Sometimes a dog just needs to run free, but there are few local places where they are allowed to be off their leashes.

Brunswick county

Dog Park at Shallotte Park

5550 Main St,

Shallotte, NC 28459

Holden Beach Dog Park

146 Scotch Bonnet Dr

Holden Beach, NC 28462

Dog Park at Town Creek Park

6420 Ocean Hwy E,

Winnabow, NC 28479

A proposal for another dog park has been approved for Ocean Isle Beach Park on Old Georgetown Road, according to Aaron Perkins, director of parks and recreation of Brunswick County. They are now awaiting funding so within the next few years the park can become a reality, he said.

New Hanover County

Ogden Dog Park

615 Ogden Park Dr

Wilmington, NC 28411

Dog Park at Empie Park

3405 Park Ave,

Wilmington, NC 28403

The Wilmington dog park is on a 2-acre site of unused land in Empie Park. There are separate play areas for small and large dogs. But beware: The minute a “newbie” canine trots through the gate, he or she will be surrounded by anxiously sniffing and jumping new friends. So if your dog is timid or downright antisocial, this might not be the best idea, especially on a busy weekend.

Joe Eakes Park

K Avenue and 7th Street

Kure Beach, NC 28449

On a smaller scale, Joe Eakes Park has a fenced-in area behind the playground and the tennis courts. This is the Gurney Hood “Barking Lot,” made especially for you and your pooch pal to run free. On most days, there is less canine activity here than at Empie, so this might be a good test run for a dog who’s new to the socializing-at-the-park concept.

This post was updated April 22, 2016, based on an original post by Judy Royal.

Date posted: March 13, 2009