Parks and Open Space

Rules & Regulations

Washoe County Park Rangers have the authority to issue civil and criminal citations for violations to park rules and regulations based on the Washoe County Code Chapter 95 Fine Schedule. Notice penalties range from $200 for the first offense up to $800 for the third offense. 

Washoe County Park Rules

These are the most common park rules and regulations, and not an exhaustive list. You must also abide by any and all park postings or signage.

• Park use is restricted to designated Park Hours
• No motorized vehicles on trails.
• Off-highway vehicles prohibited.
• No overnight use (except at Davis Creek Campground).
• Please use trash receptacles - No littering!
• Fires are allowed in designated areas only.
• Charcoal only in grills.
• No amplified music or sound.
• Pets must be kept on leash at all times (see 'Pets in Parks' below).
• Rockets, Drones and R/C airplanes and cars are not allowed.
• Shooting is only allowed at the Regional Shooting Facility
• Archery is only allowed at the Regional Archery Facility
• Do not feed the wildlife.
• Do not remove flowers, other vegetation, or firewood.
• All of Nevada Department of Wildlife's regulations must be followed.

View the entirety of Washoe County Code Chapter 95 - Parks and Recreation by clicking this link to visit  Washoe County's library of Municipal Code Ordinances. You can also find answers to a lot of common questions in the FAQ section. 

Pets in Parks

• Pets must be on leash at all parks, trails, and open spaces owned by Washoe County
  Chapter 95.220.1 of the County Code: Owners must have animals leashed no more than 6 feet in length and under immediate control at all times.
  
  
• Dog waste must be picked up!
  Chapter 95.220.4 of the County Code: It is unlawful for any person to walk a domestic animal in a county park facility without carrying at all times a suitable container or other suitable instrument for the removal and disposal of animal feces and for immediately removing the feces and properly disposing of it.
  
  
• There are two areas where animals are prohibited: Bowers Mansion Regional Park and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum at Rancho San Rafael Park.
  
  
• Dog parks & off-leash areas: The two dog parks managed by Washoe County include the multi-use pasture at Rancho San Rafael Park and the Link Piazzo Dog Park at Hidden Valley Regional Park. After a one-year pilot program (Nov. 2021 - Nov. 2022), the Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission voted to continue to utilize three designated soccer fields (located at North Valleys Regional Park, Lazy 5 Regional Park, South Valleys Regional Park) for off-leash dog use during certain non-team use times. Visit Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas for more information.

See something, say something! Help to protect and preserve your parks and trails!

To report a violation, email parksenforcement@washoecounty.gov to request a Voluntary Statement Form or to contact a park ranger regarding an enforcement-related issue.

For all general questions, including lost & found and reservations questions, please email us at reserveparks@washoecounty.gov.