home › Central Coast › Santa Cruz County › Park
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Park · Aptos · Santa Cruz County · California
Are dogs allowed at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park?
Yes, with restrictions. Dogs allowed below Porter Picnic Area.
- Leash
- Required
- Maximum leash length
- 6 feet
- Official restrictions
- Dogs allowed below Porter Picnic Area.
433.6 On Highway 1 at mile 433.6, 0.6 mi off the highway. See every dog stop on Highway 1.
Rules
| Rule | Value | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs allowed | Yes, with restrictions | [1] California Department of Parks and Recreation | October 26, 2026 |
| Official restrictions | Dogs allowed below Porter Picnic Area. | [1] California Department of Parks and Recreation | October 26, 2026 |
| Leash | Requiredagency-wide rule | [2] California Department of Parks and Recreation | October 26, 2026 |
| Maximum leash length | 6 feetagency-wide rule | [2] California Department of Parks and Recreation | October 26, 2026 |
| Leaving your dog alone | Not allowedagency-wide rule | [2] California Department of Parks and Recreation | October 26, 2026 |
Rules in every California state park
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and physically under your control at all times.
- Dogs may not be left unattended. Overnight campers must keep dogs in a tent or vehicle.
- Unless an area is specifically designated for dogs on leash, dogs are not allowed in buildings, undeveloped areas or on trails.
- Clean up after your dog.
- Proof of vaccinations and a valid dog license may be required.
Source: [2] California Department of Parks and Recreation, checked October 26, 2026
Location
1700 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos, 95003 · Santa Cruz County · California · Map (OpenStreetMap)
Managed by California State Parks. Official page
Sources
- Visiting State Parks With Your Dog (parks.ca.gov), California Department of Parks and Recreation. Government agency, checked October 26, 2026.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park | Dogs Allowed? Yes | Dogs allowed below Porter Picnic Area.
- Visiting State Parks With Your Dog: statewide rules (parks.ca.gov), California Department of Parks and Recreation. Government agency, checked October 26, 2026.
Dogs must be on a maximum 6-foot leash at ALL times and physically under your control.
See something out of date? Rules change. If what you saw on site differs from this page, suggest a correction for The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park or email corrections@dogpolicies.com. We re-verify against the official source, usually within a week, and log the result on the accuracy page.
Cite this record
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (Aptos, CA): Yes, with restrictions. Dogs allowed below Porter Picnic Area. Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation, checked 2026-10-26. DogPolicies record: https://dogpolicies.com/places/the-forest-of-nisene-marks-state-park/ (CC BY 4.0; cite with link).
This record as JSON (CC BY 4.0) · as Markdown · embed panel
More in Santa Cruz County
- Best Western Plus, Santa Cruz Varies by location · Depends on the hotel: Best Western lets each hotel decide. Where pets are accepted: up to 2 pets per room; up to 80 lb each; up to $40 per room per night. Lodging · Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-26
- Best Western Rose Garden Inn Varies by location · Depends on the hotel: Best Western lets each hotel decide. Where pets are accepted: up to 2 pets per room; up to 80 lb each; up to $40 per room per night. Lodging · Watsonville · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-26
- Best Western, Santa Cruz Varies by location · Depends on the hotel: Best Western lets each hotel decide. Where pets are accepted: up to 2 pets per room; up to 80 lb each; up to $40 per room per night. Lodging · Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-26
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Incl. Little Basin State Park and Rancho del Oso) No · No. Except in the former HQ parking lot and the first mile of North Escape Road. Park · Boulder Creek · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-26
- Branciforte Dog Park Yes · Yes. This is an off-leash dog park. Park · Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-31
- Castle Rock State Park No · No. Dogs are not allowed. Park · Los Gatos · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-26
- Chaminade Resort & Spa Yes · Yes: up to 2 pets per room; up to 75 lb each; $75 per pet. Lodging · Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-31
- Chanticleer Avenue County Park Dog Park Yes · Yes. This is an off-leash dog park. Park · Santa Cruz County · verified 2026-10-31