20 dog parks in the Charlotte area — what you need to know before you go

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.

If you have never taken your pup to a dog park, familiarize yourself with the rules before going. We’ve provided links to the rules for the dog parks, so be sure to follow each link for complete information.

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.

Mecklenburg County Park and Rec Dog Parks

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s dog parks are free to visit, and you don’t need a pass. They are open from 7:30 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week. Dogs must maintain current vaccinations (Rabies with tag number, DHLPP, and Bordatella.) No children under the age of 12 are allowed in the dog park. Find all rules here.

Frazier Park
1201 West Fourth Street Extension, Charlotte
1.3 acres, with sections for small and large dogs. There’s a public water supply for dogs.

Swaney Pointe K-9 Park
Ramsey Creek Park
18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius
4 acres, with sections for small and large dogs. 

Barkingham Park
Reedy Creek Park
2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
4 acres

Ray’s Fetching Meadow
McAlpine Creek Community Park
8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte
1 acre, with sections for large and small dogs.

Davie Dog Park
William R. Davie District Park
4635 Pineville-Matthews Road
5 acres, with sections for large and small dogs

Shuffletown Park
9500 Bellhaven Boulevard

Clarks Creek Community Park
5435 Hucks Road

Dog Parks in Gaston County

George Poston Dog Park
George Poston Park
1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia
4.5 acres for large dogs, and 1 acre for small dogs. Dog park rules here.

Goat Island
141 8th Avenue, Cramerton

Tuckaseege Dog Park
165 Broome Street, Mount Holly

Dallas Dog Park
1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas

Dog Parks in Pineville

Canine Commons Dog Park
181 Lake Drive, Pineville
Find rules of dog park here.

Dog Parks in Lake Norman Area

The Preserve Dog Park
330 O’Henry Avenue, Davidson
To bring your dog here, you need to register your dog with the Davidson Police Department first.

Swaney Pointe K-9 Park
Ramsey Creek Park
18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius
4 acres, with sections for small and large dogs. This park is part of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. See above.

Academy Street Park
601 S Academy Street, Mooresville

Dog Parks in Cabarrus County

Weddington Road Bark Park
8955 Weddington Road, Concord
Dog park rules here.

Dog Parks in Union County

Dogwood Park
121 Lester Davis Road, Waxhaw
Separate sections for large and small dogs. Dog park rules here.

Dog Park at Crooked Creek Park
5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail
The dog park requires a key card, which is free for Indian Trail residents, and $50 for non-residents (for one dog.)

Dog Parks in Fort Mill Area of South Carolina

Mary Warner Mack Dog Park
Anne Springs Close Greenway
148 Adventure Road, Fort Mill, SC
To use the dog park you have to be a member of the Greenway and the Dog Park. It costs $180 a year, or $15 for a monthly plan. The Dog Park does sometimes have open houses, during which you can visit without a membership, but you have to pay the daily use fee for the Greenway, which is $6. Read all the rules here.

Spencer Park and Dog Park
1036 Eastwood Drive, Rock Hill, SC
One area for small dogs, and one area for dogs of all sizes. Water fountains for dogs. Dog park rules here.