National Forest · CA

Dogs in Stanislaus National Forest

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome across the 898,000 acres of the Stanislaus in the Central Sierra, with more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails and 78 lakes to explore together. The standard rule is a leash no longer than six feet in developed recreation sites, and reliable voice or physical control elsewhere.

Dogs can join you on the forest's extensive trail system, including the popular Pinecrest Lake Loop and routes reaching the many high-country lakes and rivers. A leash is required at campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed sites; on general forest trails they need to stay under control.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs can join you on the forest's extensive trail system, including the popular Pinecrest Lake Loop and routes reaching the many high-country lakes and rivers. A leash is required at campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed sites; on general forest trails they need to stay under control.

Where dogs are not allowed

Keep dogs off the designated swim beach at Pinecrest Lake and out of posted swim areas.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forest

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Stanislaus National Forest?

Dogs are welcome across the 898,000 acres of the Stanislaus in the Central Sierra, with more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails and 78 lakes to explore together. The standard rule is a leash no longer than six feet in developed recreation sites, and reliable voice or physical control elsewhere. Dogs can join you on the forest's extensive trail system, including the popular Pinecrest Lake Loop and routes reaching the many high-country lakes and rivers. A leash is required at campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed sites; on general forest trails they need to stay under control.

What is the leash rule at Stanislaus National Forest?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Where are dogs not allowed at Stanislaus National Forest?

Keep dogs off the designated swim beach at Pinecrest Lake and out of posted swim areas.

Are service animals allowed at Stanislaus National Forest?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.