Dog-friendly Reston: the Baron Cameron off-leash dog park, leashed walks on Reston's paths and lakes, dog events and Fairfax County's license and park rules.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Facts come from the Fairfax County Park Authority’s dog parks page, its dog park rules, the county’s guide to dogs and Reston Association.

Reston has its own fenced off-leash dog park at Baron Cameron Park, and two more are a short drive away in Herndon, about three miles west. Everywhere else, from the county parks to Reston Association’s paths, dogs go on a leash. Reston is unincorporated, so the rules are Fairfax County’s, plus Reston Association’s on its own land.

Who to call

  • Loose, aggressive or injured animals; bites: Fairfax County police non-emergency line, 703-691-2131; emergencies, 911
  • Park Authority dog parks: 703-324-8594, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Dog licenses: Department of Tax Administration
  • Walker Nature Center: 703-476-9689

Off-leash dog parks

The Park Authority runs 11 fenced dog parks. The three closest to Reston:

Dog park Address Opened Capacity Features
Baron Cameron 11300 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston September 2001 35 dogs (28 large, 7 small) Water supply; separate area for dogs under 25 pounds
Chandon 900 Palmer Drive, Herndon January 2003 47 dogs (43 large, 4 small) Water supply; separate small-dog area
Dulles Station Community Park 13707 Sayward Blvd., Herndon 18 dogs Water supply; shade pavilion

Hours: 7 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset on weekdays; 8 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset on weekends and federal holidays.

The rules (full list):

  • Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated and wear a visible license; have vaccination papers on hand.
  • Leash on when entering and leaving, and the handler keeps the leash at all times.
  • Handlers must be 16 or older, with no more than two dogs each. Children 9 to 15 need a chaperone 16 or older; children under 9 are not allowed.
  • No food or treats, no glass, no puppies under 4 months, no females in heat, no other animals and no professional training.
  • Aggressive dogs must leave at the first sign of aggression. Pick up after your dog and fill any holes it digs.

Users enter at their own risk; the county says it is not liable for injuries caused by dogs in the off-leash areas.

Leashed walks

  • Reston Association’s paths. The association maintains 55 miles of paved pathways and natural surface trails linking neighborhoods, lakes, schools and shopping (Reston Association).
  • Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive: one mile of loop trails in 72 acres of woods, open dawn to dusk. Its rules: stay on the trail, keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
  • W&OD Trail: the paved rail trail crosses Reston and is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
  • Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive: trails around the 476-acre park, open year-round. The Park Authority welcomes leashed dogs in all of its parks.

Swimming is banned in Reston’s lakes and ponds for people, and Reston Association warns that blue-green algae blooms can form on its lakes in warm weather: keep dogs away from discolored water or green scum (Reston Association).

See our walking and biking trails guide for distances and trailheads.

Dog events

  • Dog Daze at the Water Mine. At the end of the outdoor pool season the Park Authority opens the Water Mine at Lake Fairfax Park to dogs. The 2026 event was Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at $15 a dog, with proceeds going to the Fairfax County Park Foundation (Park Authority). The 2027 date is not out yet.
  • Ides of Bark. A Park Authority event in March with pet vendors, canine demonstrations and dog games.
  • Dog Paddle. Reston Association has opened its pools to dogs for swim dates in August at the end of the pool season (Reston Association).
  • Dog adoption pop-up. Fairfax County holds a dog adoption pop-up at Reston Town Center from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 (Reston Town Center).

Dog-friendly patios

We list a patio only when the business itself says dogs are welcome. If your Reston restaurant or brewery welcomes dogs outside, send us the link.

The rules at home

  • License: all dogs 4 months or older must be licensed. Licenses are good for one year and must be bought by Jan. 31 (county).
  • Rabies: Virginia law and county ordinance require dogs and cats 4 months and older to be vaccinated. The Park Authority lists low-cost rabies clinics on its dog parks page.
  • Tethering: the county’s tethering ordinance bans tethering a dog for more than one cumulative hour in any 24 hours unless the owner is directly supervising it; a first violation can bring a fine of up to $500.
  • How many dogs: the County Code ties the number of dogs a household may keep to lot size; the county’s guide to dogs has the table.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Reston?

Yes. Baron Cameron Park, 11300 Baron Cameron Ave., has a fenced off-leash dog park run by the Fairfax County Park Authority, with room for 28 large and 7 small dogs, a water supply and a separate small-dog area.

What are the dog park hours in Fairfax County?

7 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset on weekends and federal holidays.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Reston parks?

Yes. The Park Authority welcomes leashed dogs in all of its parks; off-leash play is allowed only inside its fenced dog parks. Reston Association’s Walker Nature Center also asks visitors to keep pets on a leash.

Do I need a dog license in Fairfax County?

Yes. Every dog 4 months or older must be licensed. Licenses are good for one year and must be bought by Jan. 31.