Want to get your four-legged pooch outside and socializing? Take them to one of the Wilmington area dog parks! There are a few to choose from depending on your location and they’re all FREE!
Updated: May 2022
North Wilmington
Ogden Park (New Hanover County)
615 Ogden Park Drive
Wilmington, NC 28411
Off-leash area (small dog and large dog) with water and waste stations.
Read the rules.
Central Wilmington
Long Leaf Park (New Hanover County)
314 Pine Grove Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409
Off-leash area (small dog and large dog) with water and waste stations.
Read the rules.
Empie Dog Park (City of Wilmington)
3405-A Park Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
Off-leash area (small dog and large dog) with water and waste stations.
Read the rules.
Carolina Beach
Mike Chappell Park (Town of Carolina Beach)
501 S. Dow Road
Kure Beach, NC 28428
Off-leash area with water and waste stations.
Learn more.
Kure Beach
Gurney Hood Barking Lot at Joe Eakes Park (Town of Kure Beach)
K Avenue & S. 7th Avenue
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Off-leash area (small dog and large dog) with water and waste stations.
Learn more.
Winnabow
Town Creek Park (Brunswick County)
6420 Ocean Highway E.
Winnabow, NC 28479
Off-leash area with water and waste stations.
Learn more.
Surf City
Surf City Bark Park (Town of Surf City)
201 Community Center Drive
Surf City, NC 28445
Off-leash area (small dog and large dog) with water and waste stations.
Learn more.
Oak Island
Salty Dog Park at Bill Smith Park
4446 Fish Factory Road
Oak Island, NC 28465
Off-leash area (small dog and large dog) with waste stations. Bring your own bowl and water.
Learn more.
Dog Park at Hannon A. Templeton Park
NE 41st Street & Oak Island Drive
Oak Island, NC 28465
Off-leash small dog park. Bring your own water.
Learn more.
For third-party reviews of these parks, as well as information on pet services and pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, etc., visit Bring Fido.
In addition to dog parks, dogs are allowed on local beaches, but only at certain times of the year. We have a whole blog post dedicated to the Wilmington area beach leash laws. Make sure you check them out before taking your pooch or you may find yourself with a heavy fine.
Of course, if you’re thinking of buying in the Wilmington area and would like a pet friendly neighborhood, we are happy to help! Some local communities have private dog parks for their residents. Just give us a call or send us a message through our contact page if you’re interested in learning more.