The dog days are (not) over

Pawsome local dog parks

While the Charleston heat is a completely valid excuse for not leaving your apartment all day– Fido probably thinks otherwise and would prefer to retrieve a ball that isn’t 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 Buddy’s leash, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure a safe + enjoyable experience for both you, and your furry friend.

Here is some basic ‘petiquette’ that any dog owner should know before entering a dog park:
🐶 Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations. This is a preventative measure that most dog parks require.
🐶 Stay with your dog at all times, and never leave them unattended. Occasionally, things can get a little ruff.
🐶 Bring a tennis ball or frisbee (my pooch’s toy of choice), some extra water, and maybe a towel or two in case of muddy paws.
🐶 Make sure to always clean up after your pet to avoid any angry looks from other owners… and smelly shoes. 💩
🐶 Check that the park you’re visiting has plenty of shade + that water stations are available. If the temps are too high– save the park for a cooler day.
🐶 Know the signs of heat stroke – like excessive panting, excessive drooling, dehydration, + rapid heart rate. If you are concerned that your pet might be suffering from heat-related illness– 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
📍30 Mary Murray Dr.
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Offers shade, benches, a water station, plus bags + waste stations
🐾 Some holes are present in the park– so watch your step

Hazel Parker Playground
📍70 E. Bay St.
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Offers shade, benches, a water station, plus bags + waste stations
🐾 Off-leash is limited to before 9 a.m. + after 6 p.m. during spring through early fall

Wannamaker County Park
📍8888 University Blvd., North Charleston
⏰ Mon. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. // Tues.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
💰 $2 park admission
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas, shade, and a water station
🐾 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
📍1001 Everglades Ave., North Charleston
⏰ Mon.- Sun., 6 a.m.- 10 p.m.
💰 free
🐕 The park is fully fenced + near the playground (so if your pup is anti-kid, it’s probably not the best place for them to relax + play)
🐾 No separation for big + little dogs

Palmetto Island County Park
📍444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant
⏰ Mon.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. (opens at 9 a.m on Wednesdays)
💰 $2 park admission
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, a water station, plus bags + waste stations
🐾 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
📍1559 Rifle Range Rd. Mt. Pleasant
⏰ Sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas, a water station, + waste bags
🐾 Shade is limited + bug spray is a must

Ackerman Park
📍55 Sycamore Ave., West Ashley
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Offers large + small dogs areas, shade, + a water station
🐾 There’s a bulletin board for postings about pet sitters, groomers, lost dogs, etc.

Bees Landing Recreation Complex
📍1590 Ashley Garden Blvd., West Ashley
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, plus a water station + cleaning station
🐾 Three gated sections: sunny, shaded, + wetlands (muddy paws are expected)

Lenevar Park
📍1305 Lenevar Drive South, West Ashley
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Great space for off-leash exercise
🐾 Jog on the trail around the park with your pup on-leash

James Island County Park
📍871 Riverland Dr., James Island
⏰ Mon.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
💰 $2 park admission
🐕 Boasts a dog beach, four-acres of grass to roam with shaded areas, cleaning station, small dog area, plus bags + waste stations
🐾 Bring towels for the car ride home so the pups can wash off in the cleaning station

Wassamassaw Community Park
📍651 Wassamassaw Rd., Summerville
⏰ Mon.- Sun., 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
💰 free
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas
🐾 Restrooms + playground nearby

Bark Park Dog Park
📍29th Ave & Lauden Blvd., Isle of Palms
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset // Closed Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. for cleaning
💰 free
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, a water station, toys, plus bags + waste stations
🐾 No children under 13 allowed in dog park

Governor’s Park Dog Run
📍145 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island
⏰ Mon.- Sun., sunrise to sunset
💰 free
🐕 Offers large + small dog areas, shade, benches, water stations, plus bags + waste stations
🐾 Tennis balls are abundant– so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten yours 🎾

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 Sullivan’s Island. However, Charleston has some pretty strict beach rules regarding dogs, so take a glance at our beach guide before heading out.

Whether we’re 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 they’re beggin’ to get some exercise?

Let me know in the comments below– Huck + I will be sure to check it out.

– Erin , Digital Media Intern