Hours for county parks: 7 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset on weekends and holidays. Bring water — several parks have no water source.
1. Baron Cameron Dog Park
The gold standard. Separate big-dog and small-dog areas, a water supply, and consistently good upkeep. If you only visit one county dog park, make it this one.
2. Monticello Dog Park
Large and small dog areas, gravel surface (less mud than grass parks after rain), and water on site. A strong all-rounder for the southern part of the county.
3. Chandon Dog Park
Water plus a dedicated small-dog area for pups under 25 lbs. Well kept and popular with Herndon/Reston regulars.
4. South Run Dog Park
One big play area — great for high-energy dogs that want room to run. Set inside the larger South Run park, so you can combine it with a leashed walk.
5. Dulles Station Community Dog Park
Newer park with water, a shade pavilion, and a community feel. Good option if you're near the Dulles corridor.
6. Blake Lane Dog Park
The county's first dog park (est. 2000). Grassy fenced field, but no water — bring your own. Still a solid neighborhood option.
7. Grist Mill Dog Park
Water on site and 75 acres of surrounding park. A bit of a drive for most of Fairfax, but the setting is lovely.
8. Rock Hill District Dog Park
Adjoining grassy area and a lake view. No water source — bring your own. Good for Chantilly/Centreville folks.
9. Mason District Dog Park
Partially shaded, which matters in August. No water — bring your own.
10. Fairfax City Dog Park
City-owned (not county-run). Water fountains, fenced run, open dawn to dusk. Convenient if you're in the city itself.
11. Moorefield Park Dog Area
Town of Vienna's offering — roughly 10 acres, so there's room to roam. Worth knowing about on the east side.
Arlington County
Arlington's county-run dog parks are open sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Shirlington Dog Park
The county's largest at 2.5 acres, with separate big-dog and small-dog areas, stream access, and water stations. Volunteer-supported since 1995. Parking is tight — go early on weekends.
Fort Ethan Allen Dog Park
Hand-painted murals, shaded benches, and secluded sections for shy pups, set inside a 15-acre historic site. One of the prettiest dog parks in the region.
Utah Dog Park
The county's first fenced off-leash area (1997). Communal toys, a pavilion, and a loyal regular crowd.
Fort Barnard Dog Park
Fully fenced and lit for evening play, with a community garden next door. A quieter alternative to Shirlington.
Towers Park Dog Park
Fully fenced with an agility course, lit until 10pm, and a separate small-dog area. Great for after-work visits.
Glencarlyn Dog Park
The only unfenced dog park in Arlington — wooded, with a rocky creek. Reliable recall required; not for every dog.
Alexandria
Westgrove Dog Park
Voted Alexandria's #1 dog park in ALXnow's 2026 readers' poll. Big, well-kept, and worth the drive from anywhere in NoVA.
Eugene Simpson Stadium Park
Recently renovated with a separate small-dog area. Clean, modern, and convenient to Del Ray.
Ben Brenman Park Dog Park
Large, fenced, and lighted, set by Backlick Creek. Plenty of room for big runners.
Duke Street Dog Park
Small but fully fenced with a small-dog area. No water — bring your own.
Dog Run Park at Carlyle
Two fenced big/small areas in the Carlyle neighborhood. Water fountains can be unreliable — bring water. Parking is difficult.
Montgomery Park
Fully fenced gravel run in the heart of Old Town. Pairs perfectly with a waterfront walk.
Loudoun County
Leesburg Dog Park
Enclosed 3/4-acre park with separate small (under 25 lbs) and large areas, water, and waste bags. The county's flagship.
Franklin Park Off-Leash Area
Off-leash area inside a 200+ acre county park — combine the dog run with trails and open fields.
Creighton West Park Dog Park
Two areas (under 25 lbs and any size), open dawn to dusk. Note: this park is run by the Brambleton HOA for community residents.
Somerset Dog Park
Fully fenced and double-gated, no size separation, free parking. Good neighborhood option.
Lansdowne Town Center Dog Park
Fenced and double-gated, next to the shops — easy to pair with errands.
One Loudoun Dog Park
Well-kept park in the One Loudoun development. Nice stop if you're in Ashburn.
Prince William County
K-9 Gunner Memorial Dog Park
Fully fenced with separate small/large areas, agility equipment, water, and shelters. Built by a local dog group with the county in 2013.
Lucky's Dog Park
Two separate areas, water fountains, benches, and a walking path. Open 6am–9pm.
Manassas Park Dog Park
Two areas and a water spigot; hosts the Beaglefest fundraiser twice a year. Enter via Courtney St or Tremont St.
Know before you go
- Water: Blake Lane, Rock Hill, and Mason District have no water source. Bring your own, especially in summer.
- Vaccinations: County parks require current rabies vaccination — keep tags on your dog.
- Small dogs: Baron Cameron, Chandon, and Monticello have separate small-dog areas.
- Peak times: Weekday evenings and weekend mornings are busiest. Go midday on weekdays for a quieter run.
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