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Pets in Maryland State Parks
A park visitor walks his dogs at a Maryland State Park.

Many state parks have areas where pets are permitted. Pets are generally permitted in undeveloped park lands outside of the public day use areas. They must be leashed and under the immediate control of the pet owner at all times. Leashes should be no longer than six feet. Many state parks allow pets in on designated hiking trails and in certain areas of the campground as well.

Pets are prohibited in some areas for several reasons -- safety, environmental and visitor comfort. Please contact individual areas if you have any questions. There is a telephone number for the area at the bottom of each park web page, or you can call 1-800-830-3974.

Service animals are permitted throughout the parks, forests and WMAs.


PARKS WITH PET CAMPING LOOPS

PARKS WITH PET TRAILS

WHERE PETS ARE PROHIBITED


Below is the law regarding pet restrictions as set out in the Code of Maryland Regulations (08.07.06.17).

Pets
A. Developed Areas
(1) Except for guide service dogs, pets of any kind are not allowed in a picnic area, cabin area, camping area, or other restricted area of a state park.
(2) The Service reserves the right to designate pet areas in a state park. In these areas pets shall be on a leash with a maximum length of 6 feet.
B. Undeveloped Areas. Pets are permitted on a leash with a maximum length of 10 feet.


Questions, comments, and suggestions can be directed to Maryland DNR.