Dog parks have become some of the most popular additions to parks and public spaces in the past decade. They not only provide a safe area for dogs to exercise and socialize with other dogs, but they also provide a place for dog owners to socialize. Often dog owners are happy to offer training tips or share knowledge about other dog-friendly spaces in the area.

Some dog parks in the Triangle Area are located in downtowns and some are in large suburban public areas. Raleigh has several enclosed public spaces for dogs. We’ve profiled a few and provided a listing of all the others.If you have never taken your pup to a dog park, familiarize yourself with the rules before going.

We’ve summarized the rules for each dog park, but makes sure to follow each link for complete information.

Some towns require registration and fees to use the dog parks, so do your research before you plan a trip to Cary, Apex, and Durham.

If you are unsure how your dog will do off leash around other dogs, try less busy days and times. Early mornings and mid afternoons Monday through Friday are less popular times.

Wake County Dog Parks

Raleigh

City of Raleigh Dog parks rules:

Dogs must be leashed entering and leaving the dog park
Dogs must be healthy, spayed or neutered, and fully vaccinated
All breeds are welcome
Clean up after dogs
Stop dogs from digging, and, if they do dig, fill in holes
Remove choke, prong, pinch or spike collars
Don’t exceed three dogs in the park at a time
Never offer any food or toys of any kind
Closely supervise children under the age of 12
Aggressive or uncontrollable dogs aren’t allowed
Female dogs in season are not allowed
Puppies younger than four months are not allowed

Please note that at this time water fountains and taps for both people and dogs are closed.

Oakwood
Location: 910 Brookside Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919-831-6995
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Water tap for dogs (closed right now)
Benches
Natural shade
Small & big dog areas
Wood chips

Millbrook Exchange Park
Location: 1905 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919-996-4156
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Daily
Amenities:

Water fountain for dogs & humans
Picnic tables
Benches
Picnic shelter
Agility equipment
Natural Shade + Shade Structure
Small & big dog areas
Lights
Wood chips

North Hills
100 Saint Albans Drive, Raleigh NC 27609
Always open

Jaycee Center
2405 Wade Ave Raleigh NC 27607
Phone: 919-996-6833
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Benches
Natural shade
Wood chips

Kiwanis Park
2525 Noble Rd Raleigh NC 27608
Phone: 919-996-3135
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Benches
Wood chips
Disposable waste bag dispenser

Buffaloe Rd
5908 Buffaloe Rd Raleigh NC 27604
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Water fountain for dogs and humans (closed right now)
Benches
Shade
Small and big dog areas
Wood chips

Dix Park
1800 Umstead Drive, Raleigh NC 27603
919-996-6688
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Opens April 9th, 2022. The old, temporary dog park closed April 18th.
Amenities:

Small and big dog areas
Grass

Carolina Pines
2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh NC 27603
919-831-6435
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Water tap for dogs (closed right now)
Dog climbing platform
Picnic tables
Natural shade
Small and big dog areas
Wood chips

Garner

Garner Dog Park Rules:

All dogs must remain on a leash until inside the secured dog park area.
Adults may have a maximum of 2 dogs at a time in the park.
Dogs shall have on rabies vaccination tags and Town of Garner registration tags that must be displayed at all time while in the park.
Spiked collars are prohibited.
Acts of aggression against other dogs or people are prohibited. Do not bring a dog with a known history of biting and/or fighting. All animal bites to humans must be reported to Garner Police Department at 919.772.8810.
Dogs under 4 months old are prohibited.
Children under 12 are required to be accompanied by an adult inside the fenced area.
Owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by your dog. Help prevent injuries by supervising your dog at all times.
Female dogs in heat are not allowed inside the park.
Clean up after your dog. Dog waste stations are provided inside the park.
Fill in any holes your dog digs.
Do not litter. Trashcans are provided inside the park.
Treats and bones are allowed if controlled by owner.
Smoking is prohibited.
Take all personal belongings out of the park after each visit.
The Town of Garner shall not be held responsible for any risk, injury, damages or loss associated with the use of this facility. Use at own and your dog’s risk.
In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

North Garner Dog Park
Garner Recreational Park
221 E Garner Rd, Garner NC 27529
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Mulched area
Large and small dogs share a space

Lake Benson Dog Park
Lake Benson Park
921 Buffaloe Road, Garner NC, 27529
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Separate areas for small dogs (25 pounds and under) and large dogs (26 pounds and over.)
Mulched area

Knightdale

Knightdale Dog Park Rules:

The Town of Knightdale shall not be held responsible for any risk, injury, damages or loss associated with the use of this facility.
Users assume all risks inherent or associated with an unattended dog park where animals roam untethered.
Failure to abide by the park rules may result in loss of dog park privileges or being ticketed.
Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required upon request of a police or animal control officer. Rabies tags may serve as proof.
Puppies using the dog park must be a minimum of 4 months old.
Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog Park.
For the safety of your dog(s) and park visitors, choke, prong (pinch) and spike collars are strictly prohibited.
No child under the age of 16 years old are permitted unless accompanied by an adult.
For safety reasons, it’s not recommended to bring small children or infants in the dog park.
Aggressive dogs are not permitted on the premises. Owners must remove their dog from the park on the first sign of aggression.
Female dogs in heat are prohibited from entering the dog park.
Dog owners must be inside the dog park and in view of their dog.
Dog owners must keep their leash in hand at all times.
No climbing on rocks.
Do not bring food of any kind to the dog park.
Owner must clean up dog feces. Please seal (tie off) waste in provided plastic bags before disposing in designated receptacles.
Owner must fill in any holes that their dog digs.

Ashley Wilder Dog Park
Knightdale Station Park
716 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC 27545
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily

Wendell

K9 Corral Dog Park
Wendell Parks and Recreation
601 W 3rd St Wendell, NC 27591

Includes an agility course

Fuquay Varina

Fuquay-Varina Dog Park Rules and Guidelines:

Dogs shall have on a collar with ID, and must display rabies vaccination tags at all times.
All dogs are required to utilize designated space, small dogs 30lbs or less and large dogs 30lbs +.
Spiked collars prohibited.
Each adult may have a maximum of 2 dogs at a time in the park.
Any dog with a history of aggressive behavior is prohibited in the park. If your dog shows signs of aggressive behavior, you must remove the dog from the park premises immediately.
Owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by your dog. Prevent injuries by supervising your dog at all times. Never leave your dog unattended. If your dog inflicts an injury, give your name and telephone number to the other dog owner before leaving.
Pick up poop – Scoop your dogs’ poop and dispose of it in the containers provided.
Dogs in heat are not allowed on the premises.
No food (animal food or people food), treats, or bones are allowed inside the fenced area.
No littering: wrappers and other litter can be eaten by dogs and cause a choking or digestion hazard which can be life-threatening!
No smoking inside the dog park.
No strollers, bicycles, tricycles, big-wheels, wagons, roller-blades, etcetera are allowed in the dog park.
Shoes must be worn at all times (by humans)
Children 10 and under are not allowed inside the fenced area.
Dogs under 6 months of age are prohibited.
Use at own risk.
All bites must be reported by contacting the Fuquay-Varina Police Department at 919-552-3191 and the Parks and Recreation Department at 919-552-1430 as soon as possible. In case of an Emergency call 911.
Keep walking or playing- this helps keep the off-leash area “neutral” territory for all.
Keep your dog on leash until you enter the off-leash areas; carry a leash on you for each dog at all times while in the park.
Dogs shall be under your visual contact and voice control at all times; stay within close range of your dog.
Be aware that dogs have different play styles. Talk to your veterinarian, other park users and educate yourself on dog behavior.
Ensure each gate closes behind you before you enter the next one.
Fill in any holes your dog digs or make appropriate repairs to disturbed areas.
Do not bring a dog with a known history of biting or fighting.

Fuquay-Varina Downtown Dog Park
110 Woodland Dr, Fuquay Varina NC 27526
Hours: 7 a.m to dusk
Amenities:

Separate areas for large and small dogs
Sanitary stations
Benches
Water stations

Apex

City of Apex Dog Park Rules:

You need a dog park pass and must register each dog annually. The cost is

Single dog (per year): $30 for resident / $60 for nonresident
Multiple dogs (per year): $50 for resident / $100 for nonresident

When you register you’ll receive a key card that unlocks the gate. Additional key cards can be purchased for $10 a card.

A key card is required to enter the park, and your card is good for both dog parks.
Each adult may have a maximum of 2 dogs at a time in the park.
Children 10 and under are not allowed inside the fenced area.
Dogs must have collar with ID, and display rabies vaccination tags at all times.
Dogs under 6 months of age are prohibited.
Additional rules listed on registration form.

Hunter Street Park
1250 Ambergate Station, Apex NC
Amenities:

2 acre park, fenced and lighted
Pet waste stations
Separate sections for small dogs and for large dogs
Shade gazebos and benches
Water fountains
Wood chips for ground cover

Apex Nature Park
2600 Evans Rd, Apex NC 27502
Amenities:

2 acre park, fenced and lighted
Pet waste stations
Separate sections for small dogs and for large dogs
Shade gazebos and benches
Water fountains
Wood chips for ground cover

Wake Forest

Dog park rules:

Dog must be at least 6 months old
Dog must be current with all vaccines
Dog must wear collar with current ID tags

Flaherty Dog Park
1100 N. White Street, Wake Forest NC 27587
Phone: 919-435-9560
Amenities:

Two acres leash-free area
Picnic tables
Water and pet cleanup stations
Separate areas for small and big dogs
Double gated entry

Cary

Cary Dog Park Rules and Fees:

Pet owners can purchase an annual membership or day pass.

Fees:

Single Dog: $40 (resident), $80 (non-resident)
Multi-Dog: $60 (resident), $120 (non-resident)
Dog Day Pass: $5 (resident), $10 (non-resident)

Jack Smith Park
9725 Penny Rd, Raleigh (town of Cary)NC 27606
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Amenities:

Five-foot high chain link fence with screening, paved entrance and electronic gate
Lighted areas for small dogs and for large dogs
Wood chips for ground cover
Benches
Water stations
Information kiosk
Pet cleanup areas

Robert V. Godbold Park
2050 NW Maynard Rd Cary, NC 27513
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Amenities:

Five-foot high chain link fence with screening, paved entrance and electronic gate
Lighted areas for small dogs and for large dogs
Wood chips for ground cover
Benches
Water stations
Information kiosk
Pet cleanup areas

Durham County Dog Parks

Durham Dog Park Rules and Fees:

Annual dog park fees:

Residents: $17 for first dog, $15 each additional dog
Non-residents: $22 for first dog, $20 for each additional dog

Dog park rules:

Dogs using the park must be licensed and meet all health requirements; entry into the park is only allowed for dogs with Dog Park I.D. and rabies tags.
Dogs are not allowed into the park if they are younger than 3 months, in heat, sick, or routinely aggressive.
Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs while in the park.
No prong, spike or electric collars allowed.
Owners are required to clean up after their dogs, inside and outside the fenced area.
No other animals allowed inside the dog park fenced area.
Dogs must be under control (voice or leash) of their owners at all times.
Any dog behaving aggressively must be immediately controlled or removed from the park.
No more than 3 dogs per person at any one time.
Children under 12 years old must be supervised by an adult.
Spectators should remain outside the fenced dog park area.
No large dogs in the small dog area; no small dogs in the large dog area.
Eating is not allowed within the fenced dog park area. Smoking included e-cigarettes is not allowed on any City park property.
Dog food in bowls, long‐lasting chews, and glass containers are not allowed within the fenced dog park area.
Owners must repair holes or disturbed areas created by their dogs.
Dog bites must be reported; owners should exchange contact information and call the Durham County Animal Control 919-560-0630 and DPR 919-560-4355.
Dog Park users must immediately leave the fenced dog park area when requested to do so by park or law enforcement personnel.
Professional dog trainers may not use the park to conduct their business.
Bicycles, rollerblades, skates, skateboards, and strollers are prohibited within the fenced dog park area.
All Durham County and North Carolina animal ordinances apply within the Dog Park

Duke Park
1608 Acadia St, Durham NC 27701
Phone: 919-560-4355, ext. 27261
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Amenities:

Separate areas for large and small dogs
Benches
Parking lot
Waste bag dispenser

Northgate
400 W Lavender Ave, Durham NC 27704
Phone: 919-560-4355, ext. 27261
Hours: Dawn to Duskcha
Amenities:

Separate areas for large and small dogs
Benches
Kiosks
Parking lot
Waste bag dispenser
Water access

Downtown Durham Dog Park
304 Elliot St, Durham NC 27703
Phone: 919-560-4355, ext. 27261
Amenities:

Separate areas for large and small dogs
Benches
Waste dispensers

Piney Wood
400 E Woodcroft Parkway, Durham NC 27713
Phone: 919-560-4355, ext. 27261
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Amenities:

Benches
Kiosks
Parking lot
Waste bag dispenser
Water fountain

Orange County Dog Parks

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Dog Park Rules

Dog owners must be 12 years or older or be supervised by an adult at all times while in park
Dogs must be at least 6 months old
Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the park
Dog owners must have leash in hand at all times
Dogs must be under voice control at all times while in the park
Dog owners must be in the park and within view of their dogs while the dogs are using the park
Dog feces must be cleaned up by owners
Dog owners must fill in any holes created by their dogs
Dogs must be removed from the dog park at the first sign of aggression
Female dogs in heat are prohibited from the park

Homestead Park
100 Aquatic Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Amenities:

Double gate
Separate areas for large and small dogs
Water
Waste mitts
20,000 square foot area

Southern Community Park
1000 Dogwood Acres Dr, Chapel Hill NC 27516
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Amenities:

2-acre dog park
Water
Waste mitts
Separate area for large and small dogs
Shade and sunny area

Carrboro

Carrboro dog park rules:

Dogs must be at least 6 months old
Dogs must wear a collar with current rabies and ID tags
Dogs must be up to date with all vaccinations
Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash when entering and exiting the park
Dogs in season or displaying symptoms of illnesses are not allowed
Dogs showing aggression must be removed immediately
Digging is not allowed
Owners must keep dogs in sight and under voice control
No more three dogs per person
No smoking or eating
No glass containers
No animals other than dogs
Owners must collect and dispose of all dog waste
No children under the age of 12
All dog bites must be reported to Carrboro Police department by calling 911
Owners are liable for any injury or damages caused by their dogs

Anderson Community Park
302 N Carolina Highway 54 W, Chapel Hill (town of Carrboro) NC 27516
Maintenance issues, call: 919-918-7425
All other issues, call: 919-918-7364

Hillsborough

Gold Park
415 Dimmocks Rd, Hillsborough NC 27278

Johnston County Dog Parks

Clayton

Dog Park Rules:

No children under 12 should be in the large dog fenced-in area
You must clean up after your dog
All dogs must wear current rabies tags
Don’t bring food for dogs or humans
No dogs in heat

East Clayton Dog Park
2027 Glen Laurel Rd, Clayton, NC 27527
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Amenities:

Separate areas for small and large dogs
Three acres of leash-free play area