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 to take your canine pal can be a problem for some pet owners.
When searching for an off-leash dog park, you want to find a spot where the pets and pet parents are friendly, there is shade for humans, and running water if possible. You also want the park to be clean and have separate areas for small and large dogs. You’re in luck because we’ve found seven excellent dog parks to try out.
The 7 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Columbia, SC
1. Emily Douglas Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 2500 Wheat St. Columbia, SC 29205 |
| Open Times: | Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | In designated areas |
- Has plenty of shade for pet parents to cool off
- Has an off-leash area
- This is the only free off-leash park in Columbia
- Has doggie drinking areas in the summer
- Fenced area, but with no separate areas for small and large dogs
2. Sesquicentennial State Park
| ️ Address: | 9564 Two-Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | $4 daily pass, or $25 for annual membership |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- Features a 2-acre off-leash area for pets to run in
- Features shallow pools for dogs to play in
- Proof of vaccinations, spay/neutering required
- Has picnic areas to relax in
- Has 30 acres of trails and ground for you and your pet to explore. Pets must be on-leash in these areas
3. Finlay Park
| ️ Address: | 930 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | $4 daily pass, or $25 for annual membership |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Has a snack bar for pet parents
- Gorgeous man-made lakes and waterfalls
- Leashed pets allowed in some areas
- Friendly pet owners and pets
- Close to downtown views
4. NOMA (North Main) Bark Park
| ️ Address: | 1250 Parkside Dr. Columbia, SC 29201 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Cost: | $25 annual membership |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- 5-acre park for dogs to roam
- Located in the heart of downtown Columbia
- Has separate areas for small and large dogs
- Has plenty of on-leash areas to explore
- Must provide proof of vaccines and spaying and neutering before entry
5. The Barking Lot
| ️ Address: | 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212 |
| Open Times: | Normal park hours |
| Cost: | $40 annual fee, covers two pets, $ 5-day parking, or $55 annual parking fee |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Need to provide proof of vaccines and spaying or neutering
- Has an interactive fire hydrant sprayer, agility course, and gazebo
- Features three small doggie pools
- Two acres to run in
- Has running water
6. Riverfront Park
| ️ Address: | 1115 Gist St, Columbia, SC 29201 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- Friendly pets and pet owners
- 5-mile jogging trail for pet parents and dogs on leash
- Has gorgeous views of the river
- Shady
Related Read: Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charleston, SC
7. Granby Park
| ️ Address: | 100 Catawba Cir, Columbia, SC 29201 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Has access to Broad, Congaree, and Saluda rivers
- Has hiking trails, wheelchair ramps, biking trails, picnic areas, and more
- Has public restrooms for pet parents
- 12 miles of trails and more
- The perfect spot for nature lovers and their canine pals
Conclusion
There are more than a few off-leash dog parks in Columbia, SC that you and your furry friend can visit. As with any spot you go where dogs are allowed, make sure you follow the rules of the park and pick up after your dog. The dog parks on our list have plenty of trails, on-leash and off-leash areas, water fountains, shade, picnic spots, and more so that you can have a nice day hanging out with your canine.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: barinovalena, Shutterstock
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Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
