Sheepfold Dog Park at Middlesex Fells Reservation

The Sheepfold dog park at Middlesex Fells Reservation is one of the biggest off-leash dog parks in Massachusetts. Located in Stoneham, the Sheepfold draws dog owners from Medford, Stoneham, Malden, Winchester, Woburn, and across the greater Boston area year-round.

About the Sheepfold

The Sheepfold is a large off-leash area in Stoneham, in the central section of Middlesex Fells Reservation. The name comes from the area's historical use as a sheep grazing field in the 19th century. Today it's maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) as one of the largest off-leash areas in the state.

The Sheepfold is one large, open area — there are no separate sections for big and small dogs. Its wide-open field and wooded edges give dogs plenty of room to run and socialize together, making it ideal for active dogs that need space to play.

Rules at the Sheepfold

• Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated
• Owners must carry a leash at all times
• Maximum 4 dogs per person
• Clean up after your dog — waste bags are available on site
• Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately
• No puppies under 4 months of age

Parking at the Sheepfold

The Sheepfold parking lot in Stoneham is the primary access point. This lot fills quickly on weekend mornings — arrive before 9am to guarantee a spot. For overflow options, see our full Parking & Directions guide.

Getting There

The Sheepfold is reached via Fellsway West in Stoneham, MA. From I-93, take Exit 33 toward Fellsway West/Route 28 and follow it north to the reservation entrance, then follow the road in to the parking lot.

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday mornings — least crowded, ideal for dogs who prefer a calmer environment
• Weekend mornings before 9am — busy but manageable
• Weekend afternoons — peak crowd times, lots fill quickly
• Winter — open year-round, fields can be muddy during spring thaw

For more information about bringing dogs to Middlesex Fells, visit our Dog Park page. For trail access with leashed dogs, see our Hiking page.