Richmond
Dog Trips

35 PLACES · RICHMOND & AROUND

Find a place.
Know the rules.

Trails, shoreline, parks, and patios—with the practical details first.

35 places

Winter sun over the James River at Belle Isle in Richmond
Belle Isle, Richmond · January 2012 Photo credit
hikeRichmond

Belle Isle (James River Park System)

Keep your dog leashed. Richmond’s leash rules and Friends of James River Park both call for leashed dogs. City pages differ on broader dog access; confirm access with the park before leaving.

Fees No park entry fee is stated in the cited source pages. A zero fee has not been independently confirmed.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

shorelineRichmond

Pony Pasture (James River Park System)

Keep your dog on a leash. This is not a designated off-leash area.

Fees No entry fee stated on Friends of James River Park page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkRichmond

Forest Hill Park

Dogs are allowed on leash. Keep your dog leashed throughout the park.

Fees No entry fee stated on RVA park pages.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

hikeChester

Dutch Gap Conservation Area

Chesterfield County: dogs must be leashed at all times (County Code §4-23(c)); trails: all dogs must be leashed; clean up waste. Off-leash only in designated dog parks.

Fees Admission fee: Free (Chesterfield facility page).

Checked Sep 23, 2026

hikeMidlothian

Mid-Lothian Mines Park

Foundation park-rules page: all pets must be kept on a leash. Aligns with Chesterfield county leash requirement in parks.

Fees The foundation’s rules page does not list an admission fee. Check the park’s current visitor information.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

Pine branches framing the broad river at York River State Park
York River State Park · December 2025 Photo credit
parkWilliamsburg

York River State Park

Keep pets leashed on a lead no longer than 6 feet, or confined, attended and cleaned up after. Carry proof of current rabies vaccination. Pets cannot enter public buildings, food-service areas or designated swimming areas. Plan a land-based visit; dog swimming permission is not established.

Fees Parking: York River $5 weekdays / $5 weekends (passenger vehicle) per DCR parking fees effective 5/21/2026. Croaker Landing: parking plus $3 launch/pier fee. HOV/bus rates higher on fee table.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

shorelineWilliamsburg

York River State Park – Fossil Beach / Mattaponi Trail shoreline

Keep your dog leashed on a lead no longer than 6 feet, or confined, and attended. Carry proof of current rabies vaccination. Visit for shoreline views; this is not a designated swimming beach.

Fees Covered by York River passenger parking fee ($5/$5). No separate beach fee found.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkChesterfield

Pocahontas State Park

Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or confined, attended and cleaned up after. Pets cannot enter public buildings, food-service areas, designated swimming areas or yurts. Cabin guests pay $20 per pet per night.

Fees Parking: Pocahontas $7 weekdays / $10 weekends (Apr–Oct weekend rate rule; Memorial Day/4th/Labor Day weekend rates). Boat/equestrian add-ons $3. Day-use parking required.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkPowhatan

Powhatan State Park

Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet on trails. Keep pets attended and clean up after them.

Fees Parking: Powhatan $5 / $5 (standard and weekends) per DCR fee table effective 5/21/2026.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

shorelineGloucester Point

Gloucester Point Beach Park

Gloucester County parks page: dogs must remain on a leash at all times; Sec. 13.5-13: dog secured by collar with chain/cord/leash not exceeding 8 feet, under complete and immediate control.

Fees The county page does not list a beach-entry fee. Check current visitor charges; shelter reservations are separate.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

shorelineColonial Beach

Colonial Beach public beaches / boardwalk area

Dogs are prohibited on the beach April 1–September 30. The town’s parking page also lists “No pets on the beach” without dates, so confirm with the town before an October–March visit.

Fees The town lists Beach Zone 2 visitor parking at $3 per hour or $25 per day. Check current rates before you go.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkRichmond

Barker Field Dog Park (Byrd Park)

Use the designated fenced area for off-leash play. Keep your dog leashed outside it and follow the posted dog-park rules.

Fees No entry fee stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkRichmond

Church Hill Dog Park (Chimborazo Park)

Designated off-leash dog park (large and small dog areas) on eastern lower terrace of Chimborazo Park. Outside fence: city leash law. City page: no unleashed pets in city parks (except designated dog parks).

Fees No entry fee stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkHenrico

Short Pump Dog Park (Short Pump Park)

Dogs may be off leash inside the designated fence. Outside it, use a leash no longer than 10 feet, cage or pen. Handlers must be 16+, keep dogs in view and under control, and have current license tags. Children 15 and under need an adult; access is for owners and their dogs. No dogs in heat, sick or aggressive dogs, gum, smoking or glass.

Fees No dog-park fee stated on Henrico page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkNorth Chesterfield

Ruff House Dog Park (Rockwood Park)

Off-leash inside fenced runs; on-leash until inside. Voice control; carry leash; proof of license/rabies; no pinch/spike/choke collars inside; no children under 10 in fenced area; clean waste; fill holes. Aggressive/ill/heat/puppies <4 months prohibited.

Fees No fee stated on Rockwood facility page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

patioRichmond

Ardent Craft Ales (Scott's Addition)

Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome outdoors in beer garden only; not inside taproom. Water bowls and treats on request.

Fees No cover stated; pay for food/drink.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

patioRichmond

Triple Crossing Beer – Fulton Pizza Kitchen + Brewery

The venue confirms a dog-friendly patio. Plan to sit outside and confirm leash expectations with staff; indoor pet permission is not established.

Fees No cover stated; food/beer menu priced on site.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

patioRichmond

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – West Creek

Leashed dogs welcome in outdoor spaces (West Creek page). Dogs not permitted in indoor taprooms except service dogs .

Fees No cover stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkChester

Chester Dog Park (Goyne Park)

Designated Chesterfield leash-free dog park (small/large runs; agility area per ParkRules). On-leash until inside fence; voice control inside; carry leash; proof of license and rabies; no children under 10 in fenced area; no pinch/spike/choke collars inside; clean waste; fill holes. Outside fence: County Code §4-23(c) dogs must be leashed at all times in parks.

Fees No dog-park fee stated on Goyne facility page or ParkRules.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

shorelineMidlothian

Robious Landing Park

Chesterfield: dogs must be leashed at all times (County Code §4-23(c)); trails: all dogs must be leashed; clean up waste. Not a designated off-leash dog park.

Fees No admission fee is listed on the Chesterfield facility page; that does not confirm it is free.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkMidlothian

Clover Hill Dog Park (CTC@Hull)

Designated Chesterfield leash-free facility with separate small/large runs (ParkRules). On-leash until inside; voice control; carry leash; license/rabies proof; no children under 10 in fence; standard county dog-park prohibitions (heat/ill/aggressive/puppies <4 mo; no food/glass/alcohol/treats in fence).

Fees No fee stated on ParkRules.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkHenrico

Dorey Dog Park (Dorey Park)

Dogs can play off leash inside the designated fenced area, with separate small- and large-dog runs. Outside it, use a leash no longer than 10 feet, cage or pen. Handlers must be 16 or older, keep dogs in view and under control, and have current license tags. No dogs in heat, sick or aggressive dogs, gum, smoking or glass.

Fees No dog-park fee stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkHenrico

Three Lakes Park

Keep your dog leashed on a lead no longer than 10 feet, or confined. This is not an off-leash park. Personal pets cannot enter the Nature Center; service dogs are allowed.

Fees No park entry fee stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

shorelineHenrico

Deep Bottom Park & Boat Landing

Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 10 feet. This is not a designated off-leash area. Henrico parks have no swimming areas.

Fees No entry fee stated on Deep Bottom page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

hikeRichmond / Henrico

Virginia Capital Trail (Richmond–Henrico segments)

Keep your dog on a short leash and clean up after them. Local park rules also apply where the trail crosses parks. Check posted limits for the segment you use.

Fees No trail use fee stated on Foundation trail-rules page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

shorelineRichmond

Ancarrow’s Landing (James River Park System)

Keep your dog leashed. City rules prohibit unleashed dogs in parks where dogs may enter; Friends of James River Park also asks that every dog be leashed. This is not a designated off-leash area.

Fees No entry fee stated on Friends of James River Park page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkRichmond

Northside Dog Park

The City lists Northside as a designated off-leash dog park. Keep your dog leashed outside the designated area and follow posted rules inside.

Fees No entry fee stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026; selected details rechecked Sep 30, 2026

parkCumberland

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or confined, and attended. Clean up after your dog. Pets cannot use the beach or enter public buildings, food-service areas, designated swimming areas or yurts.

Fees Parking: Bear Creek Lake $7 / $7 (standard and weekends) per DCR parking fees effective 5/21/2026. Boat trailer +$3; equestrian +$4 if used.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

patioRichmond

Starr Hill Brewery – Richmond Beer Hall & Rooftop

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the first-level outdoor patio only. Keep your dog leashed; no toys or balls, excessive barking or growling. Owners remain responsible for their dogs. Do not plan on indoor or rooftop pet access.

Fees No cover stated; pay for food/drink.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

patioGoochland

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Keep your dog leashed. The venue’s visitor FAQ welcomes dogs indoors and outdoors; its farm guidelines describe outdoor access. Confirm the area you plan to use with staff.

Fees No cover stated; pay for beer/food trucks.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkGlen Allen

Crump Park (Meadow Farm Museum grounds)

Keep your dog leashed, on a lead no longer than 10 feet. This is not an off-leash park. Do not enter animal pastures or feed or touch farm animals.

Fees No park entry fee stated.

Checked Sep 23, 2026

parkRichmond

Joseph Bryan Park

Friends of Bryan Park: dogs allowed; ALL pets MUST be on leashes; NO dogs in the Azalea Gardens; owners must pick up waste. Aligns with City Code §4-243 / §4-246 (no unleashed dogs in city parks). Off-leash only at designated dog parks (Northside nearby).

Fees No entry fee stated on Friends page.

Checked Sep 23, 2026