Charlotte’s mild temperatures make it a great place for you and your dog to enjoy spending time outside throughout the year. Whether you want your pup to get some exercise in an off-leash area or socialize with other dogs, you’ll find several Charlotte dog parks available. The following are the best dog parks in the Queen City to bring your dog to for some outdoor fun and excitement. Keep in mind that most of these dog parks open at 7:30 a.m. and close at sunset all week long. There aren’t any fees to use Charlotte dog parks, but your dog does need to be up-to-date on current vaccinations, including rabies and Bordetella. Also, kids under 12 aren’t allowed inside any of Charlotte’s dog parks, so the little ones will have to stay home or at the playground instead.
1. Davie Dog Park
Davie Dog Park, located in William R. Davie District Park on Pineville-Matthews Road, is Charlotte’s largest outdoor play area for pooches. Your pup can enjoy running around on 5 acres of space in a fenced-in, off-leash environment in this south Charlotte park. If you have a smaller dog, there’s no need to worry about the bigger dogs running around. Davie Dog Park features two separate fenced-in sections. The smaller section is for dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds, while the other is for dogs over 20 pounds. Just remember that with the park being so big, keeping an eye on your dog at all times can be a challenge. As with any dog park, be courteous and clean up after your dog. Davie Dog Park has cans located around the park for visitors’ convenience, as well as water for thirsty pups and even some toys. You’ll also find plenty of trees around the park to provide you with some much needed shade during Charlotte’s hot summer weather.
2. Frazier Park
Frazier Park, located along I-77 close to Sycamore Street and West Trade Street in north Charlotte, gives your pup 1.3 acres of space to explore. While this is smaller than Davie Dog Park, it still provides a great environment for your dog to socialize. It’s also conveniently close for Charlotte residents who live in the Uptown area. Frazier Park’s dog park has different areas for smaller and larger dogs, so all canine visitors can enjoy spending time there safely. The park also provides a public water supply for dogs, so you don’t have to bring any from home for your pup.
3. Shuffletown Park
Shuffletown Park, located on Bellhaven Boulevard in northwest Charlotte near Mountain Island Lake, provides 4 acres of space for dogs to roam. You can get here easily via I-485 or Brookshire Boulevard if you live in one of Charlotte’s northwestern neighborhoods. The park, which typically opens at 8:30 a.m. every day, features a smaller section for little dogs to run and play. Larger dogs can wander around the rest of the park’s enclosed, off-leash area. Shuffletown Park has shady spots to keep dog owners more comfortable in summer, and you and your dog can head over here for special dog-friendly events, like Yappy Hour on Sundays. The park is known for being kept clean and well-maintained, so remember to do your part by cleaning up any messes your dog makes.
4. Barkingham Park
Barkingham Park, located in Reedy Creek Park on Rocky River Road in northeast Charlotte, offers you another large area to let your dog roam around and play with other dogs. Whether you live off of East W. T. Harris Boulevard or closer to I-485, the park is just a short drive away for north Charlotte residents. This dog park has 4 acres of space and is entirely fenced in, so you don’t have to worry about your pup getting loose. There’s also shade and benches for you to sit on while your dog is busy sniffing around and greeting other pups. One of the factors that makes Barkingham Park a top dog park in Charlotte is its location next to Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. When your dog is done playing inside the fenced-in area, the two of you can wander along Reedy Creek Nature Preserve’s 10 miles of hiking trails while keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
5. Ray’s Fetching Meadow
Ray’s Fetching Meadow is located in McAlpine Creek Community Park on Monroe Road in southeast Charlotte. The park is quick and easy to get to if you live in Charlotte’s Pineville-Matthews area or the Matthews or Mint Hill area. This dog park offers an acre of space for dogs to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. This space is completely enclosed, so your dog can play fetch or hang out with other pups without taking off. Ray’s Fetching Meadow has benches around, so you can sit and chat with fellow dog owners. Keep in mind that McAlpine Creek Community Park also offers other areas for you and your dog to explore, such as a nature trail and the shores along the park’s 3-acre lake.
2 Point Highlight
Davie Dog Park, located in William R. Davie District Park on Pineville-Matthews Rd., is Charlotte’s largest outdoor play area for pooches.
One of the factors that makes Barkingham Park a top dog park in Charlotte is its location next to Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.
