---
canonical: https://dogpolicies.com/places/donner-memorial-state-park/
title: "Donner Memorial State Park: dog rules"
license: CC-BY-4.0
attribution: "DogPolicies, dogpolicies.com, CC BY 4.0, verified 2026-10-26"
verified_at: 2026-10-26
review_due: 2026-11-25
freshness: fresh
confirmed_by: none
uid: plc_sp503
json: https://dogpolicies.com/api/v1/places/donner-memorial-state-park.json
---

Donner Memorial State Park (Truckee, CA): Yes, with restrictions. Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs must always remain on a six-foot (maximum) leash. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed on designated ski trails when snow is present. Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation, checked 2026-10-26. DogPolicies record: https://dogpolicies.com/places/donner-memorial-state-park/ (CC BY 4.0; cite with link).

# Donner Memorial State Park

**Yes, with restrictions. Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs must always remain on a six-foot (maximum) leash. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed on designated ski trails when snow is present.**

Type: park. Location: Truckee, Nevada County, California. Managed by California State Parks.

## Rules

| Rule | Value | Source | Verified | Freshness |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dogs allowed | Yes, with restrictions | [1] | 2026-10-26 | fresh |
| Official restrictions | Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs must always remain on a six-foot (maximum) leash. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed on designated ski trails when snow is present. | [1] | 2026-10-26 | fresh |
| Leash | Required | [2] | 2026-10-26 | fresh, inferred from agency |
| Maximum leash length | 6 feet | [2] | 2026-10-26 | fresh, inferred from agency |
| Leaving your dog alone | Not allowed | [2] | 2026-10-26 | fresh, inferred from agency |

## Rules to know

- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and physically under your control at all times. [2]
- Dogs may not be left unattended. Overnight campers must keep dogs in a tent or vehicle. [2]
- Unless an area is specifically designated for dogs on leash, dogs are not allowed in buildings, undeveloped areas or on trails. [2]
- Clean up after your dog. [2]
- Proof of vaccinations and a valid dog license may be required. [2]

## Sources

1. California Department of Parks and Recreation, "Visiting State Parks With Your Dog" (government, checked 2026-10-26): https://www.parks.ca.gov/Dogs
   > Donner Memorial State Park | Dogs Allowed? Yes | Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs must always remain on a six-foot (maximum) leash. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed on designated ski trails when snow 
2. California Department of Parks and Recreation, "Visiting State Parks With Your Dog: statewide rules" (government, checked 2026-10-26): https://www.parks.ca.gov/Dogs
   > Dogs must be on a maximum 6-foot leash at ALL times and physically under your control.

Verified October 26, 2026; re-check due 2026-11-25. Freshness: fresh.
Corrections: https://dogpolicies.com/corrections/?place=donner-memorial-state-park
Record: https://dogpolicies.com/places/donner-memorial-state-park/ · JSON: https://dogpolicies.com/api/v1/places/donner-memorial-state-park.json · Methodology: https://dogpolicies.com/methodology/