If you’re searching for the best dog parks in New Jersey, below we’ve featured 10 of the state’s finest.
1. Hamilton Park
This 5.4-acre park in Jersey City is a dog-friendly park central to the Hamilton Park neighborhood. The park is always open, and dogs are allowed on-leash throughout. The park includes a dog run, where dogs that are well-behaved, licensed, and have their vaccinations can play off-leash.
The dog run has two areas, one for dogs under 25 pounds, and one for dogs over 25 pounds. This allows dogs to play safely with other dogs their own size. There is seating available throughout the park, and there are several parking lots nearby, as well as street parking.
Be sure to check out this lovely park with your dog!
2. Lincoln Park
Located in Jersey City, Lincoln Park is a large dog-friendly park, spanning 150 acres. The park is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm daily, and allows dogs on-leash.
There is a large dog run in the park, where dogs can romp around with a leash. There is a separate area for small dogs, and the run even includes a fire hydrant! Dogs are allowed in the area as long as they are well-trained, and have their license and vaccinations.
The park itself has several facilities for dogs’ human companions, including seating, sporting areas, and parking.
Next time you’re looking for somewhere to spend time with your dog, head to Lincoln Park!
3. Mercer County Park
You’ll find this large park in Princeton, New Jersey. The park is made up of 2,500 acres, and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
The park has two separate dog runs, one for small dogs and one for large. Dogs in the dog run must be licensed and vaccinated, and should be properly trained and behave well with other dogs.
Mercer County Park features many facilities throughout, including walking and jogging trails, fishing, and picnic areas. There is parking available in the park.
You’ll easily spend the day away at this huge park, so be sure to check it out!
4. Rocky Top Dog Park
This fenced-in dog park, in Princeton, New Jersey, is 3 acres and open from 6:00am to 9:00pm every day. Dogs in the park need to be licensed and vaccinated, and be at least 6 months old.
There are three areas in the park, one for small dogs, one for medium dogs, and one for large dogs. There’s even a pond where dogs can swim and cool off during hot summer months!
This park does have a fee in order to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the park.
Head down to Rocky Top Dog Park next time you and your pup are up for an adventure!
5. Rutgers Garden
Although not officially a dog park, the 130-acre Rutgers Garden in East Brunswick, New Jersey, still welcomes dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and have their vaccinations and license.
The park is open Saturday to Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. There are several walking trails where you can venture with your pup, and there are several facilities for humans like a gazebo, a market, and a farm.
Check out this lovely park for your next stroll with your dog!
6. Heavenly Farms Park
You’ll find this park in East Brunswick. The park is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and features a designated dog park.
Dogs visiting the park need to be well-behaved, licensed, and vaccinated. This area is fully fenced in, and features water fountains to keep your pup cool, lights for visiting the park at night, and a separate area for small dogs.
For humans, you’ll find sporting areas, washrooms, and biking and walking trails throughout the park. There is parking available as well.
You won’t want to miss visiting this dog park!
7. Brookdale Dog Park
Brookdale Park is a park located within both Montclair, New Jersey, and Bloomfield, New Jersey. The park is made up for 121.41 acres, and features a designated dog park. The dog park is open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 8:00pm, and on weekends form 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Dogs visiting the park must have their shorts and license, and should be at least 4 months old. There are washing areas and water fountains for dogs, and parking is available nearby.
Bring your dog to this great dog park—he’ll thank you!
8. Watsessing Park
You’ll find this 69-acre park in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The park is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm, and features a designated dog park area where they are allowed off-leash.
Dogs are allowed in the dog park as long as they have their vaccinations and tags. They should also be at least 4 months old before coming to the park. There are benches throughout for owners to sit, and water fountains so pups can stay hydrated.
You’ll find parking nearby, as well as several other facilities in the park like a soccer field, walking paths, and other sporting areas.
Plan your visit to this great park today!
9. Wantage Dog Park
Visit this 8-acre park in located in Wantage, New Jersey. The park is made up for 4 fenced-in areas, where dogs who are vaccinated, licensed and well-behaved and run and play.
The dog park features umbrellas where you and your pup can find shade in hot summer months, as well as waste bags, cold water, and an agility course. There are benches throughout the park where you can sit and rest your legs while your dog plays.
There is parking available, making the park easy to access. So come check out this great dog park with your pooch!
10. South Mountain Reservation
This park takes up portions of Maplewood, West Orange, and Millburn, and is made up of 2,110 acres. There are plenty of activities throughout the park, and there is an off-leash area for dogs to play. Dogs visiting must have their vaccinations and license, as well as be well-trained and behaved.
In the dog park, there are separate areas for both small and large dogs. There are even agility courses available for anyone interested in getting their dogs into the sport, and plenty of facilities for humans. Check out the hiking trails and picnic areas with your pooch when you visit. There is also parking available nearby.
Visit this beautiful park the next time you’re planning an outing with your pooch!
Evelyn is a writer and dog lover living with her roommate and their foster dog Bacon. In her spare time you can find her curled up with a book, out for a jog, or listening to true crime podcasts.
