Guide to the DMV’s Most Loved Dog Parks

If you own a dog in Washington, D.C. most likely, you have visited the numerous dog parks within and around the city. I have only heard about the varying dog parks and their advantages and disadvantages, so I decided to research each of the most loved dog parks in the DMV.

Of course, each dog park will be subject to personal preferences. For example, upon my research some people despised a gravel substrate, while others despised dirt. You would think the majority of people would like turf – it’s pretty and clean (as far as dogs not getting dirty or muddy) – well, a lot of people despised turf as well. The outcome, read this with a grain of salt and make the best decision for you and your pup!

S Street Dog Park (17^th and S Streets)

• One large open space for the pups to run and play.
  • Side Note: Unfortunately, there is no smaller area for small dogs/puppies/seniors/physically challenged pups.
• Astro-turf substrate.
  • Side Note: The surface is in a concave shape, which could be nice to allow for run-off.
• Dirt is around the perimeter, between the fence and astro-turf.
  • Side Note: This could be problematic due to the above-mentioned concave shape and run-off.
• Many benches for seating.
• Street parking available.
• Ample balls provided for the pups to play with.
• Water hose and kiddie pool to help keep pups refreshed.

Shirlington Dog Park (Shirlington, VA)

• A large park!
• Separate areas for large dogs and small dogs/puppies/seniors/physically challenged pups.
  • Side Note: The majority of the play areas consist of a dirt substrate.
• Many trees for shade.
• Dog water fountains.
• Long paved walking path with some benches.
  • Side Note: This paved walking path is only accessible within the large dog play area.
• At the end of the walking path and at the bottom of a hill, there is a stream for the pups to cool off and play in.
  • Side Note: The stream is separated with a gate, so dogs cannot run freely to the water.
• Plenty of trash cans.
• Parking lot and street parking available.
  • Side Note: Even though parking is available, it can get very busy!

Langdon Dog Park (20^th Street N.E.)

• The dog park is within, the middle, of Langdon Park.
  • Side Note: The fenced-in, off-leash dog area is gravel, but there is the rest of Langdon Park that is all grass where you can walk your pup on-leash.
• Separate areas for large dogs and small dogs/puppies/seniors/physically challenged pups.
• Dog water fountains, bowls, and hose.
• Plenty of poop bags and trashcans.
• If you will have human children accompanying you, there is a playground.
  • Side Note: The children’s playground is not contained within the fenced in dog park, rather, next to it.
• Some benches to sit on.
• Small parking lot available.
• One of the quieter dog parks.

Shaw Dog Park (11^th Street N.W.)

• Separate areas for large dogs and small dogs/puppies/seniors/physically challenged pups.
  • Side Note: Both play areas consist of a gravel substrate.
• Plenty of benches for seating.
• Plenty of poop bags and trashcans.
• Dog bowls to help keep Fido refreshed.
• Lots of street parking.

Newark Street Dog Park (39^th and Newark Streets)

• Separate areas for large dogs and small dogs/puppies/seniors/physically challenged pups.
• Substrate is composed of crushed and decomposed granite.
• Water fountains for both humans and pups, and dog bowls.
• Plenty of tennis balls provided for pups to play with.
• Plenty of poop bags and trashcans.
• Plenty of parking available.
• If human children will be accompanying you, there is a playground.
  • Side Note: The children’s playground is not contained within or next to the fenced in dog park.

Bundy Dog Park (P Street N.W.)

• Small dog park.
• One open area for pups to play.
• Astro-turf substrate throughout.
• Plenty of poop bags provided.
• Tons of parking.

James Hunter Park (Clarendon, VA)

• One large open space for the pups to run and play.
  • Side Note: Unfortunately, there is no smaller area for small dogs/puppies/seniors/physically challenged pups.
• The substrate is either astro-turf, gravel, or sand depending on location within the fenced-in dog park.
  • Side Note: The majority of the playing area for the pups consists of sand.
• A very nice, large water fountain for dogs to play in.
• Dog bowls provided for refreshment.
• Tons of seating and tables for humans to use.
• Plenty of poop bags and trashcans.

Congressional Cemetery (E Street S.E.)

• 35 acres of cemetery grounds for your dog to run on.
  • Side Note: Albeit, it will depend on your own personal beliefs if it is okay for dogs to run freely atop gravesites.
• Basic yearly membership is $235, plus a $50 fee for each dog that will be on the account (maximum of three dogs per account). In addition, you will have to volunteer 8 hours in park maintenance.
  • Side Note: Unfortunately, there is a very long wait list. I am talking about possibly in 1-3 years you can become a member!
• If you are not a member, you can purchase a day pass for $10.
  • Side Note: Day passes can be purchased at the main office (1801 E Street S.E.) daily, Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. You can purchase a day pass during the week for a weekend day if you plan on going on a Saturday or Sunday.

I hope that you found this helpful in comparing and contrasting the most loved dog parks in the DMV area!