Simmonds Family Dog Park is an 11-acre, fully fenced off-leash destination inside Miami Whitewater Forest near Cleves. Great Parks describes it as the largest public dog park in the Cincinnati region. Four separate play fields give visitors options for dog size, turf conditions and activity level, including an all-season field and an agility area.
Plan your visit
- Address: 8715 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Cleves, OH 45002.
- Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk. Check the official park page for temporary closures or field notices.
- Play areas: Four fenced fields include an all-season play field, a small-dog area for dogs under 22 pounds, larger-dog space and agility/play zones. Follow the signs at each open field because Great Parks may rotate access.
- Water and shade: Great Parks lists shade from trees and structures, benches and dog water facilities. Bring a bowl and backup water in case a fountain or shared bowl is unavailable.
- Parking and restrooms: Parking and restrooms are listed amenities. A valid Great Parks Motor Vehicle Permit is generally required for vehicle entry.
Find the dog park entrance
Use the dog park’s own street address rather than the main Miami Whitewater Forest address. Enter at 8715 Hamilton-Cleves Road and follow the posted signs for Simmonds Family Dog Park and its parking area. Get directions to Simmonds Family Dog Park.
The official Great Parks page does not currently provide a useful dedicated dog-park map, so use current entrance signs when you arrive. Accessible-route details and temporary field closures can change; call Great Parks at 513-367-4774 if your visit depends on a specific route or open enclosure.
Four fields, shade and water
The park’s size is its standout feature. Great Parks lists four separate fields, an all-season play field, agility equipment and play zones. Trees, shade structures and benches provide places to pause while dogs run. Official records also describe a shade canopy, benches and a yard hydrant in the small-dog area.
Conditions can differ between enclosures. The all-season area may be useful after wet weather, while grassy areas can be more comfortable for extended running. Choose an enclosure that fits your dog’s size and energy, and give unfamiliar dogs room at the gate.
What other park goers say
Recent visitor feedback is strongly positive about the amount of space, the choice of separate fields, shaded seating and access to water. Park goers often mention that the layout makes it easier to start in a quieter enclosure or move to another field when one area feels too busy. Visitors also praise the well-maintained grounds and friendly atmosphere.
A few reviewers caution that dog waste can collect in the gravel or all-season area and that a shared water bowl may not always be available. Pack waste bags, a portable bowl and backup water even though the park normally provides water facilities. Review conditions can change, so treat these comments as planning tips rather than a guarantee of today’s conditions.
Motor Vehicle Permit
Great Parks requires a Motor Vehicle Permit for vehicles entering most of its parks, including Miami Whitewater Forest. For 2026, the posted price is $10 annually or $5 daily for Hamilton County residents and $16 annually or $8 daily for nonresidents. Admission is free for people entering without a motor vehicle, and Great Parks schedules several permit-free Community Days. Confirm current prices and eligibility on the Great Parks community access page before leaving.
Rules before you enter
Keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet until you are inside the fenced area. Great Parks requires adult supervision and voice control, and owners must clean up after their dogs. The small-dog area is reserved for dogs under 22 pounds.
Fill holes your dog digs, do not bring food or chew treats into the dog park, and remove a dog at the first sign of aggression. Female dogs in heat are not allowed. Read the posted signs and the official Great Parks dog park rules before entering.
Before you go
- Check the official Simmonds Family Dog Park page for current hours and notices.
- Bring a leash, waste bags, a portable bowl and backup water.
- Confirm the current Motor Vehicle Permit requirement if you are driving.
- Use the posted size and field signs, and choose another enclosure if the first one does not suit your dog.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Park access, field rotation, water service and permit rules can change. For current information, contact Great Parks at 513-367-4774.