Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Let's dive into what the United States has to offer to its more than 90 million canine companions!
This page is about public city dog parks and also includes Sniffspot private dog parks. Sniffspot is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with 100% private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced fields, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches, and more. Click here to learn more about Sniffspots near you!
Here are a few things to bring with you when visiting any dog park in the United States.
Keep your parks clean! Always pack a few extra poop bags in case you need to pick up after your pup — and consider scooping any left-behind piles you come across from other park users, too. This will make the environment safer for everyone who visits.
Some public dog parks offer water bowls or fountains for your dog, but it’s a good idea to pack some of your own just in case. Never leave your dog’s hydration up to chance, especially on hot days.
If your dog will be playing with other dogs, it’s important to pay close attention to what they’re wearing. You don’t want anyone’s teeth or paws getting caught in loose fabric or buckles! That said, it’s always a good idea to bring a well-fitted collar or harness along with your dog’s identification tags.
Along with a collar or harness, bring a leash — yes, even if the dog park you’re visiting is a designated off-leash area. This way you can keep your dog under control while walking to and from the entrance. You might also consider packing an extra leash in case you need to grab hold of another dog or intervene if a conflict arises — and it’s a good idea to read up on leash laws in your local area before venturing out.
Some off-leash dog parks are very large or unfenced. Even in smaller spaces that are fully secure from escape attempts, it's a good idea for your dog to have at least a basic recall. Voice control can be the difference between an outing being enjoyable for you and your dog... or frustrating.
Read reviews and be on the lookout for any common issues, like unruly dogs or left-behind waste. Know the rules about whether or not you can bring food, dogs in heat, and more to your local off-leash parks.
It can be hard to find reliable information about some public parks (one reason Sniffspot’s private listings might be a better option) — when in doubt, don’t risk it. Your dog’s safety and comfort are too important.
Take inventory of the other dogs and owners. Is everyone under control? Are the dogs enjoying their play time? Is the area large enough that dogs can take breaks and get space from their playmates if they start to feel overwhelmed? (Tight spaces can prevent your pet from engaging in natural social behavior.) Ultimately, is there anything about the situation that makes you feel uncomfortable?
This will help you make sure your dog is enjoying their time and keep everyone safe! Know what signs might indicate that your pup is stressed or overwhelmed — and be ready to step in if needed. You can read more about interpreting your dog’s body language in this article.
Sniffspot conducted a 2022 survey of dog owners across the country to better understand the state of public dog parks.
The common stereotype is that the east and west coasts are the most dog-friendly regions of our country — but survey results show that public dog parks in the coasts are actually the dirtiest and most dangerous in the country. We found that more than 1 in 7 dog owners report their dogs having been attacked in a public dog park.
The midwest seems to have the safest dog parks in terms of injuries while the east coast has the cleanest public dog parks.
While some regions offer more room to roam than others, our country is full of off-leash dog parks. It would be impossible to list them all! That said, here are some of the top places where your dog can run off leash — including open dog beaches, green spaces, and more.
Can't find the perfect park? Here are a few tips:
Located in Mission Bay Park, Fiesta Island is one of the most popular dog beaches in the country. It’s a massive space up against the water that is dog friendly with no leash rules, making it more of an outdoor recreation area for a range of activities than a traditional enclosed dog park. Fiesta Island offers a 5.2-mile asphalt path around the island for dogs to enjoy with their owners.
Note that this area is not fenced and is very large, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Ocean Beach Dog Beach was one of the first off-leash dog beaches in the country. It’s located near the Ocean Beach Flood Control Channel and is open to dogs, owners, surfers, runners, and more.
Note that this area is not fenced and is large, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Westminster Hills is a popular dog park for pet owners in the Denver Metro area. It’s a properly spacious park offering 420 acres (yes, you read that right!) between Standley Lake North Open Space and Colorado Hills Open Space Park. The spot includes a dog drinking fountain, swimming pond, plenty of benches, and patches of shade throughout.
Note that this area is very large and only partially fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Cherry Creek State Park is operated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife just like Chatfield — and it’s even bigger at 107 acres that’s completely fenced. Cherry Creek flows through the off-leash area to provide your pup with the opportunity to swim, wade, and cool down from Colorado’s dry heat.
Note that this area is very large, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
According to the Friends of Dog Mountain, this dog park is set on 150 acres on a mountain top location in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs who can roam freely off leash while exploring hiking trails, dog ponds, and unique artwork.
Find this 3.83 acre stretch of dog-friendly beach where Wilson Avenue reaches east to Lake Michigan. This is one of Chicago’s largest public city dog parks — and one of only two dog-friendly beaches where your dog can swim and wade off leash. The water space and larger land size make it a better, safer option than most dog friendly areas in the Windy City.
Sociability note: This public dog park is relatively small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
Beau’s Dream Dog Park is a Beneful’s Dream Team dog park built by DIY network star Jason Cameron, pet expert Arden Moore, and interior design star Nate Berkus. Unveiled in 2013, it has separate small and large dog areas to help minimize the risk of prey drive related incidents as pets chase each other around. Each section has its own splash pad. The small dog size has a fancy dog tunnel while the large pet area has a tennis ball tree that launches tennis balls in every direction — a bit chaotic, to be sure, but a dream for many high energy, social dogs.
Sociability note: This public dog park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
Magnuson Park’s off-leash area is one of the largest in the area at 8.6 entire acres! It’s also the only dog park within Seattle’s city limits that has water access, coming up against Lake Washington’s freshwater shoreline where your pup can swim and wade to their heart’s content. There is also a winding gravel trail to walk on as well as an open, flat play area — ultimately making Magnuson Park one of Washington’s top dog park destinations.
The Schuylkill River Park boasts to being one of the best dog parks on the East Coast. It features two separate dog runs, providing a designated space for small, elderly, or shy dogs who might be overwhelmed by larger crowds. This can also help minimize the risk of prey drive related incidents between dogs. The park has benches, special canine grass to make play safe and prevent messes, and water permeable pavers as well. In the summer your dog can wade and lounge in kiddie pools provided for them to cool down.
Sociability note: This public dog park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
According to the Pinellas County website, Fort De Soto has one of the only dog parks in Florida where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. There are also two fenced-in areas with water stations near the beach for large and small dogs.
Metropolitan Park is a 239-acre park in North Austin. It has miles of paved trails where dogs should be on a leash as well as a designated off-leash area where your pup can run and play freely. There are several spots where you and your dog can enjoy the creek itself to cool down.
The park also features a human swimming pool, children’s playground, and a handful of recreational facilities for sports like softball. All of this makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Ruppert Estate Farm provides a whopping 15 acres of space for your dog to play freely while you take in nature together on a private hike. An easy trail with beautiful scenery ends at the perfect spot of the creek, with a different trail and scenes on the way back.
Note that this area is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
The Country Canine Getaway is a secure, fully fenced area with 9 acres for your dog to explore. It’s mostly flat with plenty of ground to cover however you see fit — walking and taking it in, running in a game of chase, or throwing a favorite toy.
A sister property to the Country Canine Getaway above, this fully fenced area includes a large pond where your dog can swim, wade, and enjoy all of the smells. 5 acres provide plenty of space to frolic.
This beautiful manor is a 1700s historic home with 10 acres of private property for your dog to explore. The North East river borders one side to run and play — the railroad line runs along the other side but is fenced (providing an ideal training and desensitization opportunity). Rabbits, groundhogs, and squirrels are plentiful! Fields and woods are both available to walk through, depending on what type of terrain your pup is interested in. The host also provides a gazebo e for shade or inclement weather.
Note that this area is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
10 acres of freedom with both day and night time spots (especially wonderful since public Austin parks close in the evening). The host has an area lit up just for those late night visits! Lots of up and down hills that will give your dog the exercise they desire and the exploration they crave. During the spring there are beautiful wildflowers and butterflies that will take your breath away.
A partially fenced area next to a big beautiful lake. This private dog park has a lot of space for walking and hiking — and if your dog loves swimming, there is nice access to the water.
Note that this area is only partially fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Doptopia Hillside is a 10 acre property with both open grassy and wooded areas. There are slopes for your dog to run on or flatter areas if you’re looking to keep your pup from exerting themselves too much. It’s completely private and not viewable at all from neighboring properties, making it ideal for nervous pups.
Meracle Acres is a huge private dog park with 50 acres of woods, trails, and ponds dotted throughout the property. The hosts note wild animal sightings sure to keep your dog on their toes, along with patches of grass, sand, and all the other midwest terrain you could dream of.
Note that this area is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Yes, you read that right — Maple Ridge Farms private Sniffspot features 100 acres of land for you and your dog to enjoy. You’ll have to come back multiple times to enjoy it all, and you won’t run into a single other soul! The trails are well maintained and often home to birds, deer, and plenty of other interesting wildlife.
Note that this area is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Rip’s Romper Room private dog park boasts 40 acres where your dog can run free without worrying about encountering other pets or people. Enjoy Colorado’s stunning views and a wide open space for fetch, chase, or simply walking about.
Note that this area is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
It is important for dogs to have off-leash exercise and plenty of opportunities to explore. But the free and open nature of public dog parks can have drawbacks.
Many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. With Sniffspot, dogs can get their exercise safely — without worrying about other dogs, people, or potential disease transmission.
While the popularity of dog parks has been skyrocketing in the United States, so has the number of professional trainers who caution against their use. The top risks associated with public off-leash dog parks are that:
(Thankfully, private dog parks don’t have these concerns. Learn more about Sniffspot listings in your area here!)
Many owners are drawn to dog parks because they want to socialize their pets. We’re inundated with messages of the “perfect” friendly dog. Our social media feeds feature viral videos of animal best friends that echo the cutesy movies we loved as children — but they often show a false reality.
While dogs are social mammals, it’s typically not natural for them to regularly engage in play with strangers. Dog sociability can be viewed as a sliding scale:
Ultimately: It’s perfectly normal for our dogs to not want to play with other pets outside of our families. Renting a private dog park just for your dog and a few trusted friends might be the best option.
Owners have great intentions when they bring their nervous dogs to the dog park in hopes of building social skills. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for that plan to backfire.
Because dog parks are often busy, chaotic environments, it can be difficult to ensure all interactions are positive. Uncertain dogs are easily overwhelmed by large packs — if the space is fenced-in without adequate space to flee, these pets can quickly feel trapped or resort to the “fight” option of fight-or-flight reactions.
After a few stressful experiences, previously shy dogs can lose trust in their owners and even become fear aggressive.
Sniffspot takes these risks seriously. That’s why all of our private dog park listings are carefully booked to make sure there’s ample time between arrivals and departures — and you can filter listings by whether or not your dog is likely to see any other animals at all, even from afar.
It’s not just nervous dogs who can be harmed by dog park visits — exuberant dogs might struggle in these environments, too.
Many social dogs struggle with excitement-based leash reactivity. When they see another dog, they want to say hi! When the leash prevents them from doing so, they experience something called barrier frustration. Eventually this boils over into an aggressive-looking display that makes it difficult to go on walks or explore public spaces.
While playing with other dogs can be an important part of a social pet’s fulfillment, too much unstructured off-leash time can have unintended consequences when they routinely practice running up to other dogs.
These risks are especially high when owners take their dogs to the dog park with the intent of tiring them out. Pets often arrive in an amped-up, energetic state of mind that impairs good decision making.
Even a previously social dog might develop a behavior issue (like fear reactivity) due to a negative interaction with another dog at a public dog park. Perhaps they get subtly bullied, feel overwhelmed, or are even bit — and they decide to preemptively try to keep other dogs away from them. Now your social dog is selective or even aggressive toward others.
While some dogs seem to let those negative interactions roll off their back (especially if they’ve been well socialized since puppyhood) others are affected in lasting ways. Each dog and situation is different.
Public dog parks also increase the chances of pets sustaining injury or developing infection.
While many dog-dog injuries at dog parks are accidental — canines can be mismatched in size, inadvertently break skin while wrestling with untrimmed nails, or simply come on too strong without realizing — others are overtly aggressive.
Even friendly dogs can start fights by failing to recognize another pet’s signals of discomfort. Resource guarding over food and toys can turn into a dangerous scuffle. Sometimes heightened arousal from being in a large social group elevates even a typically clear-headed dog’s prey drive.
No matter how hard a city works to keep their parks clean, it’s impossible to fully eliminate all infection risk. This is especially true in dog-designated spaces that see dozens, or perhaps hundreds, of different canines each week.
There’s no way to confirm that every dog entering an off-leash space has been fully vaccinated — and bacterial diseases like leptospirosis often thrive in wet, muddy terrain that’s been torn up by paws.
Young puppies and elderly dogs have the greatest chance of getting sick.
While dog parks certainly come with their risks, it would be unfair to claim they’re always a bad idea. Public dog parks do serve an important community service in cities.
Some areas lend themselves to safe interactions better than others — large plots of land with acres to maneuver are less dangerous than fenced-in city runs, for example — and responsible owner involvement can make a world of difference.
Well-maintained off-leash dog parks can provide dogs and owners with:
If choosing to use a public dog park, you can do a lot to manage your dog’s safety:
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as potentially aggressive dogs and disease transmission, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer.
Sniffspot bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring. We require every dog to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect safe place for you and your dog.
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions.
We recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host ahead of time with any questions!
Yes! Sniffspot has tons of fully fenced dog parks. Browse all fully enclosed options by clicking this link and filtering by fence height.
You sure can! There are Sniffspot fields all over the country where dogs can be off leash safely. Filter for flat, open spaces near you at this link.
Sniffspot has dog parks with agility equipment and/or dog obstacles in most cities in the United States. You can filter for these spots at our main listings page.
Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience, but what do you do when adventure calls you to a place that’s a bit too far for a drive? If you're a pet-owner who want to jetset with your pup, then you’ll want to find the best dog-friendly airlines.
Discover the Great Pyrenees, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and independent nature. Recognized as a large dog, the Great Pyrenees have their origins in France where they were initially bred as livestock guardians starting in the roots back to 3000 BC century.
Discover the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a breed celebrated for its loyal, playful, and friendly nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Staffordshire Bull Terriers originated in the United Kingdom, where they were initially bred for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting starting in the early 19th century.
Discover the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed celebrated for its friendly and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have their origins in Wales, where they were initially bred for herding cattle, sheep, and horses starting in the 10th century.
Discover the Boxer, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and alert nature. Recognized as a large dog, Boxers have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting large game starting in the late 19th century.
Discover the Great Dane, a breed celebrated for its friendly, affectionate, and curious nature. Recognized as a large dog, Great Danes have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting and guarding starting in the 16th century.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.