{"id":13183,"date":"2023-08-24T08:44:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T13:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com\/?p=13183"},"modified":"2023-08-29T08:34:44","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T13:34:44","slug":"badlands-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com\/training-behavior\/badlands-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"National Barks: Badlands National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\"A\n

Leash up for the next National Bark you and your dog need to visit: Badlands National Park in western South Dakota. The varying terrain and sediments throughout the park will leave you feeling like you\u2019ve been transported to a sci-fi planet one moment and the moon the next. You and your hiking hound can truly get back to nature here.<\/p>\n

The various formations throughout the park are made up of sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, claystones, limestones, volcanic ash and\/or shale \u2014 a result of millions of years of deposition and erosion. Through all these ecological changes, visitors and researchers alike have found an abundance of fossils in the area. This includes 28-million-year-old fossils of the hesperocyon, one of the earliest dogs or canids to walk our planet. So, as you can see, it\u2019s only right that your dog experiences the Badlands. Their ancestors once walked those lands, after all. But to ensure you and Fido stay safe, there are a few guidelines to note.<\/p>\n

\"A

A close-up of Saddle Pass trail at The Badlands National Park.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Timing Is Everything When Taking a Dog to a National Park<\/h2>\n

Most of the terrain Fido can walk on at Badlands National Park will be grassless and unshaded, so it\u2019s important to factor in that summer heat when planning your visit. The best time to visit the Badlands is April, May or early June before the heat<\/a> becomes too unbearable; or, for perfect fall temperatures, head there during September and October.<\/p>\n

While this national park is open year-round, you\u2019ll want to take proper precautions if traveling in the summer and the winter. Temperatures can soar up above 110\u00b0 Fahrenheit during the summer months and as cold as -40\u00b0 Fahrenheit in the winter. If traveling during the summer, make sure you have plenty of water for Fido (and yourself!), stick to early morning or late evening ventures outside of a vehicle and keep an eye out for when your dog gets too hot so you can immediately seek a cooler location. If hiking or camping in the winter<\/a>, limit the exposure to the cold and consider snow boots to prevent frostbite or hypothermia for both you and Fido.<\/p>\n

Sleeping Arrangements for Dogs at Badlands National Park<\/h2>\n

A common theme you\u2019ll notice in our National Barks series is camping. This is because pets are not allowed in cabins or public buildings at national parks. Under the starry skies, it is!<\/p>\n

The Badlands National Park provides visitors with two campsites<\/a>: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Reservations for Cedar Pass Campground can be made prior to your arrival. Summer is one of the busiest seasons, so if traveling during June, July or August, consider booking your reservation as far out as March. This will help ensure there\u2019s a spot available for you and Fido.<\/p>\n\"A\n

At Cedar Pass Campground you will have access to covered picnic tables, showers ($0.50 for 4 minutes), running water and toilets. You\u2019ll also be mere minutes from the visitor center and caf\u00e9. Cedar Pass Lodge<\/a> handles all the reservations and questions for the campground.<\/p>\n

Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come first-serve location. You\u2019ll have access to covered picnic tables and pit toilets, but make note to take extra fluids for you and Fido. There is no running water at this location. This campground is located off the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road, which is sometimes temporarily closed to travelers when winter weather or heavy rains roll through \u2014 something to be cognizant of when planning your trip.<\/p>\n

Pets must be kept on a leash no more than six feet in length at the campgrounds and throughout the entire park. Additionally, remember to clean up after your dog and properly dispose of pet waste during your stay.<\/p>\n

Hiking with Your Dog at Badlands National Park<\/h2>\n

When walking up to hiking trails, boardwalks, most overlook areas and public buildings, you\u2019ll notice \u201cNo Pets Allowed\u201d signage. But don\u2019t worry. There\u2019s plenty of beautiful scenery to see from walking or driving throughout the Badlands. The Badlands Loop Road alone provides 30 miles of walking through the heart of the park!<\/p>\n

Pets are allowed on all public roads (paved and unpaved) and in the campgrounds mentioned above as well as:<\/p>\n