At a glance
- Rating
- 4.3 (Google)
- Mud factor
- 3/5
- Fencing
- Fully fenced
- Water access
- Yes
- Parking
- On-site
- Access
- Open to the public
Plan your visit
Ground conditions
Mud factor
3 / 5
Moderate
Plan accordingly
Meet the regulars at Upshur 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.
Live from the pack
Right now
Today's conditions
Get together
Meetups & Playdates
The field guide
About this park
Upshur Dog Park is a beloved neighborhood fixture in Petworth, offering a spacious 9,500 square foot fenced area where local pups can socialize. The park features a unique decomposed granite and clay surface, similar to a bocce court, which helps keep the area functional throughout the year. It's a community-driven space where you’ll find a steady stream of friendly regulars, double-gated entries for safety, and plenty of seating for humans to relax while their dogs play. Beyond the basics, the park is well-equipped with a reliable water pump and bowls to keep your furry friends hydrated. While the community does a great job maintaining the space, it’s always a good idea to bring your own waste bags just in case the dispensers are low. After a play session, the park’s prime location makes it easy to stroll over to the nearby cafes and restaurants on Upshur Street for a post-park treat.
Locals' guide
What locals know about Upshur Dog Park
Upshur Dog Park is an off-leash dog park in Washington, DC (Washington, D.C.). Community mud reports rate it 3/5, and regulars point to fully fenced and benches as what keeps them coming back. The park sits inside Washington, D.C.'s network of off-leash spots.
Best time to visit Upshur 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 Upshur Dog Park, in one paragraph
Thinking about relocating to Washington? Dog owners here tend to cluster around Columbia Heights Dog Park and Walter Pierce Dog Park. The area has 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 realtorMore dog parks near Washington
Nearby dog parks worth knowing
Upshur Dog Park — frequently asked questions
Is Upshur Dog Park fully fenced?
Yes — Upshur Dog Park is fully fenced, which makes it a safe off-leash spot for recall training and reactive dogs.
Does Upshur Dog Park have water access for dogs?
Upshur Dog Park does not have on-site water. Bring water and a bowl, especially May through September.
How muddy does Upshur Dog Park get?
Community mud reports rate Upshur Dog Park at 3/5 — moderate mud after rain. Reports are updated by locals and refresh throughout the season.
Is Upshur Dog Park good for small dogs?
Upshur 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 Upshur Dog Park?
Upshur 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 Upshur Dog Park located?
Upshur Dog Park is located at 4300 Arkansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011 in Washington, D.C.. It's part of the Washington, D.C. dog-park network on DMV Paws & Parks.
On the grounds
Amenities
- Fully Fenced
- Benches
Curated intelligence
Expert insights
What people love
- Reliable water pump and bowls on-site
- Friendly and respectful local community
- Double-gated entry for added security
Things to know
- Surface can turn into 'grey sludge' after heavy rain
- Occasional lack of waste bags in dispensers
Best For
- Social dogs who enjoy group play
- Petworth locals looking for a community feel
- Owners who prefer a fenced environment with seating
Pro tips
- Bring your own waste bags as a backup in case dispensers are empty.
- Check the outer gate latch manually to ensure it is secure when entering or leaving.
AI insights from 9/15/2026
From Google
What locals say on Google
Gus Hirschboeck
a year ago
Nice neighborhood dog park. Has 2-gate entryway, waste bags, trash cans, benches and chairs, water pump with bowl. We’ve met a lot of friendly dogs and people here!
Spencer Iscove
6 years ago
Plenty of room for the dogs to play Rare to find it empty save for post rain days when crushed gravel becomesgrey sludge :0(
Matt Roberts
8 years ago
Big fan of this park, pup loves it! It has that bocce court style sand and gravel, fresh water, double gates, extra disposable bags. All the features you could need. Community keeps it pretty clean. Nice neighborhood right by the schools, not many bad dog owners that I've run into there. No real bullies at the park
Carlton Willis
4 years ago
As most reviewers have noted, it’s a nice little park with a clay kitty-litter base, friendly dogs, respectful owners, and street parking. The negatives are the outer gate that doesn’t latch properly and the lack of poop bags in any of the dispensers. That just gives some folks a ready excuse not to pick up after their dog, especially if they frequent parks that always provide them.
Y. Whitted
8 years ago
It's a cute little park. My only issue is that the park is more like an enormous litter box for dogs. When the dogs come to play and run, the smell of every dog that peed and pooped everywhere within. The other issue is that some people bring their dogs and their dogs aren't at all socialized and they support/reinforce their negative behavior. Some of the people are nice while others are standoffish. The park has special events for dogs too. Those are very nice because you can also get your dog registered at those functions.
From the pack
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After the park
Treats & Eats Nearby
Great spots to visit after your park adventure: