Enjoying national parks like Prince William Forest Park is an exciting experience for pets visiting with their families. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a national park.
* Bag your pet’s waste and properly dispose of it
** Pet feces can spread diseases to park wildlife, introduce non-native plant seeds, and pollute rivers and lakes. Make sure to always pack out bagged pet waste or dispose of it in the pet waste disposal receptacles in Pine Grove Picnic Area and Parking Lot D.
* Always leash your pet
** Pets must be restrained on a leash of no more than six feet. Unleashed pets may possibly scare other visitors or run away in an unfamiliar area.
* Respect wildlife
** Keep your pet, wildlife, and other people safe by using a leash. Unleashed pets can stress or injure wildlife.
* Know where you can go with your pet
** Plan ahead and know where you can take your pet. While most trails and campgrounds are pet friendly, pets aren't allowed in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area or in any of the cabin camp areas.
As long as you both follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules, you can take your leashed pet everywhere you can go in the park, except for the backcountry area and the cabin camps to protect natural and cultural resources. Pets and their families can also fill out a B.A.R.K. Ranger booklet at the visitor center to earn a free B.A.R.K. Ranger leash tag!
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
