Mud Creek Dog Park

If you live on Long Island or are just visiting, there's a chance you love the beach and your dog might, too. The Mud Creek Dog Park is a spot where you and your pup can both enjoy the Great South Bay. The dog park in East Patchogue was once a bird sanctuary and is now an off-leash dog run.

While you watch your dog, you'll have a beautiful view of the water in the background. The park only has natural borders, so it's crucial that you keep a close eye on your dog and make sure he is trained to return when you call him. The park is about 300 feet long along the shore and 300 feet deep, depending on the tide that day. There are dunes, too, but your dog is discouraged from going behind them. 

The beach, like most others on the South Shore, is mostly sand but does have small rocks, seaweed, and other natural elements. There is also poison ivy, so if you see leaves of three, let it be and stay away. Some unnatural elements to be wary of are the broken docks, rebar, and any wood that may have washed up on shore. This location was once used for glass recycling, so there is glass in the sand. If you want to be a good neighbor, clean up after your dog and if you notice any unnatural elements that should be removed, like glass, carefully pick them up, too. 

There is a PVC pipe filled with bags in case you forgot one, but there are no garbage cans in the park, so it is a true "carry-in, carry-out" park. The park is maintained by Suffolk County Parks Department and the volunteer group Mud Creek Dog Park Members. It is closed throughout various times during the year, so it is best to contact the Parks Department for closures. 

Mud Creek Dog Park is located on a dead end and you can park on the street. There is no street parking 9pm-6am, which is posted, and you'll need to walk through a path of beach grass to get to the water.