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 Park | Photo by @growingupcaboose

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 | Photo by @mulliganissoup, re-posted by @alittletookate

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 Park | Photo by @carolinaandsandy

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

Dog Park at James Island County Park | Photo by @southernly.sweet.shorthairs

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

Daniel Island Dog Park | Photo by @jacksonmoffatt

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