Came here on a Sunday morning, there wasn't any parking but I made my own lol. The dog park wasn't too packed, and the grass was green and clean. No visible piles of dog shit. I regularly come to dog parks and I was happy to find a big dog park WITH GRASS to take my overly active husky puppy. I read the reviews abt this park having aggressive dogs so I was a little apprehensive but not worried. As we walked in their was a big white dog who was growling and staring at another dog, when my husky came in his attention immediately went to him. No big deal. They started glaring at each other and the white dog jumped on my husky and my husky didn't back down. The owners were super close by and so were we. We pulled them off each other, apologized, and the owners took the other dog home. Situation solved. We stayed at the park a while after and had a great time. Can't wait to come back & make more dog friends! read more

Nice park with good shade. I just wish it was meant for smaller dogs since my dog is on the small end. However, the big dogs were generally friendly for the ones my dog met. Just they have giant poop, and for the day after a maintenance, there's still quite a bit of poop unfortunately. :( read more

Nice, spacious dog park in Riverside, CA. Secure, tall fence all around. Plenty of parking that shares with the hiking trails. Three separate dog areas and doggie bags provided. read more

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The Carlson Dog Park is ok, but we mostly just came thru this area because it has access to the Mount Rubidoux Trail. The park offers parking and a small depressing park for dogs to handle their business pretty much. Bunch of loser dog owners just let their dogs 5hit all over the parking lot. Some of you dog owners are just trash. My respect thou for the ones that actually clean up after them and are responsible. read more

Carlson Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Riverside, California

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I love bringing my dogs here. It's close to our downtown neighborhood, it's usually clean (sometimes the trash bins are overflowing), and the folks there are cool. read more

Since my last review and after calling the city the park has been cleaned up. Summer is here and it's usually full of playful pups about an hour before sunset. For the most part the dogs are well behaved and it's a good community of people. read more

Carlson Dog Park - Good pups enjoying tug of was - Dog Parks Near Me - Riverside, California

I came here with my dog Tank in January. I thought it was a large enough dog park. I mean, what does a dog park need really? Space, fencing, hopefully a place to sit for humans to wait for their dogs to play. OH, WATER! Yes, a dog park should have water available for active dogs to be able to drink. Nope, something was wrong and no water at all. That in my opinion might be enough to simply close the dog park until things are working properly? I didn't see other peoples "drug addicts" and you almost cannot go anywhere without seeing homeless- We tried to hike up Mount Rubidioux after being here a short time. While there is a nice paved portion of walkway, I made the wrong choice heading up the hill. Either way, its a nice area still. Never knew there used to be a waterfall over in the corner. Met a nice old guy sitting there that told me stories of when he first moved to Riverside. That was a nice bonus to my day here. But people need to open up and talk to each other more often. Oh yeah, This is about the dog park. I have only been to one other- (up off Pierce) and it is nicer. Although overall I agree there is something not fully "right"about dog parks, I guess it's a necessary evil if you don't have a yard or time/ability to walk them. But that is another topic altogether lol read more

I've taken my dog here 5 times now. 3 times it was great, but twice there were aggressive dogs with owners who insisted "this is how dogs play", even after their dogs engaged in snarling, aggressive tackling, AND BITING! I watched a dog owner have to pull her puppy out of the mouth of an aggressive dog, and the owner of the aggressive dog after watching the entire thing and doing absolutely nothing say "she did nothing wrong". I just can't. I took a picture of one of the owners/dog combo from this last trip. Avoid them. If they're there when you arrive, go home. It's not worth your dogs safety. read more

Carlson Dog Park - Beware of this dog and these owners. THIS DOG IS AGGRESSIVE! - Dog Parks Near Me - Riverside, California

Too bad the dog owners take this place too much for granted. It is a pretty nice park that has been treated disrespectfully by owners of larger dogs. My biggest complaint? It is disconcerting that they do not care to pick up after their canine friends. We came there to play with our little Lilly, but found ourselves focused on keeping our shoes clean. And I am not that much of a do-gooder that I was going to pick up after everyone. Lilly loved it, we...not so much. Still, there are plenty of good points...large grassy areas, big trees, benches, a water fountain, free poopy bags, separate fenced-in areas and gates for different sized dogs, an agility section, puppy section, small dog section, and mixed. And plenty of parking. You will find this park on the back side of Mt. Rubidoux. The homes in this area are lovely, century old homes, quite a opportunity to peer at how the old rich lived. read more

"BEWARE of the portly woman & her brown over-sized weird looking short curly haired sheep dogs! THAT would be the careless owner....."- bec c. I just wanted to mention that I totally agree! If we're thinking of the same"person I think she has been the only problem I've ever had at the park. Everybody I've met were friendly and was always up for a conversation. I come to the park when I get the chance to socialize my 5 month old puppy . the downside to this park is... 1. some owners don't clean up after their pet 2. its mainly big dogs. and because there are so many big dogs, everybody goes to the big dog area leaving the other area's totally abandoned. it can get rough for a smaller dog or a puppy but if the other dogs don't get too aggressive, we always leave happy. 3. directions-GOOGLE MAP IT! read more

Carlson Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Riverside, California

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Love this park not too big not too small friendly people and dogs and relatively clean

A nice looking park that leaves me a bit torn. Perhaps I'll visit on certain days when I know certain pups & owners will be there. Pros: - I like the layout spacious big & little dog area. Puppy area. - Seperate agility course. - People are generally nice & friendly - Responsible owners that pay attention to their dogs. - Ample parking - close to a nature trail for a walk Cons: - Yes there are plenty of land mines! (No biggie) - The occasional aloof owner (every dog park) - Agility course missing parts for jumps/weave poles. - Not fond of little dogs (usually scary & nippy) coming on the big dogs side & shutting down playtime for my bigger pup. Just that much more to have to keep an eye on. Can't we just keep dog play size appropriate?! Sidenote: I was initially very excited about this park, But perhaps my last visit has soured it a bit. A very aloof & oblivious owner watched as her dog (A bully looking pit with a pinch collar on. I never discriminate against pits but WHY was the pinch collar still on inside a dog park!?) full on attacked another dog & only got involved once the owner of the dog being attacked started kicking HER dog and she got mad. The poor pup had wounds & a very distraught family of 4. What's even more troubling is that the attack dog & the owner stayed at the park. If you can't control your dog perhaps seek training before putting other dogs & people in danger. Definitely cut our fun short. Things happen at every park so perhaps I'll return & keep an extra eye out. read more

Carlson Dog Park - Cuties! - Dog Parks Near Me - Riverside, California

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We have been going here for the past six months. We originally went to the OTHER dog park (which shall remain nameless) but had such horrible experiences with catty people who think they own the place that we began attending this one. Living in an apartment with two big dogs, we visit frequently. The downsides are that yes, it isn't as grassy as the other dog park and yes, there are occasionally rude people who come in, don't watch their dogs or pick up poop, etc. However, the majority of people and all the regulars that we have now come to known and form friendships with are great, kind people. They look out for each other and are very good people. Which, unfortunately, cannot be said of the other park. Oddly enough we get a ton of people from the other park who always remark it's like a breath of fresh air to come and meet nice people who aren't so crotchety and pissy. read more

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Great place for bringing dog(s), sightseeing, walks and talks; the atmosphere is serene and playful. Would recommend for a pet owner!

We've made this our "all the time" dog park now. It's huge and always has dogs in it for our pup to play with. With ample room to run, and plenty of shade, we can stay comfortably for hours if we really wanted to. The agility course is wonderful and helps keep our dog's mind working. It's a great way to exercise not only their muscles, but their brain too! The only thing that bothers us, every time we go, there seems to be at least one owner/dog that shouldn't be there. There is always a dog sitting in a corner who is aggressive, sometimes on a leash, sometimes off. If you have an aggressive dog, leave them at home and just don't come. I know my dog likes to go up to everybody to say hi, and she's gotten snipped at just for walking by. This really bugs me. Other than the dogs that shouldn't be there, we love it! I've created a Meetup Group for this location. Please join and we can all meet up and have fun! http://www.meetup.com/Riverside-Mutt-Meetup-Group/ read more

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Never taking my dog here again. I agree with everyone that people don't clean up after their dogs and there's poop everywhere. The people who brings their dog here are so irresponsible and disgusting. I had just entered the damn park and these two male dogs came up to my 1 year old. One mounted my dog and wouldn't let go. The owners was sitting on a bench and never called it. We immediately left after I got him off of her. I hope that owner rots. She's fine, but that was traumatic for both of us. Never coming here again. We always go to Riverwalk Dog Park now. Cleaner, nicer dogs and people. read more

Very scenic since it is right under Mt. Rubideux (I prbly spelled that wrong) Huge park for the big dogs. And a decent small dog area. They also have an agility course. First time there wasn't so bad, we had myuto in the big dog area, and he seemed fine to make friends with the bigger pups. A few tables and a bench. Poop bags provided and a water fountain. Despite the negative reviews, I suggest bringing your timid pup around Noon rather then evenings. read more

PARK AT YOUR OWN RISK! There are loads of homeless and transient people in the area. My purse, wallet, house and car keys were stolen out of a vehicle at this park. The thief ran up over $500 in fraudulent charges. Partially my fault, but partially the fault of a park that clearly caters to thieves. There was broken glass on the ground from what I can only assume was a car window. The dog park itself was okay, a little dirty, but I don't think I could trust this location any longer. read more

I have been coming here for a year and was enjoying it. What bothers me is I am seeing more and more women coming here and letting their dogs poop and not picking up anything. I say something and am ignored. I have witnessed this the last two times I visited. I also visit Hound Town in Moreno Valley who just renovated their park. I see visitors at Hound town picking up other dog's poop. Pet owner's need to be more responsible and not so trashy! I think they need a big sign to "Scoop when your dog Poops" Bags are provided. read more

FACT: I GO IN THE MORNING, my friend goes at the evening I love the park she hates the park difference... morning crowd pick up their dog poops evening crowd bring their kids and ignore their dog poops and freaks out when another dog runs over their kids. -__-;; basically go during the morning. read more

I love the opportunity to take our 7 pound Yorkie and our 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback out to socialize! It is so important to the well being of dogs to get out and be around other people and other dogs. This park is clean and well maintained. I love the separate places for big and little dogs, even though our Yorkie is fearless and likes to play with the big guys. They have water fountains and poop cleanup bags, picnic tables and plenty of garbage cans for your use. My only complaint has nothing to do with the park or the dogs, its the sometimes strange and rude people you will encounter. I always try to complement other peoples dogs or strike up general conversation about dogs, usually with little to no reply. You will also fine the paranoid owners who tug at their dog's leash the second another dog comes around, yell constantly at their dogs and seem to not want to even let their dogs play. I highly recommend coming here for your dogs sake, but don't expect much on the human side! read more

We used to go to this dog park all the time, until my dog kept getting attacked here not once but like everyday for a few weeks. She was never hurt but I'd always have to stand in front of her from another dog because other dogs were so poorly trained and their owners were bad. Seriously a pit bull bit my ass once and the owner laughed. I give it two stars because I used to really love to people here! read more

Love this dog park! I usually go Saturday or Sunday mornings before it gets scorching hot. There's also usually a descent amount of people that come and bring their dogs too. They have a small dog and large dog section as well as a "athletic training" section. I always thought it'd be nice to train my dog more because she does have dem athletic long legs! (Just kidding, not really- it's because she's super smart too) There's a water fountain for people and for the dogs so it's nice. The area is pretty nice too, somewhat shady and away from busy streets. Right next to Mt. Rubidoux! PARKING: There's a lot of people that hike or bike in that area so sometimes its hard to find parking. So go early to beat the heat and get a good spot! read more

Our Mastiff-mix, Abel, loved it here! **Minus one star: the water fountain has been shut off, so bring your own water!** We were a little apprehensive because we've never taken Abe to a dog park. He is a rescue dog with a devastating history, but he's such a sweet and loving boy these days. He had a blast with my mom's Boxer, so we thought he might enjoy some company at the Bark Park. Abe lost a leg due to the gross negligence of a previous owner, so he was kinda like the fat kid on the playground, running behind but failing to keep up with the group. He did make the acquaintance of one mellow, overweight bulldog, and together they cruised around slowly for a while. There were few very friendly dogs, but everyone was civil. The owners, however, were kinda rude and grouchy. David said to me, "Man, it's weird how these people don't seem to like dogs very much." They were all disinterested. There are three sections to the dog park: puppies, small dogs, and large dogs. No one seems to pay attention to this. I guess everyone brings their dogs of all sizes into the large dog area because it's much bigger and has more action (more dogs). This did make us a little nervous because Abe became enamored with a grumpy chihuahua, and we spent a lot of time trying to keep the two of them apart. We ended up leaving right after this. We'll go back regularly though. read more

This park has a lot of potential but really needs improvement. There is really only one play area and everyone mixes small and large dogs, the "small dog" play area is always used by people with huge aggressive dogs, so I couldn't take my dog in there if I wanted to. The "large dog" area is nice and big, but there is hardly any grass, and only one water facility for the dogs. Another big issue is the amount of abandoned dog poop all over this place which I think is partially the result of lazy visitors and the fact that the plastic bag dispensers are always empty. If you don't have the time to make it down to Riverwalk go here, but really this place should be your last choice. read more

I have been taking my dog (Cody) here since he was two months old and I love this place... so does he. Aside from a few dog quarrels and the occasional tough guy or overprotective dog parent (inevitable if you visit any dog park enough), the people and dogs are quite nice! It is also very well used so there are almost always other dogs there. It can get a little crowded on the weekends and in the afternoons but often times that is nicer because it keeps the dog ADD well fed and prevents overly curious dogs from pissing each other off. There was recently a lot of work done to this park as well and relative to other dog parks I go to, it is actually aestheticallly pleasing. Rather than an old, gray chainlink fence, there is a beautiful black ornamental estate type fence complete with fun dog silhouettes. There are numerous benches and a picnic table which are kept very clean for a dog park. A nice agility area is separated from the main dog park which is nice if you are trying to get your dog to focus and it keeps other dogs from T-boning your dog as he learns new tricks. In addition to the big dog area there is a small dog area and an area for puppies which I havent seen anywhere else. Since small dogs are often more mean than large dogs, the puppy area is perfect! The setting of the park is also a plus. It lies right between the Santa Ana "River" and Mt. Rubidoux so you can take your dog for a nice walk while you are there. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for the Inland Empire, there is shade! Trees are scattered throughout the park area in all sections and some are quite large. read more

I used to go here at least a couple times a week 10 yes ago and it wasn't super clean and you'd maybe find a couple poops in the grass. I went here yesterday with my new pup for the first time and there's trash everywhere and tons of turds everywhere. One girl came in an let her dog go, sat down and didn't even look up from her phone, her dog took a massive dump. This place is disgusting. I can understand why the River trail has trash everywhere but the dog park? Since when did the patrons become so shitty? read more

Very clean, large, fenced grassy (mostly) area to let your dogs run free, play, and socialize. I love that there are trees because that is SO important if you go when its warm. There are plenty of trash cans, doggy waste bags (that most responsible dog owners use), a few benches, a water fountain for you and your dog, and a separate dog agility area. I like coming here for the most part because its so large. One of my dogs is larger and has lots of energy to run off and some of the other dog parks I've been to aren't large enough to accommodate how fast/much she likes to race around! Minus 1 star because I went to a dog park in Palm Springs that had pooper scoopers AND bags, so people have a choice on how to pick up the poop (maybe this results in more people picking up after their dogs?) and it had more seating. Some things I don't like, which won't affect my rating because its not the dog park's fault: people who bring a large group of people or a bunch of toddlers. Sometimes on the weekends there are two or three times more people than dogs and it can get a little too nuts for my taste. I don't think its safe to let your 3 year old run around the park with dogs you don't know and climb around on the agility equipment! I have also encountered plenty of people who bring their dogs to the dog park and then get pissed off if other dogs try to play with their dog. Its a DOG park... for DOGS... come on! I recommend giving this place a try with your dog(s), just remember to pick up after them and pay attention to your surroundings just in case others aren't so considerate. read more

The facilities are great at this dog park. The park is huge and has separate sections for large dogs, small dogs, and puppies. There are water fountains, grass, shade, benches and tables, and "cleanup stations." I usually don't have trouble finding parking, and there are trails and Mt. Rubidoux nearby if you want to go exploring with your dog. However, I am only giving this dog park 3 stars because (a) there aren't many small dogs there, and (b) the people I encounter there are sometimes not-so-great. I have been bringing my dog to this park regularly for the past year because it's the closest dog park to my home, but my experiences with the dog owners there have been mixed. There are certainly some friendly, easy-going, responsible dog owners there. And then there are the annoying, rude, or just plain weird ones (not fun weird, but borderline creepy weird). Some of the people there don't seem to understand what "normal" dog behavior is and will yell at my dog for playing in a normal (and non-aggressive) way. Some dog owners there don't seem to want their dogs to socialize, and they carry the dog around or keep it on a leash. read more

Frankie and I are regulars here! Although other parks have better quality grass or whatever, this one is spacious and it's just off of the Mission Inn Avenue exit in Downtown Riverside. There also seems to be a trail leading up to a cliff, so that's exciting for all the joggers and bikers. Every time I come, I'm never disappointed with the amount of dogs and the diversity in breeds. There is a park separate for small dogs but the one for big dogs is much busier. Owners socialize, bring a book to read, or relax on the benches and tables. It's a great atmosphere. Prime time is around 6:30pm when everyone gets off work and stuff. I came once at around 5pm and it wasn't as busy. Expect about 15-25 dogs running, playing, and having a great time out on the field! read more

This is a great dog park with areas appropriate for all types of dogs (large, small, puppies, & an agility course.) In life, we all must take care of our own crap and so should a dog owner. Needless to say, many have not at this park and it has made it an unpleasant experience. My only suggestion is for the City of Riverside to step up maintenance to insure this park remains a healthy and fun place for both animals and owners. read more

My dog loves it here. It's probably the best dog park we have been to, aside from Riverwalk dog park. However this is closer so we frequent this spot. The park is divided into two areas, one for big dogs and another for small dogs. The small dog park has an agility course that my dog loves, however there are no benches to sit on our fountain for your dog except on the outside of the fence. There are bags to clean up your dog as well. Like many dog parks we have visited there are no toilets for humans! You can squat in the grass too I suppose but park is situated on a busy street. There is a nice little area to hike up the hill as well just be careful! The hill is quite high. Love this park tho. read more

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This morning was the first time that I took my 3 year old pup (half pit, half boxer, all cute!) to this park. There was another family there and they were super friendly. The dogs played for a bit and then the gentleman took his dog to the large dog area (there is a small dog, large dog and agility section) so we could use the agility equipment. Our pup played on things for a while and then another family showed up with a small dog. We let the dogs say hi to each other, but I think the smaller pup was intimidated by our larger pup, so we left the agility area so their dog could use it. The space i s great and the people were friendly. I will definitely return to this park. read more

Last night, I took my puppy here for the first time and she loved it. I was a little sketical at first because I saw some pitbulls running around with other dogs, but the dogs are all pretty much friendly. Also, the owners were friendly too, however there were a couple weirdos. The only thing that I didnt like about this park, was that there were no restrooms, for people that is. I think its important that all parks should have restrooms. I thought that was a little strange, other than that, I'll be coming here more enough. Dakota loved it, she even made friends :) read more

This place is OK. If you go at the wrong time, i.e. later in the afternoon or on the weekends, there are just TOO many people and a lot of which don't pay much attention to their dogs. I was there with my family and out 7 year old black lab on a Saturday morning and all we wanted to do was throw the ball for our dog since we don't have a yard to do it in and it was ridiculous because there was about 8-10 other owner there and everyone had AT LEAST one dog and maybe only one or two other people besides us were actually paying attention to their dogs. In the 15 minutes we were there, I saw 3 dogs poop in the way of where we were throwing the ball for our dog and not a single owner picked it up, probably because they weren't paying much attention. I was disgusted, especially with the number of dogs that were in there, so we just left. I'm sure its a different story at slower times, but the crowds on the evening/weekends are just careless. It's actually pretty sad. read more

This park smells all the time, homeless everywhere all the time taking baths in the water fountains that are suppose to be for dogs. The drain of the fountain in the large dog park area is always clogged. I wish ppl would pick up after their pets. read more

What a wonderful dog park!!! My small breed fit right in with ALL the breeds in the large area! It was like a dog party! Thank you, Riverside! It's awesome!!!! read more

Clean safe friendly people havent had a bad moment yet. Id recommend this Dog part to my Friends during day light to bad that theres no rest rooms though whats up with that. read more

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Great place for dogs to feel free. I try to bring my dogs when I have a chance. They both love being around other dogs. There are posts with doggie bags to pick up after your dog to try to keep it clean but its a dog park there is a chance someone didnt pick up after their dog. Let me just say when I got home it wasn't mud I stepped in. There are 3 sections of the park, a puppy/small dog section, a training section to train your dog although the training section is not that great, and a large area for all dogs to roam free. I love it here because I can unleash them and watch them run, play and be happy. Its at the bottom of mt rubidoux so if you yourself want to go for a walk. You and your dog will now have another area to explore read more

Very spacious, they always have bags for poop. Even if it's a park, there are just a few places with dirt, very clean!