hookups or tent camping for whatever your campout style is. 

As always, make sure dogs are leashed at all times and remember to keep your parks clean by picking up after your pet! Have fun at the parks with your favorite furry friend!

Dog Safety

While enjoying the outdoors with your furry friend, please keep in mind that their comfort and safety is reliant on you! Especially when hiking during the hotter months, keep these tips in mind to ensure a safe, fun trip outside with your best friend.

Test the ground before hiking with your dog. This easy to do, yet often overlooked test will help save your dog’s feet. Simply feel the ground with your hand, and if it’s too hot to touch, either decide against hiking, or place protective foot covers on your dog. A small investment into quality foot covers will keep your pooch happy and save her feet from possible blisters from the hot Arizona ground.

Hydrate and cool!! Dogs get thirsty too, so bring an adequate amount of water for both you and your dog. There are several collapsible water bowls on the market that will allow you to deploy and fill quickly and easily while hiking. To keep your pup cool, just wet a rag or handkerchief and place on their neck. If possible, pour some water on them if they don’t mind getting a little wet. Most dogs love it!

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