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Frequently mentioned in reviews: dogs (35) beach (31) park (17) water (15) swim (14) area (12) Great (11) clean (10) love (9) great (8)
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  • 5/5 Shelli J. 1 year ago on Google โ€ข 81 reviews
    My favorite dog swimming spot! It's real deep, so she can actually swim without touching. Beware- no fences, so have a reliable recall before coming here.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Oscar H. 10 months ago on Google โ€ข 3 reviews
    This is my favorite dog beach! I almost swim here! Trying my best! Some dogs swim really well! The waters a little too deep for me, careful jumping off the dock, my feet didnโ€™t touch the bottom. SCARY!! Sometimes I swim in circles. Sometimes dogs donโ€™t want to chase me, instead they chase balls? Why dog? So I steal their ball and then they chase me! Fun times!
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Michael W. 2 years ago on Google
    Well it's quite a walk from the parking lot, no matter which one you choose, but if your dog likes to swim it is certainly worth it once you get there!! It isn't really a dog bark as there are no Gates or fencing, so if your dog is a Bolter then it might be a bit of an issue for you. Young lady just likes to run off as far as she can and then run back as fast as she can? The park has two shade structures and benches under both of them for sitting on. There is a bathroom right off the parking lot but it is a long way from the dog beach. But the dogs love to play and have fun in the water so what are you to do?
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jen P. 1 year ago on Google โ€ข 50 reviews
    Great space, not fenced, however it is surrounded by either a lake or high growth flowers / weeds, so it is easy to keep an eye on your dog. There is a small dock for dogs to jump from, and they can wade in and drink. Follow signs to Lake Area 3.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Maya O. 1 year ago on Google
    My dogs love the the beach. Very easy access from parking lot and a short walk
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 nikki h. 8 months ago on Google โ€ข 60 reviews
    Beautiful park, very clean, well kept everything! Highly recommend! Especially the dog lake! Finished the day with a very sleepy, happy dog ๐Ÿ• ๐Ÿ˜ด ๐Ÿ˜Š โค๏ธ
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Rochelle S. 1 year ago on Google โ€ข 110 reviews
    This is one of my favorite hidden gems. There are two issues I have with this spot. The first being itโ€™s not gated in and that there is next to no shade. Neither of those are big problems but just something to note. I really enjoy all the space and there is a ton of room for the dogs to swim.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Theresa C. 9 months ago on Google โ€ข 168 reviews
    Always love going here. Now that we live closer, our dogs are SO happy we get to frequent the beach. Make sure your dogs are well controlled off leash though, no fences here.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Giorgio P. 7 months ago on Google โ€ข 197 reviews
    This place is awesome. I got in the water too, and it was fine. Dogs are gonna dog and this is a place for them and their antics, 98% of the owners are good owners and some aren't, and it happens.

  • 4/5 Emily K S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great beach to for doggie swimming! There are benches under shade structures for hot days. I just wish there were some kind of a fence so I wouldn't have to worry about my dog running off if something happened.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Andrea S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great area for dogs to swim. The water is super clean and pretty. Other dogs and people are very friendly there. The park is kept up well!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Linda G. 9 months ago on Google
    Great dog beach at Prairie Oaks!โค๏ธ๐Ÿพ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Welling 1 year ago on Google
    A cute place to take your dogs swimming on a hot day. They have two parking lots that are about a five minute walk away from the dog beach. The park isnโ€™t fenced in so youโ€™ll have to keep an eye on your pup if theyโ€™re a runner. And they have a deck for the dogs to jump off of.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 L. Robert T. 2 years ago on Google
    We are always looking for new venues to take our dogs to swim. I truly think that our 11-year-old boxer mix was a fish in another life, because she can still easily out swim her 4-year-old English lab brother. The Prairie Oaks Dog Beach is accessed through the Prairie Oaks Darby Bend Lakes entrance of the park. Once we parked our car, we walked less than a quarter of a mile to the dog beach. The dog beach is actually on a pond, and the dogs are free to roam, off leash in the area. The beach is a good size, offering an owner and her pet plenty of room to be as sociable or individual as they wish. The beach also is fairly shallow for ten feet or so off the shore, allowing dogs to wade, if they don't wish to swim.There is a jumping off ramp for the dogs, and a small shelter, with a bench, for any owners who wish to sit. The area is well maintained, and there are extra bags for those owners who forgot to bring some to clean up after their dog. We have gone many times to Prairie Oaks Dog Beach, and we (and the dogs) love it!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Corey S. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a super cool dog park. The beach is nice and thereโ€™s a dock for the dogs to leap from. It is not fenced in so if you have a dog that runs away this may not be a good fit.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Danielle S. 7 months ago on Google โ€ข 61 reviews
    First time to a dog beach and it was great! Water was pretty clear. Shallow enough for intimidated pups and deeper further out for the good swimmers. One dog was chasing after their ball while running and leaping off the pier into the water. There are waste stations at each end of the beach. Grassy sections are not flat so watch your ankles! Other than tha we had a blast!

  • 5/5 Erin A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park, paddleboarding here is my favorite! Also can't beat the dog beach and trails wrapping around the park. I feel so peaceful every time I spend some time here

  • 5/5 Paul C. 5 years ago on Google
    Dogs loved the beach at Prairie Oaks.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth N. 3 years ago on Google
    Great open area for dogs to run around. Benches and shade for people.

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place for your four legged family members

  • 5/5 chris h. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is becoming a go to for our puppy! This might be my favorite metro park in columbus.

  • 1/5 joseph m. 3 years ago on Google
    I gave this a 1 star due to the fact that you have to have a leash on your dog until you get to the dog swim area and the rangers ignore the people that dont! Please!!!!!!!!! Pick up your dogs bowel movements they have free bags in multiple places also dont let your dog jump in the water when not in the dog swim area when people are fishing near by. I will adjust this rating when I see rangers correcting people.

  • 5/5 Linda W. 3 years ago on Google
    Remarkably clean water! My dog loves it.

  • 5/5 Nawang S. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it

  • 5/5 Zola L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little beach for puppies. It's nice to see them play in the water. You see people kayaking/hiking there too.

  • 5/5 Rick P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for dog hiking and open (off leash) play as well as for us on two legs.

  • 5/5 Miranda R. 3 years ago on Google
    We frequent the park a few days a week. Our dogs love it. So grateful that Prarie Oaks provide a dog beach.

  • 5/5 Dustin B. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful open dog park and beach. There is plenty of space and clean beach area to play. It is well signed to keep the dogs away from troublesome humans.

  • 5/5 Stephanie A. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is glorious!! Lots of walking paths and a huge dog beach. Currently it's super muddy, so expect filthy people and filthier dogs after a long walk but it is worth it! Hopefully it'll dry up when the grass begins to grow in spring and summer. New favorite place!

  • 5/5 Micheal N. 3 years ago on Google
    Was looking for a place for our dogs to cool off and have some fun

  • 5/5 caption robot tv tv tob Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place! Clean and my whole family including my dog go.

  • 4/5 Macy F. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park! It's weird that there is no sink in the bathroom and no places to really to throw away your dog bags. Lots of dogs, kayaking, fishing and pretty blue water.

  • 4/5 Randy L. 9 months ago on Google
    The dog beach was a treat for my Newfie! She loved the water and the dock. Overall great experience but could be better if the beach area was fenced in and not so far from parking.

  • 5/5 Theresa R. 9 months ago on Google
    This was the cutest area for dogs. I brought my Furbaby here to see what he would do. He took in all the big dogs (mine is 15#) that were jumping off the dock (love the astroturf on it for minimal slippage) & took in all of them chasing after balls & sticks in the water. The area is not enclosed & obviously it's an off leash area. It's a bit of a walk if you don't park in the correct lot.

  • 5/5 Brooke W. 8 months ago on Google
    The water is so clean. Weโ€™ve had so much fun cooling off and running up and down the beach

  • 4/5 Roberta K. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park to walk on the trails and a wonderful lake where your dog can swim.

  • 5/5 Larry L. 3 years ago on Google
    Room to play. A dock to jump off. Two shelters for owners to get out of sun

  • 5/5 Kim P. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a really nice beach if your 115# dog isnt a chicken. Instead she wanted to sit with me on a bench. I did make her at least wet her paws

  • 5/5 simplicity y. 4 years ago on Google
    Typically really clean, and just overall a nice place to relax and take your dog out.

  • 4/5 Chris M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great spot. Only ruined by owners who can't control their dogs or allow their children to swim. It's a dog beach. Not a swimming pool. Please adhere to the signage that clearly states no swimming or wading.

  • 5/5 Sue H. 4 years ago on Google
    We attended Wagfest and my dog loved the beach. Dogs were friendly and played together peacefully. The park is well kept and cared for.

  • 5/5 amber p. 4 years ago on Google
    By far my favorite park I've visited... don't have a vehicle anymore so I don't get to go but I'd love to go watch people's dogs play at the dog beach... miss it alot...highly recommend...

  • 4/5 John R. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome clean family place to check out

  • 4/5 James B. 4 years ago on Google
    Went to Wagfest and it is such an awesome event if you have a dog. Fishing is also great here.

  • 5/5 Alex R. 4 years ago on Google
    THIS PLACE IS THE BEST!! BRING YOUR FUR FAMILY HERE FOR FUN AND SWIMMING

  • 5/5 Rocky C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for the dogs!

  • 5/5 Bob P. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a blast. Water was clear. My dog loved it. Will be back soon. Worth the drive.

  • 4/5 ItsDanO 4 years ago on Google
    Good times for all just try not to let them drink the water

  • 3/5 Eddie M. 4 years ago on Google
    I only travel that far for wagfest, it large but if not swimming dogs must be leashed.

  • 5/5 Stephen W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place, clean and well maintained.

  • 5/5 Dixie h. 4 years ago on Google
    The dog beach was great Thelma had a blast will be going back soon

  • 5/5 Darcie P. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park! The dog area is great. Everyone keeps a close eye on their pups and the water and beach are clean.

  • 5/5 Noah E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to take the doggies!

  • 5/5 Sean M. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a great time at the dog beach! Well kept, the benches and small pavilions are a great addition. Our pup has loved it since day one!

  • 4/5 Craig M. 4 years ago on Google
    Good swiimg

  • 3/5 David F. 5 years ago on Google
    Very dirty water means dogs must be bathed afterwards.

  • 5/5 Beth Z. 5 years ago on Google
    My dogs love coming here! The water is so clear, and all the dogs are well behaved.

  • 5/5 Scott F. 5 years ago on Google
    We were there for wag fest, it was a great time our dogs love it.


Call (614) 208-4321 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • โœ“๏ธ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • โœ“๏ธ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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