Fort Woof Dog Park is a five-acre fenced off-leash area inside Gateway Park in Fort Worth. Its two sections provide 3.4 acres for large dogs and 1.6 acres for dogs under 40 pounds, with agility equipment, water fountains, shaded shelters, picnic tables and waste stations.
Plan your visit
- Address: 751 Beach Street, Fort Worth, TX 76111.
- Hours: 5 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday through Wednesday. The dog park is closed every Thursday for scheduled maintenance.
- Weather closures: Fort Worth may close the dog park after rain when the ground is too saturated.
- Dog-size areas: Use the 1.6-acre small-dog section for dogs under 40 pounds; the 3.4-acre section serves larger dogs.
- Water: The city lists water fountains, but visitors sometimes report interruptions. Bring backup water and a bowl.
- Parking: Gateway Park has a parking lot near its recreation facilities.
Find the dog park entrance
Enter Gateway Park from Beach Street and follow signs toward Fort Woof near the softball fields. From the parking area, look for the fenced complex and choose the gate for your dog’s size. Keep your dog on a secured leash until you are through the double-gated entrance.
Five acres for off-leash play
The large- and small-dog sections provide broad areas for running, fetch and social play. Agility structures add variety, while shaded shelters, benches and picnic tables give handlers places to supervise. The small-dog side is reserved for dogs under 40 pounds; small dogs may use the large-dog side, but the city does not recommend it.
Water, shade and ground conditions
Water fountains serve dogs and people, and waste stations are available in both sections. Fountain service can be interrupted, so arrive with water during hot weather. Much of the run is grass or worn soil; expect mud or a temporary closure after heavy rain and check paws before returning to the car.
Rules before entering
Dogs must have current licenses and rabies vaccinations on their tags. Fort Worth requires handlers to remain inside, keep dogs in view and under voice control, carry a visible leash and remove aggressive dogs immediately. Puppies under four months and dogs in season are not allowed. An adult must accompany children under 12.
Food, drinks and recreational sports are prohibited inside the dog park. Close both gates behind you, repair holes your dog digs and clean up waste.
What park visitors say
Park goers often praise the roomy sections, agility equipment, shade and friendly social atmosphere. Some visitors report that the fountains are occasionally unavailable, muddy spots form around the water station and large dogs sometimes enter the small-dog section. Check the water, surface and dogs already inside before choosing a gate.
Check current information
Use the official Fort Woof Dog Park page for current hours, maintenance closures, weather notices and rules. The city’s Gateway Park page lists wider park amenities and currently warns visitors to avoid a flood-damaged portion of the Trinity Trail; that notice does not identify Fort Woof itself as closed.
