Our
pups easily take over our hearts and our homes. But learning how to be social
with other dogs and humans is essential for their healthy development.
Dog parks are a popular way to get your pups out and socialize, play, and engage in healthy exercise. Most dogs need regular exercise and a run at the park with a side of playtime will get the ball rolling.
Most
dog parks have their own rules and regulations to follow, so be sure to read
the signs upon entering. Some parks charge a fee to help maintain the park or
require a permit to bring your dog. Be sure you are ready for cleanup by
bringing along extra doggie bags. Also, water to rehydrate after play time and
small treats to reward your pooch for good behavior.
Bring your furry bestie to one of these local dog parks:
Orange County
Montgomery Park
Thomas Bull Memorial Park located at 211 State Rt. 416 is open to the public seven days a week from 7am to dusk. This fenced-in, off-leash area is approximately 1.5 acres and features separate areas for “Small Dogs” and “All Dogs,” water fountains, benches and shade areas. The landscape of the park has contrasts of flat open areas and rolling hills for dogs of all sizes to enjoy. This is a great venue for dogs to socialize and exercise. Please follow the posted rules and regulations and clean up after your dog.
Off Gardnertown and Powder Mill Road and off Route 32, Town of Newburgh. The 30,000 square-foot park is open from dawn until dusk and includes benches, tables and pet stations. (845) 615-3830.
105 California Avenue, Middletown. There's an area for small dogs and another for all dogs. Dogs must be licensed by the City of Middletown and up to date with vaccinations. Off-leash play for large and small dogs in two separate areas. Features also include play structures/obstacles, a water fountain, a waste station and a shaded seating space.
Smith's Clove Park's Dog Park
The dog park features a large fenced in area, which also includes a separate area for smaller dogs. The park is for residents of Monroe & registration is required. Park is open from dawn until dusk. The dog park is subject to closures due to winter weather conditions. Permit application is on the website.
Dutchess County
Beacon Dog Park
The
park is in Memorial Park located at 195 Robert Cahill Dr., Beacon and is open
from dawn to dusk. Voted Hudson Valley’s Best Dog Park for seven years in a row, this non-profit
park makes doggie playdates easy with separated sections for small and larger
dogs. Memberships are an annual fee of $55 and can be purchased online.
Doherty Dog Park
The park
is located at 839 Beekman Rd., Hopewell Junction. The Dog Park open/closed status is emailed directly to Dog Park members and posted on the Members Only Facebook page. Dog owners must obtain a membership, open to residents only. Small and Large dog parks are separated. (845) 724-5300.
Friendly Paws at Doug Phillips Dog Park
This large park at Route 52 and Phillips Rd. in Fishkill offers adequately shaded and fenced-in park areas for your pet. This park is open everyday except Thursdays. The park has a small water source for drinking and rumor has it there is a plastic pool in the summertime. Permit available online.
Ulster County
Kingston Point Dog Park
Adjacent
to and behind the softball fields at 41 Delaware Ave., this park offers a safe
and responsibly designed and well managed facility. Food and children under 12
are not allowed inside the fence. Open dawn to dusk. Users are asked to please
observe dog park rules. (845) 331-1682.
For Paws of Ulster Inc. This not-for-profit,
volunteer run dog park is located at 294 Libertyville Rd. in New Paltz. It is across the street from the Ulster County Fairgrounds near the
Field of Dreams (follow signs to the back of the property). Open dawn to dusk every day and offers
benches, waste stations and waste station bags. This park is maintained by
volunteers, please be courteous and clean up after your pet and follow the
posted rules. (845) 255-7027.
Milton Landing Dog Park
28 Sands Ave., Milton. Water fountains and bowls for dogs, benches to sit. Fenced in sections with gates for small and large dogs. Plenty of room for your pooch to run. Very nice running area complete and a dog obstacle course.
The Woodstock Dog Park
Rick
Volz Property, Dixon Rd. Saugerties is just off Rt. 212. Turn left at the
baseball field and at the back of the parking lot you will find a trail that
leads to two fenced in parks. To foster healthy, non aggressive and responsible canine social interaction in a safe off-leash area that separately accommodates large dogs (over 30 pounds) and small dogs (under 30 pounds).You can also find agility obstacles along with a natural
woodsy terrain.
Woof Gardens
Half of the park is in the shade and has picnic seating. Plenty of natural beautiful Catskill terrain for your dogs senses. The park contains fire hydrants, dog pond, climbs, enrichment course, and a cool down or warm up Enrichment Trail for before or after your dogs park experience. There's also a dog wash to rinse off all the dirt that comes with a good time. security cameras and music are present for safety. Dog control officers on site, to respond to any possible emergency. Dog Control Officers are experienced with Human and Canine first aid.
Sullivan County
Central Bark Dog Park
This park offers dogs off-leash play areas while their people enjoy the park-like setting. Town Park. 27-29 Mamakating Rd., Bloomingburg.
Town of Bethel Dog
Park
This
fenced-in, off-leash dog park at 50 Golf Park Rd. in Smallwood prohibits food and
kids under 13 inside the park fence. Dog handlers must be age 16 or older.
(845) 583-4350 x102.
If your
furry one is too small for a dog park, or still learning leash etiquette there
are plenty of dog friendly hiking trails in the area and pet-friendly places to
take your pup. The Walkway over the
Hudson offers watering stations and waste bags at each entrance and is
open dawn until dusk. There is no sun cover, so pavement may be hot, but it is
perfect for early morning walks.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic
Park requires dogs to remain on a leash and pet parents must clean
up after their pooch. The expansive lawn area (away from the mansion) and tree
cover is perfect on a hot day and there are beautiful trails located behind the
mansion that take you closer to the river. Always plan your trip ahead by
looking online or calling for site specific rules about pet policies.
Updated 3/12/2025