DMVPaws & Parks

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park
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Silver Spring, MD · Dog park

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park

Google rating 4.5 out of 5, 473 reviews

At a glance

Rating
4.5 (Google)
Mud factor
2/5 — usually clean
Fencing
Fully fenced
Water access
Yes
Parking
On-site
Small dogs
Separate area
Access
Open to the public
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Plan your visit

Ground conditions

Mud factor

AI verified

2 / 5

Minimal

Perfect for keeping your pup clean

Meet the regulars at Ellsworth Park and Dog Park

This park is more than a place to run — it's a local hangout. Check in to let others know you're here, host or join a meetup, and connect with the dogs (and people) who come back week after week.

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The field guide

About this park

Ellsworth Park offers a convenient urban escape for pups and their humans right in the heart of downtown Silver Spring. Recently renovated to improve drainage and leveling, the park features a thoughtful mix of surfaces, including mulch, turf, and concrete. With dedicated sections for both large and small dogs, it provides a safe environment for every breed to socialize, even if your smaller pup (like local favorite Bruce!) prefers to hang out with the big dogs. Beyond the fenced enclosures, the park serves as a community hub with plenty of seating, shade, and picnic tables for owners to relax while their pets play. Its location is unbeatable for city dwellers, being just a short walk from the Metro and local restaurants. While the sloped terrain makes it a bit challenging for a high-intensity game of fetch, the friendly atmosphere and consistent access to water and waste bags make it a reliable choice for a daily romp.

Locals' guide

What locals know about Ellsworth Park and Dog Park

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park is an off-leash dog park in Silver Spring, MD (Montgomery County). Community mud reports rate it 2/5, and regulars point to fully fenced and lit at night as what keeps them coming back. The park sits inside Maryland's network of off-leash spots.

Best time to visit Ellsworth Park and Dog Park

Weekday mornings before 9am and after 6pm on weekdays are the calmest windows. Saturday mornings between 9–11am are the busiest — expect a full parking lot and 20+ dogs. If your pup is on the reactive side or still learning play cues, aim for weekday visits or Sunday evenings.

Moving to Silver Spring?

The neighborhood around Ellsworth Park and Dog Park, in one paragraph

Thinking about relocating to Silver Spring? Dog owners here tend to cluster around Lenox Park Dog Park and Takoma Park Dog Park. The area has Montgomery County is one of the more walkable, pet-friendly corners of the DMV area. If you're weighing neighborhoods before you sign a lease or buy, the mix of parks, sidewalks, and off-leash culture here is a real plus.

Talk to a dog-friendly DMV realtor

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park — frequently asked questions

Is Ellsworth Park and Dog Park fully fenced?

Yes — Ellsworth Park and Dog Park is fully fenced, which makes it a safe off-leash spot for recall training and reactive dogs.

Does Ellsworth Park and Dog Park have water access for dogs?

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park does not have on-site water. Bring water and a bowl, especially May through September.

How muddy does Ellsworth Park and Dog Park get?

Community mud reports rate Ellsworth Park and Dog Park at 2/5 — mostly dry ground. Reports are updated by locals and refresh throughout the season.

Is Ellsworth Park and Dog Park good for small dogs?

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park is a shared off-leash area with no small-dog section. Small dogs do well here during quieter windows — weekday mornings are usually the calmest.

Where's the best parking at Ellsworth Park and Dog Park?

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park relies on street parking nearby. It's usually easy on weekdays but tight on weekend mornings — a weekday visit is the smoother option.

Where is Ellsworth Park and Dog Park located?

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park is located at 621 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910 in Montgomery County. It's part of the Maryland dog-park network on DMV Paws & Parks.

On the grounds

Amenities

  • Fully Fenced
  • Benches
  • Lit at Night
  • Double Gate Entry

Curated intelligence

Expert insights

What people love

  • Separate areas for large and small dogs
  • Renovated drainage with mulch and turf surfaces
  • Water fountains and bowls provided on-site

Things to know

  • Sloped terrain makes fetch difficult
  • Entry gate location can be awkward for those arriving by car

Best For

  • Downtown residents and commuters
  • Social dogs who enjoy meeting others
  • Owners who want a mix of sun and shade during their visit

Pro tips

  • Park nearby and walk in, as the entrance is more pedestrian-friendly than car-accessible.
  • Check the large dog area even if you have a small dog, as many locals mingle there.

AI insights from 9/16/2026

From Google

What locals say on Google

4.5
(473 Google reviews)
  • Here to Help

    5 months ago

    Not sure why the renovation took so long but it's nice They took out some trees, flattened out the slope and added mulch with good drainage. Always nice when there is a big dog and a little dog area. Water and bags available. Plenty of seating and some shade.

  • AA-Ron

    3 years ago

    The Park has a pretty good dog park. . It is the only one I know of close to downtown Silver. It seems a bit old and not very well kept up but the pups didn't seem to mind too much they still has fun. There are better dog parks but not any within walking distance. I would come back if I were in the area. The small dog area had the cutest little dogs. They also have water fountains and bowls for the dogs.

  • David Rutledge

    4 years ago

    Pretty decent dog park. Not so good for playing fetch. It is basically on a slope. The only flat area is concrete. Also the door to the park is in an impractical place for getting there by vehicle. A lot of very nice dogs here though. My dogs always enjoy their company.

  • The Black Cat USA

    4 months ago

    We love this park and will definitely return. Great mix of sun and shade. Two playgrounds for different ages. Tables, seating, and grass areas to play in. Plus some nearby tennis action.

  • Thad C.

    8 years ago

    Bruce loves this park! The park has separate small and large sections, but small dogs (such as Bruce) will frequently play in the large dog section. Good size with some cement, some turf, and some mulch in large section. Both have water and there are usually poop bags. Next to the dog park are picnic tables and a large kids playground.

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