Top 19 Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches in New Jersey

Updated August 27, 2026

Getting out with your dog for some healthy fresh air and exercise can add so much to the enjoyment of an outing.

Especially when you know your pet is welcome and the facilities have the amenities that can be enjoyed by both you and you pet.

• New Jersey has dog parks, off-leash areas, and dog-friendly beaches across the northern, central, and southern parts of the state.
  
• Most New Jersey beaches restrict dogs during the peak summer season, but some beaches allow dogs year-round or during specific months.
  
• Park rules vary by location and may include leash requirements, separate areas for small and large dogs, access cards, dog park tags, or proof of licensing and vaccinations.
  
• Notable locations include Brookdale Park, South Mountain Reservation, Thompson Park, Longport Dog Beach, Ocean City Dog Park, Timber Creek Dog Park, and Wildwood Dog Park Beach.
  
• Visitors should confirm current hours, seasonal restrictions, fees, and access requirements before visiting.

Northern New Jersey’s Best Dog Parks: Off-Leash Parks & Dog-Friendly Areas

Discover Northern New Jersey's best dog parks, including off-leash parks, spacious dog runs, and dog-friendly outdoor areas where your pup can play, exercise, and socialize.

Brookdale Park

473 Watchung Ave,
Bloomfield, NJ
Shaded and fenced dog park Agility, water, and trash stations Separate space for small dogs Paths for walking/jogging your dog

Cameron Dog Park

129 S Beverwyck Rd, (just south of Route 80)
Parsippany, NJ
They feature a separate fenced area for small and large dogs in a grassy play area. Water available for dogs and poop bag supplies.

Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve

2121 Larger Cross Road
Bedminster, NJ
A dog friendly park with no picnic tables or play areas with an interest in preserving, educating, protecting, and providing a quality nature experience for wildlife inhabitants. Dogs are welcome here; they must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times. Dogs are allowed throughout the park and on the trails, they are not allowed in the ponds. A maximum of 2 dogs allowed per dog owner.

South Mountain Reservation

10 Bear Lane
Maplewood, NJ
They feature a two-acre dog park offers separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs to exercise. Water for dogs and people, an owner "observation" shed, and "time out" pens for unruly dogs are availablehe dog park is located adjacent to Summit Field and the Wildflower Preserve and is accessible from Crest Drive off of South Orange Avenue.

Wantage Dog Park

128 County Rd 628
Wantage, NJ
Located on 8 acres Features agility equipment, toys, and water hose for dogs Offers shaded gazebo, seating, and restrooms for humans Water bottles available for purchase.
Functions on visitor donations.

Central New Jersey’s Best Dog Parks: Off-Leash Parks & Dog-Friendly Areas

Discover Central New Jersey's best dog parks, including off-leash parks, spacious dog runs, and dog-friendly outdoor areas where your pup can play, exercise, and socialize.

8th Ave Dog Beach

8th Ave and Ocean Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ
During the summer season, dogs are allowed on the beach between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:30am. and during the off season, October 1st through May 15th, dogs are permitted all day.

Angela Hibbard Park

616 Drum Point Road
Brick Township, NJ
The park contains two areas for dogs: one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The park also has a playground for children ages 2-5, a second playground for children ages 6-12, a basketball court, a pickleball court, plus a perimeter walking trail.

Donaldson Park

S 2nd St.
Highland Park, NJ
This 90-acre riverfront park has a separate area for the dog park.

Raritan Dog Park

Corner of Tilman and First Avenue
Raritan, NJ
A gated park, open from dawn to dusk. Dog owners should go to Boro Hall to show that their dog is licensed, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Then the Borough will issue a key code that will open the lock on the gate at the park.

Rosedale Park

424 Federal City Rd,
Pennington, NJ
Scenic dog park set against a lake. Convenient parking, Bags for dog waste supplied. Fountain for dogs. After free play time, enjoy biking, fishing, or walking the trails.

Thompson Park Off-Leash Dog Area

805 Newman Springs Road.
Lincroft, NJ
This complex includes two dog areas. a 1 1/4 acre area for dogs over 35 lbs and a 1/4 acre small dog area for dogs that weigh 35 lbs or less. Visitors are to park in the Three Barns parking lot located adjacent to the off-leash area. Water is available at this site and toilets are located in the nearby Creative Arts Center.

Wolf Hill Recreation Area

3 Crescent Place,
Oceanport, NJ
This dog-friendly park near the Long Branch oceanfront has two off-leash areas. Its a 4-acre area for dogs of all sizes as well as an area for dogs weighing 35 lbs. or less. Dog waste bags and garbage cans can be found in both dog areas and there are portable toilets near the parking lot. There's also a patio with sheltered picnic tables

Southern New Jersey’s Best Dog Parks: Off-Leash Parks & Dog-Friendly Areas

Discover Southern New Jersey's best dog parks, including off-leash parks, spacious dog runs, and dog-friendly outdoor areas where your pup can play, exercise, and socialize.

Barnegat Light Dog Park

West 10th Street
Barnegat Light, NJ
The ball field on is also a Dog Park. It's a great place for dogs to run free and play. The park is open October to April. All dog park users MUST obtain a dog park gate entry card ("Paw Pass") & a dog park tag. Passes are free for Barnegat Light residents and for non-residents the annual fee is $30 and the weekly fee is $15.

Cape May Dog Parks

Cape May, NJ
Cape May is a dog friendly Jersey Shore resort town with multiple dog parks and and a dog friendly beaches.
Dogs are permitted on Cape May City Beaches during the months of November, December, January, February and March.
The Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area allows dogs from September 1 to April 30.
Cape May Point Beaches allows dogs from November 1 through March 14.
Sunset Beach allows dogs September 15 to April 15.

Freedom Barks Dog Park

86 Union St,
Medford, NJ
It features an open dog play area with rivers, bridges, and an agility course. The facility also has bathrooms and shaded areas with seating, and a children's playground.

Longport Dog Beach (Near Ocean City)

Located on the Longport side of the Longport - Ocean City Bridge
Ocean Drive and Route 152
Longport, NJ
Also known as Somers Point Dog Beach or Malibu Beach This is a beach where dogs are free to roam throughout the year.

Ocean City Dog Park

45th St & Haven Ave,
Ocean City, NJ
The 42,000-square-foot park dog park is an access-controlled, fenced-in, off-leash recreation area for dogs that can interact, exercise, and play in a clean, safe, and secure environment. It's a sandy soil ground with three separate areas: large dog area (dogs over 25 lbs), small dog area (dogs under 25 lbs), and dog run area for all dogs. An access card, or "Paw Pass" is required to gain entry into the park.

Timber Creek Dog Park

236 Taylor Ave & Chews Landing Road
Blackwood, NJ
Large 9-acre wooded and fenced in area Lake with beach for dogs. The park also features water fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, children's playground, nature trails, and a running track.

The Wildwood Dog Park & Beach

3000 Boardwalk
Between Glenwood and Maple Avenues.
Wildwood, NJ
Dogs are welcome to join their families on the beach to swim in the ocean or visit the dog park.
The Wildwood Dog Park Beach is one of the largest dog beaches in the nation.
Dogs can enjoy the entire area from Glenwood to Maple Avenues plus a large dog park identified by the 30 ft tall fire hydrant!
This year round attraction open daily, and the dog beach is open from dawn to dusk. Dogs on the beach must remain leashed, and leashes in the park are optional.

Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey Dog Parks and Beaches

Are dogs allowed on New Jersey beaches?

Dog access varies by beach and season. Most New Jersey beaches restrict dogs during the peak summer season, while locations such as Longport Dog Beach allow dogs throughout the year. Cape May, Asbury Park, Wildwood, and other beaches listed in the article have their own seasonal rules.

Which New Jersey dog parks have separate areas for small and large dogs?

Several listed parks have separate areas for small and large dogs, including Brookdale Park, South Mountain Reservation, Angela Hibbard Park, Thompson Park, Wolf Hill Recreation Area, and Ocean City Dog Park. Weight limits vary by location, so visitors should check the park's current rules before visiting.

Do New Jersey dog parks require an access pass or registration?

Some parks require registration or an access pass. Raritan Dog Park requires owners to show that their dog is licensed, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered before receiving a gate key code. Barnegat Light requires a dog park gate entry card and tag, while Ocean City Dog Park requires an access card called a "Paw Pass."

Are dogs required to stay on a leash at New Jersey dog parks and beaches?

Leash rules depend on the location. Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve requires dogs to remain leashed, and dogs at Wildwood Dog Park Beach must stay leashed even though leashes are optional inside the dog park. Visitors should confirm the leash policy for each park or beach before arriving.

What should visitors check before taking a dog to a New Jersey park or beach?

Check the current seasonal schedule, opening hours, leash rules, access requirements, fees, and available amenities. Rules can differ between nearby beaches and parks, so use the linked municipal, county, or park authority page for the latest information.

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