50 Best Dog Parks in Every State
In Berkeley, California, the Ohlone Dog Park was the first of its kind, created in 1979 by Martha Scott and Doris Richards. Since that time, dog parks have become one of the fastest-growing amenities in the U.S. Recognizing the need to provide a safe space for dogs to exercise off-leash, these parks have been popping up in major cities and rural areas as a way for owners to spend quality time with their pets and to teach them how to socialize with other breeds.
Every dog owner knows the benefits of giving their dog plenty of playtime in a safe space. But what qualifies as a good dog park? Cleanliness and large spaces to run are among the top priorities, along with vigilant dog owners who supervise their pets. Fencing and separate areas for large and small breeds are a must for safety reasons, and plenty of water fountains, doggy poop bag dispensers and shade are also at the top of the list.
With all of that in mind, these are the absolute best dog parks in every state.
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Alabama: Remy's Dog Park
Location: Birmingham
This 6-acre dog park is divided into three fenced-in areas — one for large dogs, one for smaller dogs and a section for special needs dogs.
It is a well-organized, spacious park with plenty of grassy areas, trees, water for the dogs and trails to roam.
Where to stay:Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham SE/Liberty Park
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Arizona: Friends of Hance Dog Park
Location: Phoenix
The Friends of Hance Dog Park is a community-run park with scenic views of downtown Phoenix and ample parking areas.
Although it is not considered a large park, it has plenty of grassy areas for running, benches and tables for the humans. Plus, there’s even great lighting for evening playtime.
Where to stay:Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown
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Arkansas: Paws Park at Murray
Location: Little Rock
Located on the riverside of Rebsamen Park, the 2-acre Paws Park has separate escape-proof fencing for dogs to play safely while their owners enjoy sitting in the many shaded areas of the park.
There are picnic tables, swimming tubs and lots of doggy toys for pup play. There are even restrooms for humans at the nearby playground.
Where to stay:Wingate by Wyndham Little Rock
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California: Palms Springs Dog Park
Location: Palm Springs
This 1.6-acre park is small but provides quite a bit of grassy expanse for running. What makes the Palm Springs Dog Park unique is the 11 antique fire hydrants for dogs and the solar lighting to keep the park open 24/7.
Shaded structures enhance the park, along with drinking fountains, picnic tables and benches.
Where to stay:The Palm Springs Hotel
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Colorado: Bear Creek Dog Park
Location: Colorado Springs
Rated as one of the top 10 dog parks in the U.S., Bear Creek is popular with the locals for its hills, walking trails and 25-acre prairie that's perfect for dogs to run off energy.
The park also includes an agility training area and restrooms for humans.
Where to stay:Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
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Connecticut: Rowayton Dog Park
Location: Norwalk
This park is known for being beautifully maintained and for its friendly dog owners who are careful to pick up after their pooches.
With auto-filling water bowls and a spacious grassy area, the park is loved by humans and dogs alike.
Where to stay:Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk
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Delaware: Lums Pond Dog Park
Location: Bear
Lums Pond is part of a large state park and is perfect for nature lovers who love spending time outdoors with their fur babies. There are tall grassy areas, woods to explore and a dog pond for pooches that love to swim. It gets muddy at times, so be prepared!
Only dogs in good health, vaccinated, wearing tags that display their license and are NOT in heat are allowed into the park.
Where to stay:Hampton Inn Pennsville
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Florida: Snyder Park's Bark Park
Location: Ft. Lauderdale
This 2-acre park has plenty to offer the active dog — an agility course, maze, a swimming hole just for canines, dog wash stations and "Mutt Mitts."
It's an excellent place for your pet to burn off energy and have fun.
Where to stay:Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale
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Georgia: Newton Dream Dog Park
Location: Johns Creek
Newton Dream Park is rated one of the top dog parks in the U.S., and it's easy to see why. There is so much to do here — obstacle courses, spray fountains, walking trails, hoops, tunnels, a bridge, a wooded area and dozens of tennis balls to toss around with your pup.
Locals especially love the 1-acre, fenced-in Astroturf area and the puppy splash zone.
Where to stay:Hampton Inn & Suites Johns Creek
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Hawaii: Hawaii Kai Dog Park
Location: Honolulu
This conveniently located park offers easy access for parking and plenty of water sources for thirsty pups.
The grassy area is beautifully maintained and includes benches, lots of shade and an abundance of play toys and tennis balls for playing fetch.
Where to stay:Queen Kapiolani Hotel
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Idaho: Nampa Dog Park
Location: Nampa
Nampa Dog Park is a well-designed, 6-acre park with separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs. The landscaping is beautifully maintained, and there is ample shade, parking, walking trails, benche, and a beautiful pond in the middle with a fence around it (in case you don't want your doggo to get wet).
It's a safe park and a great place for pets and people to socialize.
Where to stay:Home2 Suites by Hilton Nampa
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Indiana: Broad Ripple Dog Park
Location: Indianapolis
Dog owners love this park for its friendly atmosphere and numerous seating areas to relax and socialize with others.
Fenced-in sections and an entire agility course complete the park, along with shaded spots to cool off and a space to wash dogs.
Where to stay:Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
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Iowa: Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park
Location: Iowa City
This 11-acre park has it all: fenced-in areas for different sized dogs, a training section, agility equipment, walking trails, a rinse and wash station, portable bathrooms for humans and nice shelters.
The park also includes a fenced-in pond area that has a jumping dock for dogs to enjoy. Pet waste bags are offered along with the composting of pet waste.
Where to stay:Staybridge Suites - Iowa City - Coralville, An IHG Hotel
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Kansas: Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area
Location: Lenexa
Shawnee Mission Park spans 53 acres, with multiple forested trails (both natural surface and wood chip) to explore and large fields for Frisbee-throwing.
There's also a lake with a beach for dogs that love to romp in the sand and splash around in the cool water.
Where to stay:Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center
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Kentucky: Boone County Dog Park
Location: Burlington
What makes this 4-acre park unique is its four dog areas — two for small dogs, two for larger pooches. While one section is in use, the other is being maintained to ensure a clean space for your pet.
The beautifully kept areas feature agility equipment, kiddie pools, shelter and benches to relax on while you watch the dogs play.
Where to stay:Wingate by Wyndham Erlanger / Florence / Cincinnati South
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Louisiana: NOLA City Bark
**Louisiana: NOLA City Bark
Location: New Orleans
This scenic 4.6-acre, off-leash dog park is ranked one of the top 50 in the U.S. for its well-groomed landscaping and clean amenities.
There is a specific area for special-needs dogs, plus a shaded pavilion, walking trail and a large lawn for events in the park. Puppy birthday, anyone?
Where to stay:Canopy by Hilton New Orleans Downtown
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Maine: Quarry Run Dog Park
Location: Portland
Quarry Run is a gorgeous dog park with breathtaking views and large areas of forested land for your pup to explore. The 7 acres of open space and rolling hills offer plenty of exercise for both humans and dogs.
Outside of the park are additional, on-leash trails to enjoy with your best furry friend.
Where to stay:La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland
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Maryland: Quiet Waters Park
Location: Annapolis
This park is also ranked among the top 10 U.S. dog parks for its well-organized off-leash areas, dog beach and on-leash trail areas.
Even better, the park offers a professional dog wash spot at the Bark 'n' Bean Dog Wash and Coffee Shop, where you can grab a cup of Joe while your pooch is getting groomed!
Where to stay:Courtyard by Marriott Annapolis
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Massachusetts: Pilgrim Bark Park
Location: Provincetown
Pilgrim Bark Park has all the usual amenities, but what makes it stand out is its super-sized dog house and the gorgeous sculptures built by local artists. The 1-acre park is mostly gravel and set up like a dog run, but another attractive feature is its unique memorial for pets that have passed on.
The park has a friendly vibe to it and is always well-maintained.
Where to stay:Breakwater Hotel
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Michigan: Shaggy Pines
Location: Ada
This private 20-acre park located in West Michigan has an expensive membership requirement, but the locals say it's worth the price. Large pine trees surround the dog park area with its rolling fields, hills, swimming pond and a "doggy mountain."
Other benefits include a dog store, dog wash area, benches and a coffee bar for humans. The park is also well lit if you'd like to visit with your pooch at night.
Where to stay:Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids Airport - South
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Minnesota: Elm Creek Reserve Dog Park
Location: Champlin
The Elm Creek Reserve has a gorgeous, 29-acre dog park with walking trails, open play areas and on-site restrooms. The water level in the dog pond varies according to season, so bring a towel for the muddy days.
Dog owners especially love this park for its breathtaking views.
Where to stay:Home2 Suites by Hilton Brooklyn Park Minneapolis
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Mississippi: Dog Park at the Rez
Location: Ridgeland
The locals say this spacious, clean park is a great place to meet fellow dog lovers.
There is ample parking, play areas (sunny and shady), lots of dog toys, picnic tables, beautiful views of the park and plenty of benches for relaxing.
Where to stay:Drury Inn & Suites Jackson Ridgeland
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Missouri: Twin Lakes Recreational Area
Location: Columbia
Twin Lakes has a seasonal dog park that is divided into three areas. The 4-acre Lakeside Dog Park is only open from spring to fall. The 3-acre Paws Pond Dog Park is built for smaller dogs and has its own unique pond. The third park, which is 3.3 acres, is used for the off-season winter months.
Twin Lakes also has a beautiful, 16-acre lake for all dogs to enjoy.
Where to stay:Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
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Montana: Hugh Rogers WAG Park
Location: Whitefish
The WAG Park is another dog park voted top 10 in the U.S. for pups.
The 5-acre fenced property includes paved paths, spacious play areas, an agility course, pavilion, pond, dog beach, dog wash station and stunning views of the mountains.
Where to stay:Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge
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Nebraska: Hanscom Dog Park
Location: Omaha
Hanscom has three fenced sections for dogs — one for small pups and two for bigger dogs. There's lots of open space for romping and rolling hills for climbing.
The lush green trees provide plenty of shade with numerous benches for dog owners to relax and chat.
Where to stay:Courtyard Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area
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Nevada: Barkin Basin Park
Location: Las Vegas
This 7.75-acre park has three fenced-in sections for dogs and a sidewalk that goes around the entire area.
The friendly environment of the park is a big draw, along with its massive running space for dogs, cleanliness and amazing views.
Where to stay:Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
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New Hampshire: Shaker Field Dog Park
Location: Enfield
The fun thing about Shaker Field Dog Park is the giant mound of dirt that's in place for dogs to dig to their heart's content. The park is clean and well-designed with three fenced sections, a training area and loads of tennis balls.
Dog owners are respectful to one another and watchful with their pets.
Where to stay:Residence Inn by Marriott Hanover Lebanon
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New Jersey: Duke's Dog Run at Freedom Park
Location: Medford
This canine-centric park has everything a dog desires! Large fields for running and playing fetch, wooded areas, rivers for swimming, bridges, shaded seating areas and an agility course.
Your fur baby will never get bored at this family-friendly park.
Where to stay:Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Boston Medford
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New Mexico: Rio Grande Triangle Park
Location: Albuquerque
What makes this dog park special is the assortment of textures in its terrain — grass, cedar chips, artificial turf, sand, boulders for climbing and a small pool to splash in.
There are a few shade trees and several benches, but one of the best things about the park is lighting for nighttime play.
Where to stay:Comfort Suites Albuquerque Airport
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New York: Tompkins Square Dog Park Run
Location: New York, New York
Tompkins Square was the first official dog park built in New York City and is still one of the largest. You can find this beautiful, historic park in the East Village.
It offers a wading pool for dogs, benches and plenty of tennis balls for playing catch. Each year, the park hosts a Halloween dog parade, which is something you don’t want to miss!
Where to stay:33 Seaport Hotel New York
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North Carolina: Doggos Dog Park & Pub
Location: Greensboro
This unique venue is a haven for both dogs and humans. The park has large play spaces (on-leash and off-leash) where dogs can roam, and their owners can sip adult beverages while mingling with friends.
The friendly park staff supervises the dogs playing in the outdoor turfed area, including obstacles and toys for the pups.
Where to stay: Sleep Inn and Suites Coliseum Area
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North Dakota: Dakota Bark Park
Location: Minot
Dakota Park is a 3-acre site sectioned off for small and large dogs with a larger area for humans.
The park is next to a nicely landscaped golf course and a basketball court, and locals claim that it’s a great place to socialize.
Where to stay:Sierra Inn Minot
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Ohio: Washington Dog Park
Location: Cincinnati
This well-designed, 12,000-square-foot urban park has a fully fenced play space and a creek for dogs to swim in. There are also large boulders for climbing and synthetic canine turf for running.
It's the perfect place for dogs that require a lot of exercise.
Where to stay:Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel
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Oklahoma: Edmond Dog Park at Bickham-Rudkin Park
Location: Edmond
What makes this 5-acre park so popular is the large, wide-open field for running. There are plenty of grassy areas, a hill and easy access to the lake if you have a pup that loves swimming.
The dog owners who frequent the park are a friendly bunch and mindful of keeping the space clean.
Where to stay:Stratford House Inns - Edmond
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Oregon: Hondo Dog Park
Location: Hillsboro
Hondo Dog Park opened in 2007 and was named after a K9 dog who died in the line of duty. The park has three separate areas for dogs, specifically designed for the winter with pebbles to keep the mud away.
There are plenty of things here to entertain your pup — an obstacle course, walking path and artificial fire hydrants. Floodlights surround the park for people who enjoy taking their pets for a walk in the evening hours.
Where to stay:Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Hillsboro
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Pennsylvania: Schuylkill River Dog Run
Location: Philadelphia
This spacious park has two separate areas and features astroturf, benches and plastic pools for water play.
Dog owners love to relax in the shade and take in the beautiful views of the city or watch their pets from the walking/biking bridge that overlooks the park.
Where to stay:Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Lansdale
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Rhode Island: South Kingston Dog Park
Location: South Kingstown
South Kingston Dog Park is one of the largest in Rhode Island and a favorite among the locals for its aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The park is primarily grassy areas and shade and is very well-kept. Its friendly vibe is a plus for dog owners.
Where to stay:Hampton Inn South Kingstown - Newport Area
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South Carolina: James Island County Park
Location: Charleston
This park sits along a saltwater wetland and has just about everything a dog could want: large grassy areas to explore, a special dog beach, paved trails, picnic areas, a spray fountain and a doggy hose-off station.
Where to stay:The Starlight Motor Inn
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South Dakota: Family Park Dog Park
Location: Sioux Falls
The name of this dog park says it all — it's family-friendly and a great place to spend with your fur baby. There are 3 acres for dogs to run free and plenty of shade to stay cool.
The park also has clean, concrete pathways, logs for climbing and tunnels for pooches to explore. The on-site dog wash station is a plus after a day of playing outdoors.
Where to stay:AmericInn by Wyndham Sioux Falls North
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Tennessee: Two Rivers Dog Park
Location: Nashville
Two Rivers is a gorgeous, woodsy dog park with grassy fields, bushes and walking paths.
Since the dog section is part of a more extensive park, it's well-maintained and has plenty of open spaces for roaming.
Where to stay:Element Nashville Airport
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Texas: Dog Park at Phil Hardberger Park
Location: San Antonio
This dog park within a park is especially popular with San Antonio dogs, due to its obstacle courses, an abundance of doggy exercise equipment and the spacious 311 acres of trails in the area.
The dog park is mainly mulched and has many shade trees, but what makes this area extra fun for pets is the two-story doggy house!
Where to stay:SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Antonio Medical Center/Northwest
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Utah: Memory Grove Park
Location: Salt Lake City
Memory Grove has some of the prettiest scenic views you will find in a dog-welcoming park.
Although it does not have a specific fenced-in area for pups, dogs are allowed to explore the gorgeous, off-leash paths and swim in the park's shallow creek.
Where to stay:Comfort Inn and Suites Salt Lake City Airport
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Vermont: Dog Mountain
Location: St. Johnsbury
Dog Mountain has been described as a magical dog park, and for good reason. This 150-acre farm transformed into a canine park has ponds, trails, grassy hills, a sculpture garden and breathtaking views of the Vermont countryside.
But what makes this park extraordinary is the dog-related art gallery and a special chapel for pets who have passed on. Inside, the walls are covered with thousands of heartfelt notes and photos to memorialize these loving pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Bring tissues!
Where to stay:Comfort Inn & Suites Near Burke Mountain
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Virginia: Bea Arthur Dog Park
Location: Norfolk
This 1-acre park is run by PETA and is always well-maintained. There is a large expanse of lawn for dogs to run free, a shaded picnic spot, a small wooded area and beautiful scenic views of the harbor.
There is also a canine ramp for dog-paddling in the Elizabeth River and a toy bin filled with doggy toys to keep your pet entertained.
Where to stay:Norfolk Waterside Marriott
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Washington: Warren G. Magnuson Dog Park
Location: Seattle
Warren G. Magnuson is one of the largest and most popular dog parks in Seattle. There is an open gravel field for tossing a ball, a doggy beach, winding trails and a particular enclosed area for small, timid dogs.
An added bonus to this park is the doggy vendors selling pooch treats!
Where to stay:Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown
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West Virginia: Huntington's PetSafe Dog Park
Location: Huntington
This mostly grassy 3.5-acre park has a double-gated entry system for safety and two fenced areas (one for large dogs, one for smaller pups). There is a lovely three-level fountain on site, plus agility equipment, benches, plenty of trash receptacles and several pet waste stations.
It's a great place to relax while your four-legged companion has fun meeting other dog breeds.
Where to stay:Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Huntington
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Wisconsin: Terry Tinsley Dog Park
Location: Johnson Creek
The Terry Tinsley Park is 109 acres, with 23 acres allotted to the dog exercise area. This part includes four fenced-in sections (two for large dogs, two for small dogs), wooded trails, rolling hills, picnic tables and multiple exercise areas.
There's a low annual fee to join the park, but the locals say it's worth every penny for their pooches.
Where to stay:Days Inn by Wyndham Johnson Creek
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Wyoming: Bitter Creek Bark Park
Location: Rock Springs
This hidden gem in rural Wyoming is a favorite among dog owners. It's friendly, well-kept, has plenty of parking (even for RVs!), shaded spots, a walking track, a covered pavilion and a luscious grassy area surrounding a pond.
There's also a shower station to wash off your pooch if they get muddy from the pond. This park is a nice slice of dog heaven!
Where to stay:Clarion Hotel Rock Springs-Green River
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