Frequently Asked Questions
Park Ranger Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I ride my four-wheeler or dirt bike anywhere within Adams County Parks, Trails, or Open Space Areas?
A. No. For public safety and the protection of natural resources, no unauthorized vehicles, including ATVs and dirt bikes, are permitted within any parks, trails, or open spaces.
Q. Can I fish in the waterbodies within Adams County parks and open space?
A. Yes, in compliance with State laws and these regulations, fishing is permitted.
Q. Can I bowfish for carp?
A. No. At this time, Adams County Parks does not allow bowfishing for any species.
Q. Can I canoe, kayak, or boat on any waterbodies within Adams County Parks and Open Space?
A. At this time, boating, including non-motorized boating, is not permitted on any waterbodies. Belly-Boating, (utilizing a small, light-weight inflatable float tube of at least two separate air chambers, designed for anglers to fish from) is permitted on all Adams County Parks and Open Space waterbodies with the exception of Mann-Nyholt’s northern waterbody and Debetz Lake. For safety reasons, all anglers fishing by this means must possess a wearable U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Personal Floatation Device properly sized and in good, useable condition. Belly-Boat anglers must also possess a sound producing device, such as a whistle, and must have information, to include their name and address, affixed to the Belly-Boat. When boating on any waterbody, it is highly recommended to let someone know where you will be Belly-Boating, and when you are expecting to return.
Q. Is Willow Bay open to the public?
A. No. At this time, Willow Bay remains closed. There is no public access for fishing or any other recreational activities.
Q. Am I allowed to operate a drone on Adams County property?
A. Drone operation, in accordance with these Rules and Regulations, is only permitted in a designated area and the air space directly above it. This area is located within the Riverdale Regional Park in the gravel parking area.
Q. Is there an area where I can camp overnight along the parks, trails, or open spaces?
A. Overnight camping is not permitted anywhere within Adams County’s parks, trails, or open spaces. These areas are not designed to accommodate this type of activity, for the protection of natural resources from the impacts of camping, this is prohibited.
Q. Can I build a campfire anywhere within the parks, trails, or open spaces?
A. Visitors may build charcoal fires using the provided picnic grills in designated sites. Personal propane grills are also permitted. All other open fires, including campfires, are prohibited.
Q. What hours are the parks, trails, and open spaces open to the public?
A. Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., excepting authorized and permitted events.
Q. Is there anywhere I can have my dog off-leash?
A. There are no off-leash areas or “dog parks” within any Adams County parks, trails, or open spaces. All dogs and pets must be under the physical control of their owner by a leash, cord, rope, or chain no longer than 12 feet in length. The use of eye, voice, or electronic devices is not considered physical control.
Q. Is there a place to go swimming in the parks or open spaces?
A. No. In the interest of public safety, swimming is not permitted in any of the waters within the parks and open spaces.
