Dog Rest Stops on I-95: Exit by Exit, Maryland to Florida

Service plaza with a fenced dog park plus an open field for walking. Pets not allowed inside the main building.

Rated 4.1 of 5 by more than 22,000 reviewers on Google Maps. Reviewers note ample grassy space and call it a reliable spot for pets, though the facility itself gets mixed reviews on cleanliness.

Source: TripAdvisor, VisitMaryland.org

A separate northbound rest area sits at MM 108. VDOT-listed safety rest area with confirmed pet area and picnic space, open 24 hours.

Source: VDOT official rest area listing

Southbound drivers cannot access this stop. Welcome center and rest area with confirmed pet area, open 24 hours to all vehicles.

Source: VDOT official rest area listing

Private travel center with a fenced grass dog park, waste stations, and benches. Now branded TA Express Travel Center on newer signage and maps, same location at 13306 St John Church Rd. Subway and Starbucks on site. Dogs not allowed inside the main building.

Rated 4.3 of 5 by 984 reviewers on Google Maps (listed as TA Express Travel Center) and 3.8 of 5 bones by BringFido critics. Visitors describe it as clean and grassy, with signage pointing to the gate from the sidewalk.

Source: BringFido, TripAdvisor

Southbound drivers cannot access this stop. Southernmost VA rest area on I-95, confirmed pet area and dog park per VDOT and Google Maps (rated 4.6 of 5 by 244 reviewers), welcome center open 8:30am–5pm.

Source: VDOT official rest area listing

One-acre standalone dog park next to the Hampton Inn, two fenced sections for small and large dogs, water fountain, waste stations, wheelchair accessible.

Rated 4.5 of 5 by 478 reviewers on Google Maps and 4.5 of 5 bones by 22 BringFido critics. Reviewers consistently call it clean and well-maintained, right off the exit with good signage. One traveler notes it’s a regular stop on the NYC–West Palm route.

Source: Johnston County Parks, BringFido

Fenced municipal dog park off Exit 20 in Lumberton, one of the few dedicated dog areas on I-95 south of Fayetteville. Located at 3924 Meadow Rd, roughly 2 miles from the highway.

Rated 4.5 of 5 by 75 reviewers on Google Maps, confirmed as a large fenced park with separate sections for big and small dogs. One Yelp reviewer stopped on a road trip and called it the perfect solution, with their dog loving the off-leash space.

Source: Yelp

Southbound drivers will not encounter this facility. North Carolina’s southernmost welcome center on I-95 with a designated pet walk area, picnic tables, and restrooms. Open daily, staffed during business hours.

Source: NCDOT Travel & Maps

Roadside attraction with a small fenced outdoor pet area near the public restrooms. The space exists, but recent reviews are negative. Reviewers report tall grass, dog waste not cleaned up, no waste bags, and a low fence with no locking gate.

Rated 2.8 of 5 bones by 4 reviewers on BringFido. One reviewer called it disgusting and said rest stops are a better option. Better used as a gas-and-go than a dog break.

Source: BringFido

Official Love’s dog park (store #371), roughly 50 by 100 feet with double air-locked gates, waste stations, and a bench. The park is fenced and functional, though recent reviews are mixed on upkeep, so pack your own waste bags just in case.

Source: Love’s official announcement

Fenced gravel dog park beside the parking lot, plus laundry, McDonald’s, and Subway on site. The park is fenced but positioned in the median between the gas station entrance and exit lanes, watch traffic getting there with your dog.

Rated 4.0 of 5 by 812 reviewers on Google Maps. Yelp reviewers mention the fenced gravel area for letting dogs run. One BringFido reviewer (Dec 2024) flagged the dangerous traffic crossing to reach the park.

Source: Yelp, BringFido

Full-featured dog park in Richmond Hill, about 2 miles off Exit 90. Large and small dog sections, dog agility course, a swimming pond, and a dog washing station on site. One of the best stops on the entire I-95 corridor south of Virginia.

Rated 4.7 of 5 by 266 reviewers on Google Maps and 4.9 of 5 by 11 reviewers on Yelp. Reviewers describe a very large fenced-in area with a smaller adjacent yard for small or timid dogs. Consistently praised as clean and well-run.

Source: Yelp

Roadside dog park at 12 Glynn Ave, Brunswick, near I-95 Exit 38. Fenced area described by one reviewer as quite amazing for a roadside stop. Convenient if you’re coming through the Golden Isles area.

Source: Yelp

Fenced dog park at 964 S Lee St, Kingsland, near I-95 Exit 3, the last real stop in Georgia before crossing into Florida. Rated 3.6 of 5 by 40 reviewers on Google Maps, confirmed as a fenced park with separate large and small dog zones and agility equipment. One reviewer stopped on an I-95 detour and described it as a nice roadside park in the middle of nowhere.

Source: Yelp

First stop after the GA/FL border, serving drivers entering Florida from Georgia. Grassy grounds, restrooms, and room to walk dogs. Free citrus juice samples inside. Open 8am–5pm daily. Pull over here before you hit Jacksonville traffic.

74 reviews on Yelp with an active listing. Reviewers use it as a standard road trip stop and note the friendly staff and clean facilities.

Source: Yelp, Florida Department of Transportation welcome center network

City of Jacksonville park with a designated off-leash dog beach on the Atlantic Ocean, plus miles of walking trails and a freshwater lake. About 5 miles off Exit 358 (Wonderwood Connector). Worth the small detour if you’re not in a rush, dogs can run on an actual beach.

Consistently rated among Jacksonville’s best dog-friendly outdoor destinations. Dog beach area is separate from the main swim beach.

Source: BringFido, City of Jacksonville Parks

Massive travel center with large grassy areas surrounding the building, no dedicated fenced dog park, but the grassy perimeter is generous and well-maintained. Clean restrooms, 120+ fueling stations, extensive food options. Dogs are not allowed inside. One of the best-maintained large travel centers on the East Coast.

Travelers on I-95 routinely call out Buc-ee’s as a dog stop because of the wide open grassy areas. Plan for a longer stop, people spend 20–30 minutes here.

Source: BringFido, traveler reviews

7150 Okeechobee Rd, Fort Pierce, open 24 hours. Fenced dog walk area confirmed for this location (Love’s store #415), roughly 50 yards long per travelers.

Rated 3.9 of 5 by 797 reviewers on Google Maps and 4.0 bones by canine critics on BringFido, who describe the dog area as clean and well kept. The stop has an Arby’s and is called very clean.

Source: Yelp, Love’s dog park program