Group Picnic Area D2 at Fort Washington Park
See the main Picnic Areas web page for rules and links to the other seven group picnic areas.
Capacity: D1: 35 | D2: 35
Tables: D1: 10 | D2: 10
Grills: D1: 3 | D2: 2
Parking Spaces: D1: 11 | D2: 10
Restrooms: Share with Group Picnic Area B4
Group Picnic Area D at Fort Washington Park is subdivided into two units, D1 and D2. These are the smallest of all the picnic areas in the park, holding just 35 people compared to the 100-plus at the other locations. Furthermore, there are no activity fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, or even a nearby restroom. Picnic Area D is located just down the road from Group Picnic Area B, and there is a restroom there (D1 is the closest to the restroom). Battery Humphreys separates the two picnic areas.
While being a group picnic area, D is no longer available for reservation. It also appears to no longer be maintained on a regular basis, so it may be a little overgrown. However, nothing prevents a group or individual from showing up early and staking claim to the tables, all for free. If you want to guarantee a spot for your event, make a reservation for one of the other Group Picnic Areas. These are available from mid-April through the end of October and can be reserved up to one year in advance at Recreation.gov. A reservation is from 9 AM to sunset. Fees are typically $75 to $150, depending on the size of the picnic area you choose. Current fees are listed on Recreation.gov.
Group Picnic Area D1 at Fort Washington Park
The road ends in a loop, and this is where the parking areas for Group Picnic Area D are located. Just down the hill from the parking area is Battery Smith. This is a small artillery battery that is in poor condition. I am surprised that the National Park Service even leaves it standing, as most such safety hazards are condemned. However, I’m guessing that by now the government realizes that a fence, and even steel doors, really don’t do much good because people will just tear them down to get inside. The end result is a lot of money spent, and people still get into the batteries. People put more effort into breaking down the doors than they do into going to work.
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Last updated on June 13, 2026
