Washington, DC · Dog park

Swampoodle Dog Park

Google rating 4.6 out of 5, 324 reviews

Also known as Swampoodle Park

At a glance

Rating: 4.6 (Google)
Mud factor: 1/5 — usually clean
Fencing: Fully fenced
Water access: Yes
Parking: Street / nearby
Access: Open to the public

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Ground conditions

Mud factor

AI verified

1 / 5

Ultra Clean

Perfect for keeping your pup clean

Verified by Google

Google rating

4.6/ 5 stars

Based on 324 reviews

Updated 10/26/2026

Meet the regulars at Swampoodle 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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0here now

Today's conditions

Get together

Meetups & Playdates

The field guide

About this park

Swampoodle Dog Park is a vibrant, 8,000-square-foot urban oasis in the heart of NoMa, perfect for social pups who love a high-energy environment. This thoughtfully designed park features a clean, mud-free turf surface that ensures your dog returns home clean, no matter the weather. With its unique mix of agility features and a playful climbing structure, it’s a favorite spot for local 'regulars' who value a well-maintained space and a sense of community. The park is particularly well-known for being a social hub, often bustling with dogs even when other city parks are empty. Owners will appreciate the ample seating and the friendly, attentive atmosphere. While the park is compact, its clever layout encourages great interaction between dogs of all sizes. Just keep in mind that the city-managed water spigots are seasonal, so you'll want to plan accordingly during the cooler months to keep your furry friends hydrated.

Locals' guide

What locals know about Swampoodle Dog Park

Swampoodle Dog Park is an off-leash dog park in Washington, DC (Washington, D.C.). Community mud reports rate it 1/5, and regulars point to the off-leash area as what keeps them coming back. Most visits end at Alchemy Coffee, a short walk away.

Best time to visit Swampoodle 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 Washington?

The neighborhood around Swampoodle Dog Park, in one paragraph

Thinking about relocating to Washington? Dog owners here tend to cluster around Alethia Tanner Dog Park and Bundy Dog Park. Alchemy Coffee is the after-park coffee stop, and Washington, D.C. 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

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Swampoodle Dog Park — frequently asked questions

Is Swampoodle Dog Park fully fenced?

Swampoodle Dog Park is not fully fenced. Keep your dog leashed near the boundaries and work with a solid recall before letting them off-leash.

Does Swampoodle Dog Park have water access for dogs?

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

How muddy does Swampoodle Dog Park get?

Community mud reports rate Swampoodle Dog Park at 1/5 — dry, firm turf. Reports are updated by locals and refresh throughout the season.

Is Swampoodle Dog Park good for small dogs?

Swampoodle 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 Swampoodle Dog Park?

Swampoodle 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 should I grab coffee near Swampoodle Dog Park?

Alchemy Coffee is the closest coffee stop to Swampoodle Dog Park — an easy walk or short drive after the visit.

Where is Swampoodle Dog Park located?

Swampoodle Dog Park is located at 3rd St NE & L St NE, Washington, DC 20002 in Washington, D.C.. It's part of the Washington, D.C. dog-park network on DMV Paws & Parks.

On the grounds

Amenities

Curated intelligence

Expert insights

What people love

Consistently social with many dogs present for play
Clean, mud-free synthetic turf surface
Friendly and attentive community of dog owners

Things to know

Seasonal water shut-off (post-Labor Day through spring)
Limited shade for humans in the early afternoon

Best For

Social dogs who enjoy high-traffic environments
Owners who want to avoid muddy paws (turf surface)
Small dog owners looking for secure fencing
Commuters near the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro

Pro tips

Bring your own water bowl and water during the winter and early spring months.
Visit during peak hours if your dog loves large groups, as this park is rarely empty.

AI insights from 9/15/2026

From Google

What locals say on Google

4.6

(324 Google reviews)

Amber Chapman
4 months ago
Mr. Bean loves this dog park. We come here daily and it's always a good time. Most owners are very attentive and do a good job of picking up after their pet and making sure playtime doesn't get too rough. Considering the traffic in and out of the park, it's relatively clean.
Lauren S
3 years ago
Charlie and Ding Dong love Swampoodle Dog Park! The park is small, however there are always dogs here for them to play with. We’ve been to other dog parks in the city and at least in our experience, they were scarce with dogs or empty. In the summer, they have two water spigots to hydrate your dogs, however after Labor Day, the city shuts off the water. The setup of the dog park encourages socializing with other owners and has ample seating. The dog park is made of turf (so your dogs will not get muddy) and equipped with poop bag dispensers. Best dog park in the city!
Cherisse Halsall
a year ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 We brought our mini dachshund to Swamp Doodle Dog Park, and she had an absolute blast! Her favorite thing is playing with other dogs, and she loved every minute of running, jumping, and socializing here. The park is well-designed, and I really appreciate that the fence is low enough to keep little dogs safe while still giving them plenty of room to explore. There was a great crowd when we visited—friendly people and well-behaved pups made for a perfect outing. Definitely a spot we’ll be visiting regularly!
Lauren M
5 months ago
It's a pretty great dog park. I wish the city shortened the period when water is off during in the winter/spring though. Of course there are occasional owners who don't pick up poop, or the occasional dog altercation - but realistically that's the risk of the dog park.
Jennifer Wells
3 months ago
Randomly ended up here with my 6 year old. Did not disappoint. Fun play area with a cute dog park to entertain our afternoon.