BringFido’s Best of Arkansas

Posted by Lauren Barker

Looking for the dog-friendliest things to do in Arkansas? Well, you've come to the right place. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the most dog-friendly places to visit in The Natural State, as well as the rest of the country. In the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, you'll find our collection of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. You can order a copy today for just $10.00 (a savings of 63% off the retail price) when you use the discount code BEST.

Read on to learn about some of the Arkansas attractions that rose to the top of our list this year.

Best Dog-Friendly Brewery

Photo by Facebook.com/SuperiorBathhouseBrewery

Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery in the U.S. located inside a national park. Serving beer brewed with water from Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas’ best dog-friendly brewery welcomes you to sample a flight of favorites like Northwoods West Coast-style IPA and Weekend Warrior. Bring Fido on a sunny day and sit at one of the brewery’s pet-friendly outdoor tables. If the weather takes a turn, run for cover together inside the historic bathhouse building, where your pup can taste national park water for himself and receive a bandana to commemorate his visit. Fuel up with one of the kitchen’s loaded baked potatoes, then hike a section of the park’s pet-friendly trails that feature interesting rock formations and wildflowers.

After a day of hops and hikes, enjoy a good night’s sleep at The Happy Hollow.

Most Dog-Friendly State Park

Photo by @mistricks

Bring your “fur-ocious” digger to Crater of Diamonds State Park, the most dog-friendly state park in Arkansas. You and your pup can hunt for diamonds, minerals, and gemstones in their original volcanic source. The largest diamond ever unearthed in the U.S. was discovered here, and more than 35,000 have been found since the park opened in 1972. Any diamond or gem your mutt sniffs out is his to keep. Before you start your search, visit the Diamond Discovery Center to see exhibits and watch a short video. When you get tired of digging, walk the trails together and enjoy a packed lunch in one of the picnic spots.

After Fido has bagged the jewels for his new diamond-studded collar, retreat to the Codex Cabin. Your pup will feel right at home with the Beagle-themed decor, covered deck, and fire pit. Dogs of any size are welcome for an extra fee of $15 per pet, per night. If you came up empty on your diamond hunt, stay at a tree-shaded campsite at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground, so you can get an early start for round two.

Most Dog-Friendly Attraction

Photo by Lynda Kass

Pick up a self-guided tour map and discover 210 acres of meticulously manicured grounds at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. This most dog-friendly attraction in Arkansas welcomes leashed dogs in all areas of the park except the ponds. Botanists can walk through the amazing bonsai garden and meander along the woodland walk. Architectural enthusiasts can admire the latticework made from glass and wood outside the Anthony Chapel Complex. And don’t miss the most photographed part of the gardens, the Joy Manning Scott Bridge of the Full Moon. The 11-foot high bridge pays homage to historic structures in China.

Stay across the water from the gardens at this retro ranch on Lake Hamilton. Guests are free to explore on the kayak provided or teach dogs how to dive off the dock during the summer months.

Most Dog-Friendly Campground

Photo by @catherines_landing

Reserve a campsite, yurt, or cabin at Catherine’s Landing and let Fido run wild in one of two gated off-leash Bark Parks. Catherine’s Landing is nestled on 400 pastoral acres with a mile of water frontage on Lake Catherine, creating endless fun for your furry camper. After making friends in the dog park and exploring nearby trails, stop by the dog wash station to clean up before heading back to your cabin. When you’re ready to explore beyond the campsite at Arkansas’ most dog-friendly campground, Hot Springs National Park and Garvan Woodland Gardens are just a short distance away. Two pups of any size are accepted for no additional fee.

Best Dog Park

Photo by BringFido

Looking for an adventure with your outbound hound? Head to the Off-Leash Dog Park at Lake Wilson Park in Fayetteville. Pups are welcome to run free along trails that lead through creeks and woodlands at Arkansas’ best dog park. If you want to sniff out wildflowers on a spring hike, look no further than this idyllic recreation area. Pooches who play here during summer can take a refreshing dip in the creek before continuing their expedition, spotting ancient rock formations along the way.

When everybody is worn out, head into town and check into a room at the Graduate Fayetteville. This pet-friendly chain accommodates four-legged guests with toys, bowls and more.

Top Trail to Hike With Your Dog

Photo by @lunabienz

Planning a pet-friendly trip to the Ozarks? Visit one of Arkansas’ greatest natural sights, Hawksbill Crag by way of the best pet-friendly trail in the state. Whitaker Point Trail is located high above the Buffalo River and leads to the stunning payoff, a magnificent slice of sandstone that juts out high above the trees and offers incredible views of the Ozark National Forest for miles around. Whitaker Point Trail is a popular three-mile out-and-back trail rated moderately difficult due to steep sections.

Get ready to rock at Rocking Chair Ridge in nearby Jasper, a cute cabin featuring two rocking chairs on the porch and a tranquil viewing platform.

Best Pet-Friendly B&B

Photo by Facebook.com/rosemontbandbcottages

Whether you’re traveling with Fluffy or Fido, Rosemont B&B Cottages in Little Rock is the best pet-friendly B&B in The Natural State. Although it’s one of the best cat-friendly places to stay in the country, Rosemont also caters to canines by featuring five cottages with private fenced yards and one with a private dog run. If you’re looking for more space to roam, walk the short distance to Bark Bar and enjoy a pint while your pooch plays off leash.

Rosemont B&B Cottages welcome pets of any size for an additional fee of $25 per stay.

Can’t Miss Dog Event

Photo by Facebook.com/barkbarlr

Bark Bar in Little Rock is the first indoor/outdoor dog park bar in Arkansas, and one of the most pet-friendly attractions in the state. So it’s no wonder the venue plays host to the state’s can’t-miss event, Bark Bar’s National Dog Day Party. Join revelers for a day of fun to celebrate man’s best friend and the bar’s birthday, which has included doggy pools, a huge fire hydrant sprinkler, a festive selfie station, doggy specials on the menu and free Spaniel Sundaes in the past. How will they treat your terrier this year?

Book a room for two at Homewood Suites by Hilton Little Rock Downtown, home to a grassy relief area outside for dogs to use before bedtime.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Life’s “ruff.” Photo by Linda Segerfeldt

If our Best of Arkansas preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!

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