Fenced Dog Parks in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, North Carolina has 3 fenced dog parks. Dog Park at Long Leaf Park is the top-rated.
Fenced dog parks give you peace of mind with a secure, enclosed space where your dog can run off-leash without the risk of escaping. Every park below is verified to have full perimeter fencing.
Dog Park at Long Leaf Park
location_onWilmington, NC
Separate fenced areas for small and large dogs anchor the Dog Park at Long Leaf Park, 1701 College Road in Wilmington. The whole dog area is fully fenced, with seating, lighting, and water access — lighting matters here, since coastal North Carolina summers push comfortable dog hours to early morning and after dusk. Hours run 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and entry is free. The surrounding park adds lighted tennis courts, a playground, picnic shelters with water, and a walking trail, so a dog visit can fold into a longer family outing. The College Road location is central enough to reach from most of the city. Size separation makes this a sensible pick for small-dog owners wary of mixed-size play.
Dog Park at Empie Park
location_onWilmington, NC
Two acres of off-leash grass give the Dog Park at Empie Park genuine running room, at 3405 Park Avenue in Wilmington's 28403 zip code. The space is fully fenced and divided into separate small-dog and large-dog areas. Shade trees and a flowing water station take the edge off the city's humid summer afternoons, and concrete walkways keep owners out of the mud after coastal rain. Seating is in place for longer sessions. The park is free to use; listed hours vary between sources — early morning to late evening — so confirm posted times on site. Between the acreage, the shade, and the water, this one is set up for the long sessions a high-energy dog actually needs.
Dog Park at Ogden Park
location_onWilmington, NC
Sand covers the ground at the Dog Park at Ogden Park, 615 Ogden Park Drive in the 28411 zip code on Wilmington's north side. The sand surface drains fast after coastal storms but rides home in fur, so pack a towel. Separate fenced areas keep small and large dogs apart, the whole space is fully fenced, and lighting extends usable time past sunset — relevant from June through September, when daytime heat and humidity are rough on heavy-coated dogs. Seating and water access round out the basics, and a walking trail runs nearby for a leashed warm-up lap. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, free of charge. County park information is posted at parks.nhcgov.com.
Frequently asked questions
Are these dog parks fully fenced?
Yes — every park listed here is verified to have full perimeter fencing for safe off-leash play. Always double-check for double-gated entries and intact fence lines when you arrive.
Are fenced dog parks off-leash?
Most fenced dog parks allow off-leash play inside the enclosure, though dogs are typically required to be leashed in parking lots and common areas. Check the posted rules at each park.
What should I look for in a fenced dog park?
Look for double-gated entries, fencing 4–6 feet tall, separate areas for small and large dogs, and well-maintained fence lines without gaps or holes.