BARK Ranger Program
BARK Ranger is a really great program that some dog friendly National Park Service destinations run. The BARK Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a reward. In most cases, it’s a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks give you the tag free upon completion, some allow you to purchase it). It varies, though -- some parks give out bandanas, waste bag dispensers, and other things. [Jump to the Full List of Parks »]
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.
You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the BARK Ranger section link in an individual park for more info), you can get your special dog tag (or other reward). Many parks will also give you a certificate of completion along with the tag.
Note: The program does vary a little between locations, so please make sure you verify the details when you pick up your check list, or by viewing the link at the bottom of the BARK Ranger section at the specific park.
More Example Tags
Acadia National Park
MaineAcadia is a beautiful and dramatic park that encompasses granite mountains, rocky coastlines, beaches, forests, and lakes. It covers much of...
Dog FriendlyAgate Fossil Beds National Monument
NebraskaAgate Fossil Beds National Monument is the discovery site of many Miocene mammalian fossils, and also a preservation of Lakota heritage. The...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyApostle Islands National Lakeshore
WisconsinThe picturesque Apostle Islands on Lake Superior are surrounded by rocky shorelines, and are home to many sandy beaches, lighthouses, old farms...
Dog FriendlyBig Cypress National Preserve
FloridaThe Big Cypress Swamp in the Preserve supports nearby Everglades National Park and marine estuaries. This large park supports a variety of plants...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyBig Thicket National Preserve
TexasBig Thicket National Preserve encompasses multiple types of habitats in southeastern Texas, and is the home to a wide variety of wildlife and...
Dog FriendlyBiscayne National Park
FloridaThis large park at the north end of the Florida Keys and south of Miami covers a large area of waters, surrounding wetlands, and shore areas....
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park
Rhode Island, MassachusettsThe Blackstone River helped spur the industrialization of the United States. Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill here in Pawtucket was an early...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyBooker T. Washington National Monument
VirginiaBooker T. Washington was born a slave here in 1856 on the farm of James Burroughs. Later, Booker T. Washington became a renowned educator, advisor,...
Dog FriendlyBoston National Historic Park
MassachusettsBoston National Historic Park preserves the history of Boston and its citizens around the American Revolution. Boston National Historic Park...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyBryce Canyon National Park
UtahBryce Canyon is famous for its multi-colored hoodoos, which are irregular columns of rock. The park hosts the largest groups of hoodoos in the...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyBuffalo National River
ArkansasBuffalo National River flows for 135 milse and is one of the few undammed rivers in the continental United States. The river varies from rapids...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyCamp Nelson National Monument
KentuckyCamp Nelson was established in 1863 as a supply depot. It became a training center for African American soldiers, and also served as a refugee...
Dog FriendlyCape Cod National Seashore
MassachusettsCape Cod National Seashore encompasses 40 miles of beaches, marshes, and higher land. There are several lighthouses and historic landscapes....
Somewhat Dog FriendlyCape Hatteras National Seashore
North CarolinaCape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses the beaches, marshes, and sounds of North Carolina barrier islands. There are a variety of opportunities...
Dog Friendly
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
North CarolinaCarl Sandburg Home National Historic Site preserves the history of the poet and writer, Carl Sandburg. Visitors can tour the home and walk the...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
City of Rocks National Reserve
IdahoCity of Rocks National Reserve encompasses mostly backcountry and offers opportunities for adventure in rock climbing, camping, hiking, hunting,...
Dog FriendlyCongaree National Park
South CarolinaThis park is located on the north bank of the Congaree River and boasts the largest setion of old growth lowland forest remaining in the southeast...
Very Dog FriendlyCurecanti National Recreation Area
ColoradoCurecanti National Recreation Area encompasses three reservoirs created out of the Gunnison River. The highlights of the area are water recreation...
Dog FriendlyCuyahoga Valley National Park
OhioHome to many species of plants and wildlife in its forests, hills, and rivers, this park is still close to teh metro areas of Cleveland and Akron....
Dog Friendly
De Soto National Memorial
FloridaHernando de Soto landed in Tampa Bay in 1539 and met with resistance from Native Americans protecting their homes. There are exhibits here preserving...
Dog Friendly
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
New Jersey, PennsylvaniaDelaware Water Gap encompasses 40 miles of river, over 150 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, and more. The park offers hiking, fishing,...
Dog Friendly
Devils Tower National Monument
WyomingDevils Tower National Monument is centered around the breathtaking feature of Devils Tower, which is a rock formation that rises up above the...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Eisenhower National Historic Site
PennsylvaniaEisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The site is next to the Gettysburg battlefield,...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyEl Morro National Monument
New MexicoEl Morro National Monument is the site of a reliable waterhole that was used by Pueblo peoples as well as Spanish and American travelers over...
Dog Friendly
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
New YorkEleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site preserves one of Eleanor Roosevelt's homes where she and her husband, Frankin, lived and entertained...
Dog Friendly
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
CaliforniaEugene O'Neill National Historic Site preserves the home and history of Eugene O'Neill, the United States' only Nobel Prize winning playwright. Eugene...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Fire Island National Seashore
New YorkFire Island National Seashore encompasses maritime forests, dunes, historic landmarks, a variety of wildlife, and great beaches. Fire Island...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyFort Donelson National Battlefield
TennesseeFort Donelson was the site of a Union victory in the American Civil War under Ulysses S. Grant that paved the way for subsequent victories at...
Dog FriendlyFort Matanzas National Monument
FloridaThe center of Fort Matanzas National Monument is the fortified coquina watchtower, built in 1742. The fort defended the Spanish settlement of...
Dog Friendly
Fort Monroe National Monument
VirginiaFort Monroe and the area it sits on today have played a part in a diverse history spanning over 400 years, including from those of Native Americans,...
Dog Friendly
Fort Pulaski National Monument
GeorgiaFort Pulaski was the site of a Civil War battle where the Union forces used rifled cannons against the brick Fort Pulaski. The cannons proved...
Dog Friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
ArkansasFort Smith was on the edge of the frontier and Indian Territory in the 1800s. Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the history of the...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Fort Stanwix National Monument
New YorkFort Stanwix sits on the ancient trail between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, which is 6 miles long and connects the Atlantic Ocean and Lake...
Dog Friendly
Fort Union National Monument
New MexicoFort Union is set in the grass prairie on the Santa Fe Trail, and currently encompasses the remains of a 19th century military fort. The fort...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyFort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
North Dakota, MontanaFort Union was an important fur trading post on the Upper Missouri River from 1828 to 1867. Native Americans could exchange buffalo hides and...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyFredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
VirginiaFredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park preserves some of the bloodiest and most pivotal battlefields from the American Civil...
Dog Friendly
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
PennsylvaniaFriendship Hill National Historic Site honors the achievements and history of Albert Gallatin, who was Secretary of the Treasury for 13 years...
Dog Friendly
Gateway Arch National Park
MissouriThe Gateway Arch is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's part in expanding the western United States. The arch itself is 630 feet high and wide....
Dog Friendly
George Washington Carver National Monument
MissouriGeorge Washington Carver National Monument honors the history of George Washington Carver by preserving some locations from his childhood and...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyGila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
New MexicoThe Gila Cliffs were originally used by nomadic people along the Gila River, but were then used as more permanent dwellings by the Mogollon people...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyGreat Falls Park
VirginiaThe centerpiece of Great Falls are the scenic waterfalls here where the Potomac River speeds through a series of rugged rocks and Mather Gorge....
Dog Friendly
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina, TennesseeThe Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The park covers base elevations through rising mountains, and is home to a wide...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyGuilford Courthouse National Military Park
North CarolinaGuilford Courthouse National Military Park preserves the history of The Battle of Guilford Courthouse from the American Revolution in 1781. The...
Dog Friendly
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
New YorkHamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the home of Alexander Hamilton, and was completed in 1802. The home has been restored and is open...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyHampton National Historic Site
MarylandHampton National Historic Site preserves the Hampton mansion, which may have been the largest private home in the early United States. The site...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
West Virginia, Virginia, MarylandHarpers Ferry was the location of strife that contributed the the start of the American Civil War. The park preserves the history and tells the...
Dog FriendlyHawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
HawaiiThis park on the Big Island protects the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, two of the world's most active geological features. Diverse ecosystems...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyHerbert Hoover National Historic Site
IowaThis National Historic Site preserves buildings and the area of West Branch where Herbert Hoover lived in childhood and then returned again later...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
New YorkFranklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president, returned to his home here often. This site preserves the history of the Roosevelt family and is adjacent...
Dog FriendlyHopewell Culture National Historic Park
OhioHopewell Culture National Historic Park encompasses dozens of monument mounds and earthen structures built by Native Americans. The structures...
Dog Friendly
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
PennsylvaniaHopewell Furnace displays early American industrial operations and iron making from 1771 through 1883. Hopewell and other similar iron plantations...
Dog Friendly
Hot Springs National Park
ArkansasHot Springs National Park is a unique National Park that hosts historic bathhouses and natural beauty. The thermal (hot) springs here are natural,...
Dog FriendlyIndependence National Historic Park
PennsylvaniaIndependence National Historical Park showcases and hnors the history of the foundation of the United States. The showcase of this park is Independence...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyIndiana Dunes National Park
IndianaLocated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes is highlighted by 15 miles of coastline with large sections of sandy beaches and large...
Dog FriendlyJimmy Carter National Historic Site
GeorgiaThe Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is located in rural Plains, Georgia. It's the site of Jimmy Carter's childhood, including his boyhood...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyJohn Brown Farm State Historic Site
New YorkJohn Brown Farm State Historic Site preserves the home and grave of abolitionist John Brown. Brown famously led a raid on the federal armory...
Very Dog Friendly
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
OregonJohn Day Fossil Beds National Monument preserves a number of plant and animal fossils in colorful rock formations. The Monument hosts exhibits...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyKenilworth Aquatic Gardens
District of ColumbiaKenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a natural gem in Washington DC where the aquatic ecosystem hosts beavers, turtles in an are with trees, cattails,...
Dog FriendlyKnife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
North DakotaThis site preserves the history of Earthlodge people who once hunted bison and farmed in the area. Native Americans also traded furs here long...
Dog FriendlyLake Mead National Recreation Area
Arizona, NevadaLake Mead National Recreation Area was the United States' first national recreation area. This very large area encompasses beautiful landscapes...
Dog FriendlyLassen Volcanic National Park
CaliforniaLassen Peak, the largest lava dome volcano in the world, is joined by all three other types of volcanoes in this park: shield, cinder cone, and...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyLincoln Boyhood National Memorial
IndianaLincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserves the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. It's fairly dog friendly, and dogs are allowed in outdoor areas...
Dog Friendly
Little River Canyon National Preserve
AlabamaLittle River flows for much of its length on top of Lookout Mountain, which is part of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The preserve has...
Dog FriendlyLory State Park
ColoradoLory State Park is set in the foothills near Fort Collins, and offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are 26 miles of trails here,...
Dog FriendlyMammoth Cave National Park
KentuckyWith more than 400 miles (640 km) of passageways explored, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system. Subterranean wildlife includes...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyMarsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park
VermontMarsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park is Vermont's only national park, and a great place to hike and take in the outdoors. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller...
Dog Friendly
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
New YorkMartin Van Buren was 8th president of the United States, and was a major political force prior to the American Civil War. This site preserves...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyMill Springs Battlefield National Monument
KentuckyMill Springs Battlefield National Monument preservers the history of the Battle of Mill Springs. Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument...
Dog Friendly
Minute Man National Historic Park
MassachusettsMinute Man National Historic Park lets visitors experience battlefields and buildings associated with the first battle in the American Revolution...
Dog Friendly
Monocacy National Battlefield
MarylandUnion soldiers fought Confederate forces here in 1864 during the American Civil War, and thwarted Confederate plans to eventually capture Washington,...
Dog FriendlyMontezuma Castle National Monument
ArizonaMontezuma Castle National Monument preserves Native American culture, including a 20 room apartment carved into the side of a cliff. The site...
Dog Friendly
Moores Creek National Battlefield
North CarolinaMoores Creek National Battlefield preserves the history of an American Revolution battle fought in 1776 which included a broadsword charge by...
Dog Friendly
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
South DakotaMount Rushmore features the busts of four former US presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Natchez Trace Parkway
Alabama, Mississippi, TennesseeNatchez Trace Parkway is a scenic 444 mile drive through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. It approximately follows the historic Old Natchez...
Dog Friendly
New River Gorge National Park
West VirginiaNew River Gorge is a deep, whitewhater river that flows through the canyons here. New River Gorge National Park is quite large at over 70,000...
Dog FriendlyNorth Cascades National Park
WashingtonThe highly glaciated mountains of the North Cascades Range exhibit spectacular and complex geologic history. Between the river valleys and high...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Obed Wild and Scenic River
TennesseeThe Obed river still looks mostly the same as it did to European settlers first encountered it in the 1700s. The river historically offered great...
Dog Friendly
Olympic National Park
WashingtonThis park on the Olympic Peninsula includes a wide range of ecosystems from Pacific shoreline to temperate rainforests to the glaciated alpine...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyOzark National Scenic Riverway
MissouriThe Ozark National Scenice Riverway includes the Current and Jacks Fork rivers and the rivers offer great boating, fishing, and paddling. There...
Dog FriendlyPalo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
TexasPalo Alto Battlefield is the location of a conflict between United States and Mexican troops in 1846. It was the first battle in the two year...
Dog Friendly
Pecos National Historic Park
New MexicoPecos National Historic Park is near Santa Fe, and contains the remains of Native American pueblos. The park also has a number of trails and...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Petersburg National Battlefield
VirginiaThe Siege of Petersburg was the longest conflict in the American Civil war, at 9.5 months. The struggle cemented the downfall of the Confederate...
Dog FriendlyPetrified Forest National Park
ArizonaPetrified National Forest gets its name from impressively large formations of petrified wood that date from around 225 million years ago. Howeve,...
Dog FriendlyPetroglyph National Monument
New MexicoPetroglyph National Monument contains one of the largest petroglpyh sites in the country. The petroglyphs were carved by both Native Americans...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
MichiganPictured Rocks National Lakeshore encompasses picturesque cliffs, forests, beaches, waterfalls, and shorline on Lake Superior. The Lakeshore...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyPipestone National Monument
MinnesotaNative Americans quarried red pipestone at this site for many years. The pipes made out of the stones are considered sacred and used for prayers. Pipestone...
Dog Friendly
Prince William Forest Park
VirginiaPrince William Forest Park is a natural refuge of quiet in northern Virginia. The park encompasses woods and small streams, and offers opportunities...
Dog FriendlyPu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
HawaiiPuʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site preserves and explores the history of the civil war in Hawai'i in the 1700s, and the history of chiefs...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Redwood National Park
CaliforniaThis park and the co-managed state parks protect almost half of all remaining coastal redwoods, the tallest trees on earth. There are three large...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Roger Williams National Memorial
Rhode IslandRoger Williams was the founder of Rhode Island, and this National Memorial commemorates his life and ideals. He was an outcast from both England...
Dog FriendlyRussell Cave National Monument
AlabamaRussell Cave is an important historical site where a number of human artifacts, encompassing 10,000 years of history, were discovered. There's...
Dog Friendly
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
New YorkTheodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, lived here from 1885 until 1919. He nicknamed this home his "Summer White House"....
Dog Friendly
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
New HampshireSaint-Gaudens National Historic Site honors the history of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of the United States' greatest sculptors. The park encompasses...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
MassachusettsSalem Maritime National Historic Site encompasses several acres of land and 12 historic structures along the waterfront in Salem. The park honors...
Somewhat Dog FriendlySalinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
New MexicoSalinas Pueblo Missions National Monument contains three sites preserving particular moments in history. Abó encompasses a scenic mission and...
Somewhat Dog FriendlySan Antonio Missions National Historic Park
TexasSan Antonio Missions is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, and preserves the history of Spanish missions in the early 1700s. San...
Dog Friendly
San Juan Island National Historic Park
WashingtonSan Juan Island National Historic Park offers beautiful views of the landscape and shoreline, woodlands, orcas, and one of the last prairies...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Scotts Bluff National Monument
NebraskaScotts Bluff National Monument encompasses 3,000 acres, including the eponymous Scotts Bluff, which was a landmark for Native Americans and settlers....
Dog FriendlyShiloh National Military Park
TennesseeShiloh was the location of one of the largest battles in the American Civil War, with over 110,000 soldiers, and over 23,000 casualties. Shiloh...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyStones River National Battlefield
TennesseeThe Battle of Stones River started in 1862, and was one of the costliest battles in the American Civil War. Stones River National Battlefield...
Dog FriendlyTheodore Roosevelt National Park
North DakotaThis region that enticed and influenced President Theodore Roosevelt consists of a park of three units in the northern badlands. Besides Roosevelt's...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyTonto National Monument
ArizonaTonto National Monument preserves two cliff dwellings, and a museum with pottery, woven cloth, and other artifacts. Tonto National Monument...
Dog FriendlyTule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
NevadaTule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in the upper Las Vegas Valley is an urban park that has great views of the Mojave desert. Visitors...
Dog FriendlyTuzigoot National Monument
ArizonaTuzigoot National Monument showcases a hilltop pueblo that was built in the center of the Verde Valley. The monument preserves and honors the...
Dog FriendlyUlysses S. Grant National Historic Site
MissouriUlysses S. Grant and his wife lived here before the American Civil War along with enslaved African Americans. The site offers both guided and...
Somewhat Dog Friendly
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, IllinoisUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was established in 1924, and is a large refuge along 261 miles of the river. It's a...
Very Dog Friendly
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
New YorkThe Vanderbilt Mansion was built by one of the wealthiest families in the United States. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is somewhat...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyVicksburg National Military Park
MississippiVicksburg is the location of a decisive battle of the American Civil War that resulted in the south being broken in two. Vicksburg National...
Dog Friendly
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
CaliforniaWhiskeytown National Recreation Area encompasses the large Whiskeytown lake, and the surrounding area, offering a variety of watersports, waterfalls,...
Dog FriendlyWilson's Creek National Battlefield
MissouriWilson's Creek was the site of the first major battle west of the Mississippi River in the American Civil War, and was a victory, though costly,...
Dog Friendly
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
VirginiaWolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is the only National Park devoted to the performing arts. Wolf Trap runs a variety of different...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyWright Brothers National Memorial
North CarolinaWright Brothers National Memorial commemorates and preserves the history of the Wright Brothers achieving the first successful airplane flights...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyYaquina Head
OregonYaquina Head is home to the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which is the tallest on Oregon's coast. There're also great opportunities to explore...
Dog Friendly
Yosemite National Park
CaliforniaYosemite features sheer granite cliffs, exceptionally tall waterfalls, and old-growth forests at a unique intersection of geology and hydrology....
Somewhat Dog FriendlyZion National Park
UtahLocated at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert, this park contains sandstone features such as mesas, rock towers,...
Somewhat Dog FriendlyAre we missing any parks here? Are we listing a park that no longer runs the program? Please feel free to let us know.
Have a photo of your dog at a park here and want to share? We love to get new photos and post them.
Last Modified: 10/14/2024