Charleston's seven fenced dog parks and eight off-leash areas with hours, the early and evening hours at White Point Garden and the city leash rule.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Dog parks, off-leash areas and hours come from the city’s City Dog Parks page. Any city question: Citizen Services Desk, 843-724-7311.

Charleston has seven fenced dog parks and eight off-leash areas in city parks, from the peninsula to Johns Island and Daniel Island. Most are open dawn to dusk. Three downtown off-leash areas, at Cannon Park, Hazel Parker Playground and White Point Garden, are open to off-leash dogs only in the early morning and evening.

Who to call

  • Park problems, broken gates, any city question: Citizen Services Desk, 843-724-7311, or report an issue online
  • City Recreation Department: 843-724-7327
  • Charleston County Parks: 843-795-4386

Fenced dog parks

All open dawn to dusk, the city says.

Dog park Address Area
Ackerman Park Dog Park 55 Sycamore Ave. West Ashley
Grove Street Dog Park 83-147 Grove St. Peninsula (Wagener Terrace)
Bees Landing Recreation Center Dog Park 1580 Ashley Gardens Blvd. West Ashley
James Island Recreation Center Dog Park 1088 Quail Drive James Island
South Adgers Wharf Dog Park 41 S. Adgers Wharf Peninsula
Medway Park Fenced Dog Run 2113 Medway Road West Ashley
Governor’s Park Dog Park 165 Fairbanks Drive Daniel Island

Off-leash areas in city parks

Off-leash area Address Off-leash hours
Brittlebank Park 185 Lockwood Drive Dawn to dusk
Johns Island Park 1761 Hay Road Dawn to dusk
Lenevar Park 28 Wendy Lane Dawn to dusk
West Ashley Park 3601 Mary Ader Ave. Dawn to dusk
Horse Lot 2 Chisolm St. Dawn to dusk
Cannon Park 131 Rutledge Ave. Dawn to 9 a.m.; 5 p.m. to dusk
Hazel Parker Playground 70 East Bay St. Dawn to 9 a.m.; 5 p.m. to dusk
White Point Garden 2 Murray Blvd. Dawn to 9 a.m.; 5 to 11 p.m.

Outside those hours, dogs in Cannon Park, Hazel Parker and White Point Garden must be on a leash. Brittlebank Park’s pier is temporarily closed for repair, and swimming and jumping off the docks are not allowed; more on our parks and trails guide.

The leash rule

Outside a dog park or off-leash area, keep your dog on a leash. The city’s animal rules are in Chapter 5 of the City Code. South Carolina’s animal control law defines running at large as being off the owner’s or keeper’s property and not under their physical control by a leash or similar restraint, and lets cities set their own penalties.

The city also reminds owners that athletic fields are not dog parks or runs, to protect the fields for games and events.

County parks

James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, has a large dog park among its trails, marsh views and campground, according to Charleston County Parks. The park charges a small per-person entry fee, and Gold Pass holders get in free. Call the park office at 843-406-6990.

Tips

  • Go early or late in summer. Pavement and sand get hot; the downtown off-leash windows are in the cool of the morning and evening anyway.
  • Bring water and bags. Clean up after your dog in every park.
  • Check after storms. Waterfront parks flood after heavy rain and king tides; the city posts warnings on its news page.

More: parks and trails, walking and biking trails and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I take my dog off leash in Charleston?

At the city’s seven fenced dog parks and eight off-leash areas, including Brittlebank Park, Johns Island Park, West Ashley Park and White Point Garden. Most are open dawn to dusk; a few downtown areas allow dogs off leash only early morning and evening.

When can dogs be off leash at White Point Garden?

The city’s off-leash area at White Point Garden, 2 Murray Blvd., is open from dawn until 9 a.m. and from 5 to 11 p.m.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Charleston?

Yes, outside the city’s designated dog parks and off-leash areas. The city’s animal rules are in Chapter 5 of the City Code, and state law defines a dog running at large as one off its owner’s property and not under physical control by a leash.

Can I bring my dog to a ball field in Charleston?

No. The city says athletic fields are not dog parks or runs and asks owners to use the nearest dog park instead.