Return to Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Rules and Policies
Updated October 9, 2026
General Refuge Regulations
- By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Information and detailed regulations for permitted recreational activities are available on our website’s Activity pages and in our printed brochures.
- Motor vehicles and bicycles are restricted to public roads and recreation area parking lots. Parked vehicles should not block gates.
- Dogs must remain leashed, except when used for hunting.
- Plants, animals, artifacts, and other natural materials are protected and may not be disturbed.
- The Refuge is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Prohibited Activities
- Use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicles.
- Recreational water sports, with the exception of canoeing or kayaking on designated trails.
- Climbing, entering or otherwise tampering with water control structures.
- Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, skulls, plants, and/or historic and archaeological features protected by Federal law.
- Horseback riding.
- Camping.
- Open fires and fireworks.
- Launching, landing, or flying drones or other unmanned aircraft systems on or over refuge lands.
- Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices (i.e. game cameras).
- Use or possession of alcoholic beverages.
- Littering.
- Fishing.