Barkingham Dog Park is the fenced off-leash area at Buckingham Park in Fort Myers. The dog park has separate spaces for small and large dogs, while primitive trails around the surrounding community park provide an option for leashed walks before or after play.
Plan your visit
- Address: 9800 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905.
- Hours: Dawn to dusk.
- Off-leash area: Inside the designated fenced dog park only.
- Dog sizes: Visitors report separate areas for small and large dogs; follow the signs at each gate.
- Parking: Lee County lists free parking at Buckingham Park.
- Nearby facilities: Primitive hiking trails, restrooms, pavilions, fishing, athletic fields and a playground.
Find the dog park entrance
Enter Buckingham Park from Buckingham Road at 9800 Buckingham Road. Follow the park signs for Barkingham Dog Park and the nearby trail access. The street address serves the full community park, so allow a few extra minutes to reach the fenced dog area from the internal drive.
Get directions to Barkingham Dog Park. Keep your dog leashed in the parking and trail areas and until you are safely inside the correct enclosure.
Wet-season ground and wildlife
Lee County warns that the off-leash area may have standing water during the wet summer months. Bring a towel and expect muddy paws after heavy rain. Water conditions can also affect fountains and the dog-rinse area reported by visitors, so pack a portable bowl and backup drinking water.
The park includes a pond and natural areas. Dogs are not permitted in lakes or ponds and must not disturb wildlife. Stay on marked trails, keep dogs leashed outside the enclosure and pay attention to posted wildlife or lightning alerts.
Play areas, shade and trails
Park goers describe separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, shade trees, seating, drinking water, waste bags and a dog-wash station. Availability varies, so check the gates and water source before settling in.
The primitive trails are for on-leash walking. They offer a quieter option when the off-leash area is busy or muddy, but conditions may be uneven after rain.
What other park goers say
Visitors often praise the large play area, shade, friendly regulars, separate dog-size sections and the option to walk around the park after off-leash play. Reviewers also mention convenient water, waste stations, seating and a rinse area.
Some park goers report standing water, mud, insects or uneven upkeep during wet periods. Others mention occasional rough play or inattentive handlers. Conditions vary by visit. Watch the group through the fence, supervise your dog and use the leashed trails or leave if the enclosure does not feel safe.
Rules before you enter
Lee County requires dogs to wear a collar with a valid county license. Puppies under four months and dogs in heat are prohibited. Dogs behaving in a threatening or menacing manner may not remain in the park, and owners must prevent dogs from damaging park property or disturbing wildlife.
Children under 12 who are with a dog must be accompanied by an adult, and children under five are not permitted in fenced off-leash dog parks. Owners must stay with their dogs, clean up waste promptly and keep dogs leashed everywhere outside the designated off-leash enclosure.
Before you go
- Check the official Buckingham Park page for current advisories and lightning information.
- Visit the county’s dog-park page for current rules and locations.
- Bring a leash, waste bags, a portable bowl, backup water and a towel during wet weather.
- Call Buckingham Park at 239-237-9306 if your visit depends on a specific facility.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Hours, trail conditions, standing water, fountains and enclosure availability can change.