Best Dog Parks Near Ojai, CA (2026)

Ojai has its own shaded dog park right in town, and Ventura's coastal parks are close enough for a regular rotation. The valley's mild climate means off-leash time works comfortably most of the year.

Top-Rated Dog Parks Near Ojai

1. Mitchell Edelson Dog Park (Ojai)

Location: 1033 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023

Mitchell Edelson Dog Park in Ojai gives dogs a real off-leash option with off-leash area, fenced, separate small-dog area. Ojai's own oak-shaded dog park, with two separate fenced yards for large dogs and dogs under 20 pounds. Mature trees keep it cool even on warm valley afternoons.

Good to know: off-leash area, fenced, separate small-dog area, double-gated entrance, oak tree shade, water fountains.

Parent tip: It shares hours with Soule Park, so check the main park's posted hours before a late visit.

For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Mitchell Edelson Dog Park page.

2. Arroyo Verde Park (Ventura)

If you're based in Ojai, it's about 15 min without traffic, worth combining with other Ventura stops.

Location: 5000 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003

Dog owners rate Arroyo Verde Park highly for its off-leash area, hiking trails, open grass areas. 132 acres of trails and open grass in Ventura, though off-leash access is limited to early mornings, Tuesday through Sunday from 6 to 9am. Worth the drive for the hiking trails alone.

Good to know: off-leash area, hiking trails, open grass areas, nature center, restrooms.

Parent tip: Get there right at 6am for the best chance at open field time. Weekends and holidays carry a $3 parking fee.

Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the Arroyo Verde Park city page.

3. Montalvo Hill Park (Ventura)

Starting in Ojai, the drive takes about 21 min without traffic, and the round trip still fits inside a morning.

Location: 1690-1708 Tanager St, Ventura, CA 93003

Open 24 hours, this Ventura park has lighting for evening visits and a fenced off-leash area alongside its regular playground and courts. Locals treat Montalvo Hill Park as a regular rotation stop rather than a once-in-a-while visit.

Good to know: off-leash area, fenced, wheelchair accessible, nighttime lighting, restrooms.

Parent tip: The round-the-clock access makes it a fallback if you're driving back from Ojai after dark.

4. Camino Real Park (Ventura)

For a family coming from Ojai, the drive clocks in at about 21 min without traffic, an easy add-on if you're already headed toward Ventura.

Location: Dean Dr & Varsity St, Ventura, CA 93003

A large fenced run near Ventura College, with double-gated entry and a separate small-dog section. Water fountains and waste stations are on site. It's one of the more dependable off-leash stops near Ventura, California.

Good to know: off-leash area, fenced, separate small-dog area, water fountains, waste stations, parking.

Parent tip: Parking fills up fast during the school year, so plan around class change times.

5. Windrow Off-Leash Dog Park (Oxnard)

From Ojai, budget about 24 min each way, but Oxnard has enough to fill a full morning out.

Location: 764 Nile River Dr, Oxnard, CA 93036

Agility equipment adds variety to this Oxnard park, with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs and an indoor restroom on site. Locals treat Windrow Off-Leash Dog Park as a regular rotation stop rather than a once-in-a-while visit.

Good to know: off-leash area, fenced, separate small-dog area, agility equipment, water fountains, restrooms.

Parent tip: It closes at 5pm daily, so plan a morning or early-afternoon visit.

Planning a specific day? Check the Windrow Off-Leash Dog Park status page for closures first.

6. Moorpark Dog Park (Moorpark)

From Ojai, budget about 34 min each way, but Moorpark has enough to fill a full morning out.

Location: 15400 Campus Park Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021

Set inside College View Park, this three-quarter-acre yard has separate areas for small and large dogs under shade trees, though the ground is mostly dirt and packed earth.

Good to know: off-leash area, fenced, separate small-dog area, shade trees, ADA accessible, parking.

Parent tip: Skip Wednesdays, when the park closes for maintenance.

Before you load up the car, review the Moorpark Dog Park page for maintenance or event closures.

How we picked these

We selected publicly maintained off-leash parks within about 20 miles that are fenced, free or low-cost, and open to the public. Private, HOA, and military-base facilities were excluded, and every listing is confirmed against the managing city or district's own park page.

Planning your visit

Ojai runs warmer than the coast in summer, so mornings and evenings are the most comfortable windows for a visit. Keep dogs leashed in parking lots until you're through the gate, and bring current vaccination tags for parks that post the requirement.

For more kids' events near Ojai this week, see the Ojai events page.

Taking Kids to Ojai Dog Parks

• Walking feet only: running kids look like prey or playmates to excited dogs, and either way they get knocked down. Keep little ones beside you, not weaving through the pack.
• Ask the owner before petting: every time, even for dogs that look friendly. Teach kids to offer a closed fist for a sniff first and skip dogs that are eating, playing tug, or guarding a toy.
• One person works the gate: Mitchell Edelson Dog Park and most Ojai-area dog parks use double-gated entries so off-leash dogs can't bolt. Let an adult handle both gates; kids wait inside the airlock, not holding a gate open.
• Stick to the small-dog side with toddlers when both sides are open. You get smaller dogs, slower play, and far fewer body-checks at kid height.

Before You Load Up the Car

• Check the maintenance closure: Arroyo Verde Park and several other Ojai-area dog parks close one weekday morning for mowing and sanitizing, and shut down after heavy rain to protect the turf. The official page linked on each card has current status.
• Bring water for dogs and kids: fountains exist at most parks but go offline in winter and during repairs. A collapsible bowl beats sharing the communal one during peak season.
• Vaccination tags on the collar: current rabies tags are required everywhere, and some cities also require a paid park permit or registration. Check the card's "Good to know" line before your first visit.
• Mind the surface in summer: decomposed granite and artificial turf hit paw-burning (and flip-flop-melting) temperatures by midday. Morning and evening visits are kinder to everyone's feet.

Ojai Dog Parks, Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best dog parks for kids near Ojai, CA?

Our 2026 guide picks 6 standout dog parks within about 25 miles of Ojai. The top picks include Mitchell Edelson Dog Park, Arroyo Verde Park and Montalvo Hill Park, each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.

Are dog parks near Ojai free?

Yes, every dog park in this guide is free to visit, with no admission fee or ticket required for Mitchell Edelson Dog Park, Arroyo Verde Park, Montalvo Hill Park or any of the other picks.

What is the closest dog park to Ojai?

Mitchell Edelson Dog Park is the closest pick at under a mile from Ojai. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon, short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.

When are dog parks near Ojai busiest?

Weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. (the after-work rush) and weekend mornings. For calmer visits with kids, aim for weekday mid-mornings or early afternoons. In summer, go before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., turf and granite surfaces get hot enough to burn paws by midday. Most area dog parks also close one weekday morning for maintenance, so check the official page linked above before driving out.