Help your pet be a good guest
Hiking trails, picnic areas, boat ramps, and campgrounds can be busy, unfamiliar, and even sometimes overwhelming places for dogs and other pets. Please follow these basic property rules regarding pets.
The 6-foot leash rule applies to the entire property and to all pets. The only time your pet may be off the leash is inside your camper, tent, or vehicle. This includes pets traveling with mountain bikers and horse riders. If it's not possible to keep your pet on a 6-foot leash, the best and safest option is for your pet to stay at home. At reservoirs (Patoka, Brookville, Cagles Mill, Cecil M. Harden, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Monroe, Hardy) dogs may be permitted to be off leash when in lawful pursuit of wild animals or when authorized by a license for field trials or in a designated training area.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding pet fencing and leashes at Indiana State Parks
This FAQ is intended to provide answers to the questions you have related to the containment of pets at Indiana State Park properties. These responses are based on Indiana Administrative Code and Indiana State Park regulations.
- Are pet fences permitted at Indiana State Parks properties (at campsites or in other locations)?
- Is this a policy or is it enforceable by law?
- Is a tent or dining fly considered a structure, too?
- How is a fence defined and different from a cage?
- Does this rule apply to electric fences?
- Can a fence be used for toddlers or other small children?
- We see fences in campsites all the time. Why don’t you enforce this if it is a property rule?
Your pet is a guest but the wildlife lives here. Please respect wildlife and plant life. Follow the 6-foot leash rule to protect wildlife, other people, and your pet.
Please pick up after your pet. Animal waste can contain parasites. The hiker behind you and the camper who follows you at the site do not want to step in pet waste. Buy waste bags at your pet store or bring plastic grocery bags. If you are hiking, pick up the waste and carry it out. When cleaning your campsite before leaving, remove all pet waste and place the bags in the campground dumpster. Double bagging is helpful.
Campground quiet hours (11 p.m. – 7 a.m.) apply to all guests, including pets. If your dog barks excessively at your campsite, particularly during quiet hours, we may ask that you take your pet home.
Parks are not the place for territorial pets. If your pet is highly dominant or aggressive, please leave your animal at home in familiar territory.
When you go exploring, please take your pet with you. Keep your pet with you at all times. Do not leave your pet tied up at a campsite or locked in a car.
Pets, excluding service animals, as designated by Indiana Code, are prohibited at:
- swimming pools
- beaches (unless specifically designated for pets)
- rented recreation buildings
- the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park
- public buildings
Be sure to carry fresh, clean water for your pet as you hike or visit other areas in the park.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date. This state law protects your pet from other pets (or wildlife) that may not be in perfect health.
A local kennel may provide a good compromise. If you want to experience the outdoors with your pet but your pet doesn’t handle the campground well, days in the park and nights in a kennel might be an option. Check the park office or campground gate for information.