If you’ve got your heart set on taking your furry pal to the best dog parks in North Carolina, we’ve conveniently featured 10 below.
1. Frazier Park Dog Park (Charlotte)
Frazier Park is a large park in Charlotte, NC that features many amenities including a dog park. The Frazier Park Dog Park is a 1.3-acre fully fenced area with separate sections for small and large dogs. There’s also a public water supply inside the park for thirsty pups.
Frazier Park Dog Park is open daily from 7:30 am until sunset and is available to all dogs with current vaccines (Rabies with Tag Number, Bordetella and DHLPP). Remember to clean up after your dog, and please note that children under 12 are not allowed in the park.
2. Oakwood Park Dog Park (Raleigh)
Oakwood Park is a 12.7-acre park in Raleigh, NC that features many amenities including a dog park. The Oakwood Park Dog Park is a large, wooded space where dogs can enjoy some off-leash playtime and socializing opportunities.
The park is fully fenced, and there are separately fenced areas for both small and large dogs. Oakwood Park Dog Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features benches, natural shade, and water taps for thirsty dogs. Please make sure your dog is healthy, vaccinated, and leashed when you enter and leave the park.
3. Doggos Dog Park & Pub (Greensboro)
Doggos Dog Park & Pub is a dog park with a difference. Based in Greensboro, NC, this venue is a unique opportunity for dog owners to let their dogs play and socialize while enjoying a beverage or two. Doggos Dog Park & Pub has a heated, covered space for cooler days, and a large outdoor turfed dog park with obstacles, toys, and plenty of space.
The venue also features an all-ages leashed area, perfect for smaller or younger dogs. In total, there are over 10,000 square feet of off-leash space and constant supervision from designated dog park staff. All dogs are screened prior to entry to ensure that they’re vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and Bordetella, and that they’re spayed/neutered if over 12 months of age.
4. Northgate Dog Park (Durham)
Northgate Dog Park is an off-leash area for dogs in Durham, NC. The park is located on the northern side of Northgate Park and is accessible from Lavender Avenue. There are two separate enclosures – one for smaller dogs and one for larger ones. The park features water fountains, waste bag dispensers, and benches for owners to sit on.
The small dog area is designed for dogs that are under 15 inches or 30 pounds, with all other dogs allowed in the large dog area. Please note that the park can become very wet and muddy after a rainstorm. Dogs must be registered before visiting Northgate Dog Park.
5. Tanglewoof Dog Park (Winston-Salem)
Tanglewoof Dog Park opened in 2013 and is located inside Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem, NC. This dog park features an all-turf terrain and is separated into two fully enclosed areas; one for smaller dogs (under 25 pounds) and the other for larger dogs. The park covers a total area of almost 2.4 acres.
Tanglewoof Dog Park features water fountains for both dogs and their owners, as well as benches along the fence line, trash cans, and dog waste stations to make it easy to clean up after your pup. Leash your dog when you enter and leave the park, and supervise them during your visit.
6. Barkingham Park (Charlotte)
Barkingham Park is a designated off-leash dog park inside Reedy Creek Park in Charlotte, NC. Barkingham Park covers four acres of fully fenced space, grassy expanses, trees for shade, and plenty of seating. There are separate areas for small dogs (under 20 pounds) and larger ones.
Barkingham Park is open daily from 7:30 am until sunset. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and Bordetella prior to entering the park. Please make sure that your dog is leashed when you enter and leave the park, and clean up their waste during your visit.
7. Dog Park at Dix Park (Raleigh)
The Dog Park at Dix Park is a space of more than 3 acres located inside Dix Park in Raleigh, NC. The dog park is fully enclosed and open every day of the week (closed Wednesday mornings for maintenance), with parking available nearby on Palmer Drive. There are separately fenced areas for small and large dogs within the dog park.
Bathrooms and handwashing stations are on-site, but it’s recommended that you bring drinking water for yourself and your pup. Supervise your dog during your visit and ensure that they are on a leash when you enter and leave the off-leash area.
8. Country Park Dog Park (Greensboro)
Country Park is a large, beautiful park in Greensboro, NC. The park features many amenities, including two fishing lakes, playgrounds, hiking trails, and the Guilford County Veterans’ Memorial. The park also features an off-leash designated dog park, open daily from 8 am to 5 pm (November to February), 7 pm (March, April, September, and October), or 8 pm (May to August).
Parking for the Country Park Dog Park is available at several parking lots outside the park. Please clean up after your dog and note that only two dogs per owner are permitted in the park at any one time. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
9. Piney Wood Dog Park (Durham)
Piney Wood Dog Park is located inside Piney Wood Park in Durham, NC. The dog park features a parking lot, benches, kiosks, water fountains, and a waste bag dispenser. Piney Wood Dog Park is divided into four separate sections, one for small dogs (under 25 pounds), one for large dogs, a program area that can be used for organized activities or events, and an entrance area.
Dogs may be taken to the entrance area if they need some time to themselves or are becoming over-stimulated. Dogs must be registered prior to visiting Piney Wood Dog Park. Please pick up after your dog and supervise them closely during your visit.
10. Happy Hounds Dog Park (Winston-Salem)
Happy Hounds Dog Park is an all-turf dog park in Winston-Salem, NC. Located inside Horizons Park, this dog park covers almost 2.7 acres and has separate fenced areas for small dogs (under 25 pounds) and larger dogs. The park also features water fountains for both dogs and their owners.
Happy Hounds Dog Park has waste stations, trash receptacles, and benches inside the park. Please ensure that you clean up after your dog and that your pet has an ID collar and proof of rabies vaccination. Leash your dog for entry and exit of the park.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
