Saturday, September 22nd is National Public Lands Day, and all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (and their pups!) to celebrate. Although San Antonio’s own San Antonio Missions National Historic Park offers free admission year-round (and allows pets on leash), we recently visited Fort Davis National Historic Site out near Marfa, Texas and met the fine fellow, Beaudreaux, pictured above with two of the park rangers on duty.
Located next to Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site is a great, wide open site with a number of historic buildings to meander through. We particularly enjoyed the Post Hospital and the Commanding Officer’s Quarters. You can see a full map and info about the site on the Fort Davis brochure.
Guidelines for Taking Your Dog to a National Park
Headed out to a National Park with your dog to celebrate National Public Lands Day? Here are some guidelines that are applicable to pets in many National Parks to keep in mind (check the park website before you go):
- Pets are allowed in the parks but must be on a leash at all times.
- Leashes must not be over six (6) feet long.
- In order to avert health risks and inappropriate contact between pets and visitors, pets are not admitted in park buildings.
- Please do not leave pets unattended. Service animals may accompany persons with disabilities in all areas of our park, including park buildings.
- Pet owners are responsible for removing pet excrement from parking areas, picnic areas, trail surfaces, and other areas of heavy public use in the park to provide an enjoyable and safe visit for visitors.
- For your pet’s health and safety be aware that summer heat may be deadly to pets if left unattended in your vehicle.
Dog Friendly National Parks in Texas to Visit on National Public Lands Day 2018
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Call Park for Dog Friendly Confirmation
Amistad National Recreational Area
Dog Friendly! Check Website for Off-Limit Areas
Big Bend National Park
Semi Dog Friendly. Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Your pet can only go where your car can go. Check website for full restrictions.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Call Park for Dog Friendly Confirmation
Chamizal National Memorial
Dog Friendly! Check Website for Off-Limit Areas
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail
Call Park for Dog Friendly Confirmation
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail
Call Park for Dog Friendly Confirmation
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Dog Friendly! Check Website for Off-Limit Areas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Semi Dog Friendly. Check website for full restrictions.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Call Park for Dog Friendly Confirmation
Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park
Semi Dog Friendly. Pets are NOT allowed in park buildings. Check website for full restrictions.
Padre Island National Seashore
Dog Friendly! Check Website for full Guidelines
Palo Alto Battlefield National Battlefield
Call Park for Dog Friendly Confirmation
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Semi Dog Friendly. Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Your pet can only go where your car can go. Check website for full restrictions.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Semi Dog Friendly. Pets are NOT allowed in park buildings. Check website for full restrictions.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Semi Dog Friendly. Pets are NOT allowed in park buildings. Check website for full restrictions.
Want to commemorate your National Park trip? Check out Maker Mama’s guide to National Park Passports!
Author: Amy Lynn
Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide, and was inspired to start the first one right here in San Antonio after adopting her first dog. In addition to being a dog mom to Texas and Terry, she's also a mom of four, and has lived in San Antonio for over 25 years.
