Treat your four-legged friend to a fun-filled day at one of these top dog parks in Charlotte.
Charlotte is home to plenty of dog-friendly businesses, from breweries and cocktail bars to restaurants and coffee shops. While it’s nice to be able to bring your dog along while you sip craft beers or get your caffeine fix, most of these establishments don’t offer much space for furry patrons to roam, and they’re usually required to be on a leash.
Fortunately, there are several dog parks in Charlotte that provide plenty of space for dogs to run and play unleashed. Most of them have distinct areas for small and large dog breeds, watering stations in case your dog gets thirsty, and benches or tables for pet parents to relax and mingle with other dog owners. As an added bonus, almost all of them are free to visit.
If you’re looking for a new place for your dog to play, keep reading to learn more about the best dog parks in Charlotte.
1. Barkingham Park
Barkingham Park, located in Reedy Creek Park, is a fenced, off-leash dog park that spans four acres and has different areas for small and large dog breeds. The park also has toys, plastic swimming pools, baggie stands, and water stations.
If you and your dog still have energy to burn after spending time in Barkingham Park, put on your dog’s leash and explore the trails throughout 125-acre Reedy Creek Park. The park also has courts and fields for various sports and is adjacent to a 737-acre nature preserve.
“My dogs get so excited when I tell them we are going to Barkingham Park. They love the big open space to run and play,” one dog parent wrote on Bring Fido.
Address: 2900 Rocky River Rd.
2. Davie Dog Park
If you’re looking for a dog park with plenty of space for your pup to run and play, head to Davie Dog Park. Located within William R. Davie Park, this five-acre dog park is Charlotte’s largest. It features separate fenced-in spaces for small and large dogs to play off-leash, multiple seating areas, water spigots, and trees that provide plenty of shade.
The rest of William R. Davie Park is spacious too—totaling 107 acres—and features multiple walking trails and playgrounds, multi-purpose fields and courts, and a pond.
“This is undoubtedly the best dog park I’ve ever been to. I try to take my dog out there a few times a month,” a dog owner wrote on Bring Fido.
Address: 4635 Pineville-Matthews Rd.
3. Frazier Park
Frazier Park is a 16.5-acre park with hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, various sports fields and courts, and a dedicated dog park. The 1.3-acre dog park is fenced in, so dogs can roam around and play off-leash. The park has separate areas for large and small dogs, a watering station, pools, and tables for humans to sit at while their dogs play.
If you want to explore more of the park with your dog, you can do so on the many walking trails throughout (as long as you keep your dog on a leash).
“I brought my lab here and I was pleasantly surprised at how much room there was for the dogs to run around and how clean it was. She had a ball and we plan to go back soon,” a visitor wrote on Bring Fido.
Address: 1201 W. 4th St. Ext.
4. Off Leash
Off Leash is an expansive dog-friendly area located within the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which is the world’s biggest manmade whitewater channel system. Off Leash spans 70 acres and has three ponds, 2.5 miles of trails, beaches, a dock, and a dog wash station. As the name implies, dogs can explore the area freely without a leash. Barley House, located within Off Leash, offers food and beverages.
Other activities at Whitewater Center include hiking, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and yoga.
Passes are required for each dog that enters Off Leash and can be purchased for $12 per day or $25 per month.
“We refer to this place as Doggy Disneyland! My guys absolutely love it there! They start whining and getting really excited anytime we’re in the vicinity,” one visitor wrote on Yelp.
Address: 5000 Whitewater Pkwy.
5. Ray’s Fetching Meadow
Within the 114-acre McAlpine Creek Community Park, dog parents will be pleased to discover Ray’s Fetching Meadow. This approximately 1-acre dog park is fenced and features off-leash areas for small and large dogs, plus benches for pet parents.
Outside of the dog park, visitors will find bike and walking trails, a lake, and a fishing pier.
“I think this park is absolutely beautiful. There is a really big dog park, a lake, pavilions, and the landscape is so peaceful,” a park visitor wrote on Yelp.
Address: 8711 Monroe Rd.
6. Renaissance Dog Park
Renaissance Dog Park offers plenty of space for pups of all sizes to run off-leash, with fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. The park also features agility equipment, doggie waste bags, water fountains, bowls, and seating for pet parents.
The rest of Renaissance Park features pet-friendly walking trails, sports fields, a playground, and a disc golf course.
“Great place to bring your dog to run,” a visitor wrote on Google.
Address: 1536 W. Tyvola Rd.
7. Shuffletown Dog Park
Shuffletown Dog Park is a four-acre fenced dog park. There are plenty of trees for shade, as well as separate areas for large and small dogs.
Outside of the dog park area, there are restrooms, sports fields, and a playground.
“This park has plenty of room for my girls to run. There is a shaded area and a wide-open area for your pet. They have the park divided into two areas for smaller pets and larger,” a dog owner wrote on Bring Fido.
Address: 9400 Bellhaven Blvd.
8. Skiptown
Skiptown is more than just a dog park—the Charlotte business offers dog grooming, walking, boarding, and daycare services. The dog park area doubles as a bar for humans, selling craft cocktails, beer, and coffee. For four-legged visitors, the park features large fenced-in, off-leash playgrounds, artificial turf, and a seasonal splash pad.
Unlike most of the other dog parks in this roundup, Skiptown isn’t free to visit. You can purchase a day pass for $15. Monthly passes and annual memberships are also available. You’ll also have to download the Skiptown app and register your dog (have its vet records handy) before you can visit.
“Skiptown is a great experience for dogs and their owners. The staff is friendly and keeps the huge facilities clean/organized even while tons of dogs play off-leash. It’s the perfect place to let your pup burn out some energy while you grab a beer,” a Skiptown customer wrote on Bring Fido.
Address: 222 Rampart St.
