A controversial 2008 White House decision allowed concealed weapons and loaded guns to be admitted into national parks. Wisconsin- and Illinois-based parks were excluded from the ruling, however.
Most people assume pets are not allowed in national parks, but they are permitted in some parks under certain conditions. Some parks will allow pets as long as they are restrained on a leash less than 6 feet long or remain caged at all times. Pets are never allowed on trails or undeveloped areas.
Although some have argued it negatively impacts the environment, certain national parks allow the riding of mountain bikes on authorized trails. The one-time barred vehicle had its ban lifted in 2008.
Only some national parks have banned the use of alcohol on its premises but most will allow campsite drinking provided visitors abide all alcohol-related laws.
The majority of national parks will allow bear spray on the premises, serving as an effective device for fighting off bear attacks. The Great Smoky Mountains remains one of the few parks with a ban on bear sprays.
