Catoctin Mountain Dog Policy
Catoctin Mountain Park is Dog Friendly
Catoctin Mountain Park encompasses a recreation area in second growth forests, and offers outdoor activites such as hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and cross country skiing.
Catoctin Mountain Park is fairly dog friendly. Dogs are allowed on trails and in the main campground while on a leash. Dogs are not allowed on rock formations/rocking climbing, some campgrounds, inside buildings, and are not allowed to be left unattended.
Catoctin Mountain Park also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog bandana by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below). (Note that this park is one of the few that offers a bandana instead of a dog tag for BARK Rangers).
- Website
- https://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm
- Pet Policy Details
- https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- BARK Ranger
- Yes []
- Annual Visitors
- 539,983
Trail Policy
Dogs are allowed on trails while on a leash no logner than 6'. Note that dogs are not allowed on rock formations.
Campground Policy
Dogs are allowed in the main campground, Owens Creek Campground, while on a leash.
| Campground | Dogs Allowed? | # Dog Friendly Sites | Equipment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Shelters | No | Reservations/Info | ||
| Camp Misty Mount | No | Reservations/Info | ||
| Camp Round Meadow | No | Reservations/Info | ||
| Owens Creek Campground | Yes | 51 | RV, Tent, Trailer | Reservations/Info |
| Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground | No | Car, Tent, Trailer | Reservations/Info | |
| Campground details from Recreation.gov | ||||
BARK Ranger
Bark Ranger is a really great program that some National Park Service destinations run. The Bark Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks require you to purchase the tag at the end). You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the link below for more details), you can get your special dog tag.
B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:
- B: Bag your poop
- Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
- A: Always wear a leash
- Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
- R: Respect wildlife
- Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
- K: Know where to go
- Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.
For more information on the Bark Ranger program, please see: https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/pets.htm
We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.
Location & Map
Have a photo of your dog here?
Note: Policies can change -- please make sure to check official dog/pet policies prior to making plans or booking travel.
Please tell us if you think there’s anything we should add or change on this page.