Rumor has it, dog parks are the fastest-growing kind of parks in the country. And, that’s something we can get behind. We’ve rounded up the best dog parks in Arkansas. So next time you want to spend a sunny afternoon with your best four-legged friend, check out the spots below. — And if you’re looking for an easy way to clean your pup up after a day of play, come see us and our self-wash station.
Central Arkansas Dog Parks
1. MacArthur Unleashed Dog Park
This two-acre, fenced dog park is located in MacArthur Park in downtown Little Rock and opened in 2013. It has water stations and rocks for climbing, plus a separate area for dogs under 30 pounds. Located at 601 East Ninth Street, Little Rock.
2. Paws Park at Murray
Located near the Arkansas River and along the Arkansas River Trail, dogs can run free in this completely shaded, two-acre park. Dog parents can relax at the picnic tables while their pups splash in the swimming tubs. Located at Murray Park on Rebsamen Road, Little Rock.
3. Burns Park Dog Park
Burns Park is one of the nation’s largest municipal parks and within this massive 1,500-acre park is a North Little Rock little gem dedicated solely to dogs. There are three individual play areas for small, medium and large dogs. Located at Burns Park, 501 Tournament Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118.Conway’s
4. Conway PetSafe Dog Park
If your doggos need plenty of space to romp and run, Conway’s PetSafe Dog Park is a doggone good find. Featuring a huge natural area with trees, water, designated areas for large and small dogs and ample parking, this is a favorite for hoomans and dogs alike. This park is located at Acorn Kid Loop, Conway, AR 72032
5. Benton Dog Park
A well-kept park with agility equipment, this is the perfect park for our Benton and Bryant dwellers and doggos. Be sure to bring some extra water as the fountains are turned off to protect pipes in the winter! Happy Wags! Find this park at 1914 U St, Benton, AR 72015
6. Bryant Bark Park
Just in front of the Alcoa 40 Park in Bryant, you’ll find the Bryant Bark Park. With fenced areas, water fountains and picnic tables, it’s a grrreat place to have a lunch picnic with your pooch! One of the newer dog parks Arkansas has to show off, the Bark Park boasts a small dog area as well as a large dog area for woofs over 25 pounds. Located at 1110 Shobe Rd, Bryant.
Fayetteville Dog Parks
1. IAMS Dog Park
This three-acre park is divided into small- and large-breed play areas with water fountains and agility equipment. But, the biggest perk may just be the lights. While most parks close at sunset, this spot is open until 11 p.m. Located at Bryce Davis Park, 1595 N. Dartmouth Avenue, Fayetteville.
2. Lake Wilson Park Off-Leash Area
While this isn’t a traditional, fenced-in park, the entire area is considered an off-leash dog park. You can walk the nature trail through the woods then let your pup take a dip in Lake Wilson. Located at 4668 S Lake Wilson Road, Fayetteville.
3. Gulley Park
If you want to take a nice, peaceful stroll with your dog, this is the place for you. Gulley Park is encircled by a paved and lit 1.5-mile trail perfect for walks – or runs! But that’s not all Gulley Park has to offurr as one of the best dog parks in Arkansas.
Each summer, the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department offers a series of free outdoor concerts on the Gulley Park grounds. The entertainment is family-friendly, and, since dogs are a major part of the fam, they are welcome to join the fun too! Located at 1850 E Township St, Fayetteville.
Hounds Lounge
We get it. Your life is busy. You want to spend an afternoon with your fur-baby at the dog park, but errands are calling, and that pile of laundry seems to be growing larger by the day. Maybe it’s been raining all morning, and your pup has enough bottled-up energy to last a week. Rather than keep your furchild cooped up in the house, drop them by Hounds Lounge! With our doggie daycare, your pup can unleash those bottled-up zoomies in our 5,000 square-foot, indoor/outdoor play yard. Your dog will pawsitively have the time of their life in our supervised leash-free group play. We designate two areas by size and play-style – ensuring every pup can safely meet their next best friend.
Check out our doggie daycare page for more information.
How to Be Safe at the Dog Park
Before you and Fido head out for a play day at any of the best dog parks in Arkansas, it’s impawtant to ensure you’ve taken all safety measures. Consider the questions below before trotting to the bark park.
When is the best time to go to the dog park?
The best time to go to the dog park is during slow hours, when there are fewer dogs present. This creates a better experience for your dog, because they are less likely to feel overwhelmed or get involved in a conflict with another woof. You can discover these off-times by scoping out the dog area sans pooch.
During summer, it’s ideal to hit the dog park in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler for furry Fido.
What should I bring to the dog park?
You should bring the following items to the dog park:
- Water plus water bowl
- Treats
- Poop bags
- Leash
- Towels in case Fido gets dirty
- For the hooman: water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat – and don’t forget the car keys!
While most dog parks are within fenced areas, it’s still highly recommended that your dog wear their collar and I.D. tag.
What should I NOT bring to the dog park?
Don’t bring your woof’s toys – doing so could lead to aggressive behavior from your doggo and, in the worst case scenario, a fight. If you can’t resist bringing a toy, make sure to bring several that you can share with the whole bark park pack.
When is my puppy ready to go to the dog park for the first time?
Your puppy is ready to go to the dog park for the first time two weeks after they are completely vaccinated. This same rule applies to Hounds Lounge visits. Along with being fully vaccinated, it’s also recommended that your puppy be at least five months old before visiting any of the dog parks Arkansas boasts.
5 Dog Park Safety Tips
Keep these tips in mind the next time you visit a dog park near you.
- Know the dog park rules regarding dog size, vaccine requirements, spay/neuter policies, leashes, etc. These rules should be posted near the park entrance or online.
- Your dog should have “reliable recall” mastered. If they don’t, paws on going to the dog park and start training. Use our blog, How to Teach Your Dog to Come: Reliable Recall Training, as a resource.
- Keep your eyes peeled for any unhealthy and/or aggressive behavior from other dogs, as well as your own.
- Stay engaged with your dog. This is not the time or place to check emails or return phone calls!
- Leave the park after one hour, or before your woof starts getting tired and/or irritable.
Hounds Lounge
We get it. Your life is busy. You want to spend an afternoon with your fur-baby at one of the best dog parks in Arkansas, but errands are calling, and that pile of laundry seems to be growing larger by the day. Maybe it’s been raining all morning, and your pup has enough bottled-up energy to last a week. Rather than keep your furchild cooped up in the house, drop them by one of our many Arkansas locations! With our doggie daycare, your pup can unleash those bottled-up zoomies in our 5,000 square-foot, indoor/outdoor play yard. Your dog will pawsitively have the time of their life in our supervised leash-free group play. We designate two areas by size and play-style – ensuring every pup can safely meet their next best friend.
Check out our doggie daycare page for more information.
