Dog-friendly parks and beaches

Clyde, a 6-month-old basset hound owned by Wade

Photo by Yana Paskova

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There's nothing better than enjoying the great outdoors with a few good friends, but what if your friends are among the four-legged set? Long Islanders enjoy several parks where dogs are free to socialize, romp and play to their heart's content. So go ahead, BYOD -- bring your own dog -- and check out a few great spots for you and your furry friends.

In general, dog runs are open from dawn to dusk. Most are fenced, some with separate areas for large and small (usually 25 pounds or lighter) dogs. You're expected to clean up after your animal, be able to produce proof of rabies vaccination and obey park guidelines about where dogs can roam on and off their leashes.

Some parks charge a fee or have resident-only restrictions from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Here's a growing list of state and county parks where your dogs can roam free or leashed.

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Atlantic Beach Village Beach Atlantic Beach This is a village beach. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach only ...
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Bay Park Roller Rinks, County Park, Skating, Inline Skating First Avenue East Rockaway 96 acres; 9-hole golf course, fishing dock (year-round), picnic area, playground, tennis courts, boat ramp ...
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Blydenburgh County Park County Park, Kayak/Canoe rental, Paddling and rowing Veterans Memorial Highway Smithtown 588 acres; bridle paths (no rentals), campsites, freshwater fishing, bike hostel area, hiking trails, picnic ...
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Cedar Creek Park Roller Rinks, County Park, Skating, Inline Skating, Biking Trail, Park, Radio-controlled airplanes, Running, Walking, Tennis/Racquetball, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball Merrick Road Seaford What you'll find: The 259 acre park has nine fields. It has eight tennis courts ...
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Christopher Morley Park Outdoor Ice Rink, County Park, Skating Searingtown Road Roslyn-North Hills 98 acres; swimming pools (fee), boat basin for model sailboats, tennis courts (fee), 9-hole golf ...
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Coindre Hall Park, County Park 101 Browns Rd. Huntington 33 acre county park with a mansion, used as a catering hall, overlooking Huntington Harbor. ...
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East Northport Dog Park Park 106 Deposit Rd. East Northport Good-sized space (about 300' by 90'), it has bag stations and a shade/rain pavilion with ...
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Eugene Nickerson Beach County Beach, Beach, Swimming, Kids, Playground 880 Lido Blvd. Lido Beach Cabanas, 2 pools (fee), 2 tennis courts, basketball court, playgrounds, handball and paddleball, snack bars, ...
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Fire Island National Seashore Headquarters Outdoors, Park, Beach 120 Laurel St. Patchogue Dogs are permitted, but must be kept leashed and are not allowed in public buildings, ...
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Gardiner County Park County Park Montauk Highway West Bay Shore 231 acres; picnic area, pavilion, nature trail and physical fitness trail. ...