Are you and your dog looking for fun near Ocala, Florida? There are tons of options for outdoor exercise your pup.
We’ve rounded up some of the best dog parks in and around Ocala that’ll give your pup the chance to explore. If you cover all of these, you can dive further into exploring the area’s state parks. After your adventures, check out the dog-friendly restaurant patios to refuel.
The map below gives an overview of parks in the area, and there are photos and more details below.
Top 6 Dog Parks in Ocala, FL
- Letty Towles Dog Park
- Scott Springs Park
- Central Ridge District Park
- Squirrel Ridge Park
- West Orange Dog Park
- Silver River State Park
1. Letty Towles Dog Park
2299 SE 32nd Ave, Ocala, FL 34470
- Spacious—plenty of room for pups to run!
- Very clean and well taken care of by volunteers
- Doggie water fountain and splash pad
- Grass and sand
- Tunnel for play and benches for people
- Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Part of the Jervey Gantt Recreation Center
2. Scott Springs Park
2825 SW 24th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
- Well-maintained trails for walks and runs
- 22 acres of park to explore, there’s even a cave!
- Public restrooms are clean
- On leash dogs only in this park
3. Central Ridge District Park
6905 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
- Dog walking-friendly park
- Pups must remain on leash
- Dogs can’t enter the fields, they have to stay on trails
- Shady trails under large oak trees
- Lots of activity and people-watching
4. Squirrel Ridge Park
1603 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
- Separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs
- Tons of room for dogs to run
- Refreshing doggie pools available
- Hoses for cleaning your dog before you head home (don’t forget towels)
- Watch out, lots of mosquitos at dusk
- Large area to walk your leashed dog
- In late 2019, the city approved funds for improvements this already popular park
5. West Orange Dog Park
12400 Marshall Farms Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787
- A little further afield, but worth the trip
- “Play” equipment for entertaining pups
- Plenty of shady areas under mature trees for humans to sit
- Water fountains and hoses available
- Doggie bags if you forget your own
- Well-maintained walking path
- Warning: the mulch ground can make it a little dusty
- Plenty of friendly regulars to show you the ropes
6. Silver River State Park
1425 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome in camping and picnicking areas, plus on the trails
- Keep dogs leashed at all times
- Stunning scenery and lots of wildlife
- Park has one of the last uninhabited spring runs in the state
- Glass bottom boat rides (though sadly your pup can’t join you)
We hope you and your best dog friend enjoy your outdoor adventures around Ocala. There is so much beautiful scenery and so many friendly dogs to meet. Whether on leash or off, you’ll find fun.
Have too many plans to exercise your dog properly while you’re in Florida? Not to worry – hire a local dog walker who will be happy to show them around. Your dog will thank you!