Dog walking in Ballston Lake

Normanskill

The Normanskill Dog Park is less than 30 miles south of Ballston Lake in southern Albany, New York. This off-leash dog park is off the beaten path, and with that comes some rugged and beautiful scenery. One of the largest off-leash parks in the area, this space is just one big area with no separate enclosures for big and small dogs. There are also trails surrounding the dog park, as well as bodies of water where your dog can take a dip. Inside of the dog park, you'll find seating areas and waste disposal supplies. There are water bowls set up throughout the park, but be sure to bring your own water to fill them.

North Albany - Shaker Park

There's another off-leash dog park in Albany that's less than half an hour from Ballston Lake, and this one is found in the North Albany-Shaker Park area. The Department of General Services Dog Park is one spacious area where dogs of all sizes can interact and get to know one another. The DGS Dog Park has drinking water for dogs, waste disposal supplies, and a double-gated entryway. During the summer, there are plastic pools set up throughout the park where dogs can take a swim, and to keep human visitors comfortable, there's also a lovely gazebo in the park.

Eastline

Malta is a village in New York ten minutes north of Ballston Lake, and it's also where you'll find the Eastline Romp and Play dog park. Located in western Malta, the Eastline Romp and Play is a 20-acre off-leash space that's open daily from 7:30 AM to dusk. One section of the park is reserved for dogs who weigh more than 30 pounds, and the other area is set aside for little dogs. A membership is required to visit this picturesque park -- for Malta residents, it will cost $15 a year, and it's only $20 for non-residents. You'll need to provide proof of your dog's vaccinations and registration to become a park member, as well.

Nott Road

Nearly 35,000 people live in the town of Guilderland in Albany County, New York, and the southern area of town is only 25 miles from Ballston Lake. That's where you'll find Nott Road Park, a multi-use park including sports fields and an off-leash dog park. The dog park was added in 2006, and it provides residents and visitors the opportunity to let their dogs play off-leash in a fenced space. From October to April, the park is lit until 7 PM, and the park is open every day from 8 AM to dusk. You'll find drinking water and bowls in the park, as well as waste disposal supplies and seating. A $5 dog park tag is required to become a member.

Downtown

Downtown Albany is less than a half-hour drive from Ballston Lake, and this area is home to yet another dog park you won't want to miss. The Olde English Downtown Dog Park is a spacious, fully fenced area where dogs of all sizes can interact with one another. Painted inside of the off-leash park is a canine-themed mural, and there are rocks throughout the park that your dog can climb. You'll also find waste bag dispensers and disposal supplies in the park, as well as seating areas and shade. This free dog park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and be sure to bring drinking water for Skip when you visit.