The Outback Off-Leash Dog Park at Shelby Farms Park offers more than 100 acres of fields, ponds and unpaved trails in northeast Memphis. It is a shared multi-use landscape where dogs may run off leash alongside hikers, runners, cyclists, anglers and horses, so reliable recall matters more here than at a small enclosed dog run.
Current lake advisory: Shelby Farms Park reported an active algae bloom in the Outback lakes on August 24, 2026. Until the park lifts the advisory, do not let dogs swim in or drink from any Outback lake. Check the official update before every visit.
Plan your visit
- Entrances: Gates 11, 12 and 13 along Trinity Road and Raleigh-Lagrange Road on the northeastern side of Shelby Farms Park.
- Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- Terrain: More than 100 acres of open fields, ponds, hills and unpaved trails.
- Water: A fountain with a dog bowl and dog-wash station are normally available. Bring backup drinking water. All lakes are currently off limits because of the active algae advisory.
- Dog areas: One expansive shared off-leash area rather than separate small- and large-dog enclosures.
- Parking: Parking is shown near the Outback entrances on the official park map.
Find the dog park entrance
The Outback occupies the northeastern corner of Shelby Farms Park. Approach from Trinity Road or Raleigh-Lagrange Road and use Gates 11, 12 or 13. Use directions to the Outback, then compare your route with the official map below. Keep your dog leashed elsewhere in Shelby Farms Park and until you enter the designated off-leash area.
A large multi-use off-leash landscape
The Outback is designed for long walks and exploration rather than short laps around a compact enclosure. Dogs can move between open fields, wooded stretches and pond edges. Other authorized users share the area, including cyclists and horses. Keep your dog close enough to respond immediately and do not allow chasing or interference with wildlife, people or other animals.
Water, mud and cleanup
Even after the current algae advisory ends, natural-water conditions can change quickly. Read posted notices before allowing any water contact. The unpaved trails and shorelines become muddy after rain, so bring towels and expect a wash afterward. Carry waste until you reach a disposal point; visitors note that bins can be far apart.
Rules before you enter
Shelby Farms recommends one dog per person. Dogs must respond to verbal commands and remain supervised. Pick up solid waste, interrupt rough play and prevent your dog from disturbing wildlife or other park users. Treats can cause conflict and should only be used when other dogs are not nearby. Outside the Outback, all dogs must be physically leashed with the leash in hand.
What park visitors say
Visitors consistently praise the huge amount of space, wooded scenery, hills, trails and lakes. Many describe a friendly atmosphere and value being able to take a long off-leash walk. Common cautions concern mud, long distances to trash cans, gates left unlatched and dogs ranging far from their handlers. Recent water-quality advisories reinforce the need to check park notices rather than relying on an older visit.
Official information
Check the Shelby Farms Park dog page for the current algae advisory, sunrise/sunset hours, entrance information and Outback guidance. Review the park’s rules and permits page before visiting.