Are you a dog owner in Columbia, SC looking for the perfect spots to let your furry friend run free and play? Look no further, because we have compiled a list of the top 10 must-visit parks for dogs in the area. From spacious green lawns to scenic riverfront views, these parks offer the ideal setting for both you and your canine companion to enjoy.
Whether you prefer exploring the beautiful trails of West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater or venturing along the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, there is something for every dog and owner to appreciate.
Jump to places
- Page Ellington Park Dog Park
- NOMA (North Main) Bark Park
- Earlewood Park
- Page Ellington Park
- Finlay Park
- Emily Douglas Park
- Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park
- Bark West
- Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
- Fort Jackson Dog Park
Page Ellington Park Dog Park is a gem for dog owners looking for a place to let their furry friends run free and socialize. Visitors rave about the friendly atmosphere and well-behaved dogs they encounter at this park, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a safe and enjoyable environment.
The park provides clean water and ample shade, ensuring dogs stay hydrated and cool during playtime. People appreciate the efforts made by responsible pet owners who clean up after their dogs, and supplies like scoopers are readily available for this purpose.
Furthermore, the park offers a variety of toys, including tennis balls, ropes, and chewables, which contribute to the enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners. While some reviewers note a desire for more shade and grass, they still highly recommend Page Ellington Park Dog Park as a fantastic place for dogs to socialize and burn off energy.

NOMA (North Main) Bark Park is a top choice for dog owners in Columbia SC. People say it is the best dog park in the city, with its well-maintained facilities and vast space. One visitor mentioned that they explored every dog park in the area and NOMA Bark Park stood out as the clear winner.
The $40 membership fee, although slightly pricier than other parks, is deemed worthwhile due to the park's excellent condition. This park boasts lush green grass, woody areas, and is considered one of the largest parks in the area. Visitors appreciate the sturdy fencing system, ensuring their furry companions' safety.
Additionally, reviewers note the peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an enjoyable experience for both dogs and their humans. Although there are restrictions for entering the park, such as having fixed dogs, the overall consensus is that NOMA Bark Park is a fantastic choice for dog owners in Columbia.

NOMA (North Main) Bark Park Full Review


Page Ellington Park Full Review

Emily Douglas Park is a hidden gem worth visiting. People speak highly of this park, saying they take their dogs here frequently to enjoy its lovely atmosphere and take strolls around the surrounding neighborhood. The park boasts an abundance of unique mushrooms growing in the wild, which guests find fascinating.
Moreover, it offers various amenities, including a separate dog park and a children's area. Visitors appreciate the park's tranquility and well-designed layout, with a beautiful gazebo and fountain. Spread-out play areas, an area for water play, and an indoor space for game play and study assistance are also available.
The park creates a peaceful ambiance, with its open green grass and vibrant flowers near the gazebo providing the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.

Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park is a beautiful place to take your furry friends for some outdoor fun. Visitors have mentioned that the park is nicely landscaped and well-maintained, creating a charming atmosphere. Despite the lack of restroom facilities onsite, people have praised the cleanliness of the park.
The play structures, including a zip-line, have been a hit among kids, with reviewers mentioning how their children enjoyed climbing and playing on them. Additionally, there is a splash pad located near the front entrance, providing a refreshing experience on hot days.
The grassy area in the middle of the park offers ample space for dogs to run around and play fetch. The presence of a butterfly garden adds to the park's natural beauty. Overall, Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park is a wonderful place to spend a day outdoors with your furry friends and family.

Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park Full Review
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is a park in Columbia SC that is worth visiting for dog owners. According to people who have visited, it is an excellent place for families and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the highlights of the park is its nice walking trail, which is also handicap accessible in certain areas.
While it might be challenging to get close to the canal where the turtles are, the park offers great views and has a telescope vision midway through the canal walk, which many visitors consider their favorite section of the trail. This park is also a popular destination on pleasant weather days, thanks to its long walking, running, and biking trail.
It has plenty of parking spaces, a restroom, various photo spots, and kids areas. Additionally, it is well-maintained, allowing runners and their dogs to get in their miles. The park offers scenic overlooks of the river, and there is an opportunity to spot some interesting wildlife such as alligators, deer, frogs, and turtles.
So if you're looking for a dog-friendly park with beautiful views and a diverse range of flora and fauna, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is definitely worth a visit.

Fort Jackson Dog Park is worth visiting because of its well-maintained facilities and convenient amenities. Visitors rave about the park's cleanliness and the fact that it is one of the few truly free dog parks available. With separate sections for big and little dogs, it ensures a safe environment for pets of all sizes.
Reviewers particularly appreciate the sturdy and new-looking training obstacles, which provide a great opportunity for dogs to learn and have fun. Additionally, the availability of water fountains and pools on both sides of the park ensures that dogs can stay hydrated and cool during their playtime.
The presence of wood chips instead of dirt or grass adds another layer of cleanliness to the park. Overall, visitors agree that Fort Jackson Dog Park is a well-maintained and enjoyable space for dogs and their owners to spend quality time together.
