Looking for a dog park in Columbia to take your dog to?
Here’s a list of dog-friendly parks to choose from!
When the weather gets nice, people in Columbia like to get out and enjoy it! And we don’t blame them 😉 But, how about including your dog in all that fun? There are many dog-friendly parks located throughout the Columbia area you can choose from. Some have registration requirements, some are on-leash only, but all provide fun for you and your dog!
Small disclaimer: When I list the features the parks offer, I am only listing those that pertain to your dog – some of these parks have playgrounds, etc. for kids. Also,this list is not meant to include every neighborhood park in Columbia and the surrounding areas. It includes main parks that you can find on a Google Search so I could consolidate it into one list for you.
FREE Parks
Emily Douglas Dog Park
2500 Wheat St, Columbia, SC 29205
According to Google Reviews, this park offers:
- A fenced, off-leash area for your dogs
- Lots of shady areas
- A spigot for dog drinking area
It is free, and in Shandonwood neighborhood. As a courtesy, please make sure your dog is up to date on shots before interacting with other dogs here. Because it is not regulated by a membership, please be aware there may be dogs there that are not spayed or neutered (most parks that require membership require your dog be fixed).
Finlay Park
930 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
Finlay park is located in the heart of downtown, Columbia.
- Dogs must be on-leash
- Pet Waste disposal areas are provided
- Walking trails are available
Granby Park
100 Catawba St, Columbia, SC 29201
This park is located at the southernmost segment of the Three Rivers Greenway.
- Dogs must be on-leash
- Half-mile of lighted central paths for evenings
- One Half mile off path trails also available for mountain-biking or hiking
- 24 total acres of park.
Riverfront Park
312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
Also located in downtown Columbia, this park offers:
- 2 1/2 mile jogging trail
- River views and stopping points – some owners allow their dogs to swim in the river
- Dogs must be on-leash
Irmo Community Park
7507 Eastview Drive, Irmo, SC 29063
Located off Lake Murray Blvd, this park features:
- Walking trail for leashed dogs
- Pet Waste disposal stations
Mays Park
1521 Deans Ln, Columbia, SC 29205
This park was only listed on a Google Search, and I couldn’t find a website, but the reviews stated it was a good place to walk your dog. So let’s assume you need to have your dog on-leash to attend 🙂
Paid Memberships
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
According to their website, this park offers:
- Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are on a 6-foot leash.
- The dog park offers an off-leash area to let your dogs run
- 2 acres fenced in area
- Permit is required to gain access to the dog park
To obtain your dog’s permit:
- They must be present to provide photo identification
- Owners must provide proof of updated shot records, and proof of spayed/neutered
Permits are $25/year, and can be prorated. You can also buy a daily permit of $4.
Columbia Dog Park
127 Humane Ln, Columbia, SC 29209
This dog park offers:
- Fenced in area for dogs to be off-leash
- Splash pool
- Shade trees, running water, chairs provided
Membership is required to enter. You must contact Tina Heckman for membership information: (803) 783- 8193.
- Proof of updated shot records required
- Proof of dog being spayed/neutered required
I have found two different fees ($35/year and $50/year), so please ask which is updated 🙂
NoMa (North Main) Bark Park
1250 Parkside Dr, Columbia, SC 29201
According to their website, this park offers:
- About 2 acres of fenced-in area for off-leash play
- A large-dog area and small-dog area
- Double-gated entrances for safety
- Benches, running water, shade trees, lighting for evening, pools
- Pet-waste disposal stations throughout the park
NoMa is a non-profit organization, and does require membership to enter:
- Up-to-date shot records
- Proof of spay/neuter
- County or city pet license (if applicable)
- Proof of registration
Registration fees: Membership is $25 per year per dog if purchased January through June and $15 per dog if purchased July through December.
Barking Lot Dog Park at Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
According to their website, this park offers:
- 2 Acres fenced-in area for off-leash play
- 3 small bone-shaped pools
- Gazebo for owners to relax in
Membership requirements:
- Dogs are spayed/neutered
- Up to date on shots
- “Other policies apply” – you can contact them for this information
Registration fees: $40 per year. Each hang tag is good for up to two dogs in the household. Additional dogs require a second pass. A $5 Daily Parking Fees also applies or purchase an Annual Parking Pass for $45 per year.
Lake Carolina Dog Park – LAKE CAROLINA RESIDENTS ONLY
971 Lake Carolina Dr, Columbia, SC 29229
This dog park is near the YMCA located in Lake Carolina and features:
- Large dog and small dog fenced-in play areas
- Dog Waste stations
- Annual pass required (call (803) 788-2706 for more information)
Fort Jackson Dog Park – MILITARY FAMILIES ONLY
6100 Chesnut Rd, Columbia, SC 29206
This dog park is located on Fort Jackson, is for residents only, and features:
- Fenced in area for off-leash play
- Water fountain
For Ft. Jackson’s complete dog park rules, please read here.
Want this list as a handy PDF? Here you go: Columbia Dog Park List
