Are you looking for some great outdoor spaces to explore with your pup? We'll tell you all about the top dog parks in and around Memphis, Tennessee, and what each one has to offer.
Ready to get outside with your furry friend? Well… you're in luck! Memphis has great dog parks, off-leash areas, and dog-friendly public parks for you and your sweet pup to enjoy. But how can you find these parks? And how can you know which park will be your pup's favorite?
No worries! Our list below of the best outdoor dog spaces in Memphis, TN, will tell you a little about each place and help you decide. There are so many different benefits to each park that you're sure to find your dog's new favorite spot.
Are you interested in more dog-friendly activities? We've got those too! Click here to find Memphis's best dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and breweries. That's right—there are places throughout Grind City where you can bring your furry best friend right along with you.
Most restaurants and bars will let you bring your dog as long as they have outdoor seating. But it's always best to check ahead of time. Plus, some restaurants are dog-friendlier than others. In our article linked above, we'll tell you all about the best places to bring your dog for a meal in Memphis.
But wait… don't forget about finding the best local pet care businesses in town! Click here to type in your zip code, and we'll show you all of the best dog walkers, cat sitters, pet groomers, and more—in and around Memphis, TN.
Now, if you're ready to get outdoors for some exploring and exercise with your precious pooch, let's check out the list below!
The Best Dog Parks, Off-Leash Areas, and Dog-Friendly Parks in Memphis, TN:
Mud Island Dog Park
Sea Isle Park Dog Run
The Outback at Shelby Farms Park
Overton Bark
Bartlett Dog Park
Central Bark Dog Park
Forgey Dog Park
Greenbelt Park
Mud Island Dog Park — Mud Island, Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
Mud Island Dog Park is located in Mud Island Park and sits along the Mississippi River, making it one of the Mississippi River Parks. This dog park has a lot of room for pups to run and play, plus great views of the Memphis Bridge and the Mississippi River.
This park has several amenities that pet parents love. There is plenty of room to park, a double-gated entrance, and tall fences. There are pet waste stations, benches, and shade trees. Plus, there are water fountains for both humans and canines. But they aren't always operational—so it's best to bring your own water.
Sea Isle Park Dog Run — Mud Island, Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
Sea Isle Park Dog Run is a simple, neighborhood dog park. It's an off-leash area with benches and trees for shade. This park stands out for its peaceful, residential setting.
The Outback at Shelby Farms Park — Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38134
On the far east side of Memphis, you can find The Outback at Shelby Farms Park. This 100-acre mixed-use area allows your pup to be off-leash throughout the park. "You will encounter cyclists, hikers, horses, runners, anglers and other off-leash dogs," plus open fields, ponds, and unpaved trails for you and your pup to explore together.
Many people travel for hours to come here with their furry family members so that they can enjoy such a large and beautiful off-leash space. So don't take for granted that Memphis has such a great opportunity like this.
Remember that although your dog can be off-leash here, they should be well-behaved and able to listen to recall. It's quite a large space, and many people will be using it for different purposes. You can also enjoy the unpaved forest trails in the central part of the park with your pup, as long as they remain on a leash.
Overton Bark — 2080 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Overton Bark is a part of the Overton Park Conservancy in midtown Memphis. The Overton Bark is a 1.3-acre enclosed dog park. There are separate fenced-in areas for large and small dog breeds, water fountains for humans and canines, and seating for the pet parents. The surface area is a natural wood chip surface—that is refreshed often enough to keep it clean. This park is open 365 days a year from dusk to dawn.
The Overton Park Conservancy is one of the most popular parks in Memphis. It is home to old-growth trees, playgrounds, trails, and more. You'll find a bike-share program, a zoo, an aquarium, and the Overton Park Shell amphitheater.
If you and your pup see too many dogs in the Overton Bark, you can always find some space for the two of you to enjoy in the Overton Park Conservancy—as long as your pup remains on a leash.
Bartlett Dog Park — 5220 Shelter Run Ln, Memphis, TN 38135
Northeast of downtown, you can find a gem in the Bartlett Dog Park. This park is about 25 minutes from downtown, but it's worth the trip for your fur baby! At the Bartlett Dog Park, you'll find a friendly, clean environment with enough space for your pup to run with other canine playmates.
The Bartlett Dog Park has everything you're looking for! It has a double-gated entry for safe unleashing and exits, pet waste stations, and kiddie pools provided seasonally. There are also benches for the humans and plenty of shade for summer comfort. All of this is immersed in a beautifully cared-for space, and it makes for a special day with your furry best friend.
Central Bark Dog Park — 539 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
Central Bark Dog Park is an expression of the city government noticing a growth in pet parents throughout Memphis. This small pop-up dog park is located on a prominent corner in the South Main Arts District. What used to be an empty lot was turned into a small dog park for local residents and visitors.
It is a simple fenced-in area—with two separate spaces. The ground is covered with wood chips. There are picnic tables, a pet waste station, and canine agility equipment. This dog park has been an excellent addition to the area! And the rules for this new park are pretty simple: no aggressive dogs, dogs in heat, sick dogs, or puppies under four months old. And all dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
Forgey Dog Park — 1695 Riverdale Rd, Germantown, TN 38138
Forgey Dog Park is a members-only off-leash area in Germantown. This dog park has automatic water bowls, small and large dog breed areas, and a membership fee of just $40 per year for the first dog, and $10 for each additional dog. It is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk and is monitored by Park Rangers. While paying for a membership isn't the most fun, the comfort of knowing it is monitored by rangers, kept clean, and that all the pups are vaccinated makes the fee worth it!
To become a member, you must register your dog with the Recreation office—which is open weekdays 8:00 AM to 5 PM. With your registration, you'll need to sign an insurance waiver, provide proof of residency, and provide a copy of your pet's vaccination records. If you aren't a resident, you can still get a membership, but it is slightly more expensive.
Greenbelt Park — 830 Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
Greenbelt Park is a beautiful spot along the Mississippi River. While not specifically a dog park, it's very dog-friendly with its wide-open spaces and walking trails. Dogs must be leashed, but they'll love the scenic views and fresh air. What makes this park special is its stunning riverfront location.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Spaces in Memphis, TN
Can you believe how many fantastic dog parks and off-leash areas there are for you and your pup to enjoy around the city of Memphis? From new pop-up dog parks to 100-acre off-leash areas to explore, there is something for everyone! Memphis loves its four-legged friends and seems to be striving to give you and your pooch more than enough places to go and things to do together.
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.