Fort Washington, MD · Dog park
Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park
Google rating 4.4 out of 5, 50 reviews
Also known as Riverview Park Dog Park
At a glance
- Rating
- 4.4 (Google)
- Mud factor
- 3/5
- Fencing
- Fully fenced
- Water access
- Yes
- Parking
- On-site
- Small dogs
- Separate area
- Access
- Open to the public
Plan your visit
Ground conditions
Mud factor
3 / 5
Moderate
Plan accordingly
Meet the regulars at Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview 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.
Live from the pack
Right now
Today's conditions
Get together
Meetups & Playdates
The field guide
About this park
Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park is a standout destination for off-leash fun in Fort Washington, offering expansive, clean, and well-maintained enclosures. The park is thoughtfully divided into large and small dog sections, both featuring generous grassy spaces that give pups plenty of room to sprint. Owners will appreciate the secure double-gated entries and the presence of amenities like benches and playful obstacles for dogs to jump on. The community atmosphere here is a major draw, with many visitors noting the friendly regulars and responsible pet owners. Beyond the fenced area, the surrounding Riverview Park provides a scenic backdrop with paved paths for leashed walks, as well as sports courts and playgrounds for a full day of family outdoor activity. Whether your dog is a high-energy runner or a social butterfly, this park offers a safe and welcoming environment. While the park features dedicated hydration stations in each section, visitors should note that the water is seasonally controlled by park authorities. The grounds are generally praised for their cleanliness, with well-stocked waste bags and clear signage, making it a reliable choice for local and visiting dog owners alike.
Locals' guide
What locals know about Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park
Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park is an off-leash dog park in Fort Washington, MD (Prince George's County). Community mud reports rate it 3/5, and regulars point to fully fenced and small dog area as what keeps them coming back. The park sits inside Maryland's network of off-leash spots.
Best time to visit Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview 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 Fort Washington?
The neighborhood around Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park, in one paragraph
Thinking about relocating to Fort Washington? Dog owners here tend to cluster around Westgrove Dog Park and Dog Run Park at Carlyle. The area has Prince George's 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.
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Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park — frequently asked questions
Is Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park fully fenced?
Yes — Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park is fully fenced, which makes it a safe off-leash spot for recall training and reactive dogs.
Does Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park have water access for dogs?
Yes — Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park has water access on-site. Dogs can drink and cool off, though it's smart to bring a portable bowl in peak summer.
How muddy does Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park get?
Community mud reports rate Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park at 3/5 — moderate mud after rain. Reports are updated by locals and refresh throughout the season.
Is Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park good for small dogs?
Yes — Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park has a separate small-dog area, so pups under 25 lb can play without the big-dog roughhousing.
Where's the best parking at Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park?
Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park has on-site parking that fills up on weekend mornings. Arrive before 9am on Saturdays or aim for weekday visits.
Where is Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park located?
Southern Area Dog Park at Riverview Park is located at 10601 Riverview Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744 in Prince George's County. It's part of the Maryland dog-park network on DMV Paws & Parks.
On the grounds
Amenities
- Fully Fenced
- Small Dog Area
- Shade Trees
- Benches
- Parking Available
- Water Access
- Double Gate Entry
- Grass Surface
Curated intelligence
Expert insights
What people love
- Spacious, well-maintained grassy areas for both large and small dogs
- Friendly and welcoming regular community of dog owners
- Clean facilities with functional waste bag stations and secure gates
Things to know
- Seasonal water fountain availability (may be turned off in winter/off-season)
- Occasional presence of professional handlers bringing large groups of dogs
Best For
- Social dogs who enjoy large open fields for running
- Owners who prefer separated areas for large and small breeds
- Families looking for a park with additional sports and playground amenities
Pro tips
- Visit on weekends if you are looking for more socialization opportunities, as weekday afternoons can be quiet.
- Bring a backup water bottle just in case the seasonal fountains are turned off during your visit.
AI insights from 9/16/2026
From Google
What locals say on Google
Harmony P
6 months ago
I love the dog park. They have an area for big dogs and small dogs and both areas are a nice size. Just follow the path from the parking lot.u dog had a blast. I was nervous going in because the pincher was really barking aggressively as we walked up. His parents assured me he was harmless and in us I side the big area. they were very right. The big dog was a marshmallow once we got inside. He had no desire to play with my little energetic Frenchie, as hard as my girl tried. 😅😅 Other dog parents were really cool, too. They had a water fountain in each area, but the park authorities have to turn it on. The area also has toys for the dogs and seats to jump on and play around.
Frenchvision Johnson
a year ago
This dog park was very clean and well-kept. It was in a very convenient location with parking, a playground, a tennis court, and a basketball court. The dog bags were full and the dog fountain was functional. The signage was clear about rules and the doors were secure. The people we met were very familiar with one another and very friendly.
Moola Jeff
2 years ago
First time Visiting The Pubic national parks of Fort Washington Maryland.This Park is my favorite Park to visit when I want to hang out or walking with my Dog Son. large Open Field in the park with a small park separate for dogs. I discovered many other Activities that can be done Baseball,tennis, Soccer. My son and I had a blast playing at the Open Dog park i. recommend this spot for a Happy Doggie. Has free access to fresh water. Trash disposal at near reach.Excellent Dog Playground
Sarah Brunk
5 months ago
I had a great experience with my German shorthair pointer at Riverview yesterday. I have noticed a dog handler who brings 7 dogs at one time to the dog park lately that seems to be trying to use it for training purposes. A lot of toys and treats for an all morning exercise session. Very temperamental trainer ... So just watch out and don't give compliments or the person will get too excited 😆.
Lauren S
2 years ago
We live in Waldorf but wanted our three dogs to check out Riverview Park. This dog park is great! Two sections for small dogs and large dogs. The large dog section is a huge fenced in play area, has some benches for the owners to sit on, and has a hydration station for the dogs (although it was turned off because of the season). My only ‘complaint’ was there were no other dogs for my dogs to play/socialize with. We came on a Friday afternoon, around 2PM. Will have to visit again on a weekend to see if there are more dogs who come here.
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