Choosing The Best Northwest Arkansas Dog Park For You And Your Dog

Northwest Arkansas has a LOT of dog parks! 13 to be exact! And that doesn’t include the off-leash hiking trail or dog cafe in Fayetteville, or the two breweries in Springdale and Bentonville with fenced play space.

In order to help you choose the best Northwest Arkansas dog park or recreational area for you and your dog, I’ve visited them all and pulled together some notes about each location. Whether you’re looking for an off-leash hike sans a lot of traffic, a quick neighborhood romp, or a cold brew with a few of your besties, this list is your guide.

Most of the parks have the usual rules posted regarding spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and/or children in the space. There’s no official dog park police, so we’ re all on the honor system. Be the person your dog thinks you are.

Read the rules carefully, play safely, and PICK UP YOUR POOP.

Fayetteville Dog Parks

Good Dog Cafe, Fayetteville

Part dog park, part dog friendly cafe, there is no other place like it in Northwest Arkansas. I’m not a huge fan of dog parks, but I like this one. It’s arguably the wine, and the fact that the owners are SO nice.

Open TH-SU 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. it’s the perfect spot for a late week work day lunch break or a Sunday Funday. Good Dog Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and a variety of beverages, including beer and wine. Leashed dogs are welcome inside the cafe. Off-leash shenanigans are for the large fenced backyard. Be sure your pup is prepared to play nice with dogs of all sizes, because the outdoor space does not have separate areas for bigs and littles.

Observations: Small private parking lot, not usually crowded, one big place space, food, beverages, restrooms.

Lake Wilson Trail, Fayetteville

The only trail in NWA officially designated as an off-leash, dog-friendly trail is at Lake Wilson.

It’s pretty muddy in the spring and you should watch out for copperheads near the water’s edge. However, it is less than 20 minutes from downtown Fayetteville and more like a nature stroll than a heavy duty hike. The boat ramp offers the perfect spot for fetch with your water dog, and I once hosted a Paddle With Your Dog clinic here. When Henri was younger, it was a regular jaunt for us. A lap around the lake takes no more than an hour.

Remember the area is unfenced and leash optional. Don’t rely on others to control their dogs as well as you do and be cautious of taking dogs with reactivity toward other dogs.

Observations: Parking near trailheads, off-leash hiking, swimming (for dogs) available

Iams Park, Fayetteville

Located at Bryce Davis Park, the Iams Dog Park is a 3-acre park comprised of two fenced yards in the middle of an open space. Public parking is located at 1595 N. Dartmouth Ave. From there you’ll follow the multi-use paved trail to the dog park. Near the park you may notice a large pond. STAY OUT OF IT! The water isn’t the healthiest and has been flagged for toxic algae blooms on several occasions.

Observations: Separate yards for bigs and littles, paved entry/pavilion area with picnic seating, human/dog water fountain, no shade, no children under 8 years of age, public restrooms nearby.

Springdale Dog Parks

C.L. Charlie and Willie George Dog Park, Springdale

Part of the newly developed C.L. Charlie and Willie George Park located on Hylton Road in Springdale, I was pleased to discover agility equipment in this dog park. I was super-disappointed to find poop on one of the obstacles. Like, actually ON it. YUCK! I also noticed waste in the dog yard, and though there should be none, it wasn’t a gross amount. Overall, this park is nice. There is bench seating throughout the yard and trees toward the back fence line should provide some shade in the summer.

Observations: Convenient parking directly in front of the park, two separate yards for bigs and littles, bench seating throughout the play yard, paved pavilion area with picnic seating, human/dog water fountain, agility equipment.

Shaw Park, Springdale

Shaw Dog Park is located in Northwest Springdale within the 120-acre Shaw Family Park. This park is a beautiful addition to the Springdale landscape with walking trails and ample space to run and play, but there is absolutely ZERO shade. While trees have been planted, it will be a few years before they are mature enough to provide any sun protection. The dog park is small and clean. I was told by another visitor that park maintenance takes care of that. There is agility equipment and two separate fenced areas.

Observations: Convenient parking near the dog park, two small fenced areas but but no shade, public restroom available.

Core Brewing & Distilling Co., Springdale

2470 Lowell Rd, Springdale, AR is where you’ll find the dog friendly tap room and fenced play yard of Core Brewing. With a prominently featured “Weiner dog” logo, Core has been dog friendly since their inception in 2010. You can rest assured you and your well-behaved dog will be welcome here.

Observations: Small off leash play yard, dog friendly taproom, some shade from buildings, restrooms available

Rogers Dog Parks

Lake Atalanta Dog Park, Rogers

You’ll find Lake Atalanta Dog Park at 1615 Pleasant Ridge Road. This dog park has a tucked away feel, and features one large yard perfect for launching tennis balls. It is very popular with the large dog crowd, so littles may want to avoid this space.

Observations: Convenient parking, one area with no designation for bigs and littles, no seating, some shade, public restrooms available.

The Railyard Dog Park, Rogers

Located in downtown Rogers is Railyard Bike Park. The nearby dog park has two small, non-adjacent play yards, which makes it good for fence fighters. Active pups will enjoy the agility equipment and humans will appreciate the public restrooms. A parking lot is in close proximity, but expect it to fill up quickly on pretty days or any day there is a bike event.

Observations: Nearby parking, two nonadjacent fenced areas, no water, no seating, some shade, public restrooms within walking distance.

Bentonville Dog Parks

Bentonville really knocks it out of the bark park with their Play Bentonville Plan, which calls for dog parks in each quadrant of the city. The fourth and final installment, a lighted dog park, just opened at Creekside and allows guests until 11 p.m.

Bentonville Bark Park, Bentonville

Right off the highway on North Walton Blvd., many think this park is in Bella Vista. It is not. It’s on the border in Double North Bentonville. Three separate play yards offer plenty of options for all size dogs, but the proximity to a busy highway could be a problem for dogs intimidated by traffic noise (or a great training/desensitization opportunity).

Parking is located on either side of the dog park with public restrooms nearby. If the yard becomes too rough or crowded, the walking trail offers a nice alternative for burning off excess energy. The Bark Park is open sunrise to sunset and closed on Wednesday mornings from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. for maintenance. The website says there is agility equipment, and there used to be, but it’s not there anymore.

This park is also the sight of the Summer Yappy Hour Series hosted monthly by Bentonville Parks and Rec. The event varies from summer to summer, but typically features pet vendors, human treats, adoptable animals, and pet health services. Check out the Bentonville Animal Services event calendar for dates.

Observations: Convenient parking, three separate play yards, a few bench seats, no shade, near busy highway, dog water fountain located at public restrooms.

Osage Park Dog Park, Bentonville

If you visit Bentonville with your dog and only take him one place, Osage Park should be it.

Yes, Osage Park Dog Park boasts a large fenced dog park, but there is SO much more to explore at this urban oasis. Henri and I much prefer the trail system and floating boardwalks that meander through the 12-acre wetland ecosystem. Leashes are required on the trails, but if your pup isn’t a dog park kind of dog, this is a wonderful option. With food trucks, a shaded pavilion, occasional live music, a dog park, and two dog friendly restaurants on opposite borders, there is much to explore.

Observations: One large fenced space, no shade, parking and public restrooms nearby

Orchard Park Dog Park, Bentonville

Conveniently located just across from the entrance to Crystal Bridges is Orchard Park Dog Park. The space features fenced areas for small and large dogs, a shade structure (bring your own chair), rock outcroppings, newly planted trees, and a water station for both humans and dogs. It’s perfectly situated for all the nearby apartment residents, but if you’re visiting the area, I suggest a sniffari on the dog friendly Art Trail at Crystal Bridges.

Observations: Two play yards, minimal shade, dog water fountain, public restrooms nearby

Creekside Dog Park, Bentonville

Creekside Dog Park is the newest addition to the Bentonville parks landscape. Its very special amenity is being fully lighted and open until 11 p.m. The wide-open space wraps around the pickle ball court with no designation for size. The night I visited, it was mostly big dogs. Seating is available near the entrance and there is some shade on the back fence line. To make it a family affair, let the kids enjoy the splash park while your dog plays with his friends. You may need a partner to divide and conquer in order to keep everyone supervised, but you’ll be guaranteed a tired and quiet household when you get home.

3104 SW Bright Rd, Bentonville, AR is the website listed address, but that took me to a residential neighborhood. I had more success just putting “Creekside Park” into my map ap.

Observations: Lighted for after dark activity, one large play space, parking near entrance, seating, some shade, dog water fountain, public restrooms nearby

Bentonville Brewing Company, Bentonville

This is another two-FUR that you and your dog can’t help but love! Bentonville Brewing Company has dog friendly outdoor seating/dining and an off-leash dog park where you can enjoy a beer with your friends while your dog runs and plays with his. After your pup burns off some energy, you can cop a squat in the outdoor seating area and soak up your beers with on-site fare from one of the local food trucks. Adjacent to the trail system of Osage Park, this is a prime pooch location.

Observations: One small play yard, no shade, restrooms available in brewery.

Bella Vista Dog Park

K-9 Corral, Bella Vista

Located on the north end of Bella Vista, on backside of the Scottsdale Golf Course near the ball fields, the K-9 Corral is another well-maintained private park. If you use the Google Maps address it will take you to someone’s house, but the park is behind that cul-de-sac. Just get in the vicinity and look for the ball fields. The park is closed each Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 p.m., April through October for mowing. Every second Wednesday the park closes at 1:00 for flea and tick treatment donated by West Termite & Pest Management and re-opens on Thursday morning.

Observations: Private park for members and guests, well-maintained by Bella Vista POA, two yards, seating, shade, water source, no smoking, public restrooms nearby.

Siloam Springs Dog Park

Tails & Trails Dog Park, Siloam Springs

Tails & Trails is located at Bob Henry Park in Siloam Springs. Sponsored by Simmons Foods, this tidy little park spans a little more than two acres and boasts three separate play yards labeled for small, large, and agility. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and closed Wednesday from 7:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. for maintenance. City leaders host events for pets and people year ‘round. There’s no seating, and though there might be shade in the late afternoon, this park is mostly in the sun.

Observations: Convenient parking, three yards, regularly maintained, no seating, public restrooms.

Eureka Springs Dog Park

Eureka Springs Bark Park, Eureka Springs

Just minutes from downtown Eureka Springs and several dog-friendly patios is Eureka Springs Bark Park. Looking more like an Ozark woodland area than a dog park, you hardly notice the black fencing surrounding the park and separating dogs under 30 pounds from dogs over 30 pounds. With public restrooms, bench seating, and plenty of shade, this hillside gem might be one my favorites. There is even a brightly colored mural painted on the wall near the bathrooms. SO very Eureka!

Observations: Convenient parking, separate yards for bigs and littles, bench seating, LOTS of shade, hillside terrain, water fountain, public restrooms, no children under 8.

Whether you are visiting Northwest Arkansas with your dog or calling it home, with so many options you are sure to find the perfect place. In order to keep your visit safe and fun for all, here are a few dog park etiquette tips to keep in mind.

Dog Park Etiquette

Follow the Rules

Most dog parks have pretty similar rules, and we all know what they are. However, before you enter a new park, take a quick peek at any signs posted to make sure you are aware of that park’s regulations.

Be Present

This means both physically and mentally. Do not leave your pup unattended at a dog park- it’s not a daycare. Do not use this time to read or catch up on emails. Watch your dog at all times to make sure he is having a good time and not causing trouble. Better yet, use this time to engage with your dog!

Be Prepared

Being prepared means bringing poop bags in case the waste station is empty, water and a collapsable bowl for hydration, and maybe some wet wipes or an old towel for muddy paws. If you want to be really prepared have a travel first aide kit and the number of the nearest vet or emergency clinic. Additionally, you should always be prepared to leave if things aren’t going well.

Don’t Bring Special Items

This includes favorite toys, small children, and/or food. All of these things create a potential for resource guarding or harm.

Need more tips on enjoying Northwest Arkansas with your dog? Check out Patios, Parks, & Trails You Should Hit With Your Dog In Northwest Arkansas or search the blog for your favorite activities. You can also give us a follow on one of our social channels to stay in the know on dog training and socialization opportunities, as well as travel with your dog.