Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Nashville's best

Dog-friendly picnic spots

Somewhere to lay out a blanket with your dog that feels like a proper picnic rather than a frantic struggle to keep them away from other people's food.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Percy Priest Lake Park image 1
Percy Priest Lake Park image 2
Percy Priest Lake Park image 3
View all

Massive park surrounds a man-made lake with stunning sunset views and ample space for picnics, hiking, and water activities. The atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet even with moderate crowds, offering a dog-friendly environment with both shaded and open areas.

Leashed dogs enjoy a massive shoreline with plenty of clean water to swim in. The park offers a well kept space where dogs can explore and play with others.

Plenty of space with shaded picnic areas, tables, and BBQs sits by a beautiful lake. One side suits picnics well but offers little else to do.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and peaceful lake views."

"It's a beautiful spot with shaded picnic areas and tables."

"It's dog friendly and well kept."

Good to know

1

The park has no bathrooms or picnic areas available.

2

Parking is usually easy to find during weekdays.

3

The park is dog friendly, but dogs must be on a leash.

02
Ravenwood Park image 1

Open trails and elevated views create a quiet countryside vibe with plenty of space for family-friendly activities. A large pavilion and impressive climbing tower with tall slides offer spots for relaxation and play. Multiple courts and an outdoor gym add variety for all ages.

Several hiking trails allow dogs to join walks and get exercise. Plenty of open space exists for dogs to run freely. A water fountain includes a spot for a dog dispenser, but it is not installed.

Covered picnic tables and a pavilion offer shaded spots for lunches and family gatherings. Plenty of seating surrounds the playground, letting parents relax while kids play.

People are saying

"The playground's climbing tower with slides is awesome for kids."

"The park's walking paths offer beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes."

"It's a beautiful park with rolling hills, perfect for a picnic."

Good to know

1

The park features multiple walking trails with varying difficulty levels.

2

There are portable restrooms available, but no permanent facilities.

3

The playground equipment is suitable for all ages, making it family-friendly.

03
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park image 1

Wide open spaces combine with historical monuments and an extensive timeline of Tennessee to create a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. Shaded walking paths and interactive features like a granite state map invite exploration and relaxation. Occasional live music and a 95-Bell Carillon add charm and energy to the setting.

Open spaces invite dogs to roam and socialize with others. Paths accommodate walks with pets and wheelchairs. The park offers spots for picnics with family and pets and plenty of chances to spot squirrels and enjoy nature.

Open spaces and scenic walking paths create great picnic spots. The amphitheater and surrounding architecture add to a relaxing atmosphere for a picnic or quiet afternoon.

People are saying

"I found the historical sites here really educational and informative."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic, with stunning design and rich history."

"It's a great dog friendly park for walks and seeing other dogs."

Good to know

1

The park hosts various events, including movies on Thursday nights.

2

New Year's Eve celebrations feature live performances and fireworks.

3

Parking is free and easy to access near the park.

04
Nashville Shores Waterpark image 1

Waterpark sits by a lake with stunning water views and offers a spacious layout including a beach area, wave pool, lazy river, and splash pad. Loud rock and pop music creates a concert-like atmosphere that energizes the space. Families frequent the park, enjoying exciting water slides and kid-friendly pools.

Many dogs enjoy the splash pad, lazy river fetching area, and wave pool designed for safe play and swimming. A large dog run and hiking trail offer plenty of space to walk, while staff actively assist and maintain cleanliness throughout.

Renting a picnic shelter makes it easy to find a spot to set up. Bringing your own food works well for a picnic here.

People are saying

"It's a fun place with activities for kids of all ages."

"You can get season passes and have a blast all summer."

"It's so fun seeing all the dogs enjoying the water park events!"

Good to know

1

Parking costs $18, which can be a surprise for visitors.

2

Bring your own towels as they cost $27 each at the park.

3

The waterpark is only open on weekends, limiting visit options.

05
Long Hunter State Park image 1

State park offers beautiful lake views and well-maintained trails with benches for resting. Visitors enjoy family-friendly activities like hiking, picnicking, playgrounds, and boat rentals. The atmosphere balances peaceful nature with spaces for active recreation.

Many dogs walk around the lake and roam the trails. Dogs must be leashed and owners need to clean up after them. The park welcomes dogs and has a pet friendly atmosphere.

Tables sit beside the lake offering a quiet picnic spot with nice scenery. Playground and picnic areas add a pleasant touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The park trails are well-marked and well-maintained."

"It's a great spot for a picnic with well-marked trails."

"The trails here are beautiful and well-marked for dogs."

Good to know

1

The paved trail is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

The park hosts a native American pow wow during the fall.

06
Hamilton Creek Recreation Area image 1

Park offers beautiful lake views and quiet coves ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Trails provide challenging mountain biking and hiking opportunities amid peaceful, scenic surroundings. Picnic and playground areas support relaxed outdoor activities in a calm setting.

Water activities like canoeing and paddle boarding welcome dogs, and there are spots for dogs to swim. Trails offer room for dogs to stretch their legs during walks. The boat launch area is not safe for dogs or families except when just using the ramp.

Open space and well-maintained picnic tables create a pleasant spot for picnics. The area stays open late, supporting evening gatherings with a clean and family-friendly environment.

People are saying

"You'll find amazing outdoor activities and beautiful views here."

"It's a peaceful spot, tucked away from the noise."

"I found several nice picnic tables available."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult by late afternoon when the lot fills up.

2

Bring closed-toed shoes due to broken glass on the ground.

3

Bathrooms are only open during the summer season.

07
Mill Ridge Park image 1

Playgrounds feature Nashville's tallest slide and unique designs for different age groups, surrounded by natural fields and wood settings with marked paths. The park offers diverse activities including basketball courts, walking trails, and workout equipment, creating a fun and calm environment for families and children.

Mill Ridge Park offers open spaces for dogs to walk and play. Some pet owners bring yapping dogs near slides and often neglect to pick up pet waste.

Green space and picnic areas provide spots to relax and eat. Nearby play areas for kids and basketball courts add activity options during picnics.

People are saying

"This playground is pretty massive and nicely designed."

"The playground's unique architecture is beautiful and fun for all ages."

"It's a great place to take your dog for a walk."

Good to know

1

Free yoga classes are offered on Saturday mornings.

2

Movies in the park are hosted during the summer months.

3

Visitors should be cautious of ticks and snakes in the area.

08
Two Rivers Campground image 1

RV campground with full hookups and live music by the pool creates a lively yet peaceful atmosphere at night. Sites have concrete pads and are close together, with a fenced dog area nearby. Shuttle service connects to downtown, balancing convenience with a quiet environment away from freeway noise.

A fenced dog run lets dogs roam off leash safely. Grounds stay well-maintained and peaceful with plenty of trees. Amenities include clean showers and restrooms that help keep things comfortable.

Sites have level cement pads with nice picnic tables. Rules include fees for moving tables and strict garbage and pet policies.

People are saying

"They had live music nightly from 7 to 9 pm."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful, it's truly Dog Friendly."

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful for your picnic."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every night from 7 to 9 pm behind the office.

2

The campground offers a $10 shuttle service to downtown Nashville.

3

Restrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained.

09
Cedar Hill Park image 1

Park offers spacious grounds with multiple sports fields and play areas for children. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, ideal for family activities and walking trails. Facilities include large pavilions overlooking a pond, enhancing the tranquil setting.

Trails allow dog walking but mainly serve bikers. Open spaces suit hiking with pets. No fenced dog park exists.

Plenty of picnic tables and seating areas make it easy to gather. Shelters and a playground add comfort and fun for groups.

People are saying

"The playgrounds here are clean, safe, and offer plenty of fun activities."

"It's a great place for a picnic with plenty of seating."

"It's so dog friendly, perfect for walking and open fields."

Good to know

1

Cedar Hill Park offers activities like fishing, hiking, biking, basketball, and playgrounds.

2

The park has picnic tables and grills available for rent for events.

3

The bathrooms at Cedar Hill Park are lacking and need improvement.

Discover more

Nashville, Tennessee

Area guide
Loading Map...