Rules & Regulations

PARKS

Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with park rules and regulations. This page provides general information only. For rules specific to each location, view park and preserve information pages. Official Parks rules are detailed in Marin County Municipal Code Title 10, available online through Municode. Park rangers may issue warnings or citations for rule violations.

Dogs

Friendly dogs are welcome at many Marin County parks. The dog's handler is responsible for knowing and following each park's rules. Check the dog rules at specific park location pages. Where dogs are allowed, they must always be under the control of a responsible person. Dogs must not enter playground or play areas, marshes, tide pools, ponds, or other sensitive wildlife areas. Individuals accompanying dogs must clean up and dispose of all pet waste.  Do not leave a dog unattended in a vehicle at any time.

No dogs are allowed at McNears Beach Park, Paradise Beach Park, or Stafford Lake Park, except dogs trained and used as service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Fishing

All fishing within parks is subject to the California Fish and Game code, the rules and regulations of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other applicable regulations. Park rangers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials, and other law enforcement personnel are authorized to issue citations for violations, confiscate fish and impound fishing gear upon violation of regulations. For more information visit California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Group Use

No group, school, club or similar organization, whether formally organized or not, shall hold or conduct any activity within parks with twenty or more participants without prior written a reservation or permit from Marin County Parks. Group use of parks may also be subject to paid charges. Learn more about reservations and permits.

Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD)

For inquiries concerning the use of a power-driven mobility device in a Marin County park, pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, § 35.137, contact Principal Planner Steve Petterle at (415) 473-6394..

Swimming

No person shall bathe, swim, wade, wash or otherwise enter any water or waterways within parks in areas posted against such use.

Skatepark

Visit the McInnis Skatepark page for skatepark rules.

Bike Park

Visit the Stafford Lake Bike Park page for bike park rules.

PRESERVES

Most roads and trails in County open space preserves are multi-use. Be prepared to encounter other visitors on foot, bike, or horse. For safety, go Slow and Say Hello. Observe all alert and closure notices. Conditions may change due to weather and natural hazards. This page provides general information only. For rules specific to each location, view park and preserve information pages. Visitors are responsible for knowing all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) rules, detailed in Marin County Municipal Code and MCOSD Code Appendix A, available through Municode. Rangers may issue warnings and citations for violations.

Bicycles

No person shall operate any bicycle on district lands except upon fire protection roads, designated bicycle pathways or public roads not signed against such use. Furthermore, no person shall operate or possess any bicycle elsewhere on District lands, including trails, unless signed specifically to permit such possession.

Electric bicycles are not allowed on District lands.

Dogs

Dogs and other domestic animals under the direct and immediate control of a responsible person are allowed on most Open Space District lands. Where allowed, there is a maximum of three dogs per individual. Exceptions beyond that number are granted only through issuance of a permit. Dogs are not permitted at Santa Margarita Island Preserve, and some preserves require that dogs be kept on leash at all times. Dog walkers are responsible for knowing the rules for dogs at each preserve. On designated fire roads where dogs are allowed under voice control, a leash must be kept readily available. On signed trails where dogs are allowed, dogs must be kept on a leash not exceeding six feet in length. Dogs are not permitted off-trail or off-road. Individuals accompanying dogs must clean up, carry out, and dispose of all pet waste.  

Fires

No smoking. No person shall build, light or maintain any open or outdoor fires, including barbecues, camp stoves, gas lanterns, candles, etc., within district lands. In addition, no person shall possess such items, nor similar items, while on District lands.

Weapons and Hunting

Weapons of any kind are prohibited on District lands. No hunting of any kind is allowed.

Aviation Devices

No model airplanes, drones, or any self-propelled crafts are allowed on District lands.

Group Use

No group, school, club or similar organization, whether formally organized or not, shall hold or conduct any activity on district lands with fifteen or more participants without prior written approval of the district. Group use of district lands is subject to prior reservations, conditions and charges. Learn more about reservations and permits.

Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD)

For inquiries concerning the use of a power-driven mobility device on a County or Open Space District trail, pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, § 35.137, Mobility Devices, please email Parks Superintendent Ari Golan.