Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

The Holly Picnic Area at Greenbelt Park is available by reservation only. The season typically runs from April through September, but the exact opening and closing dates may change each year. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance online at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. A credit or debit card is required. The latest rental fees, which are based on group size, and the season’s operating dates are provided on the reservation website.

The picnic area can accommodate up to 200 people, and there are 99 parking spaces. The road to the picnic area is gated, and the gate is only open for paid guests. However, nothing prohibits individuals from using the picnic area at any time of the year as long as it has not been reserved, but they must hike to it from other areas of the park.

Parking area at the Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

In all, there are roughly three dozen splinter-free, recycled-plastic-and-steel-frame picnic tables split between three areas despite the fact that Holly is open to only one group at a time. A couple of strong people can move the tables around to suit the circumstances, but the grills cannot be moved. While all tables are under shade trees, there is no covered pavilion, so rain can always foil well made plans. Furthermore, most of the ground is dirt, so rain will also make the place muddy.

Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

One picnic area is located close to the the restroom building. Here you will find plenty of picnic tables and one large grill with three cooking surfaces. Be aware that the restrooms no longer work. Portable toilets and a washing station are available instead.

Restroom building at the Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

Large, three-burner grill at the Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

If you continue walking straight ahead from the restroom towards a grassy area in the forest, you will find a small group of tables. These are basically out on their own—a great place to banish the kids. There are also three standard grills, which is certainly overkill for an area with only a few tables.

Secluded area of tables at the Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

A third picnic area is off to the left of the restroom. Here you will find an abundance of tables, two small grills, and another three-burner grill.

Picnic tables to the left of the restroom at the Holly Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park

Other than picnicking, there’s not much else to do—you’re not even supposed to be drinking alcohol. There is no field for games and sports, and no lake or other swimming area in Greenbelt Park. The only activity available to guests, other than running around in the forest, is hiking, with the 1.25-mile Azalea Trail being the closest trail. To get to it, with your back to the restroom building and facing the group of picnic tables that I first mentioned, look towards the far, right corner for the connector trail. It is a moderate downhill walk to the Azalea Trail, but it takes only a minute or two to reach it.

Rules for using the picnic area include:

• Rentals are from 9:00 AM until sunset.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park.
• Amplified music and loud use on any audio device is not permitted.
• The park does not provide electric power and portable generators are prohibited.
• There are no covered pavilions in the picnic area.
• If you plan any special activities that require equipment, please discuss it when reserving the area and have the activity written on the permit.
• Amusements such as pony rides, any type of balloons, and moon bounces may not be used in the park.
• There will be a $25.00 administrative fee charged for each cancelled reservation.
• Refunds will not be made for rain or inclement weather.

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