The people of Charleston, South Carolina love their dogs. Needless to say, Charleston dog parks are a pretty big thing in the area. In fact, there are around thirteen Charleston area off leash dog parks and many more that are on leash parks. The five we have listed here are considered to be the best of the best based on reviews and recommendations by the real people who use them.
Only one of the parks that made our list charge a fee for admission; the rest of these parks, and many of the others in the area, are free. If you venture further down the peninsula you may encounter some parks that charge for parking, but the ones we’ve listed here all have free parking. So check out these great dog parks in Charleston and find a new favorite hangout for you and your pet.
1. Bees Landing Recreation Area
1590 Ashely Gardens Boulevard
Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 25.66 Acres
Admission: Free
Off Leash
The Bees Landing Recreation Area is located in West Ashley. Along with the tennis courts, playground, basketball court, football field, and baseball field, there is a great dog park. It is located toward the rear right of the Bees Ferry Landing Center. There are three separate fenced-in areas for dogs, one grassy area for small dogs, another for larger dogs with trees and mulch on the ground. There is also a third that is a wetland, exclusively for dogs that enjoy splashing and playing in the water.
The park is a beautiful area with benches, drinking fountain, and restrooms. Lots of shade trees cover grounds. There is a picnic area and plenty of places to sit enjoy the scenery and watch your dog have a great time. It is less crowded that many of the other parks in the area plus there’s lots of room to run and cool stuff to explore.
2. James Island County Park
871 Riverland Drive
Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 643 Acres
Admission: $2
Off Leash and On Leash
This lovely, sprawling county park and campground has paved trails for biking, walking, and skating; open meadows; 16 acres of stocked freshwater lakes; a playground area; and a lot more. James Island County Park is often referred to as one of Charleston’s best parks. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash, but in the dog park the leash can come off and Fido is free to roam.
The dog park is fenced and very large. It is grassy with portion bordered by water, but does not have a great deal of shade. The park is divided in two parts, one for large dogs and the other for small dogs. It also has doggie bags, drinking fountains for both dogs and humans, and a hose to wash off muddy paws. You get the best of all worlds here, from grassy areas for running to a sandy beach, to shady woods to a beautiful lake – enjoy the natural beauty that is South Carolina.
3. Hazel Parker Park Dog Run
70 East Bay Street
Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 3.13 Acres
Admission: Free
Off Leash and On Leash
Visitors to this park refer to it as one of Charleston’s “hidden gem.” It has two playgrounds, basketball court, tennis court, baseball field, and a wide open, grassy area for running, playing, or whatever you fancy. The off leash, gravel dog park is fenced, but dogs are welcome on leash in all other areas of the park. The parking lot is small, but the parking is free which is somewhat of a rarity around downtown Charleston. It is in a great location, close to the waterfront, so you get great views too. You might even wander over by the Pineapple.
There are drinking fountains for both the humans and the canines as well as plenty of benches. You can enjoy the shade, people watch, or hang out at the dog park while your pet plays. Whether you go to have a fun picnic or just go to let your dog rip and run, Hazel Parker Park is a charming, lovely place you are sure to enjoy.
4. Ackerman Park Dog Run
55 Sycamore Drive
Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 10.41 Acres
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off Leash
This is a smaller park but it still has some very nice amenities including a skateboard park, a small pond and several soccer fields. The fenced in dog area allows for off leash fun, but the park itself is a popular spot for owners walking their dogs on leash. There are several benches scattered about, sheltered by plenty of shade trees for pet parents to sit comfortably while their dogs play.
If you live near the Avondale area or downtown, this park is in a great location for you. It is located in West Ashley and is open year round. In fact, it is a popular winter attraction for walkers and dog walkers.
5. Cannon Park
131 Rutledge Avenue
Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 3.3 Acres
Cost: Free
On Leash
While some dog owners go off leash in this park, it isn’t a good idea given the busy streets that are its borders. As a dog walking park, though, it is quite nice. There are walking paths and a nice grassy area. Several doggie bag stands dot the area and it is well maintained. Cannon Park is one of the more scenic parks in the peninsula, but in an area that is not quite as busy or congested.
If you are a shutterbug, you’ll find plenty of photo ops in this park. It has a raised platform with Greek style pillars and large oaks with long, low branches and Spanish moss which work together to create a setting that is quite stunning. Of course, your dog won’t care how pretty the park is, but you can enjoy its visual appeal. This is mostly considered to be a locals spot though; it doesn’t get much tourist traffic. If you live near Rutledge Avenue or Ashley Avenue, this could become your new favorite place to relax and enjoy the beauty and charm of Charleston.
2 Point Highlight
There are around thirteen Charleston area off leash dog parks and many more that are on leash parks.
Only one of the parks that made our list charge a fee for admission; the rest of these parks, and many of the others in the area, are free.
