Carlson Bark Park is a fenced, off-leash dog park at the base of Mount Rubidoux in Riverside. The City of Riverside lists water and waste bags on site, and its park plan shows separate areas for large and small dogs beside the parking lot.
Plan your visit
- Official address: 4700 Buena Vista Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501.
- Parking: An on-site lot runs alongside the dog areas.
- Off-leash areas: The City map identifies separate large-dog and small-dog sections.
- Water and cleanup: The City says water and dog-waste bags are available.
- Weekly maintenance: The dog park is closed Fridays from 6-10 a.m.
- Restrooms: The City lists Carlson among parks without restrooms.
Find the dog park entrance
Use directions to the Carlson Bark Park entrance. The City address is 4700 Buena Vista Avenue; some navigation services label the internal approach as Scout Lane. The official map places the parking lot immediately beside both dog areas.
Rules before you enter
Keep dogs leashed while entering and leaving. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and wearing a current license, and handlers must maintain control. The City dog-park page says puppies under three months are not allowed, food is prohibited inside and owners must pick up after their pets.
The Riverside municipal code adds more detail: no more than two dogs per handler, voice control is required, aggressive or sick dogs and dogs in heat are prohibited, and children age 12 or younger need adult supervision. Follow current signs if they differ from older published rules.
What parkgoers say
Parkgoers often mention the roomy grassy sections, mature shade trees, benches and easy parking. Visitors also report that the ground can become muddy after rain, water fountains may occasionally need repair and cleanup conditions vary with how busy the park is.
These are individual experiences rather than guarantees. Check recent Carlson Bark Park reviews and compare them with official information before your visit.
Official updates and nearby options
Check the City of Riverside dog parks page for maintenance closures and current rules. For another option, browse our California dog park directory.