8 Best Off-leash Dog Parks in Virginia
The off-leash dog parks in Virginia are more than just spacious canine-friendly areas where Fido can play and socialize. Through the years, these local spots have also become a common place where fur parents come together as a community.
Stop by these Virginia dog parks if you’re looking for a securely fenced space where you and your fur baby can play, socialize, and be part of the local dog-loving community. Here are some of local fur parents’ favorites:
1) Shirlington Dog Park
2710 S Oakland St, Arlington, VA 22206
Shirlington Dog Park is one of the most popular off-leash areas in Arlington, Virginia. It’s divided into two areas: one for big dogs and another for small dogs.
It’s spacious enough to accommodate regulars and first-time visitors alike. It very rarely gets crowded, even when there are a lot of dogs and fur parents around.
The park has a drinking fountain where you can refill your dog’s bowl. It’s also surrounded by beautiful trees that offer plenty of shade.
2) Baron Cameron Park
11300 Baron Cameron Ave, Reston, VA 20190
Baron Cameron Park has an off-leash area that can accommodate up to 35 dogs. It has a separate area for big dogs and another one for small dogs.
Like many dog parks in the Old Dominion, this dog park also has its own water supply. This off-leash dog park has become popular for its wide open space.
3) Azalea Park
304 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
If you’re looking for a more spacious dog park, you can check out the off-leash area at Azalea Park.
Locals who have been there say it’s great for quiet afternoon walks. You can also bring your dog outside the off-leash area, but he needs to be on a leash.
The rest of the park features more than 20 acres of space and amenities like a basketball court, a baseball diamond, several beautiful gardens, and a playground. Parking is also available on-site.
4) Bea Arthur Dog Park
501 Front St, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Bea Arthur Dog Park was named after Bea Arthur, an honorary PETA director who was a tireless advocate for animals. She campaigned against the abuse of animals in factory farms and exotic animals in circuses.
She has won multiple PETA Humanitarian Awards and devoted her life to discussing animal welfare.
The dog park has a water station where you can refill your dog’s bowl. There’s also a toy bin on-site and a shaded picnic area.
5) James Hunter Dog Park
1299 N Herndon St, Arlington, VA 22201
Park authorities behind James Hunter Dog Park didn’t only want to create a space where Fido could run and play freely. They also wanted an off-leash area that is at the forefront of environmental sustainability.
They built the park to include an automated water management system that allows them to capture and reuse rainwater. The park also uses sustainable energy through solar panels. Apart from that, the park has native plants that can help increase the urban tree canopy.
So if you’re passionate about the environment and you’re an advocate of sustainability, you’ll feel right at home in this off-leash dog park.
6) K9 Gunner Memorial Park
13000 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Another off-leash dog park that commemorates an important part of a community is K9 Gunner Memorial Dog Park. The park was named after former police dog K9 Gunner and has become very popular because it offers plenty of space for canines to have fun and socialize.
It’s maintained through the initiative of locals. Now, water is available on-site, and there are also several pieces of agility equipment for the neighborhood dogs.
7) Windsor Castle Park
705 Cedar St, Smithfield, VA 23430
If you’re looking for a park that will bring you and Fido closer to the great outdoors, don’t miss a chance to stop by the off-leash dog park at Windsor Castle Park.
It has separate areas for big and small dogs, equipped with a double-gated entrance. It’s set amidst trees and lush greens and comes with everything you’ll need for a fun day out with your fur baby. There are benches, a water source, and cleaning stations on-site.
8) Duke Street Dog Park
Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22312
You’ll find Duke Street Dog Park, east of the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Library. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, so no matter your schedule, you can come to visit the park with your dog.
The park’s surface is grass, and it’s dotted with trees. You’ll find plenty of spots where you can play fetch with your dog or let him make new canine friends.
Fur parents who have been to the park say it’s one of the best spots in Alexandria to have a picnic or enjoy a lazy afternoon with your dog.
All in all
There are also small national parks in Virginia, like Great Falls Park, that you can check out with your dog. However, you need to make sure he’s wearing a leash.
Parks like these welcome dogs in their picnic spots, hiking trails, and falls overlook points. You also need to clean up after your dog when you visit protected, and well-maintained areas like this—much like you would care for the small dog parks in Virginia.
There is no shortage of things to do in dog-friendly destinations like the Old Dominion. It all boils down to the kind of adventure you’d like to enjoy with your dog.
