Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Prince William Forest Park

B.A.R.K. Ranger Being Sworn In

NPS Photo

Enjoying national parks like Prince William Forest Park is an exciting experience for pets visiting with their families. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a national park.

• Bag your pet’s waste and properly dispose of it
  • Pet feces can spread diseases to park wildlife, introduce non-native plant seeds, and pollute rivers and lakes. Make sure to always pack out bagged pet waste or dispose of it in the pet waste disposal receptacles in Pine Grove Picnic Area and Parking Lot D.
• Always leash your pet
  • Pets must be restrained on a leash of no more than six feet. Unleashed pets may possibly scare other visitors or run away in an unfamiliar area.
• Respect wildlife
  • Keep your pet, wildlife, and other people safe by using a leash. Unleashed pets can stress or injure wildlife.
• Know where you can go with your pet
  • Plan ahead and know where you can take your pet. While most trails and campgrounds are pet friendly, pets aren't allowed in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area or in any of the cabin camp areas.

As long as you both follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules, you can take your leashed pet everywhere you can go in the park, except for the backcountry area and the cabin camps to protect natural and cultural resources. Pets and their families can also fill out a B.A.R.K. Ranger booklet at the visitor center to earn a free B.A.R.K. Ranger leash tag!

Details

Duration

10-120 Minutes

Take a short time to fill out the B.A.R.K. Ranger booklet at the visitor center or pick up the booklet and turn it in after enjoying a hike with your pet!

Activity

Junior Ranger Program

If your family is visiting with a pet, pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger booklet when you visit the visitor center so they earn a free leash tag and follow the proper etiquette while visiting (bag your pet's waste and properly dispose of it, always leash your pet, respect wildlife, and know where you can go with your pet).

Age(s)

0-99

Any pet can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

An entrance fee or valid park pass is required when visiting the park.

Location

Visitor Center

Stop by the visitor center to get your B.A.R.K. Ranger Booklet! When you complete the booklet, stop by the visitor center to earn your pet an ID tag proclaiming them a B.A.R.K. ranger.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Ask to speak with a ranger about any accessibility-related needs while working on the B.A.R.K. Ranger booklet. Service animals can also become B.A.R.K. Rangers. We are happy to help!