Is Lake Mead National Recreation Area Dog Friendly?

National Recreation Area

Lake Mead Dog Policy

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is Dog Friendly

Trails

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Campground

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Lake Mead National Recreation Area was the United States' first national recreation area. This very large area encompasses beautiful landscapes of mountains, caynons, valleys and two large lakes. The area also offers dramatic views of Hoover Dam. The area offers hiking, boating, camping, swimming, and fishing opportunities.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is dog friendly, and dogs are allowed along trails and in all the campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed in most buildings. It can get very hot here, so please do not leave your pet unattended in a vehicle.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below).

Website: https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
Pet Policy Details: https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/pets.htm
BARK Ranger: Yes ^[]
Area: 2344 mi²

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed on trails while on a leash no longer than 6'. The National Park Service has a nice page listing established trails Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Campground Policy

Dogs are allowed at all campgrounds while on a leash or restrained. The National Park Service has a nice page listing the campgrounds.

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/lake/planyourvisit/pets.htm

We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.