Off-Leash: The 7 Best Dog Parks in Lee County, Florida (2024)
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Exploring the Best Dog Parks in Lee County, Florida
As you explore Southwest Florida, you’ll probably end up in Lee County at some point. Lee County (Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Pine Island, Matlacha, to name just a few of our communities) is known for its beautiful beaches, inviting climate, and a variety of parks that cater to both humans and dogs. We have tons of parks where dogs are welcome to stay on leashes and explore, but today let’s talk about off-leash areas.
Dog parks have become increasingly popular, providing spaces where dogs can run, play, and socialize off-leash in a safe environment. Before we continue to the best off-leash dog parks in Lee County, here are the basic rules for all the Lee County dog parks. Lee County does have paid staff and volunteers out and about paying attention, so please be respectful and safe out there.
- Leash Policy: Dogs must be leashed and accompanied by an adult at all times when walking outside of the designated off-leash areas.
- Restricted Areas: To maintain safety and cleanliness, dogs are not allowed on playgrounds, ball fields, in dugouts, on bleachers, around lakes or ponds, swimming pools, water parks, inside buildings, or in any areas where food is served. Look for posted signs indicating additional no-dog zones.
- Behavior Rules: All dogs should behave in a non-threatening manner. It’s crucial that dogs do not damage park property or disturb wildlife.
- License Requirements: Dogs must wear a collar with a current county license visible. If you are visiting or a new resident, there are exceptions, please see the section on this post about licenses and tags.
- Health and Cleanliness: Always clean up after your pet. Unattended pet waste can negatively impact the water quality in Lee County, affecting local wildlife and the environment.
- The County ordinance is 18-12 if you want even more detaisl about dog park rules.
Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park
16760 Bass Road
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Google Map/Directions
Located in Fort Myers inside Wa-Ka Hatchee Park, Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park is a favorite among local dog owners. Although the recreation center is still closed from Hurricane Ian, the dog parks and some walking trails are open. This spacious park is divided into two sections for large and small dogs, ensuring safe play for pups of all sizes. With plenty of shaded areas, seating for humans, and water fountains for both dogs and owners.
Wagging Tails at Rotary Park Environmental Center
5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral, FL 33914, Google Map/Directions
For those who appreciate nature, the Wagging Tails at Rotary Park Environmental Center in Cape Coral provides a scenic backdrop for dog play. This park has 1.25 acres fenced in for off-leash green space, as well as walking trails where dogs can be walked on a leash. Its dedicated off-leash area may be smaller than some other parks, but what it lacks in size, it compensates with charm and a peaceful environment. Adjacent to the park are the Rotary Park wetlands boardwalk, where leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners for a walk. This park has parking and restrooms. This is a City of Cape Coral park and different rules apply. Please use the link in the park name for more info.
Pooch Park at Judd Community Park
1297 Parkview Court
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Google Map/Directions
North Fort Myers is home to Pooch Park at Judd Community Park, a location that has quickly become a staple in the dog owner community. The park offers a well-maintained, fenced-in area for dogs to roam freely. Its distinct sections for large and small breeds ensure a safe environment for all dogs. This park has parking, restrooms, and doggie drinking water and showers.
K-9 Corral at Estero Community Park
9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.
Estero , FL 33928
Google Map/Directions
Estero Community Park is another gem in Lee County, appreciated for its expansive size and variety of recreational facilities. The dedicated dog park area, K-9 Corral, has two leash-free play zones—one for small dogs and another for large dogs. For entry into the small dog zone, pups must measure 18 inches or less at the shoulder. Both areas are equipped with a refreshing water feature perfect for playful splashing and swimming, ensuring our four-legged visitors can cool off while they socialize and exercise. This park has on-leash walking trails, parking, and restrooms also. Please note, the dog park is closed from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays for routine maintenance.
Barkingham Dog Park
9800 Buckingham Road
Fort Myers, FL 33905
Google Map/Directions
Barkingham Dog Park, part of the Buckingham Community Park in Fort Myers, has a fenced area for off-leash play as well as several hiking trails for on-leash walking. The park provides a secure, fenced area for dogs to play and is equipped with basic amenities such as water fountains and waste disposal stations. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter, less crowded option.
Dog Beach Park
14436 Bonita Beach CSWY
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Google Map/Directions
Dog Beach Park in Bonita Springs is Lee County’s only official off-leash beach access. It is an amazing destination if you find yourself in the area with a dog. This off-leash beach allows dogs to run free in the sand and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is not fenced, so knowing your dogs are trained enough to come back to you is important. It does get crowded on the weekends during Season, so if you have flexibility with your schedule it might be a good idea to check it out during the week the first time. The showers have recently reopened since Hurricane Ian, so there are now portable toilets and freshwater showers!
Paws 4 Duty
55 Homestead Road South
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Google Map/Directions
Paws 4 Duty in Lehigh Acres is a great off-leash dog park. It has two fenced areas for large and small/shy dogs. We have seen it totally empty and slightly busy, but never packed on weekends, we we thought was nice. There is good parking and restrooms, as well as a doggy shower and water station for dog drinking. This park also has walking paths for on-leash walking and exploring.
Bonita Springs Bark and Play
11071 E Terry Street
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Google Map/Directions
Bark and Play is a City of Bonita Springs park that is a wooded and large park that is around six acres dedicated for off-leash fun. It has three fenced areas to divide dogs by size. The park has dog washing station, parking, benches for humans. It also has walking paths at this location for on-leash walking.
More to Explore
These are just a very short introduction to the Off-Leash Best Dog Parks in Lee County. In the next several posts, we will cover other areas of Southwest Florida with overviews like this one as well as more in-depth coverage of the parks. We love it here and we want you to have a great time with your dog so you love it too!
If you are new to Southwest Florida or thinking about moving here, our 25 Proven Tips For Moving to Southwest Florida With Dogs (2024) is a great resource.
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