Clermont's own Lake Hiawatha Preserve gives dogs two fenced enclosures inside a 220-acre park, and it's just the start. Orange County's off-leash parks in Winter Garden, Windermere, and Orlando are all a short drive east, so there's more than one option when the regular spot gets crowded.

Top-Rated Dog Parks Near Clermont

1. Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park (Clermont)

Location: 450 12th Street, Clermont, FL 34711

Clermont👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 0.7 mi

Two full-amenity enclosures within a 220-acre preserve: This Clermont dog park operates two separate fenced areas with all amenities, exists within 220 acres of passive park land, and runs sunrise to sunset every single day. One shared run format per enclosure instead of size separation.

Good to know: fenced, off-leash, water fountains, waste bag stations, benches, shade structures.

Parent tip: On hot afternoons the water features fill up fast, so go early if your dog needs to cool off.

For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park page.

2. Independence Dog Park (Winter Garden)

Starting in Clermont, the drive takes about 17 min without traffic, and the round trip still fits inside a morning.

Location: 5849 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Winter Garden👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 11.5 mi

Small dog area and double gate in Winter Garden: Independence Dog Park uses one fenced run with a dedicated small dog section, provides water, and has protective double-gate entry. Hours shift seasonally: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter.

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

Parent tip: On hot afternoons the water features fill up fast, so go early if your dog needs to cool off.

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

3. West Orange Dog Park (Winter Garden)

Driving from Clermont, about 19 min without traffic gets you there, easy to pair with a lunch stop in Winter Garden.

Location: 12400 Marshall Farms Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Winter Garden👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 12.9 mi

Provided toys and shaded owner seating in Winter Garden: This fenced Winter Garden park separates small and large dogs, provides water fountains, includes shaded seating for waiting owners, and even leaves out balls and toys. Regular Wednesday maintenance (2nd and 4th of each month, until noon), seasonal hours, phone number provided for questions.

Good to know: fenced, off-leash, water fountains, waste bag stations, time out area, benches. Closed 2nd and 4th Wednesday until noon for maintenances.

Parent tip: On hot afternoons the water features fill up fast, so go early if your dog needs to cool off.

4. Summerport Dog Park (Windermere)

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

Location: 14491 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere, FL 34786

Windermere👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 13.9 mi

A short drive away in Windermere, Summerport Dog Park is a fully fenced park with one shared open run. It has water fountains on site, and it's open summer 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., winter 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 2nd and 4th Wednesday until noon for maintenance. Separate small dog area. Refillable water fountains for canines and owners.

Good to know: fenced, off-leash, small dog area, water fountains, waste bag stations, benches. Closed 2nd and 4th Wednesday until noon for maintenances.

Parent tip: On hot afternoons the water features fill up fast, so go early if your dog needs to cool off.

Planning a specific day? Check the Summerport Dog Park status page for closures first.

5. Dr. Phillips Community Dog Park (Orlando)

Driving from Clermont, about 21 min without traffic gets you there, easy to pair with a lunch stop in Orlando.

Location: 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836

Orlando👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 14.1 mi

A short drive away in Orlando, Dr. Phillips Community Dog Park is a fully fenced park with separate areas for small and large dogs. It has water fountains on site, and it's open summer 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., winter 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. On shore of Big Sand Lake. Part of larger park with picnic areas, fields, playgrounds.

Good to know: fenced, off-leash, water fountains, waste bag stations, benches, shade structures.

Parent tip: On hot afternoons the water features fill up fast, so go early if your dog needs to cool off.

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

6. Doctors' Dog Park (Apopka)

19 miles from Clermont, and the drive is simple; Apopka is well-signed from the highway.

Location: 21 N Highland Ave, Apopka, FL 32703

Apopka👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 19 mi

Apopka's 750-by-300-foot off-leash area behind Edwards Field: Doctors' Dog Park is fully fenced with one shared open run, water fountains on-site, and operates 8 a.m. to dark daily. The generous 750-by-300-foot dimensions give real running room inside the fenced space, making it more spacious than typical small-town parks.

Good to know: fenced, off-leash, water fountains, pet shower, benches, pet memorial bridge.

Parent tip: On hot afternoons the water features fill up fast, so go early if your dog needs to cool off.

Save yourself a wasted trip — the Doctors' Dog Park page lists current hours and closures.

See upcoming kids events in Clermont →

How we picked these

We looked for fenced, free dog parks with a separate small-dog side and enough amenities that a Saturday morning visit doesn't turn into a chore. Unfenced fields and anything leash-required got left off. Every listing here comes from a city or county parks page.

Planning your visit

Central Florida's afternoon thunderstorms show up fast in summer, so plan around them and go early. Water fountains at these parks can run dry on busy weekends, so pack a bottle for your dog too. Double-gated entrances are standard, so leash up until you're fully inside.

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

Taking Kids to Clermont 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: Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park and most Clermont-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: Independence Dog Park and several other Clermont-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.

Clermont Dog Parks, Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best dog parks for kids near Clermont, FL?

Our 2026 guide picks 6 standout dog parks within about 20 miles of Clermont. The top picks include Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park, Independence Dog Park and West Orange Dog Park, each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.

Are dog parks near Clermont free?

Yes, every dog park in this guide is free to visit, with no admission fee or ticket required for Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park, Independence Dog Park, West Orange Dog Park or any of the other picks.

What is the closest dog park to Clermont?

Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park is the closest pick at under a mile from Clermont. 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 Clermont 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.