Riverdale, MD · Dog park
Waggertail Dog Park
Google rating 4.4 out of 5, 192 reviews
Also known as Riverdale Park Dog Park
At a glance
- Rating
- 4.4 (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
Plan your visit
Ground conditions
Mud factor
2 / 5
Minimal
Perfect for keeping your pup clean
Meet the regulars at Waggertail 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
Waggertail Dog Park is a sprawling, well-maintained haven for pups in Riverdale, offering ample room for high-energy dogs to reach full speed. The park is thoughtfully divided into separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for pets of all sizes. With mature trees providing natural canopy and benches for owners to relax on, it's a pleasant spot for a long afternoon session of play. One of the park's standout features is its friendly community of responsible pet owners and social dogs. Its convenient location right off the Anacostia River Trail makes it a perfect pitstop for those enjoying a longer walk or bike ride. Whether you are bringing a new rescue for their first social outing or looking for a reliable weekend spot, Waggertail provides a welcoming atmosphere for the local canine community.
Locals' guide
What locals know about Waggertail Dog Park
Waggertail Dog Park is an off-leash dog park in Riverdale, MD (Prince George's County). Community mud reports rate it 2/5, 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 Waggertail 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 Riverdale?
The neighborhood around Waggertail Dog Park, in one paragraph
Thinking about relocating to Riverdale? Dog owners here tend to cluster around College Park Dog Park and New Carrollton Dog Park. 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.
Talk to a dog-friendly DMV realtorMore dog parks near Riverdale
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Waggertail Dog Park — frequently asked questions
Is Waggertail Dog Park fully fenced?
Yes — Waggertail Dog Park is fully fenced, which makes it a safe off-leash spot for recall training and reactive dogs.
Does Waggertail Dog Park have water access for dogs?
Waggertail Dog Park does not have on-site water. Bring water and a bowl, especially May through September.
How muddy does Waggertail Dog Park get?
Community mud reports rate Waggertail Dog Park at 2/5 — mostly dry ground. Reports are updated by locals and refresh throughout the season.
Is Waggertail Dog Park good for small dogs?
Yes — Waggertail Dog 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 Waggertail Dog Park?
Waggertail Dog Park has on-site parking that fills up on weekend mornings. Arrive before 9am on Saturdays or aim for weekday visits.
Where is Waggertail Dog Park located?
Waggertail Dog Park is located at 6599 51st Ave, Riverdale, MD 20737 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
- Double Gate Entry
- Grass Surface
Curated intelligence
Expert insights
What people love
- Spacious layout with plenty of running room
- Friendly and responsible community of owners
- Mature trees providing natural shade
Things to know
- Requires registration with the town prior to visiting
- Can become muddy after rain
Best For
- High-energy dogs needing room to run
- Small dogs requiring a separate space
- Hikers using the Anacostia River Trail
Pro tips
- Make sure to register your dog with the town before your first visit to comply with local rules.
- Bring your own water bowl, as the fountain setup might be easier to use that way.
AI insights from 9/16/2026
From Google
What locals say on Google
Jamie Rothschild
5 months ago
Wonderful dog park that has separate areas for large and small dogs. Easy access from the Anacostia River Trail.
LaTanya Lucas
8 years ago
Muddy but still nice for our 1st dog park with our new rescue. I didn't know we had to be registered with the town first so unfortunately that will be our last visit but I will say he had a blast and was good and tired when he climbed into the car.
Leigh Simmons
6 months ago
Very large, nice assortment of furbaby and responsible polite fur parents. Bring water you have to come to the entrance from inside gate. It can be close, best at one a time. Nicely kept.
Jasmin Contreras
7 years ago
My puppies love going there, the other pups so far are friendly and parents are nice. The place is big and there are a couple of big trees to shelter from the summer sun.
Pamela Bullock
2 months ago
Very nice! Clean and large, plenty of room for dogs to run. Benches to sit on as well.
From the pack
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