Cute little dog park, close to home. Friendly dogs and people, tons of space and poop bags to boot! We'll be back! read more

Castro Valley Dog Park - Doggies! - Dog Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

As we were driving home. I needed a place to let my dogs get out and do their business. This place comes up with decent reviews. It's a little out of the way,but still a nice public park. The parking near the dog park is small, with limited spots. There's a small and large dog side. This is literally the biggest small dog side I've been to. The big dog side is just as large. There's water available and plenty of pooper scoopers. I didn't see poopie bags. This is a very large park, I found that they have benches set up under the shade of the trees. My only negative is along the fence line, there's a lot of foxtails. I had to check my dogs before we left. Definitely a great place if your dog has the zoomies,and wants a big area to run around while not having to worry about running into other dogs read more

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We came here on a drizzly Friday afternoon. We searched for Dog Parks on our GPS. It took us to this location by having us enter from Crow Canyon Road. Because of the weather, we didn't expect to see many other dogs. Apparently, we're not the only crazy dog parents. There was one dog leaving as we arrived, and another came in right behind us. Our Shiba Inu is just over three years old, but we've only been her parents for 2-1/2 months. We've taken her to a few other dog parks, but we've hesitated to let her interact with other dogs that we don't know. The reason is simple. Dogs can tell when their parents are nervous or anxious and they will react accordingly. We thought that it would be safest to give her some playdates with dogs of friends that we know. But alas, a gentleman came in with his dog and as I told him that we weren't sure how well this would work, the dogs worked it out for themselves. A few barks, a couple of growls and some quick wrestling and all was well. Neither dog established dominance and we chatted with the other dog parent while the dogs did their own thing. We had noticed that when he had arrived, he parked his vehicle nearby and we could see it from the dog park. Since we had come in from Crow Canyon, we had to walk through a short path and across a bridge over the creek to get in. From the dog park, we could not see or hear our car. I asked the other dog parent how he drove in and he described the route. After we went back to our vehicle, I drove the route he suggested and found the other entrance from Center Street. The park has trees, chairs, shovels and a few tennis balls. There isn't much in the way of greenery and if it's been raining hard, the ground will be muddy. There are small and large dog areas. The cut-off is 32lbs as it was at another Hayward Area Recreation District Dog Park that we had visited. A small dog park that we visited in Dublin last week had the weight cut-off at 20lbs. Our Shiba got some exercise time in and that was the whole objective. read more

Warning to everyone avoid this park. We couldn't even get inside and a vicious dog was trying to bite my dog through the fence. They're really nice lady on the other side of the fence said "oh don't worry about it".. yeah that's not going to happen. There were big dogs and the small dog area. And small dogs in the big dog area. I'm assuming the regulars control this little dusty Park. Me and my socialized dog will go somewhere else. The place has no grass. It is shady and they have plastic seats all around. I would imagine this place turns into a mud hole in the rain. Makes me wonder if the park district ever goes there for more than 2 minutes to pick up trash bags. read more

At first sight, it looks spacious and welcoming. Like other dog parks, they had 2 sections, one for big dogs and the other for small dogs. Huge grassy area next to the dogs section. Took our German Shepherd puppy here about 3 times and he is now a little over 1 year old. The first time he came, he was only 6-7 months old and was bullied by one other dog there and its owner was no where to be found. Usually, if a dog misbehaves, you would see the owner come and straighten out the dog. Some owners did not clean up after their dog's waste as well, which makes it dirtier than some other dog parks I've been to. Unless we are in the area, I would not go out of my way to bring my dog here. read more

Great place to take your furry friends with tons of shade & seating areas. They have a section for small dogs & bigger dogs, with a simple gate door separating the two in case your pup can't decide where they want to play! Owners are friendly here as well, everyone is laid back & just wants to tire out their fur babies. read more

Good park the only thing is hidden and the first time is hard to find. But once you know how to get in is great. They have parking lot from the other side not from the directions of the gps. But Once you go is easy to get in from the other side to the inside parking. The dog area is decent and it has a good amount of space for dogs to play and run around I really like this place. Is a peaceful place to go with family and your dogs read more

It's a dog park so it's gated and dogs can't get out- that's the best part about this place. There are regulars here that all know each other. If your not known to them they may talk to you and ask about you and you're dog but with an air of judgement. One lady said aloud to everyone at the park "careful, these new dogs may not be neutered" and then proceeded to go to the big dog park to get away from us. Just awkward people here... read more

Really nice dog park. Other dogs were friendly. There is a lot of space for your dogs to run.

First of all, it's a dog park so you know, it's going to be a bit dirty and you might have to dust yourself off after. But that's exactly what a dog park should be! And we absolutely love it. There's two play areas (one unofficially designated as the small dog area and the other as the big dog area. Of course, no one actually cares where your dog goes as long as he/she isn't aggressive). I have a fifty pound doodle who loves to play so we usually go into the big dog part of the park. There's usually 5-10 other dogs for her to play with (I come on weekend afternoons) and she always goes home exhausted and happy after. Going back to the dirt aspect -- I find this park to be better than others because it's just dirt, for the most part there's no mud. As long as your dog doesn't roll on the floor, he/she shouldn't get too dirty. Most of the time, we'll just give our doodle a nice foot scrub and she's good to go. All in all, we give this place 5 stars and so does Maisy, our doodle. She's made plenty of friends here and is on her way to a summer bod because of this place! read more

Not a lot of shade but very appreciated on a long drive. Large areas for both your big pups and littles. Has its regulars to direct newcomers to the appropriate area. read more

Its a cute park, but super dusty. My dog got filthy after playing. It would be better if they planted more grass!!

Drive or walk here. With dogs. Walk dogs to park. Take dogs off leash. Unleash them into the gated park. Watch them roam, and pee, and poop. Watch them sniff butts. Walk around and socialize. Get lots of dirt in between your toes if you've got sandals on. Pick up poop. Don't let dogs bite each other. Keep it PG. No humping. Call dogs back. Leash dogs. Say goodbye to all. Walk back to car. Dogs fall asleep in car. Dogs are very tired. All is well. Good dog park. read more

Castro Valley Dog Park - My porkie Sadie in the small dog side - Dog Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I hate giving a less than good review for a dog park, because I think dog parks are wonderful things. I love that communities will support dog lovers and their need for canine socialization. And this is the closest dog park to my home. There's a good chance I keep coming at "1.5 star times", as indicated in Eric V's review. But I just don't get an opportunity to come on weekdays. I am far from a clean freak, and not afraid of getting dirty. But I really don't like the dirt / gravel ground covering. It's always dusty and the more the dogs run around, the grosser it gets. Everything is so caked with grime, I don't feel comfortable taking a seat in any of the chairs or benches. I know, dogs playing is a dirty business, but I've been spoiled by other local dog parks with beautiful, well maintained grass. But what is really the deal breaker is that one more than one occasion, my dog has been beaten up and bloodied by overly aggressive dogs with irresponsible owners. And my dog is no delicate flower. Play is play, and then when it gets truly aggressive, there should be some intervention... other than my taking my dog home. Again, it's likely the timing of my visits. But because that can't be changed, I will have to make the longer trek to other parks on my weekends. read more

Had to start looking for dog parks and came across this one. Place is clean the people are aware of their pets and their goings-on. Only gave it a four-star because this is my first time. Will update accordingly read more

I can't quite figure out when is the best time to stop by the park so that there are more dogs for my GSD mix to socialize with. I'm not a fan of the dirt covered park, because that means bath time after every visit. I also don't like the trees and bushes that flank the fences, because I can't prevent my dog from doing in that area, and I feel like she can easily pick up a number of ticks in those areas. Other than those issues, and the very yappy dogs in the small dog area next door, people and their pooches have been pretty pleasant. I haven't had any issues with aggressive dogs or bad owners. I really wish there were more dogs when would stop by. read more

Definitely don't bother bringing your small puppies here to socialize. There were multiple 70-80 lbs dogs in the under 32 lbs side when there is clearly a large dog side right next to it. The regulars said the big dogs were "chill" so not to worry. We didn't even bother going inside as this was our 2 puppies (7 lbs) first time at a dog park and that insanely large dog was barking it's head off. Yeah seems "chill" for sure (sarcasm). There are rules for a reason and why people can't seem to follow the most basic of rules is beyond me. Can't cure stupidity! Never will be back. read more

Love this park! Ever since I first started coming. At first I was a little skeptic because I read a review and it said that people were clicky...... Well the people are nice. With a simple hello or good morning everyone receives you warmly. The dogs are friendly. They play good. When you come in the first gate read the rules. DO NOT SMOKE CIGARETTES. A lot of us don't smoke. Sure. Don't want second hand smoke. Take your dog off the leash before you come in the second gate. When you come in the second gate with the leash on. It creates tension between the dogs and can automatically cause a fight to break out. WATCH YOUR ANIMAL. It is nice to socialize but your dog is your priority. Two things I do say for sure. 1. If your dog is not fixed. DO NOT bring it. For some reason it cause the fixed dogs to lash out on the unfixed dogs. You'll get upset that your dog got attacked and in reality the one at fault will be you. 2. Watch your animal and pick up after it poops. The dog park is communal. It's not a portal potty for animals. When you don't clean up after your animal the park starts to stink. The dogs run over it. The dogs eat it. Humans step on it. I would have given it 5 stars but it's too stinky sometimes. The park ranger should probably send a few workers to take all the leaves at the top and clean it up. read more

We take our poodle puppy to play here in the middle of the day during the week. Why? So we can avoid too many dogs and too many dog owners not paying attention. The positive are the "regulars" who make you feel very welcomed. "Pull up a chair", "What's your dog's name?". They also serve as unofficial enforcement. One lady tried to give her dog a big honking pork bone and one regular told her to please put it away as it will make the dogs territorial and ignite fights. The other positive is that on super hot sunny days, the park is very shady with tons of donated lawn chairs to use. Water is also available and owners take turns filling the communal bowl. Parking is easy and plentiful - but we also come in the middle of a weekday. The negatives are the lack of grass (but that's typical for this area) and tons of burrs. Our poor pup followed a ball into the far grassy area and was coated in burrs that she could hardly move. But other owners took pity and helped us pull all the burrs from her coat. Hope to see you there! read more

Insecure large dog owners put there 70lb dogs in the under 35lb park. -__- it doesnt look like it's maintained very well, there's holes in the fence so they can easily escape If your small dog Is Into that. Also, my dog loves to fetch. These people brought their two dogs and all they did was attack my dog the whole time while she was trying to get her ball! And the owners thought it was cute! I wanted to punch them in the face! read more

I like to take my pug Mr. Pickles out here to let him run around and to socialize him. (he hates other dogs and children) Most of the people here are friendly and if you come enough, you'll know the other dogs name by heart. There's even a lady who comes everyday and brings homemade treats for the dogs. Very cute. It's not the biggest dog park but after 40 mins here my pug is pooped out. I always end up having to carry his 37 pound butt back to to the house. read more

Let me start off with the 4-star rating. It can go down to 1.5 stars depending on when you go. 4-star times Off hours- weekdays 1.5 star times Beautiful weather Weekends It seems to bring out the idiots- I've seen this at all dog parks When you go at the right times, you enter to a park with a few of the regulars. They are happy to chit-chat but they also do a good job of watching there critters. These dogs are well behaved and are usually friendly to 'the new guy" Yes, there is a lack of grass, but doesn't that mean that the park is well used? Just don't go after a big rain and you should be okay (Dogs are meant to get dirty). So I suggest on visiting at a 4-star time and have a good time. read more

This is our local dog park. There's a big dog area and a small dog area. No, it doesn't have obstacle courses like the one in Union City but it's large enough. There are large shovels to scoop your poop and there's always been a plastic bag or two filled with recycled plastic bags for you to use to pick up your furry friend's droppings. There's a watering hole in both pens and benches and chairs for you to use while you mingle with other K-9 owners. People are friendly and you're more likely to remember the dogs' names rather than their owners. I'd recommend parking off of Paradise Knoll & Center versus off of Crow Canyon Road. read more

Five stars not because it doesn't have faults, but because it's easily the best within 20 miles. It's not perfectly grassed up, but then, HARD doesn't close it every time the air threatens to sprinkle, like they do in Union City. When lots of dogs run around on wet grass, there is wear and tear. The dirt doesn't hurt the dogs, and there *is* grass -- and best, there are BUSHES, exciting bushes to run around and sniff in. My dog adores the bushes, she disappears and does a circuit of the park behind them. This park is very well self-regulated, self-policed, with a constant stream of regulars who will help keep the peace and remind you to pick up poo and keep your dog from humping other dogs. Ostensibly, there's a small-dog-side and big-dog-side, but tougher small dogs hang out on the big dog side, and calmer (older, injury-recovering, etc.) big dogs sometimes go on the small dog side. It's plenty shady in the summer when things get hot elsewhere. The map suggests you should come in off Crow Canyon Road. Ignore that. Go north on Center from 580, turn east on Paradise Knolls, just north of Creekside School, drive to the end, you'll find the parking lot right next to the gate. Birders: This is an excellent place for scrub jays, stellers jays, nuthatches, hawks, and black phoebes. :) read more

This is one of the grimiest dog parks I've ever been too. Both the small and big dog areas are primarily dirt so both you and your dog will get super dirty. Many owners here aren't friendly or responsible and some are just downright rude. A lot of owners don't pick up after their dogs (even though the park provides shovels and bags) so you really have to be careful where you step and it stinks up the whole place. Some of the owners with more aggressive dogs don't control them very well and just about every time I've come here I've seen a pretty bad dog fight. After this latest visit when an owner had the nerve to repeatedly tell his dog "good boy" for attacking my dog, I'm through with this place. I'd much rather trek out the Pt. Isabel. The park itself, plus the owners and dogs there, by far exceed crappy CV dog park. read more

I took my dogs to this park for the first time on Saturday. I have 2 dogs, 1 is about 18 lbs and the other is about 40 lbs. So, at first my son and had them split up - 1 on the "little dog" side and 1 on the "big dog" side. My big dog, however, hung out around the fence pining for her brother so we ended up letting our little dog play on the big dog side - there were other little dogs already there anyway. Fortunately, my little dog got along well with all the other dogs so we didn't have any issues with that. This is the first dog park I had ever been to so I don't have anything to compare it to but there wasn't really anything exciting about it. There were tennis balls all around but neither of my dogs like to play catch. My big dog did like to chase the other dogs that played catch so at least she got some exercise that way. The best part about this park was the other dogs and owners - every one of them were friendly and that made for a great day at the park. One last thing... the park is actually at the end of Paradise Knoll behind Creekside Middle School. Fortunately my son had been here before with a friend or else I never would have found it. I'm not sure why they have the address on Crow Canyon Road. read more

We love taking our dog to this park on a regular basis. We've met the greatest people and their dogs here. We've made good friends and we all watch out for each other and our pets. Would have given this park five stars but unfortunately, Karoline showed up. On occasion we have someone new visit the park. They don't always follow the rules. Some small dogs are great with big dogs, some are not and should stay where they belong. For instance, Bay Area Truth Teller Z (aka KAROLINE) who stated the regulars are white trash who sit around smoking and drinking. What a negative, nasty and obviously unhappy person this must be! The truth is, most regulars are business professionals or entrepreneurs. We do not come wearing our best duds...this is a dog park after all. Not liking my dogs name is irrelevant (although most people think it's cute) but to name call and write such nasty things about people she doesn't even know is totally uncalled for and childish on so many levels. In one of her 94 reviews (almost ALL negative) she specifically called someone out for not talking to her about a complaint against her. That's exactly what she did to us! We would have been more than happy to discuss any issues with her. She didn't ask. If she was at all concerned about her dogs, why did she not get up and address the situation? Why would she be bringing her SMALL dogs into the big dog area to begin with if, as she states, her dogs have been attacked more than once in a big dog area? AND bad enough to tear her clothes...AND SHE CONTINUES TO DO THIS??? Just to set the record straight, I don't drink, I don't smoke but yes, I do have a deep voice. I do recall a teacher commenting on my deep voice when I was 7. That really hurt my feelings. Fifty years later, all I can do is shake my head at the ignorance of some people who would call my deep voice a cancer prone, raspy smokers voice. CLASSY... So...Bay Area Truth Teller Z., I hope you find a dog park that suits you. I do hope it's not ours. You have managed to offend, hurt feelings and anger some very good people. After browsing through your reviews, sounds like not much makes you happy so we wish you luck. read more

When I first came to this park I really liked it...mostly because it was my first dog park and next because the people there were very friendly and welcoming. Everybody chats with each other and it was just a laid back kinda atmosphere. HOWEVER, once I got the hang of dog parking I realized what was MOST IMPORTANT, and definitely more important than chatty folks was dog owners that actually WATCHED their dogs and stopped them when they were doing something foul like attacking other dogs, jumping on people or running around trying to hump everything that moved!! There were so many times where I saw the SAME dog being overly aggressive to the other dogs and the owners either being oblivious or excusing the dog with "oh he's just playing!". The park itself definitely serves its purpose. In addition to the features everyone already mentioned, it has a dog run and plenty of space and foliage for your pet to explore. It also has tons of toys there for the dogs to play with including tennis balls, frisbees, lots of cool sticks etc. It is very "rustic" looking but I'm thinking that's right up a dog's alley, right? My dog definitely loved it. So in general it's a cool place except for the few owners that don't watch their dogs. However, I've found a dog park in Union City that I like MUCH better! The owners are not so chatty but they sure do watch their dogs and clean up their poop! And there's an obstacle course for the dogs! read more

First time here with my 4.5 month pup Farley and we had an absolute blast! I was nervous at first because it was his first time at a dog park but everyone was so friendly and so were the dogs. Everyone was so friendly and reassuring and gave me great tips on training, puppy socials, advice on crate training - it was the best experience. And the best part is, Farley is pooped! Thank goodness! We will be back:) read more

I like going to this park for a few reasons: -most of the dogs and owners are pretty nice/sociable -tall trees help out during the summer with noise and heat -not as small as Dublin's dog park, and not right next to a busy street I would recommend watching the other dogs before going in on the weekends; I've seen more non-vigilant owners on the weekend. Also, watch where you step: there's poop all over whatever grass is left read more

Love this park. Our small dogs have been coming here for years meeting new friends:) If you have a small dog (particularily Chihuahuas) whom you wish to socialize. There is a small dog meetup here every 4th Saturday of the month around Noon (weather permitting). It is an excellent way for you to socialize your pooch! read more

Not being from Castro Valley I had a hard time finding this dog park. When I finally found it I parked in a small parking lot and then took a short walk across a small bridge to get to the park. I was surprised. This place is huge. I have a large dog so it didn't bother me or Mamba that there were other little dogs around. My lil baby just ignores them and since Mamba likes to "niff" we walked way out across the park where she could "niff" to her nose bubbled over in delight. I grabbed a chair, sat myself down and let Mamba enjoy herself. Dog park is surrounded by a lot of trees, shrubs & bushes. read more

Every once in a while I'll take my pup Bill to CV when I'm out visiting a friend and her dog. I'd recommend coming here on "off" hours (around lunchtime), and if you have a big dog.. keep it on the big dog side! Bill is a big dog and is good around little ones, but I can't count how many times people allow their little ones out of the "little dog" side and their dogs end up fighting or intimidating large dogs. Common sense, people! read more

This is a nice dog park for daily exercise. There are many dogs that are regulars and your pooch will start to make friends and know their peeps. In regards to Sara's parking question, the parking lot is located off Center Street. Turn North onto Center Street from Castro Valley Blvd. There will be a traffic light in front of a school. Right after this light there is a street which runs next to the school. Turn right on Paradise Knolls. It dead ends into the parking lot in front of the dog park. Have fun with your dog!! read more

Love the park, the vibe, the equipments and space BUT do be aware of Karens, the prissy people come out around 4-6 but some times around 2-3 depends on the weather, one lady got mad at my puppy Bc she was jumping on her but she was holding the stick that throws the ball for you and the puppy has been playing with other adults not just her. She had the audacity to have an attitude not considering she's only a puppy barely 1, you're holding a toy she's been playing with for over an hour and lastly she said "where's her leash" like lady.... this is a park for dogs.. specifically for dogs, no dogs should be on a leash right now... overall great parks love how scenic it is but watch for the prissy people because it seems they've built an exclusive community not really welcoming to visitors who just wanna have a good time. read more

Meh, it was ok. As others have said, it's very dusty and although there is some grass, it's mostly dirt and gravel. I didn't find it too poopy, people did seem to pick up after their dogs. There's a gate between the small and big dog side, people seemed to let dogs go back and forth without asking people on each side if it was ok. There's shade and a communal drink bucket on each side. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back. read more

I have mainly been visiting this dog park between 6:00PM and 8:00PM the last two months. The people and dogs at this time are friendly and keep a eye on the dogs. It is true there isn't alot of grass, but the nice trees surrounding the park make it a nice place to hang out in the evening. There is a water bowl for the dogs, a couple of benches and chairs to sit on. read more

Who knew Castro Valley had a dog park?! I certainly didn't. This park is a little bit hard to find, but it's pretty nice. The whole thing is fenced in, which is great. When we went, there were quite a few dogs, and they were all friendly. There were a few picnic tables and benches, and poop bags were provided in case you forgot yours. The dog park is part of the Earl Warren Park. It's on Crow Canyon between Cull Canyon Road and Castro Valley Blvd. We entered through the entrance to Earl Warren Park, then walked across a little bridge to the dog park. I think there is a better place to park, but I couldn't figure out how to get to that lot. I'll update this review if I find it. Anyway, I was just relieved we actually HAVE a dog park in this city. And this one looks good! read more

Nice place, large space, plenty of shade and seating, poop bags and water readily available.

The UPS: It's a short drive to Castro Valley from Hayward, so I can really appreciate the convenience of going there. It is a decent park; there's a separate big dog area and small dog area and each compound is gated, with the small dog park being smaller than the big dog park. Each side has large brush and trees that serves as shady over hangs for tired pups to rest underneath and picnic benches where owners can hang out to take refuge when it hot. The Downs: Some owners don't serve as referees when the dogs play too rough. I brought my pup to begin socializing her early and most of the dogs there are very friendly nevertheless, there is concern when one or two gets a bit too rough and the owners aren't paying attention. There's also a large bare dirt area in the center of the large dog park that may stay muddy after it rains. Overall it's a decent dog park, but I have yet to try others in the area. read more