Summary
- Enjoy outdoor adventures with your furry friend at Arizona’s dog-friendly state parks, from hiking to camping by the beach.
- Experience stunning views and nature at state parks like Dead Horse Ranch, Lake Havasu, Catalina, Cattail Cove, and more.
- Remember to keep your pets on a leash, clean up after them, and follow park rules while exploring these beautiful Arizona destinations.
When thinking about a vacation in Arizona, the Grand Canyon, one of the most beautiful destinations in the U.S., is usually the first to come to mind. However, the state boasts multiple state parks that make great alternatives to the Grand Canyon. Want to enjoy the state’s endless outdoor adventures in the company of a furry friend? From Lake Havasu State Park to Catalina State Park, there are numerous dog-friendly state parks in Arizona to choose from. Whether camping, hiking, or going to the beach, these places will never disappoint travelers and their four-legged friends.
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9 Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dogs are allowed on the trails, lagoons, and camping cabins
A tent at a campsite in Dead Horse Ranch State Park, AZ
One of the Arizona State Parks known for its scenic campsites, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, allows travelers to experience some of the best the Grand Canyon State has to offer in the company of their dogs. Tourists can have their furry friends accompany them on the hiking trails, with East and West Rim Loom and Big Horn Overlook Trail being among the best dog-friendly trails to explore. Here, vacationers can even walk to the lagoons and camping cabins with their pets.
All pets must be on a leash and are not allowed in the park’s buildings and on mountain biking trails. The dogs must not be left unattended, and guests should always remember to clean up after their pets.
8 Lake Havasu State Park
Dogs are allowed in most places in the parks, except the beach area
Lake Havasu in Arizona
Situated in Lake Havasu, one of the unique towns in Arizona, thanks to its incredibly scenic coastline, this state park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether camping, RV-ing, or staying in cabins, tourists can always come to this park with their dogs as long as they are on a leash. Dogs are allowed in most places except the beach area. Beachcomber Boulevard Loop is a perfect example of a dog-friendly hiking trail.
7 Catalina State Park
Dogs are allowed on all trails but must be on a leash
A hiker and puppy explore a desert trail through a field of poppies. Catalina State Park near Tucson.
Catalina State Park makes a perfect day trip from Phoenix, as it’s under two hours (108.8 miles) for tourists looking for outdoor recreation away from the city. Located right at the foot of the gorgeous Santa Catalina Mountains, this state park is a wildlife and nature lover’s paradise with multiple canyons, streams, desert plants, and wildlife to explore. The park boasts 8 gorgeous trails, all offering breathtaking views. Dogs are allowed on all the trails but must be on a leash and not left unattended.
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6 Cattail Cove State Park
Dogs are allowed on the beach
A breathtaking view of the lake in Cattail Cove SP, Arizona
Only about a 20-minute drive down the Colorado River, Cattail Cove State Park is one of the best dog-friendly state parks in Arizona. The park boasts a beautiful beach that vacationers can explore with their furry friends. Together with the beach, the park’s 61 campsites and the boat ramp offer multiple recreational activities. Whether interested in swimming, lounging, or fishing, every tourist will have a chance to enjoy a memorable getaway along Lake Havasu.
5 River Island State Park
Dogs are allowed on the trails, campsites, and the beach
River Island is another must-have experience for travelers looking for dog-friendly state parks in Arizona. The park is perfect for tent campers and comes with an incredible blend of desert and water adventures. It’s home to a ramada, 37 fabulous campsites, a pristine sandy beach, and a boat launch area. Dogs can accompany tourists to the beach, campsites, and hiking trails.
4 Buckskin Mountain State Park
Dogs are only allowed on the North Beach of the park
Buckskin State Park in Arizona, Colorado River, USA
Buckskin Mountain State Park is a bucket list dog-friendly state park, which offers a fenced park where tourists can leave their dogs off-leashed. Dogs are also allowed on the park’s North Beach. There are multiple wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountain hikes, waterfront camping, swimming, picnicking, and more.
3 Oracle State Park
Dogs are allowed in all the areas except the two education trails in the park
Oracle State Park, Arizona horizon
Vacationers don’t have to camp to enjoy a pet-friendly getaway in Arizona. Oracle State Park is a perfect spot to walk with dogs and features 15 miles of trails, including a portion of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Dogs can go anywhere in the park except on the Windy Ridge and Bellota Trail loops. Oracle Nature Trail Loop is considered the best dog-friendly hike in Oracle State Park. Situated at the base of Catalina State Park, this park comes with amazing hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities.
2 Slide Rock State Park
Dogs can accompany tourists in the day-use areas, including on the trails
People at Slide Rock State Park Road, Sedona, AZ, USA
Slide Rock State Park is one of the top dog-friendly state parks in Arizona, and thanks to the orchards, furry visitors will have enough grass and greenery to have fun. Initially, the park was Pendley Homestead, belonging to Frank L. Pendley, who later established a unique irrigation system after acquiring the land in 1910. This successful project, which is still in operation today, allowed him to grow an apple orchard and garden produce. This is one of the handful of homesteads that still stands in the canyon, and a trip to Slide Rock State Park not only offers tourists a chance to spend quality time with their four-legged friends but also step back in time and learn about early agricultural development in Central Arizona.
Park entrance fee:
- Friday before Memorial Day – Labor Day: $20 (Mondays to Thursdays) & $30 (Fridays-Sundays and holidays) per vehicle
- Tuesday after Labor Day through October 31: $20 per vehicle
- November through February: $10 per vehicle
- March 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day: $20 per vehicle
- Dog-friendly hikes: Slide Rock Route Trail and The Clifftop Nature Trail
- Things to do: Hiking, picnicking, birding, swimming, and more
Motorcycles par 50% of the vehicle fees. Every additional adult pays $5. Those who want to swim should note that there are no lifeguards, and the water can be quite swift. It is important to keep an eye on the children and bring water shoes since the rocks are very slippery.
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1 Lost Dutchman State Park
Dogs are allowed on the trails and multiple outdoor areas in the park
Superstition Wilderness in the Superstition Mountains near Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction
One of the state parks in Arizona with scenic hikes, Lost Dutchman State Park offers plenty of fun experiences and is situated right outside the Grand Canyon State’s capital, at the Apache junction. Apart from the trails, vacationers can walk their dogs in multiple outdoor areas in the park. Located at the base of the Superstition Mountains, this park offers plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities, mountain biking, and camping.