Top 6 Incredible Dog Parks in the United States

Does your dog just love the dog park?  

If your dog doesn’t get out much or doesn’t have a great place to run, then taking them to a doggie park is pretty much essential!  

Now, we know all dog parks have the basics:  a bench or two, poop stations, and some shade.  

However, we have spent some time checking out some of the top rated dog parks in America.   And "man oh man" would your dog love to visit one of these!

Seriously, the next time you are planning a road trip with your furry friend, we think you should remember these locations and try to include one of them in your travel route or better yet your destination!  (And to help with dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, be sure to check out BringFido.com)

They are quite amazing!

Check them out now…

1 - Beau’s Dream Dog Park - This park has a half million dollar makeover!    

Where:  Lancaster, PA - 901 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA, US, 17603

Established:  revamped in  2013

Size:  less than 1 acre - off leash

Price: Free

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/BeausDreamDogParkBuchanan/community/?ref=page_internal

Features:  Separate accommodations for large and small dogs, splash pads to combat the heat, a tennis ball tree that actually launches tennis balls, custom designed spray nozzles, tunnels, and a roller coaster inspired bridge.

Notable mention:   This park started out as a fenced in area that was dedicated to dogs and their parents.   A lady named, Angela Bauman, had a greater vision for her city.    She dreamed of a canine amusement park for her dog, Beau.    She entered Beneful’s Dream Team contest with Nate Berkus and the rest is history.

Rules: (credited source:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/BeausDreamDogParkBuchanan/community/?ref=page_internal)

• All dogs must be inoculated and declared healthy by a veterinarian.
• All dogs must be at least 16 weeks of age.
• All dogs must be neutered/spayed.
• Keep your dog leashed outside the dog park.
• Dogs may not be left unattended in the dog park.
• Aggressive behavior from dogs or people is NOT allowed.
• Clean up after your dog and yourself.
• Watch your dog. You are legally responsible for any damage done by your dog.
• No unattended children may enter the dog park. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for their children while in the dog park.
• Keep gates closed.
• Skateboarding, bicycle riding, rollerblading and running is not allowed in the dog park.
• Pinch (prong) or spike collars are NOT allowed in the dog park. Halters, gentle leaders, and head collars should be removed for your dog’s safety.
• Glass items are not allowed in the dog park.
• Parking on Franklin & Marshall College property is not permitted between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. 

• Note: To report a violation of the dog park rules between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday, please call the Parks Bureau at 717-291-4841. At other times, contact the police at 717-291-4911.

(above photo credits:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/BeausDreamDogParkBuchanan/community/?ref=page_internal)

2 - Hugh Rogers WAG Dog Park - This park has the beauty of the mountains, lots of fresh air, and plenty of room to romp and play.

Where:  Whitefish, MT

Built:  2009

Size:  5 acres - off leash

Price:  Free

Website:  https://www.whitefishdogpark.org/

Features: Fully accessible paved paths for walking, multiple drinking fountains (for dogs and people), benches, agility course, community pavilion, small dog area, pond and dog beach, dog wash station, and lots of open running space.

Notable mention:   Park was named after Hugh Rogers, a beloved Whitefish veterinarian who tragically died in a plane crash.

Rules:  (credited source:  https://www.whitefishdogpark.org/)

• Supervise your dogs and kids carefully.
• Remove aggressive dogs immediately.
• Display valid license and rabies tags.
• Leave dogs under four months of age, sick, or in heat at home.
• Know that you're liable for injury or damage caused by your dog.
• Handle conflicts with respect, grace and good humor.

(above photo credits:  https://www.whitefishdogpark.org/)

3 - Bear Creek Dog Park - It’s hard to beat the spender and beauty at this park!   There is something for everyone here.   Enjoy playing in the creek with your dog or hiking along the trails and into the mountains!

Where:  21st Street & Rio Grande Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Established:  1997

Size:  25 acres -  off leash;  2-acre small dog/senior area

Price: Free

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/BearCreekDogPark    or   https://www.elpasoco.com/

Features:  Areas for dogs and people to wade and play in the creek,  large open areas to run and chase balls, fresh water for dogs and people, public restrooms, and an agility training area.

Notable mention:   Comprised of open prairie, hills, woods and a 1/3 mile long stretch of Bear Creek.

Rules:  (credited source:  https://www.facebook.com/bearcreekdogpark)

• Dog must be current with all vaccines
• Dog must be safe to play with other dogs and children

(above photo credits:  https://www.facebook.com/bearcreekdogpark)

4 - Elm Creek Reserve Dog Park - this is nature at its finest for you and your dog!

Where:   Maple Grove, MINN

Established: 2005

Size:  29 acres -  off leash

Price: Daily ($6:00) or Annual Pass ($45.00)  is required

Website:  https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/elm-creek-dog-leash-area

Features:  Separate areas for small or senior dogs, long walks and great games of fetch.  Additional, there is a fenced wetland pond.  Has many open fields, ponds, doggie playgrounds, and forested trails.

It also has 19 miles of paved hiking trails, 21 miles of horse trails, and a 13-mile mountain bike trail.

Notable mention:   You will never be bored here.  No matter what the season, you will find things to do with your dog - even in the coldest of weather.  How about dog sledding or skijoring?   Skijoring is when dogs over 30 pounds pull humans wearing skis.   This is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District.

Rules:  (credited source:  https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/elm-creek-dog-leash-area)  

• Three Rivers has specific policies for dogs in off-leash areas. For the safety of all park users, please adhere to these policies. Violation of any of these rules and conditions can lead to a citation and/or revocation of your pass. The Park District reserves the right to reject or cancel passes for any reason and will restrict days or times of use as necessary.
• Users of the dog off-leash areas must carry or display a daily or annual pass.
• Dogs must be under control at all times. No exceptions. A dog is considered under control if it will come when called. Dogs must not be permitted to interfere with other people or dogs, unless permission is granted by each handler for dogs to play together.
• Handlers must remain in the area with their dogs at all times.
• Each handler must clean up and dispose of dog feces in a sanitary manner. A trash barrel is provided at each site.
• Aggressive behavior is not acceptable.
• Pass holders must have certification of current rabies vaccination for each pet readily available when using the dog off-leash area. Puppies under the age of 4 months are not allowed in the off-leash areas.
• No more than two pets per dog handler are allowed in the area at any given time.
• Children must be closely supervised by adults and should be instructed about proper behavior around dogs.
• Off-leash area use is only allowed during park hours (5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, or as posted by the Park District).
• Use of firearms or devices considered firearms under Federal Law is prohibited. Use of blank starter pistols not considered firearms under Federal Law is permitted at the Lake Sarah and Crow-Hassan sites.
• Use of pigeons, quail, chukars, and pheasants will be permitted for training purposes at the Lake Sarah and Crow-Hassan sites. Humane treatment of all animals is required. Under no conditions will animals of any type be mistreated, abused, injured, or killed. The pass holder is required to take necessary measures to ensure that this condition is met. It is strongly recommended that training birds be recovered before leaving the area.
• All other Park Ordinances must be followed. 

(credited source:  https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/elm-creek-dog-leash-area) 

5 - Fort DeSoto Paw Playground and Beach - What dog wouldn’t just love to go to this doggie park?  I mean, come on, it has a real beach with water and everything!    If your dog is a water lover, you have to take your dog to this park!

Where:  Tierra Verde, FL

Established: 1962

Size:  2.5 acres with 1/4 mile of leash free beach

Price: $5.00 for a beach parking permit

Website:  https://www.friendsofftdesoto.org/dog-park/

Features:  There is a dedicated leash free beach area for small dogs and another leash free beach area for large dogs.    Noone is left out of the fun at this best ever doggie park.

Notable mention:   Cooling stations, showers, and dog lever water fountains are available!

Rules:  (credited source:  https://www.friendsofftdesoto.org/dog-park)  

• All dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park.
• Park closes at dusk.
• Patrons use the dog park at their own risk.
• Handlers are liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog (s).
• Handlers are limited to 3 dogs.
• Dogs shall be licensed and vaccinated with a tag on their collar at all times.
• Dogs in heat are prohibited.
• Handler must be 16 years of age or older.
• Children under 12 are not permitted without a responsible adult.
• Handler must control their dog and attend to it at all times.
• Handler must carry a leash with them at all times while in the park.
• Handler is responsible for picking up and disposing of their dog's waste in designated receptacles.
• No dogs under 4 months of age. Check with your veterinarian before introducing a new puppy to the dog park.
• No aggressive dogs.
• Handlers must stop their dogs from digging and are responsible for filling any holes their dog makes.
• No excessive barking.
• No bathing of dogs within the park.
• No food or smoking within the fenced area.

Note to Patrons:

• Beware of holes dug by dogs.
• Users of this facility do so at their own risk.
• Do not go bare foot in the dog park.
• Be aware of diseases that can be transmitted from dog-to-dog in a dog park and have your dog vaccinated BEFORE coming to the park to play. Example: Kennel cough, ring worm, etc.

(above photo credits:  https://www.friendsofftdesoto.org/dog-park) 

6 -  Point Isabel Regional Shoreline - This is our all-time favorite spot for majestic beauty, socializing with other pet lovers, and letting your dog enjoy the surf!

Where:  Richmond, California

Established: 1975

Size:  23 acres

Price: Free

Website:  https://www.ebparks.org/parks/pt_isabel/

Features:  Beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Brooks Island.     There are special off-leash areas too.   A favorite among visitors is Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub - a dog washing and dog supply shop.   Right beside them is Sit & Stay Cafe that is dog and human-friendly!

Notable mention:   Over one million visitors come to this park yearly with their dogs!

Rules:  (credited source:  https://www.ebparks.org/parks/pt_isabel/)

• Dogs may be taken off leash at Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline. Any person allowing their animal to be off leash must be able to maintain great voice control of their dog.
• Keep dogs on leash in parking lots and on streets.
• Carry a leash (six-foot maximum)
• Keep their dog or other animals under voice control and within sight at all times.
• Clean up feces deposited by their dog or other animal and place it in provided and marked containers or garbage cans.
• Immediately leash any dog or other animal showing aggressiveness toward people or other dogs or animals.
• Prevent dogs or other animals from digging or damaging park resources.
• Any person who walks or exercises a dog or dogs for a fee or who walks more than three (3) personal dogs must obtain and have in their possession a revokable annual permit. Call (510) 690-6508 for information.

(above photo credit:  https://www.eastbaymodern.com) 

(above photo credits:  https://www.richmondconfidential.org and https://www.trover.com, respectively.)

Things you will want to take along with you to a dog park!

1 - Fresh Water - just in case the watering stations are empty!

2 - Collapsible water bowl

3 - A couple of treats - always reward great behavior!

4 - Doggie Bags - well, you know why...

5 - An old towel to help with clean up

6 - Your dog’s leash - for any "leashed" areas or when your doggie wants to act out a little bit!

Worth mentioning:

•  Some dog parks require a dog permit. It basically proves to the authorities that your dog is up to date with their required vaccines. To avoid a disappointing day, be sure to research the dog park you’re planning to visit and find out if a dog permit is required or not.
•  Make sure you have good voice command control over your dog before letting them go without a leash. 

Summary:   

There are some amazing dog parks in the United States that you should head out to visit with your furry friend.   They have incredible features like agility courses, beautiful views, and nature trails.   It's a great place to let your dog romp, socialize with other dogs, and meet other pet parents like yourself!   You'll want to be sure to do your homework first and find out if you will need a dog permit or not.   Also, be sure to take necessary gear along like fresh water, poop bags, and a leash. 

We think you should include one of these dog parks on your next road trip and don't forget to take lots of pics.   

Which dog park would your dog like the best?   

     Comment below...

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