Anywhere local-ish where dogs can run free?

They're always leashed but there are many times during our walks that they want to break free and just run! I feel bad for them. I don't want them ever off leash but it would be nice for them to be wild and free for a few minutes. Dog parks, historically for my pets, haven't been a good source. Some dogs are unfriendly and weird and some owners are unfriendly and weird. And like a bad bar night, there's usually a fight. 

Any open spaces that allows for bursts of energy? 

You're not supposed to let your dogs walk unleashed in the Reservation but people do.  I love dogs and have a dog but I'm opposed to this practice although I don't say anything unless a loose dog charges me aggressively, which has happened. 

I can't imagine the kind of place you are looking for that wouldn't attract other dog owners, leading to the problem you are trying to avoid.

Outside of dog parks and the beaches off-season, there's no option in NJ. I've read some good reviews for Echo Lake dog park in Mountainside, which has 3 acres of fenced in space. It might be worth a shot, though I've never been.

Would never let them loose in the Reservation. I, like you, have encountered the same and it's not cool.

It's a conundrum, I know. I just want them to run really fast in an open space for a few minutes and then leash them up. 

There are some stretches of the Reservation where you seldom run into people. There's a broad stretch to the north-east/south-east of Maple Falls for example. Also, on the hillsides to the west of the main park road. 

You might also look at Watchung Reservation, though be careful about the bridle trails. 

I go to Echo Lake when its dry  (its grass and dirt so a mess when wet).   It's huge.  The big dog area must be at least twice as big as the big dog park in the Rez.  The open space and lack of obstacle thingies lends itself to brisk running although, again, it a dog park so you might run into your problem.

Its a bit of a drive for you but Morris County has a fantastic dog park - Central Park (there are actually several parks for different uses- ie small dog, large dog, field with woods etc) its in morris plains.  Weekends can be a bit nutsy (lots of wound up dogs) evenings amd days are great.  remember to bring a jug of water 

Collins Rd, Morris Plains, NJ 07950   

We've had mostly good experiences at Echo Lake dog park. It's a world apart from the dog run in the Reservation, but as someone already mentioned, can get muddy after a rain. It's laid out with a lot of running room for ball chasing, and is divided into a small dog area (under 25 pounds) and a big dog area. Occasionally, there are well-behaved big dogs in the small dog area, and no one seems to mind. 

Thanks, guys! 

I have those "hunter collars" for them that are water proof that we use at the dog beach. Want to make sure I can get them back to me once they start running wild. I sincerely think they will lose their minds .... in a good way!

we go to  echo park a lot - besides the fenced in area, right behind it, is a woodsy area for the dogs to go wild and a nice path for owners. there are many fewer issues at echo because of the large space. we also hit up the dog beach at asbury park off season (october to may). truly exhausting for the dogs as the space is vast.