Dog parks in Stuart, Florida are public outdoor facilities where dogs can exercise and socialize in designated off-leash areas. Stuart has two dedicated dog parks with fenced sections for different dog sizes, plus several dog-friendly parks where leashed pets can explore trails and waterfront areas.
This guide covers all dog park options in Stuart and nearby areas. It includes exact locations, hours, amenities, and what to expect at each facility.
What to Look for in Stuart Dog Parks 🐶
Dog parks are fenced outdoor spaces where dogs can play off-leash under owner supervision. Stuart’s dog parks include separate areas for small and large dogs. Each park provides water stations, shade, and waste disposal facilities.
Dog-friendly parks are different. These parks welcome leashed dogs on trails and walkways. However, they do not have fenced off-leash areas.
Both types serve Stuart’s dog owners. The right choice depends on whether you want off-leash play or leashed trail walking.
Poppleton Creek Dog Park
📍 Location: 4751 SE Central Pkwy, Stuart, FL 34994
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
✅ Overview: Fenced dog park at the trailhead of rare Florida habitats, including sand pine scrub and tidal floodplain.
Poppleton Creek Dog Park offers spacious fenced sections divided by dog size. The park opens at 7:00 AM, earlier than Haney Creek. This makes it ideal for morning visits.
The park sits at the entrance to protected habitats. After off-leash play, dogs can explore trails on leash. The self-guided trail showcases sand pine scrub, scrub flatwoods, and wetlands.
A dog wash station is available for cleaning before leaving. Multiple benches provide seating throughout the fenced areas. A boardwalk and bridge offer elevated views of the natural landscape.
Water fountains serve both pets and people. Covered pavilions include picnic tables. Handicapped-accessible restrooms are on site.
Amenities include:
- Separate fenced areas for small and large dogs
- Dog wash-down station
- Boardwalk and bridge access
- Drinking water fountains
- Covered pavilions with picnic tables
- Handicapped-accessible restrooms
- Pet waste stations
- Free parking
- Nature trail access
Haney Creek Dog Park
📍 Location: 391 NW Baker Rd, Stuart, FL 34994
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Daily)
✅ Overview: Public dog park with two fenced sections for small and large dogs. Includes nature trails for leashed walking.
Haney Creek Park has a dog park section with two separate fenced areas. One section is for small dogs under 25 pounds. The other accommodates large dogs over 25 pounds.
The park stays well-maintained year-round. Fresh water is available at multiple stations. Shade trees provide relief during hot weather.
A dog wash-down area helps clean muddy paws before leaving. Pet waste stations are located throughout the park. Covered pavilions with picnic tables offer seating for owners.
Beyond the fenced areas, leashed dogs can explore nature trails. Trail maps are posted at the entrance. The trails wind through natural preserve areas.
Amenities include:
- Separate fenced sections for small and large dogs
- Dog wash-down station
- Drinking water fountains for pets and people
- Nature trails with posted maps
- Covered pavilions with picnic tables
- Handicapped-accessible restrooms
- Free parking
- Pet waste stations
Sandsprit Park
📍 Location: 3443 SE St Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL 34997
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
✅ Overview: Waterfront park with dog-friendly trails and boardwalks. Dogs must stay on leash. Features beach access and water views.
Sandsprit Park is not a fenced dog park. However, it welcomes leashed dogs on all trails and walkways. The park sits on the water with views of the St. Lucie Inlet.
A trail and boardwalk run along the park’s perimeter. These paths provide long walking routes. The relaxed atmosphere makes it popular for casual strolls.
Benches and shaded areas are available throughout. Covered pavilions include picnic tables. A beach area allows water access, though caution is needed.
Dogs must remain on leash at all times. Owners must follow BARK Ranger rules. These rules require waste cleanup and respectful behavior.
Amenities include:
- Dog-friendly trails and boardwalks
- Waterfront views
- Beach area access
- Covered pavilions with picnic tables
- Free parking
- Public restrooms
- Benches and shaded areas
Flagler Park
📍 Location: 201 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily
✅ Overview: Downtown waterfront park with paved walkways along the St. Lucie River. Leashed dogs welcome. Open until midnight.
Flagler Park sits in Downtown Stuart along the St. Lucie River. The park allows leashed dogs on paved walkways and the Riverwalk boardwalk. It stays open until midnight, making it suitable for evening walks.
A pet station provides waste bags and disposal. The park features plenty of shade along flat, paved paths. The Riverwalk offers scenic river views.
This is a public park with activities for all ages. Dogs must stay on leash at all times. The downtown location provides access to nearby restaurants and shops.
Amenities include:
- Paved walkways and Riverwalk boardwalk
- Pet waste station
- Basketball court
- Fishing pier
- Five covered pavilions with picnic tables
- Playground
- BBQ grills
- Drinking water fountains
- Handicapped-accessible restrooms
- Free wireless internet
Halpatiokee Regional Park
📍 Location: 8303 SW Lost River Rd, Stuart, FL 34997
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
✅ Overview: Regional park with over 500 acres and eight miles of hiking trails. Leashed dogs permitted on all trails. Wildlife present.
Halpatiokee Regional Park is not a fenced dog park. Instead, it offers extensive trail systems where leashed dogs are welcome. The park spans over 500 acres of preserved land.
Approximately eight miles of trails wind through the property. These include sections of the Florida Trail. Trails pass through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks.
Dogs must stay on leash at all times. The park includes wetlands and river frontage. Wildlife such as alligators and tortoises live here. Owners should keep dogs close on a short leash.
The trail system provides long walks in nature. Multiple areas offer restrooms and covered pavilions. Water access is available near recreational areas.
Amenities include:
- Eight miles of hiking and biking trails
- Diverse natural landscapes
- South Fork of St. Lucie River access
- Covered pavilions
- Restrooms
- Benches along trails
- Free parking
More Dog Parks Near Stuart
Jupiter Dog Beach
📍 Location: 48 Ocean Blvd, Jupiter, FL 33477
📆 Distance: Approximately 20 miles south of Stuart
⏰ Hours: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily
✅ Overview: One of the few remaining off-leash beaches in Florida. Dogs can run and swim freely on a 2.5-mile stretch from marker #26 to #57.
Jupiter Dog Beach, a dog park located in Jupiter, FL, permits off-leash play on designated beach sections. The off-leash area runs 2.5 miles along the coast. It starts north of Ocean Cay Park and ends south of Carlin Park.
Well-socialized, obedient dogs can play and swim off-leash from sunrise to sunset. Owners must maintain voice control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in lifeguarded areas.
Free parking is available. Restrooms and showers are located at nearby Ocean Cay Park and Carlin Park. Free dog waste bags are provided by Friends of Jupiter Beach.
Walton Rocks Beach
📍 Location: 6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
✅ Overview: Off-leash dog beach on 24 acres in Jensen Beach. Dogs must be under owner control. Leash required if dog bothers others.
Walton Rocks Beach, located in Jensen Beach, permits dogs off-leash on 24 acres of beach property. Dogs can play in the sand and surf. However, owners must maintain control.
If a dog bothers other dogs or people, it must be leashed immediately. Leashes must not exceed eight feet in length. The beach includes fishing access, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Lyngate Park Dog Park
📍 Location: 1301 SE Lyngate Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
✅ Overview: Dedicated dog park in Port St. Lucie with three separate fenced areas for small, medium, and large dogs. Includes water fountains and a possible obstacle course.
Lyngate Park sits just north of Stuart in Port St. Lucie. The dog park features three separate fenced areas divided by dog size. This includes sections for small, medium, and large dogs.
Water fountains designed for dogs are available. The park may include a dog obstacle course. The facility is part of a larger recreational area with sports facilities and playgrounds.
Indian Riverside Park
📍 Location: 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
✅ Overview: Large waterfront park in Jensen Beach. Leashed dogs welcome on paved walkways and boardwalks. No fenced off-leash area.
Indian Riverside Park is located in nearby Jensen Beach. The park welcomes leashed dogs along its waterfront grounds. Paved walkways and boardwalks provide walking routes.
Dog waste disposal bags are available along paths. The park features a fishing pier and a small beach area. However, dogs must remain on leash at all times.
🐶 Tip for Dog Parks in Stuart
Off-Leash Play
Choose Haney Creek Dog Park or Poppleton Creek Dog Park for fenced off-leash areas. Both parks have separate sections for small and large dogs. Both include dog wash stations and covered seating. Both parks offer nature trail access for leashed walking after play. For beach access, visit Jupiter Dog Beach or Walton Rocks Beach.
Leashed Walking & Trails
Choose Halpatiokee Regional Park for the longest trail system. The park offers eight miles of trails through preserved Florida habitats. Trails wind along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Sandsprit Park provides waterfront trails with scenic views. The boardwalk runs along the St. Lucie Inlet and Indian River Lagoon. This park works well for casual walks.
Flagler Park offers downtown access with river views. The Riverwalk boardwalk provides flat, paved paths. The park stays open until midnight for evening walks.
Indian Riverside Park is great if you’re looking for things to do with kids, because there’s a splash pad and children’s museum.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs benefit from flat, paved trails. Flagler Park and Sandsprit Park both offer easy walking routes. Halpatiokee Regional Park provides low-impact trail options. Downtown options will let you get inside to cool down.
For off-leash play, visit dog parks during quiet morning hours. Fewer active dogs are present early in the day. This creates a calmer environment for senior pets.
Dog Park Safety Rules in Stuart, Florida
All Stuart-area parks follow BARK Ranger guidelines:
- Bag waste and dispose of it properly
- Always use a leash in designated areas
- Respect wildlife and other park users
- Know where you can go with your dog
Keep waste bags available even in off-leash areas. Most parks provide pet waste stations. However, bringing your own bags ensures you’re prepared.
Watch for wildlife in natural areas. Alligators, snakes, and other animals live in Florida preserves. Keep dogs close and on a short leash on trails.
Ensure dogs are current on vaccinations before visiting any park. Flea and tick prevention is essential in Florida’s climate. Bring fresh water for your dog during warm months.
Dog Park Etiquette for Stuart, Florida Parks
Remove aggressive dogs immediately. Park rules require dogs to be social and non-aggressive. If your dog shows aggression, leash and remove them right away.
Supervise your dog at all times in off-leash areas. Stay within sight and voice control range. Do not leave dogs unattended while you sit or talk.
Clean up waste immediately. Use the provided bags or bring your own. Dispose of waste in designated containers.
Respect other dogs and owners. Not all dogs want to play or interact. Ask before allowing your dog to approach others.
Best Times to Visit Stuart Dog Parks
Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures. The period from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM has fewer crowds. This works well for dogs that prefer quieter environments.
Late afternoon visits from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM can be busy. However, this provides good socialization opportunities. Many dogs and owners visit after work hours.
Avoid midday visits during the summer months. Temperatures often exceed 90 degrees between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Hot pavement can burn dog paws.
FAQ
What is the difference between a dog park and a dog-friendly park?
A dog park has fenced areas specifically for off-leash dog play. A dog-friendly park welcomes leashed dogs but does not have dedicated off-leash sections. Haney Creek and Poppleton Creek are dog parks. Sandsprit, Flagler, and Halpatiokee are dog-friendly parks requiring leashes.
Can my dog swim at Stuart beaches?
Dogs are not allowed on Stuart’s main public beaches. However, Jupiter Dog Beach (20 miles south) and Walton Rocks Beach in Jensen Beach permit dogs off-leash.
Do I need to register my dog to use Stuart dog parks?
No registration is required for Stuart’s public dog parks. However, your dog should be current on vaccinations. Dogs should also wear identification tags. Some parks recommend that dogs be spayed or neutered, but this is not strictly enforced.
Are Stuart’s dog parks safe for puppies?
Puppies should be fully vaccinated before visiting any dog park. Most veterinarians recommend waiting until puppies complete their vaccination series at 16-20 weeks old. Start with quieter times at the small dog sections. Introduce your puppy gradually to larger play areas.
