The federal leash rule is 6 feet at BLM, Forest Service, Park Service and Corps campgrounds. Outside them, only the Park Service keeps it.

Six feet is the federal number for a dog leash, and four agencies use it. What differs is where it applies. The BLM, the Forest Service and the Corps of Engineers apply it in developed recreation sites, which the BLM defines as places with “structures or capital improvements primarily used by the public for recreation,” such as delineated camping spaces, toilets, water, fire rings and tables. The National Park Service applies it everywhere in a park where your pet is allowed. We read all four regulations on October 17, 2026.

What each rule says

BLM. In developed recreation sites, 43 CFR 8365.2-1(c) bars bringing an animal in “unless the animal is on a leash not longer than 6 feet and secured to a fixed object or under control of a person, or is otherwise physically restricted at all times.” A separate clause, 8365.2-5(b), keeps animals out of swimming areas, except a Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dog.

Forest Service. In developed recreation sites, 36 CFR 261.16(j) prohibits an animal other than a service animal “unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control.” It also bars animals from swimming areas.

Corps of Engineers. 36 CFR 327.11(a) covers “developed recreation areas or adjacent waters” and requires a leash “under six feet in length.” It bans pets from sanitary facilities, playgrounds and swimming beaches, and says unattended animals “are subject to immediate impoundment.”

National Park Service. 36 CFR 2.15(a)(2) prohibits failing to restrain a pet “on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.” No developed-site limit. It also prohibits leaving a pet tied up and unattended, except where the superintendent allows it.

The two catches

First, the Corps wording is the strict one. “Not longer than” six feet allows a 6-foot leash. “Under six feet” does not, read literally. If you camp at Corps lakes, a 4- or 5-foot leash meets all four rules. All four also allow a pet to be “otherwise” restrained or confined, and none defines that, so a retractable lead run out to 16 feet is an argument you would be having with a ranger.

Second, outside the campground the federal rule mostly stops. On general BLM land, 43 CFR 8365.1-7 says state and local laws apply on public lands and lists “Pets” among the subjects they cover. On national forest land, 36 CFR 261.8(d) prohibits “possessing a dog not on a leash or otherwise confined,” but only “to the extent Federal or State law is violated.” In both cases, state law, and on BLM land local law too, does the work. We have not surveyed those laws, and they vary.

The other direction catches people too. The park rule is a floor. Under 2.15(a)(1), a superintendent can close any area to pets entirely. Our camping with dogs guide covers how Rocky Mountain and Yosemite use that.

What to do

Carry a fixed leash shorter than 6 feet and use it from the moment you pull into a campground. At a dispersed site, look up the county leash ordinance before you assume your dog can run. And read the board at the entrance: a posted rule from the land manager beats this page and any other.

If you are setting up for a long stay, see how long you can sit at a Corps of Engineers campground and how BLM’s 72-hour campground property rule works.