Traveling without your pet can feel like something’s missing. Luckily, at Virginia State Parks, they’re welcome to join the adventure. Bring them along and make every trip complete by sharing all the fun, trails and memories.
It can be fun taking your pet with you to a Virginia State Park, but there are rules in place for your safety, your pet’s safety and the safety of others who are enjoying the parks. Here are some guidelines you must follow when you and your pet visit a Virginia State Park.
Keep your pet on a leash
It is very important that your dog stays on a leash during your visit. State regulations require pets to be confined or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and kept under supervision while in the park. This is for your safety and the safety of others. It can be traumatic if your pet gets off leash and hurts themselves or someone else.
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Park rangers may not be able to assist you if your dog gets lost. Virginia State Parks strives to provide a safe and positive environment for recreation, so it’s crucial to follow rules to have the best experience.
Dogs on leash are less likely to hurt themselves, other guests or other animals. The parks are for everyone to enjoy, and staff want you and your pet to enjoy these spaces safely together.
Know where your pet can go
Pets are allowed in all Virginia State Parks. However, at False Cape State Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations prohibit pets; therefore, accessing the park with pets through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is not allowed.
Most trails are ideal for pets, so be sure to check out the park map before your visit and pack supplies for you and your pet. It is also recommended that you have your pets’ most recent vaccinations with you, especially proof of rabies vaccination. This is strongly recommended in the Virginia Beach area where a rabies alert is in effect.
Pets are not allowed in public facilities such as park offices, bathhouses, visitor centers, restaurants and similar buildings.
It may be hard to travel with a pet in the heat because pets aren’t allowed on the official designated swimming beaches at Virginia State Parks. However, you can still enjoy the water with your dog in certain non-swimming shoreline or river areas. Just keep your dog on a leash and under your control.
Some activities to consider with your pet:
- Scenic walks on pet-friendly trails
- Relaxing by the water at designated shorelines
- Taking part in ranger-led, pet-friendly outdoor programs (varies by park)
- Enjoying a cozy afternoon at your campsite or picnic area
- Practicing simple training exercises in a quiet, natural setting
- Letting your dog sniff and discover new scents along open fields and nature paths
Staying overnight with your pet
After a long day on the trails, you can stay the night with your pet, but there are some rules that must be followed.
At Virginia State Parks, pets are allowed in cabins, but not in yurts. When staying in a cabin, please note that there is an additional $20 nightly charge per pet. There is no additional charge for pets to stay in the campgrounds. No matter where you explore, visitors are asked to clean up after their pets so everyone can enjoy a beautiful park experience.
Pets shouldn’t be left unattended for many reasons. It is hard to predict what your pet might do in a new environment, especially when left alone. If a pet is left unattended, becomes a nuisance, violates the leash law, disturbs others by barking during quiet hours or damages a state park facility, the owner's stay may be terminated without a refund. The owner will be billed for any damage to park facilities caused by pets.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all facilities at no additional charge.
Staff want you and your pet to have a fun day and a relaxing night when you visit, so be sure to pack all essential items for your pet.
B.A.R.K. Ranger program
Virginia State Parks have been working to find new and creative ways to attract visitors and their furry friends. The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a self-guided activity that encourages visitors to safely explore parks while protecting the natural environment.
Dogs and their owners pledge to follow four different principles while enjoying the park. The program's acronym explains the principles. Each letter represents a different principle to follow when visiting the parks with your dog.
B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:
- Bag your pet’s waste.
- Be sure to carry waste pickup bags on your hike, or check the trailhead or visitor center to see if any are available. Visitors are also encouraged to bring water and a bowl so pets can stay hydrated.
- Always keep your pet on a leash.
- A leash no longer than 6 feet is required for your dog when on park property. This will help prevent your dog from getting loose and/or lost in the wilderness.
- Respect wildlife.
- Keeping your dog on a leash will help prevent them from chasing any wildlife or disrupting their natural habitats. Never feed the wildlife and only observe by looking and not touching.
- Know where you can go.
- Keep on the designated trails, and don't venture off. This will prevent you and your dog from getting lost or entering dangerous or private property.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program was introduced by the National Park Service in 2015 to raise awareness about responsible recreation with your dog while limiting the dog’s impact on the environment. It was also designed to promote safe, healthy places for canines on the trails, and just like hikers who follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace, dog owners are expected to do the same.
The program is a fun, educational experience that encourages visitors to take an active role in preserving the park’s beauty and ecological health while enjoying the companionship of their dogs.
Virginia State Parks that offer a B.A.R.K. Ranger program usually provide a brochure explaining the activities throughout the park that dogs can safely participate in. Once visitors complete the activities, they can be rewarded for good stewardship and responsible recreation with a variety of collectibles such as bandanas, ID cards, certificates of completion and/or dog tags. Collectible dog items vary by park location and availability.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is currently offered at the following Virginia State Parks: Fairy Stone, First Landing, Grayson Highlands, Machicomoco, Natural Bridge, Natural Tunnel, New River Trail, Occoneechee, Pocahontas, Sky Meadows, Sweet Run, Twin Lakes and York River.
Most parks offer bandanas or other dog items in their gift shop even if a ranger-led program isn’t available, so visitors are encouraged to stop in the visitor center at the park for pet merchandise. Bear Creek Lake has a gift shop with items that visitors and their pets may enjoy.
There are self-guided and ranger-led programs, so be sure to check out the events page for upcoming pet-friendly events.
Bonus event: Bark in the PARK at Culpeper Battlefields State Park. This event highlights dogs in action with demonstrations. For those who don’t want to hit the trails alone, the event provides an opportunity to adopt a pet. Visitors can also bring pet donations such as dog or cat food, cleaning supplies, treats and toys to support the Culpeper Animal Shelter.
Visit a Virginia State Park
Make your next adventure a shared one. Virginia State Parks welcome pets, so you never have to travel without your favorite trail buddy. Learn more about pets in parks.
Plan an overnight getaway or enjoy a day trip and make memories together.
Staff can’t wait to see you and your pet on the trails.
