Pawsome local dog parks
While the Charleston heat is a completely valid excuse for not leaving your apartment all dayβ Fido probably thinks otherwise and would prefer to retrieve a ball that isnβt thrown three feet from the couch (although he could do it all day long + be just as content).
Luckily, there are a plethora of pup parks, situated all across the Lowcountry. But before you grab Buddyβs leash, itβs important to plan ahead to ensure a safe + enjoyable experience for both you, and your furry friend.
Here is some basic βpetiquetteβ that any dog owner should know before entering a dog park:
πΆ Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations. This is a preventative measure that most dog parks require.
πΆ Stay with your dog at all times, and never leave them unattended. Occasionally, things can get a little ruff.
πΆ Bring a tennis ball or frisbee (my poochβs toy of choice), some extra water, and maybe a towel or two in case of muddy paws.
πΆ Make sure to always clean up after your pet to avoid any angry looks from other ownersβ¦ and smelly shoes. π©
πΆ Check that the park youβre visiting has plenty of shade + that water stations are available. If the temps are too highβ save the park for a cooler day.
πΆ Know the signs of heat strokeβ like excessive panting, excessive drooling, dehydration, + rapid heart rate. If you are concerned that your pet might be suffering from heat-related illnessβ get him/her out of the heat + call your vet immediately.
Read on below to see where you and your four-legged friend can have some doggone fun
Hampton Dog Park Run
π30 Mary Murray Dr.
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Offers shade, benches, a water station, plus bags + waste stations
πΎ Some holes are present in the parkβ so watch your step
Hazel Parker Playground
π70 E. Bay St.
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Offers shade, benches, a water station, plus bags + waste stations
πΎ Off-leash is limited to before 9 a.m. + after 6 p.m. during spring through early fall
Wannamaker County Park
π8888 University Blvd., North Charleston
β° Mon. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. // Tues.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
π° $2 park admission
π Offers large + small dog areas, shade, and a water station
πΎ Bring your pup to the Dog Day afternoon at the waterpark on Sept. 9, from 12-5 pm. $12 in advance, $15 at the gate.
Riverfront Park
π1001 Everglades Ave., North Charleston
β° Mon.- Sun., 6 a.m.- 10 p.m.
π° free
π The park is fully fenced + near the playground (so if your pup is anti-kid, itβs probably not the best place for them to relax + play)
πΎ No separation for big + little dogs
Palmetto Island County Park
π444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant
β° Mon.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. (opens at 9 a.m on Wednesdays)
π° $2 park admission
π Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, a water station, plus bags + waste stations
πΎ Bring your pup to the Dog Day afternoon at the waterpark on Sept. 8, either from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., or from 1-3 p.m. $8 in advance, $10 at the gate.
Rifle Range Dog Park
π1559 Rifle Range Rd. Mt. Pleasant
β° Sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Offers large + small dog areas, a water station, + waste bags
πΎ Shade is limited + bug spray is a must
Ackerman Park
π55 Sycamore Ave., West Ashley
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Offers large + small dogs areas, shade, + a water station
πΎ Thereβs a bulletin board for postings about pet sitters, groomers, lost dogs, etc.
Bees Landing Recreation Complex
π1590 Ashley Garden Blvd., West Ashley
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, plus a water station + cleaning station
πΎ Three gated sections: sunny, shaded, + wetlands (muddy paws are expected)
Lenevar Park
π1305 Lenevar Drive South, West Ashley
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Great space for off-leash exercise
πΎ Jog on the trail around the park with your pup on-leash
James Island County Park
π871 Riverland Dr., James Island
β° Mon.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
π° $2 park admission
π Boasts a dog beach, four-acres of grass to roam with shaded areas, cleaning station, small dog area, plus bags + waste stations
πΎ Bring towels for the car ride home so the pups can wash off in the cleaning station
Wassamassaw Community Park
π651 Wassamassaw Rd., Summerville
β° Mon.- Sun., 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
π° free
π Offers large + small dog areas
πΎ Restrooms + playground nearby
Bark Park Dog Park
π29th Ave & Lauden Blvd., Isle of Palms
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset // Closed Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. for cleaning
π° free
π Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, a water station, toys, plus bags + waste stations
πΎ No children under 13 allowed in dog park
Governorβs Park Dog Run
π145 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island
β° Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
π° free
π Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, water stations, plus bags + waste stations
πΎ Tennis balls are abundantβ so donβt worry if youβve forgotten yours πΎ
Other pet-friendly parks to consider: Brittlebank Park (dogs must be leashed at all times), Cannon Park, Horselot, White Point Garden (dogs must be leashed at all times), Freedom Park, West Ashley Park (dogs must be leashed at all times), + Johns Island Park. Note that these are open areas for all to enjoy.
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Personally, my favorite place to take my pup (featured below) is IOP or Sullivanβs Island. However, Charleston has some pretty strict beach rules regarding dogs, so take a glance at our beach guide before heading out.
Whether weβre headed to a patch of grass or a sand dune, Huck is just excited to get outside + play with his frisbee.
Where do you take your pooch when theyβre begginβ to get some exercise?
Let me know in the comments belowβ Huck + I will be sure to check it out.
β Erin, Digital Media Intern