Dog Parks in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 04/15/2023

Off-Leash dog areas in Lake County are all around the area to help throw man’s best friend the party they deserve. Whatever breed you have, they need a little place like where the deer and the antelope play. If you’re looking for a place for Lassie, Fido, Old Yeller, Sounder or any other type of REAL-life canine to play, have the off-leash in Lake County to tickle their fancy. Most of them are located in Lake County Forest Preserves.

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When you’re traveling to Lake County, man’s best friend also has a place to stay. There is a slew of hotels in the Lake County that are not only dog-friendly but pet-friendly (see list below).

All forest preserve off-leash areas in Lake County are open from just after sunsrise to sunset. Duck Farm and Prairie Wolf Off-Leash are closed on the first and third Wednesday of month from April through October. Independence Grove, Waukegan Savanna and Lakewood are closed until 11 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month from April through October.

Parking permits are required for all Lake County Forest Preserves' off-leash parks, five in total. Daily permits can be purchased in advance by calling, going online or the Passport Parking app (ppprk.com). All payments are online or by phone. If you don't have a smartphone, you can call (708) 716-0716 and follow the prompts.

Independence Grove Off-Leash Dog Area 31531 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. According to North Shore magazine, Independence Grove’s off-leash park was named ‘Best Off-Leash Dog Area.’ The park features a 30-acre fenced area with open fields, wooded areas and a large pond that dogs are able to swim in.

Waukegan Savanna Off-Leash Dog Area 3800 York House Rd. The 11-acre area is entirely fenced and features a large open area, a separate enclosed area for small dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, shade shelters with seating, drinking water for dogs and people, restrooms, and a large parking lot.

Lakewood Off-Leash Dog Area 27511 N Fairfield Rd, Wauconda. This spot is a popular and humongous location. The Wauconda dog park in Lake County features 66-acres of entirely fenced, large open meadow and mowed trails, parking area, restrooms and a shade shelter.

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Duck Farm Off-Leash Dog Area Hwy 132 and Douglas Ln, Lake Villa. The area features a 48-acre fenced area, open fields, grass trails, restrooms, water and a drinking fountain.

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area 1917-20175 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest features 44-acres for your canine, training enclosures, large fields, trails, toilets, water and a drinking fountain. Dogs can swim in a pond located through the east gate at the end of the park.

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Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area 1720 Western Ave. Waukegan. Located in the Larsen Nature Preserve and Dog Park and part of the Waukegan Park District, it features separate areas for small and large dogs to socialize safely. Free parking available onsite, first-come first-served. A perfect meet-up spot for dogs and humans alike.

Pet friendly hotels in Lake County

Continue here for more information about Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Parks. You and your best friend will be sure to have a blast in a dog park in Lake County.

Dog Parks in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 04/15/2023

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