Facility Rules and Policies

There are a few simple rules you can follow to protect habitat and keep San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge a safe place for wildlife and people.

Rules and Regulations

These rules and regulations apply to both units of San Diego Bay NWR. 

Brown puppy with harness and leash sits on a small boulder surrounded by small yellow flowers.
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  • Dogs are not allowed on the Sweetwater Marsh Unit. However, leashed dogs are allowed on the Bayshore Bikeway trail and other public trails on the South San Diego Bay Unit.
  • Camping, open fires, and fireworks are prohibited.
  • Hunting is not permitted.
  • Launching, landing or disturbing of wildlife by aircraft (drones) is prohibited as stated in 50 CFR 27.34/27.51
  • No horses, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or dirt bikes are allowed on the bike trail or refuge.
  • Disturbing or collecting any plant or animal is prohibited.
  • Looking for and/or collecting artifacts is not allowed.
  • San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge should be a quiet place to enjoy nature; leave fireworks, loud radios, and other sound equipment at home.
  • Swimming, personal watercraft (i.e., jet ski) and water skiing are not allowed on the refuge.
  • Take all litter with you.
Permits

Any activity conducted off-trails on the San Diego Bay NWR is illegal unless approved by the Refuge Manager. In order to conduct scientific research, or any other activity off-trail, please call (619) 221-3473.