55Great first time visit! Instructions were clear. Two of the dogs had a great time in the pond, and the other non-water dog enjoyed exploring nearby. The edge of the pond is unsurprisingly a bit muddy but not a problem as there is a hose down by the parking area. The area is very secluded with hills surrounding the pond. A definite favorite for us. One note: Google Maps directions wanted me to turn in a bit west of the actual entrance, which has red wagon wheels on either side of the driveway. David L.
David L.
August 2024
Great first time visit! Instructions were clear. Two of the dogs had a great time in the pond, and the other non-water dog enjoyed exploring nearby. The edge of the pond is unsurprisingly a bit muddy but not a problem as there is a hose down by the parking area. The area is very secluded with hills surrounding the pond. A definite favorite for us. One note: Google Maps directions wanted me to turn in a bit west of the actual entrance, which has red wagon wheels on either side of the driveway.
55Such an awesome spot for exploration & swimming - our dog had a blast! It was also super easy to get to from the highway and made for a really wonderful afternoon adventure!
Our dog didn’t mind at all, but there was a family with kids using the parking lot area - so might not be the best for dogs nervous around kids or other people.
We can’t wait to visit again soon - thank you so much for having us!Isabella J.
Isabella J.
August 2024
Such an awesome spot for exploration & swimming - our dog had a blast! It was also super easy to get to from the highway and made for a really wonderful afternoon adventure!
Our dog didn’t mind at all, but there was a family with kids using the parking lot area - so might not be the best for dogs nervous around kids or other people.
We can’t wait to visit again soon - thank you so much for having us!
55Close to civilization but you feel like you’re in the country! Our corgi loved swimming in the pond and it was great having an outdoor shower to rinse him off. We’ll be back!Erik R.
Erik R.
August 2024
Close to civilization but you feel like you’re in the country! Our corgi loved swimming in the pond and it was great having an outdoor shower to rinse him off. We’ll be back!
55Really awesome property! My dogs loved swimming and running around the field. Nice and quiet, feels isolated even though it’s not that far from highway 37. Love that there’s a hose to rinse the pups off with, as the pond is a bit muddy. I’ll have to come back for the Hip Camp cabins! Angie B.
Angie B.
August 2024
Really awesome property! My dogs loved swimming and running around the field. Nice and quiet, feels isolated even though it’s not that far from highway 37. Love that there’s a hose to rinse the pups off with, as the pond is a bit muddy. I’ll have to come back for the Hip Camp cabins!
55Everyone had fun! The water dogs just love swimming in the pond retrieving their toys, and the land lubber has lots of trails to explore. So convenient to have a good rinse-off spot too.David L.
David L.
August 2024
Everyone had fun! The water dogs just love swimming in the pond retrieving their toys, and the land lubber has lots of trails to explore. So convenient to have a good rinse-off spot too.
55Absolutely fantastic place! We came with our two young dogs. One is super high energy and loved being able to run around and swim in the pond, the other one is more of a scaredy-cat who enjoyed the quiet environment where he could sniff and explore without the distractions of stranger dogs or humans. This place hit the mark for both of them! There was a water hose provided by the parking area, which was very much appreciated, since both the dogs got quite muddy coming in and out of the pond.Annette S.
Annette S.
August 2024
Absolutely fantastic place! We came with our two young dogs. One is super high energy and loved being able to run around and swim in the pond, the other one is more of a scaredy-cat who enjoyed the quiet environment where he could sniff and explore without the distractions of stranger dogs or humans. This place hit the mark for both of them! There was a water hose provided by the parking area, which was very much appreciated, since both the dogs got quite muddy coming in and out of the pond.
55The spot is really big, and we did see some of the fencing. There are some tiny tiny hills your car will have to drive over, just a heads up. Lots of space for mom or dad to sit and relax. There are also two very clean portapoties! Maria A.
Maria A.
August 2024
The spot is really big, and we did see some of the fencing. There are some tiny tiny hills your car will have to drive over, just a heads up. Lots of space for mom or dad to sit and relax. There are also two very clean portapoties!
55Great spot! Absolutely loved it! The host was responsive and very accommodating. My dog had the time of her life exploring the property and swimming in the pond. Can’t wait to return!Sarah V.
Sarah V.
September 2024
Great spot! Absolutely loved it! The host was responsive and very accommodating. My dog had the time of her life exploring the property and swimming in the pond. Can’t wait to return!
55Great spot! The pups loved playing in the pond and running around the hills. Hose available for fresh water and to rinse off the pond water.Briana K.
Briana K.
September 2024
Great spot! The pups loved playing in the pond and running around the hills. Hose available for fresh water and to rinse off the pond water.
55Besides the water feature, my pup Angus was totally content just sniffing. Place is ripe with different scents if you want your city dog to experience some nature! Pond is perfect for pups. Angus gives it five stars for his first try at swimming in water ! charlotte B.
charlotte B.
September 2024
Besides the water feature, my pup Angus was totally content just sniffing. Place is ripe with different scents if you want your city dog to experience some nature! Pond is perfect for pups. Angus gives it five stars for his first try at swimming in water !
55Great spot for our dogs to run and chase the ball. Lots of room to throw with the chuck-it. They enjoyed walking around on the trails - the port-a-pit was very clean!
Pretty dusty, but it’s end of summer and it couldn’t be anything but dusty. Really great spot. Will be back - maybe even to camp with the dogs!Margie F.
Margie F.
September 2024
Great spot for our dogs to run and chase the ball. Lots of room to throw with the chuck-it. They enjoyed walking around on the trails - the port-a-pit was very clean!
Pretty dusty, but it’s end of summer and it couldn’t be anything but dusty. Really great spot. Will be back - maybe even to camp with the dogs!
55Wonderful space for dogs to run around and explore and play in water. It was a hot day but wanted to let her have some fun and this was the place to do it. They will get muddy but the handy hose takes care of that before you load up to go home.Bettina F.
Bettina F.
September 2024
Wonderful space for dogs to run around and explore and play in water. It was a hot day but wanted to let her have some fun and this was the place to do it. They will get muddy but the handy hose takes care of that before you load up to go home.
55Had a great time here! Spot was exactly as advertised. Easy to find, super private (the most quiet, private spot I’ve been to yet, personally), and my dog had a blast swimming, with lots of space to run and explore in between splashes. Bring your own water, poop bags, and toys if you need them.Whitney T.
Whitney T.
September 2024
Had a great time here! Spot was exactly as advertised. Easy to find, super private (the most quiet, private spot I’ve been to yet, personally), and my dog had a blast swimming, with lots of space to run and explore in between splashes. Bring your own water, poop bags, and toys if you need them.
55My guys had such a great time! This is the first time in 2 years that they have been able to go swimming. There are many good country smells and we saw some wild turkeys but they really loved the water. We will definitely be back.Georgette M.
Georgette M.
October 2024
My guys had such a great time! This is the first time in 2 years that they have been able to go swimming. There are many good country smells and we saw some wild turkeys but they really loved the water. We will definitely be back.
55This place was a perfect little getaway and I want to live here! My dogs had an incredibly fun time running and swimming, we saw zero other domestic animals or people, and it was so quiet & beautiful. Afterwards, the hose came in handy to rinse the dirt off before heading home. This spot was so incredibly worth the drive. Carolyn P.
Carolyn P.
October 2024
This place was a perfect little getaway and I want to live here! My dogs had an incredibly fun time running and swimming, we saw zero other domestic animals or people, and it was so quiet & beautiful. Afterwards, the hose came in handy to rinse the dirt off before heading home. This spot was so incredibly worth the drive.
55Great place to take your pup! Everything is clean and very well accommodated. I am definitely coming back here. Liz G.
Liz G.
October 2024
Great place to take your pup! Everything is clean and very well accommodated. I am definitely coming back here.
How do Novato's private dog parks work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Novato dog parks
Are dog parks good for dogs?
It is important for dogs to have off leash exercise to sniff and run. But the free and open nature of public dog parks has drawbacks. There could be aggressive dogs, disease transmission and cleanliness issues. For this reason, many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. Sniffspot private dog parks only allow one guest to book at a time and are not open to the public, which solves many of these issues.
Are dog parks safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 96% of reviews on Sniffspot visits in the Novato area are 5 stars.
How do I know if a dog park works for my dog?
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our 111 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 20 off leash areas where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can also filter locations to avoid other domestic animals and people. We also recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host with any questions.
Sniffspot has 111 fully fenced dog parks in or near Novato. Browse all fully enclosed options.
Where are good dog hiking trails near Novato?
The Novato area has 2 Sniffspot locations with private trails for you and your dog to walk or hike. Dogs can generally be off leash on Sniffspot trails. The most popular trail is Kara's happy dog tails and hiking trails ranch.
Are there dog agility courses for rent in Novato?
Sniffspot has dog parks with agility equipment and/or dog obstacles in or near Novato. The most popular agility option is Agility practice field and large backyard.
Where in Novato can I find a pool for dog swimming?
Sniffspot has swimming options in the Novato area. The highest rated option is Pond and Field.
Can I rent a field for my dog to run near Novato?
There are 26 Sniffspot dog parks that offer fields in or near Novato where dogs can be off leash. The most popular field is Pond and Field.