point reyes dog info

Point Reyes National Seashore

Located in the state of California

Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,028-acre (287.44 km2) park preserve located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, California. As a national seashore, it is maintained by the US National Park Service as an important nature preserve. Some existing agricultural uses are allowed to continue within the park. Clem Miller, a US Congressman from Marin County wrote and introduced the bill for the establishment of Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962 to protect the peninsula from development which was proposed at the time for the slopes above Drake's Bay. All of the park's beaches were listed as the cleanest in the state in 2010.

  • Dogs are allowed on: Kehoe Beach trail and designated trails in the neighboring Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Pets are also permitted on the trails and roads within the Niman Ranch/Commonweal area south of the Commonweal entrance road and west of Mesa road.
  • Pets are allowed on the following ocean-facing beaches throughout the year: Kehoe Beach – north of the Kehoe Beach trail, Limantour Beach – southeast of the parking lot to the beach adjacent to Coast Camp, Point Reyes/Great Beach – from the North Beach parking lot south to the historic Navy installation/lifeboat station located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the South Beach parking lot.
  • During the nesting season of the threatened western snowy plover (March 1 through September 30), pets are not allowed on the beach south of the trail at Kehoe Beach or on the beach to the north of the North Beach parking lot.
  • During the northern elephant seal pupping and mating season (December through April), pets and humans are not allowed on the beach south of the historic Navy installation/lifeboat station located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the South Beach parking lot.
  • Palomarin Beach is no longer open to pets.
  • Pets are permitted on boats in Tomales Bay and on National Seashore beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay from the northern boundary of Tomales Bay State Park to Elk Fence North Beach. These beaches include: Kilkenny Beach, Long Cove Beach, Fruit Tree Beach, Marshall Beach, No Name Beach, Tomales Beach, Elk Fence South Beach, Elk Fence North Beach
  • Parking areas and along paved roads
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • All trails within the park are closed to dogs with few exceptions listed
  • Pets are not permitted on Hog Island, Duck Island, or Pelican Point.
  • Please note: the only way to access the Tomales Bay beaches listed above if you are accompanied by a pet is by boat. Pets are not permitted on Marshall Beach Trail.
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme heat
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(415) 464-5100

Point Reyes National Seashore Website

Point Reyes National Seashore Camping

Point Reyes National Seashore Hiking

Point Reyes National Seashore Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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