Dog Park1 parks
100%
City spotlight
Discover Riverside Park Dog Park and hiking trails in Murphysboro, IL. Your guide to outdoor dog adventures.
Murphysboro offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere for dog owners, anchored by the Riverside Park Dog Park. This facility provides a secure place for off-leash exercise, which is a great asset for the community. While indoor dog parks are not available locally, the focus here is on the beautiful outdoors. The proximity to the Shawnee National Forest and Lake Murphysboro State Park means that adventure is always just a short drive away. For those planning a longer trip with their pets, check out our blog for travel tips and destination reviews.
Residents enjoy a quiet pace of life where walking the dog through historic neighborhoods is a daily ritual. The local parks are well-kept and offer plenty of green space for leashed activities. Murphysboro is an ideal gateway for dog owners who love camping, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of Southern Illinois with their four-legged companions. Before you head out, make sure you are up to date on our privacy policy regarding community data sharing.

Partners highlighted here are currently investing in featured placement across this guide.
Premium partners appear before every other card within the city directory.
Direct website + phone buttons encourage bookings straight from this page.
Featured cards show even when we haven’t processed new static data yet.
Verified ratings, review volume, and park availability updated directly from our community directory.
Average rating across every verified listing in Murphysboro. Reflects cleanliness, amenities, and community feedback.
Community reviews informing our quality score. Tap any park card below to see highlights.
Total verified listings currently live for Murphysboro. Fresh listings added weekly.
Indoor options are being scouted—submit a favorite and we will feature it.
What people are looking for and finding in Murphysboro.
Segmented park groupings built from live data so you can jump straight to the experiences that matter most.
Traditional outdoor off‑leash areas and fenced runs, optimized for everyday exercise.
Traditional outdoor off-leash areas where dogs can run freely and socialize with other dogs.
Use the live map to lock in nearby options, preview ratings, and save time hopping between neighborhoods.
Borrow best practices from local trainers, rangers, and experienced pet parents.
Upgrade to a featured listing, share live availability, or pitch a new indoor concept. Our team drives qualified local pet parents every week.
Filter-ready cards with ratings, amenities, and quick actions. Use the chips to jump between sections.
We are actively scouting for more indoor and dog-friendly parks in Murphysboro. If you know a hidden gem, help the community by adding it to our directory.
Submit a ParkWorth the drive? Check out top-rated indoor parks in neighboring cities.
Real-world guidance covering pricing, safety, etiquette, and planning for more than 1 parks and dog-friendly spaces across Murphysboro. Tap a topic to reveal deeper context.
Tap to jump to the full answer.
Riverside Park features a dedicated dog park with fenced areas for off-leash play. It is a community favorite for socializing pets.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in the state park. The trails and campground areas are perfect for outdoor adventures with your pup.
The Shawnee National Forest is nearby, offering endless hiking opportunities, including the Little Grand Canyon trail, where dogs can join on leash.
Some local eateries and BBQ joints may allow dogs in outdoor seating areas, but it is best to call ahead as policies vary.