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Charleston, South Carolina, is an old city with plenty of rich history and beautiful nature located throughout. It is a popular place for tourists, and there are things to do year-round. Charleston is also a very dog-friendly city with plenty of amazing parks that allow you to let your dog run around leash free. Be sure to check the weather, keep an eye on the thermometer, and refresh yourself on the rules before you set out.1
Here are eight amazing off-leash dog parks in the Charleston, South Carolina, area that you can visit today.
The 8 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charleston, SC
1. Hampton Park Dog Run
Large dog park with plenty of room to run and play
Old growth shade trees help on hot days
Nestled in the heart of Charleston
A great place for locals or tourists in town with their pets
2. James Island County Park
🗺️ Address:
📍871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
🕐 Open Times:
January – April 8 AM – Sunset | May – August: 8 AM – 8 PM | September & October: 8 AM – Sunset | November-December: 8 AM – 5 PM
💲 Cost:
$2/person
🐕 Distance From Downtown:
10 minutes (6 miles)
Miles of trails to enjoy
Riverbank walking and fishing is available to enjoy
Crabbing can be done on a seasonal basis
Tons of amenities, including picnic tables, shade spots, water fountains, pavilions, and more
Camping with your dog is permitted (check rules and details)
3. Riverfront Dog Park
Located on the banks of the Cooper River which offers stunning views
The dog park is inside the larger Riverfront Park on the northern end
The park is situated inside the old Charleston naval base, with plenty of historical markers dotted around
Tons of things to do in the park and nearby
4. Wannamaker County Park
🗺️ Address:
📍8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406
🕐 Open Times:
January – April: 8 AM – Sunset | May – August: 8 AM. – 8 PM | September – December: 8 AM – Sunset
💲 Cost:
$2/person
🐕 Distance From Downtown:
30 minutes (18 miles)
1,015 acres of nature to explore, including trails, meadows, wetlands, and more
Doggie water fountains available for those hot days
Water park and river are available during the summer, so bring the family
Plenty of restaurants and stores nearby to help you stock up on supplies
5. Palmetto Islands County Park
🗺️ Address:
📍444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
🕐 Open Times:
January – April: 8 AM – Sunset | May – August: 8 AM. – 8 PM | September – December: 8 AM – Sunset
💲 Cost:
$2/person
🐕 Distance From Downtown:
20 minutes (12 miles)
Tons of boardwalks to explore
Over 900 acres of nature to enjoy year round
Nature island available to explore
Observation tower can be climbed for great views
Located minutes from the Fort Sumter monument
6. City of Folly Beach’s Bark Park
Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean
Cute fire hydrant for dogs to sniff and enjoy
Plenty of things to do nearby, including some dog friendly restaurants and cafes
Pet waste stations and water fountains available to help you keep up with your pup
7. Isle of Palms Recreation Center
This complex is large, don’t get lost on your way to the dog park
Dog park is located off of 29th Ave behind the recreation center building
Steps away from the beach and a short drive from Fort Sumter
Plenty to do in and around the recreation center, so make a day of it
8. Johns Island County Park
🗺️ Address:
📍2662 Mullet Hall Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
🕐 Open Times:
January – April: 8 AM – Sunset | May – August: 8 AM. – 8 PM | September – December: 8 AM – Sunset
💲 Cost:
$2/person
🐕 Distance From Downtown:
30 minutes (19 miles)
738 acres of outdoor fun for the whole family
Miles and miles of walking trails
This is an equestrian park, so be mindful of your dogs around horses
Plenty of amenities are available on-site including fountains, shade, benches, and more
Conclusion
Charleston has so many unique parks in and around the city for you to explore with your dog. From freshwater river parks to open dog runs located just steps from the beach, there is a park for everyone and every type of dog. All of these fantastic options give both locals and visitors plenty to choose from, and each park has special areas to let your dogs run around off-leash and enjoy the day. All you have to do is pick one and start exploring.
Featured Image Credit: DMegias, Shutterstock
Written by
Nicole Cosgrove
Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.…Read more
