8 Huntsville dog parks for quality time with your pup

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A woman walks through a group of four dogs playing on astroturf and wood chips in the yard at Rocket City Dog Bar. — Rocket City Dog Bar opened in January 2024. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

If you’ve noticed pets are becoming more integrated into our social lives, you’re “Spot” on.

More people have pets than ever before, and dog parks and pet businesses are growing in numbers and importance.

Read on for a guide to our Huntsville dog parks, including a few privately owned options.

A map of Huntsville dog parks

First, here’s a map of where you can let Rover roam off-leash in the Rocket City:

Public + private Huntsville dog parks

Public Huntsville dog parks

A black dog and a white dog spotted with gray and brown greet each other while woman waits with a white dog by the paddock area of Astro Dog Park, one of several Huntsville dog parks. — Socialized, friendly dogs interact best without leashes inside enclosures. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

Below are four dog parks owned by the City of Huntsville, plus another owned by the City of Madison.

These public parks are open daily from dawn until one hour after dark, unless otherwise posted.

1. Downtown Dog Spot

A white dog with brown and black spots meets a husky breed dog at the Downtown Dog spot, one of several Huntsville dog parks. — Pups check each other out at the Downtown Dog Spot in Huntsville. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

What: Spacious park off the downtown exit from I-565 with wading pools in warmer months
Where: 200 NW Cleveland Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801

2. Creekwood Park Dog Spot

A gold dog and a white dog spotted with brown and gray run through the yard at Creekwood Dog Park, one of several Huntsvlle dog parks. — Many dogs enjoy a dip in the creek near the Creekwood Park Dog Spot. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

What: Large dog park with areas for large + small dogs with a nearby walking trail + creek
Where: 360 Harvestwood Ct, Madison, AL 35758

3. Southside Dog Spot (aka Astro Dog Park)

A woman walks with a black dog and a gold dog as she prepares to throw a ball for them at Astro Dog Park, one of several Huntsville dog parks. — Astro Dog Park is the largest among Huntsville dog parks. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

What: Large park with large + small dog enclosures + a fenced working dog area for wandering through woods by a creek
Where: 16159 Chaney Thompson Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

4. Hampton Cove Dog Spot

A white dog spotted with brown and gray runs through the yard at Creekwood Dog Park, one of several Huntsvlle dog parks. — When it’s time to play, all a dog needs is a big patch of grass—and also you with a Chuckit! helps, too. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

What: A simple, divided dog park less than a mile north of Hays Nature Preserve with covered pavilions + picnic tables.
Where: 265 Wade Rd, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

5. Mill Creek Dog Park in Madison

A white, fluffy, midsized dog spotted with brown and dark gray stands in front of the Mill Creek Dog Park in Madison, Alabama. — During warm weather months, Mill Creek Dog Park is a smart pick for its many shaded areas. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

What: A 1.43-acre dog park along the Mill Creek Greenway with plenty of trees + separate areas for large + small dogs.
Where: 38 Balch Rd, Madison, AL 35758
Info: Website

Public dog park rules

These basic rules sourced from the City of Huntsville website are best practices for dog parks everywhere:

Dogs must be four months old or older, spayed or neutered by age 1 + current on their rabies vaccine.
Two dogs or less per adult. Stay with + pick up after them.
Use the play area suited to your dog’s size.
Keep your dog on a leash until you reach the paddock area.
Dogs must be unleashed inside the park. (You may leave it attached to grab quickly if needed.)
No aggressive dogs. If it happens, leave immediately.

Private Huntsville dog parks

A German shepherd dog flies through the air doing dock diving into the outdoor pool at DogSplash in Huntsville, Alabama. — A dog sails through the air dock diving into the outdoor pool at Dog Splash in Huntsville. (Dog Splash / Facebook)

Below are a few privately owned options that are open to the public. Each has different requirements and fees, so be mindful of the rules before you book or visit.

6. Kelly & Buddy’s Dog Park

A dog runs into the foreground at a grassy dog park where there are many agility obstacles for dogs to do practice runs. — Dogs build confidence on agility challenges at Kelly & Buddy’s Dog Park. (Michael Gill – Kelly & Buddy’s Dog Park / Facebook)

What: A 2-acre fenced off-leash dog park with agility equipment
Where: 3005 Hood Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Monday-Friday, 7AM-7PM; Saturday, Noon-5PM
Cost: $1 per person
Requirements: “Friendly, vaccinated, fixed, + socialized dogs are welcome.” (Bring proof of vaccinations.)
Info: Website | Facebook

7. Rocket City Dog Bar

People watch their dogs play while enjoying beer at Rocket City Dog Bar. — Bring takeout or have food delivered while enjoying a beer and watching your dogs socialize at Rocket City Dog Park. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

What: A bar featuring craft beer, weekly events, live music + a large, turf yard for pups to play
Where: 2404 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Tuesday-Thursday, 4PM-9PM; Friday, Noon-10PM; Saturday, 10AM-10PM; Sunday, 10AM-9PM
Cost: $10 for a day pass | Monthly + annual memberships available
Requirements: Must register dogs in advance, which includes proof of vaccinations, verifying age is 4 months or more + spay/neuter by age 1.
More: Website | Facebook

8. Dog Splash

A dog swims in a pool with a toy in its mouth and while wearing a shark fin life jacket. — At Dog Splash, you can book individual pool sessions for up to three dogs or book both pools, bring friends and host up to 8 dogs. (Dog Splash / Facebook)

People wait with their dogs to enter swimming pools at Dog Splash in Huntsville, Alabama. — At Dog Splash, you can book individual pool sessions for up to three dogs or book both pools, bring friends and host up to 8 dogs. (Dog Splash / Facebook)

What: An aquatics park for dogs featuring multiple pools, dock diving ramps + more for confidence-building, therapy + fun
Where: 1860 Sparkman Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35816
When: By appointment only, Tuesday-Sunday, 6AM-8PM
Cost: Rates start at $32.50 + $15 each for up to two more dogs for experienced swimmers. First-timer sessions are $46.50.
Requirements: Dogs must be 4 months old or more + vaccinated. (Bring proof of vaccinations + see website for more specific requirements.)
More: Website | Facebook

Dog people by the numbers

Here are some fresh facts to chew on about pet perceptions:

80% of younger households (ages 18-34) now own pets.
Of those who do not, 20% say it’s because they don’t have the right living conditions.
65% of people in a separate U.S. survey reported they prefer spending time with their pets than with other people.
37% of those people who are dog owners strongly agree that their pet is the most important thing in their life.

_{Source: Ipsos March 2025 edition of What the Future}

We’re indeed fortunate to have these Huntsville dog parks, and it looks like we can expect more to come in the future. Beyond these parks, be sure to check out our favorite picks for dog-friendly hikes and patios throughout the area.

ICMYI, check out our reel showing you five of these spots! 👇

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