Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Lifestyle

8 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charleston, SC, You Can Visit Today

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole CosgroveUpdated on July 4, 2026
Share
group of friends meet in the park with their dogs

Charleston, South Carolina, is an old city with a rich history and beautiful nature located throughout. It is a popular place for tourists who prefer to take their dogs with them wherever they go. Charleston is 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.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The 8 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charleston, SC

1. Hampton Park Dog Run

️ Address:83-147 Grove St, Charleston, SC 29403
Open Times:Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM, closed Saturday and Sunday
Cost:Free
Distance From Downtown:10 minutes (3 miles)
  • 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
  • Crabbing can be done on a seasonal basis
  • Several 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

️ Address:1001 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Open Times:Sunrise to Sunset
Cost:Free
Distance From Downtown:20 minutes (8 miles)
  • Located on the banks of the Cooper River
  • The dog park is inside the larger Riverfront Park on the northern end
  • The park is situated inside the old Charleston naval base
  • Many 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
  • Water park and river are available during the summer, so bring the family
  • Plenty of restaurants and stores nearby

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)
  • Several 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

️ Address:512 E Erie Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Open Times:Sunrise-Sunset
Cost:Free
Distance From Downtown:20 minutes (12 miles)
  • Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean
  • Cute fire hydrant for dogs to sniff and enjoy
  • Plenty of things to do nearby, including dog-friendly restaurants and cafes
  • Pet waste stations and water fountains available

7. Isle of Palms Recreation Center

️ Address:24 28th Ave, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Open Times:Sunrise to Sunset
Cost:Free
Distance From Downtown:30 minutes (14 miles)
  • 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

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
divider single dog paw oct 2024

Summary

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 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

The Dogster Newsletter

Expert dog care, straight to your inbox

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog.

No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)

Nicole Cosgrove
Authored by

Nicole Cosgrove

Leave a Reply

You're very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let's have a positive and constructive conversation.

7 Beautiful Off-Leash Dog Parks in Columbia, SC (2026 Update)

7 Beautiful Off-Leash Dog Parks in Columbia, SC (2026 Update)

If you live in Columbia, SC, or have ever visited the city, you know there are quite a few activities to participate in. However, finding an off-leash dog park…

Patricia Dickson
By Patricia Dickson · 4 weeks ago
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Carolina: On & Off-Leash Places

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Carolina: On & Off-Leash Places

South Carolina is one of the most popular beach destinations. Whether it’s Myrtle Beach or Sullivan’s Island, there’s much to do on the beaches in this friendl…

Patricia Dickson
By Patricia Dickson · 4 weeks ago
8 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks In & Near Cedar Park, TX You Can Visit Today

8 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks In & Near Cedar Park, TX You Can Visit Today

Most dogs love going for walks. That’s why your pup will start wagging their tail or try to reach for the leash whenever they get the sense that you’re about t…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · 4 weeks ago
9 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charlotte, NC in 2026 (With Pictures)

9 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charlotte, NC in 2026 (With Pictures)

Humans have plenty of places to socialize and enjoy, but what about your pups? If you live in or are visiting Charlotte, North Carolina, you’ll be happy to kno…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · 4 weeks ago

7 Great Off-leash Dog Parks in Greenville, SC You Can Visit Today

South Carolina is a reasonably dog-friendly state. If you live in Greenville, South Carolina, you won’t have any issues finding attractions, eateries, or hotel…

Jeff Weishaupt
By Jeff Weishaupt · July 4, 2026
7 Great Off-leash Dog Parks in Greenville, SC You Can Visit Today

Top 10 Off-Leash Parks in & Near Richmond, VA (2026 Update)

Do you want to get your dog out there so they can get to know the community a little bit better? If so, there are usually plenty of dog parks where they can me…

Ashley Bates
By Ashley Bates · July 4, 2026
Top 10 Off-Leash Parks in & Near Richmond, VA (2026 Update)

8 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Fairfax County, VA (With Pictures)

Fairfax County, Virginia has a lot to do for both humans and their canine pals. So, if you’re looking for something new and fresh for your dog to get into, dog…

Ashley Bates
By Ashley Bates · July 4, 2026
8 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Fairfax County, VA (With Pictures)

5 Fun Off-Leash Dog Parks in Savannah, GA (2026 Update)

Savannah, GA, is well-known for its rich history, ghost stories, gorgeous architecture, and Southern hospitality. It’s also known as a premier city for dog lov…

Patricia Dickson
By Patricia Dickson · July 4, 2026
5 Fun Off-Leash Dog Parks in Savannah, GA (2026 Update)

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Saint Augustine, FL You Can Visit in 2026

St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the United States and lies on the northeast side of the Sunshine State. The city is rich in history, and its dive…

Rachel Giordano
By Rachel Giordano · July 4, 2026
10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Saint Augustine, FL You Can Visit in 2026

10 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in the UK in 2026 You Won't Want to Miss

Off-leash parks are a great place to give your dog the freedom to run, explore, and socialize with other dogs and people. These parks often have fenced-off sec…

Keri-Beth Clur
By Keri-Beth Clur · July 4, 2026
10 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in the UK in 2026 You Won't Want to Miss

8 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Chesterfield, MO You Can Visit in 2026

If you live in an apartment in the city or you don’t have a yard, dog parks offer an opportunity to exercise your dog. Even if you have a fenced-in space for y…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · July 4, 2026
8 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Chesterfield, MO You Can Visit in 2026

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Washington, DC (With Pictures)

Just because you live in or are visiting a crowded city doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places you can take your pup. Washington DC is the nation’s capital…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · July 4, 2026
10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Washington, DC (With Pictures)

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Dogster app on a phone