📍 ATX Off-Leash: Red Bud Isle – A Dog’s Paradise on the Colorado River

Some off-leash spots are fun. Some are practical. And then there are places like Red Bud Isle, where it feels like an adventure waiting to happen. Surrounded by the Colorado River, full of side trails, swimming spots, and wildlife, this little island is easily one of the best off-leash areas in Austin.

If your dog loves exploring, swimming, running full speed, or just taking in the views, this place has something for everyone.

🐕 First Impressions: A Dog’s Playground

We hit Red Bud Isle on a Saturday, and while it was busy, it never felt overwhelming. The energy was a mix of chill, social dogs and owners enjoying the scenery.

Right off the bat, we saw:

• Dogs swimming & diving for toys in the river

• Owners setting up chairs & painting by the water

• People fishing, kayaking, and just soaking up the day

The park definitely has some “dog park” energy in certain areas—clusters of dogs playing, some high-energy greetings—but if you want space to yourself, there are plenty of quiet trails to escape to.

Ba’cho wasted no time finding side trails down to the river, tail wagging like he just uncovered a secret. He was clearly loving every second. Ellie, on the other hand, was a little unsure about the water—there’s no gradual entry, just a straight jump in. That hesitation lasted right up until she chased a stick a little too far and fell in. She was fine (and might have even enjoyed it a bit).

For dogs who love jumping into water or diving, this is an ideal spot. Just make sure to check blue-green algae levels before letting your dog swim—something to be aware of anytime your dog is in natural water.

🐾 More Than Just a Dog Park

One of the best things about Red Bud Isle is that it’s not just a place to let your dog run wild—it’s a place for shared experiences.

Ba’cho took his time meditating on a rock in the river, while Ellie zoomed around the main loop trail like she was training for a marathon. The trail itself is well-maintained and wide, making it easy to navigate whether your dog is high-energy or just looking for a relaxed outing.

The wildlife here is gorgeous. So many different birds, fish, and a peaceful view of the river made it as enjoyable for me as it was for the dogs. We even saw people launching kayaks and canoes—which got me thinking…

If you’re in Austin, training your dog to ride in a kayak would be an amazing skill to work on here. The smooth water and easy launch access make it a great practice spot.

⭐ Final Thoughts: 4.5/5 Would Recommend

This spot is easily one of our favorite off-leash areas so far. Plenty of space to explore, swim, train, and just enjoy a beautiful day outdoors.

That said, as with any off-leash area, there are risks. The far end of the park can get very dog-park-like, which means high-energy play, excited greetings, and the potential for over-arousal. While this is to be expected at places like this, I always encourage dog neutrality and staying mindful of your surroundings.

If you’re looking for a place to work on training, off-leash skills, obedience, socialization, or even film some fun trick videos, this park has endless possibilities.

Highly recommend for social dogs who love to explore!

📍 Been here before? Drop a 🐾 if your dog would love this spot!

We’re reviewing all the best (and worst) off-leash areas in Austin. Stay tuned for more in our ATX Off-Leash series!

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Ellie hunting squirrels

Ellie & Ba'cho sitting at the edge of the Colorado River