best fenced dog parks in the US

Even our canine friends deserve to go outside and play!

To stay joyful and healthy, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

We all know that fenced dog parks allow them to engage in lots of off-leash socialization with dog friends. 

For this reason, certain American communities have designated the best-fenced dog parks where pooches can play, swim, and meet new friends.

Specifically, if you’re looking for fenced dog parks in Portland or San Francisco, look no further.

We’ve put together lists of the best ones with the best amenities!

25 Fenced Dog Parks in the US

Some of the best-fenced dog parks in the US offer great amenities you could ask for, such as swimming areas, water fountains, picnic tables, and dog bag dispensers.

To help you make your choice as to where you’ll bring your pooch today, here are the details for each fenced dog park that you need to know.

fenced dog parks in san francisco

Corona Heights Park

Address: Roosevelt Way & Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 831-2700

Corona Heights Park offers a fenced-in, off-leash dog park and a hill with paths and stunning views. 

Although windy, the hill's crest provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of San Francisco from downtown to Twin Peaks.

Athletic dogs can climb a steep rock “wall” to release more energy. 

Leash rules:

Corona Heights Dog Run info:

  • Fenced
  • Off-leash
  • Entry free
  • Free Parking

Rincon Hill Dog Park

Address: Bryant St & Beale St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 831-2700

The Rincon Hill Dog Park is an off-leash park featuring benches, water stations, and separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs.

There is an extended rectangular run for large dogs, while a semicircular enclosure for tiny dogs.

The park's fiscal sponsor, the East Cut Community Benefit District, supports the park through volunteer labor and carries out periodic maintenance.

Dog park amenities:

  • Benches
  • Poop bags
  • Drinking water

Note: You’re welcome to donate poop bags and drinking bowls.

Relevant Read: Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in America

Mission Creek Dog Park 

Address: 465-479 Berry St, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 543-9063

Mission Creek Dog Park is within walking distance of all of Mission Bay, making it the ideal location for locals searching for a dog-friendly hangout.

Since the dog park is completely enclosed, dogs can run about without a leash.

Also, it has gained a lot of popularity. 

So expect to meet many other dog parents while you're there. This will help your dog become a more well-rounded playmate.

Dog Park amenities:

Relevant Read: The Puppy Socialization Checklist

St. Mary’s Dog Play Area

Address: 221 Justin Dr, San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: (415) 695-5006

St. Mary’s Dog Park is a fenced dog park in the city of San Francisco, California. 

For the wonderfully groomed lawn on which Fidos can romp, this hidden gem of a dog haven is frequently referred to as the putting green.

It's a large, fully fenced field that the city of San Francisco has classified as an off-leash dog park.

It is surrounded by a double, chain-link fence that is nearly 10 feet tall.

Dog Park amenities:

  • Picnic tables
  • Park benches
  • Dog-friendly water fountain
  • Tall, mature trees that can cast large shadows over the park

Upper Douglass Dog Play Area

Address: 800-898 27th St, San Francisco, CA 94131
Phone: 415-309-8362

Upper Douglass Dog Play Area is a former baseball field, so there will be plenty of space for our four-legged friends to stretch their legs.

There's also a large, open green area with a  slope to climb. 

If your pooch is shy or prefers to explore on its own, take it on a small forested route around the park's edge.

Although there is no designated area for little dogs, the park is large enough to hold many dogs of all sizes.

Dog Park amenities:

  • Trails
  • Benches
  • Picnic tables
  • Drinking water

Nearby human activities/amenities:

  • Tennis
  • Restrooms
  • Basketball
  • Playground

Note: Waste bags don't seem to be offered, so remember to carry some with you when you go.

Golden Gate Park: Dog Training Area

Address: 6335 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-831-2700

One of San Francisco's greatest beauties is Golden Gate Park, which receives 24 million visitors annually.

On its 1,017 acres, you'll find a variety of cultural venues, events, and activities, as well as gardens, playgrounds, lakes, picnic spots, and trails.

There are four dog play areas, including the ff:

  • A northeast section at Stanyan and Grove Streets
  • The southeast section between Lincoln Way, King Drive, and 2nd and 7th Avenues
  • The southcentral area between King Drive, Middle Drive, and 34th and 38th Avenues
  • Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area

Golden Gate Park amenities:

  • Benches
  • Poop bags
  • Picnic tables
  • Drinking water

Relevant Read: Top 5 Best Dog Training Treats

fenced dog parks in portland

The Fields 

Address: 1099 NW Overton St, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-841-6601

The Fields is the Portland Park system's 33rd park and the first one that was created particularly as a dog area.

The breathtaking views are among the park's best features.

You can also see the Fremont Bridge in all its splendor!

The park provides a peaceful atmosphere and is well-kept. 

Additionally, several of Portland's top eateries and coffee shops are nearby, and you can reach them on foot. 

The Fields dog park info:

  • Fenced
  • Off-leash
  • Free entry
  • Street parking
  • Double gate

Gabriel Park 

Address: SW 45th Ave & Vermont Street, Portland, OR 97219
Phone: 503-823-4000

Gabriel Park offers a wide range of facilities and activities, including two dog off-leash areas, a playground, a sand volleyball court, a public garden, and a vineyard.

You should definitely come here as there are many enjoyable things for you and Fido to do. 

There's nothing to worry about because the trails and signage will point you in the right direction and stop you from wandering off-trail.

Park amenities/activities:

  • Skate Park
  • Playground
  • Picnic table
  • Nature Patch
  • Accessible restroom
  • Fenced Dog off-leash Area
  • Baseball, soccer, softball field
  • Basketball, tennis, and volleyball court

Wallace Park

Address: NW 25th Avenue and Raleigh Street, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: 503-823-2525

Wallace Park is a city park in northwest Portland, Oregon. 

It is named for Hugh W. Wallace, the municipal councilman in charge of designating the land as a public park.

You have everything you could ask for in an area where you and your furry buddy can play, eat, and have fun. 

Additionally, WiFi is available, so you may work here as well!

Park amenities/activities:

  • Play area
  • Restroom
  • Playground
  • Picnic table
  • Picnic shelter
  • Basketball court
  • Soccer and softball field
  • Fenced Dog off-leash Area
  • Wireless Internet Access (WiFi)

Chimney Park 

Address: 9360 N Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97203
Phone: (503) 823-3647

Chimney Park is a 16.76-acre park that includes a completely fenced dog park with a walking path.

It's a terrific spot for your friendly pup to get some exercise and play outside!

The spaciousness will enable you and Fido to enjoy a more relaxed, free-roaming environment.

Park amenities:

  • Paths
  • Picnic tables
  • Fetch friendly
  • Drinking water

dog park physical fitness

Sacajawea Park 

Address: 9360 N Columbia Blvd. Portland, OR 97255
Phone: (503) 823-7529

Sacajawea Park occupies around five acres, whereas the off-leash dog area is just over an acre.

This fully fenced dog park is green and has some shade.

This park is a great spot if you reside in South Portland or are simply traveling through for a day of outdoor fun with your pooch.

Park amenities:

  • Chairs
  • Picnic tables
  • Drinking water

Sacajawea Park Off-leash Area info:

  • Fenced
  • Off-leash
  • Free entry
  • Double gate
  • Free Parking

Note: Your dog must have a license and be wearing its tag in order to visit Sacajawea Park.

Brentwood Park

Address: SE 60th Avenue and Duke Street, Portland, OR 97206
Phone: 503-823-2223

Brentwood Park features a fenced, half-acre off-leash area. It offers ecological preservation and outdoor activities for your dog.

Although plastic bags are available, you need to carry your own water since there are no water stations.

Brentwood Park Dog Park info:

  • Fenced
  • Off-leash
  • Free entry
  • Small park
  • Free Parking
  • Street Parking

Nearby human activities/amenities:

  • Paths
  • Tennis
  • Soccer
  • Baseball
  • Volleyball
  • Restrooms
  • Playground

Lynchwood Park 

Address: SE 170th Ave, Portland, OR 97236
Phone: 503-823-4000

Lynchwood Park is a great spot to take your canine companion on a warm day. The grass stays clean and well-maintained.

For a city dog park, this area is decent-sized. Although, some activities like fetch or frisbee would be limited.

The total area is about 1 acre. So large and active doggos may find it hard to get in a proper workout.

For the benefit of park visitors, there are trees with big canopies providing a lot of shade inside the fenced dog park area.

Dog park amenities:

  • Chairs
  • Benches
  • Drinking water

Normandale Park 

Address: NE 57th Ave & NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97213
Phone: 503-823-2525

Normandale Park lies in a serene woodland area of the family-centric Normandale Park in Portland, Oregon.

Its 14 acres of land include 1.5 acres solely devoted to an off-leash dog park.

This doggie play haven features two dense enclosures where Fido and other dogs can enjoy off-leash fun.

Dog park amenities:

  • Benches
  • Drinking water

Nearby human activities/amenities:

  • Paths
  • Soccer
  • Walking
  • Baseball
  • Volleyball
  • Restrooms
  • Basketball

Luuwit View Park

Address: NE 127th and NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97230
Phone: (503) 823-7529

Luuwit View Park has a mixture of grass and dirt/gravel surfaces that Fido will enjoy exploring after passing through the entrance.

The fully fenced dog park lacks shade, so caps, sunglasses, and sunblock are best to bring.

Ensure your dog has sunscreen, too!

Luuwit View Dog Park info:

  • Fenced
  • Off-leash
  • Free entry
  • Parking lot
  • Double gate
  • Medium park
  • Free Parking

Dog park amenities:

  • Paths
  • Drinking water

Note: Ensure your dog has a valid license and rabies vaccination tags wherever you roam in this park.

california dog parks

Fort Steilacoom Dog Park

Address: 8804 Dresden Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Phone: (253) 983-7741

Located in the beautiful region of Washington, Fort Steilacoom Dog Park is a haven for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Its huge 22 acres make this off-leash dog park both amazing and expansive.

With 3 completely fenced-in areas, there is a place for every kind of dog.

There are benches scattered around for your comfort.

Also, water bowls are accessible in every section for your pooch.

Dog park amenities:

  • Restrooms
  • Picnic areas
  • Playgrounds
  • Drinking water

Note: Every Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m., the small dog area is reserved for a greyhound group.

Thornberry Dog Park

Address: 1867 Foster Rd, Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: 319-356-5100

Thornberry Dog Park features four different areas for pooches to play.

The “Linder Tire Small Dog Service” area is designated for dogs with shoulders measuring less than 18 inches broad.

For dogs that are still becoming used to dog parks or that have been trained in a team or on their own, there is another area called “Emma's Run.”

The “Lucky Pawz Playground” is the biggest area with concrete paths and a shelter.

There is even a 15-foot-deep pond that is designated solely for Fido to swim and splash around in if it enjoys the water. This area is called “Lily’s Pond” and is fenced off.

Dog park amenities:

  • Paths
  • Shelter
  • Benches
  • Swimming
  • Poop bags
  • Agility course
  • Pooper scooper

Relevant Read: Top 15 Best Dog Agility Equipment Kits

Montrose Dog Park

Address: 400 Shanes Way, Montrose, CO, US, 81401-0000
Phone: (970) 240-1411

On the northern end of Cerise Park is the 4.25-acre Montrose Dog Park

Within the confines of the dog park's gate are separate fenced areas. There’s one for small dogs and another for large dogs.

In addition, there are entranceways or calm areas where you can let Fido run around before bringing it into the main enclosed area.

Dog park amenities:

  • Benches
  • Trash cans
  • Picnic tables
  • Water fountain
  • Dog bag dispensers

Note: The City of Montrose disclaims all responsibility for any harm, disease, or loss caused by a dog in the off-leash area.

dog drinking from water dispenser

Twin Lakes Off Leash Dog Swim

Address: Nautilus Dr, Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303-678-6200

Twin Lakes Off Leash Dog Swim features three separate fenced areas covering more than 10 acres; one is for all dogs, one is for tiny dogs, and one is along the lake for swimming!

The small open field of trimmed grass adjacent to the front gate is ideal for fetching games with Fido.

They could also run around on the trail, but the gravel could get rough on their paws after a while.

Dog park amenities:

  • Trails
  • Benches
  • Swimming
  • Fetch friendly

Nearby human activities/amenities:

  • Trails
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Fishing

dog swimming in a lake

Cherry Creek State Park

Address: S Entrance Rd, Aurora, CO 80015
Phone: 303-690-1166

A 107-acre off-leash facility with plenty of outdoor excitement awaits dogs of all sizes at Cherry Creek State Park.

There are several different areas to explore in this fenced dog park with your canine friend.

You’ll find short grass prairies and marshes here, as well as trails that wind through them.

The best part is that Cherry Creek runs through the western edge of the off-leash area, inviting Fido to cool down in the water!

Dog park amenities:

  • Trails
  • Benches
  • Swimming
  • Poop bags
  • Picnic tables

Note: Discourage your pooch from digging holes, as this is not allowed in this area.

Elm Creek Park Reserve Dog Off-Leash Area

Address: 11750 Zachary Ln N, Champlin, MN 55316
Phone: 763-694-7894

At Champlin, Minnesota's Elm Creek Park Reserve Dog Off-leash Area, Fido will have plenty of space to run around and play.

This fenced dog park has 29 acres of forested land and roomy, open grass areas for Fido to roam.

It has a separate space for little dogs and an enclosed wetland pond.

Dog park amenities:

  • Dog trails
  • Restrooms
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Dog sledding (in season)

Manayunk (Pretzel) Dog Park

Address: 4300 Silverwood St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215-683-3679

The Manayunk Dog Park in Pretzel Park offers one fully fenced area where your dog can engage in off-leash play.

Remember that the fence is made of brick and is rather short for most breeds.

This is why your dog should always be on a leash if it doesn't have a good recall. 

Additionally, the majority of play runs are made of dirt. Fido could become quite dirty if the weather is bad. 

So it makes sense to pack a towel to help clean up excess dirt.

Dog park amenities:

  • Shade
  • Fire hydrants
  • Drinking water

Schuylkill River Park Dog Run

Address: S 25th St & Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, US, 19103
Phone: (215) 546-6719

The Schuylkill River Park Dog Run, which offers almost an acre of space to play, will impress you and Fido.

Parking is available along the main streets that flank the east and south sides of the park.

It’s also where you’ll find the winding trails connected to the dog park (providing a fenced-in space for pups).

Both the large and mini dog runs are accessible through a double-gated entrance.

Dog park amenities:

  • Small dog pools
  • Statue of a fire hydrant
  • Dog-sized water fountains
  • Hose to clean up your pup

Relevant Read: The Dos and Don’ts of Running With Dogs

Cosmo Dog Park

Address: 2502 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Phone: 480-503-6200

Cosmo Dog Park is a fenced dog park with a lake for swimming and two dog wash stations. 

You'll love the park's three areas: one by the water where your dog can swim, one dry area for tiny dogs, and another for large dogs.

There are many poop bags and a few scoopers available, and the park is generally tidy.

Dog park amenities:

  • Fountains
  • Water hoses
  • Waste stations
  • Agility equipment
  • Ramada shelters

Southbury Dog Park

Address: 236 Roxbury Rd, Southbury, CT 06488
Phone: 860-836-1775

The Southbury Dog Park is a fourteen-acre dog lover's dream. It features a big running area with many trees and benches for dog parents.

This fenced dog park has a tiny river shallow enough for swimming and has a few stairs leading down to it.

Your dog will absolutely go bananas!

Dog park amenities:

  • Benches
  • Poop bags
  • Trash cans
  • Picnic tables

Fenced Dog Parks: Conclusion

The best fenced dog parks have many benefits to offer as far as your dog is concerned. 

You may also benefit from taking your pooch to the fenced dog parks just as taking it for a stroll.

The joy wouldn't ever pass you by!

Amazingly, most of the fenced dog parks in the US have amenities for dog parents, like picnic tables and benches where you can relax. 

So, if you like being outside, exercising, socializing, and watching dogs play, why not visit some of these dog paradises?

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How Aubrey describes love is a wet nose and a happy tail. She now has over a year of experience writing about canines with a particular emphasis on health and behavior. She enjoys sharing dog tips, fun facts, and pet med topics, among other things. Her passion for both writing and dogs inspired her to share her knowledge and experience with other dog parents so they could provide the greatest care for their pets. She also stands against alpha, leader, and dominance theories. She believes there’s no need to do extra things like eating prior to your dogs.