Picnic pavilion at the Carderock Picnic Area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Carderock Picnic Area is located near Mile 10.4 on the C&O Canal towpath. See the Picnic Areas web page for an interactive location map.
NOTE: Sections of the towpath, locks and other historical structures, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are constantly being closed due to damage and/or repair. When planning an adventure within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, make sure that areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.
The Carderock Picnic Area is the only picnic facility within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park that has a pavilion that can be reserved for large outings. Groups of up to 200 people can be accommodated. There is a fee, and reservations must be made online (up to one year in advance) at Recreation.gov. All others picnic areas in the park are small with tables taken on a first come, first served basis.
The pavilion has thirty tables, three large grills, a fireplace, and even electricity. This is also one of the few places in the park where alcohol is allowed, though everything must be in unbreakable containers and only those renting the pavilion can drink.
Picnic Pavilion at Carderock in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Use of large grills comes with the pavilion at Carderock in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
A sports field is also available. It is big enough to play softball and other team sports, plus there is a horseshoe pit and poles for volleyball nets. However, you must provide your own sports equipment, including horseshoes and nets. There is also a modern restroom facility with flush toilets and sinks.
Softball field and volleyball nets at the Carderock Picnic Area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
There are other picnic tables at Carderock in addition to those associated with the pavilion, and these remain available on a first come, first served basis. Situated around the main field (near the pavilion) are a dozen groups of tables, each with their own grill. Groupings are comprised of one, two, or three tables. All tables are anchored to the ground and cannot be moved, so there is no way to create a larger set of tables. The picnic area is well shaded and the surrounding terrain is grassy and level.
Group of three picnic tables at the Carderock Picnic Area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
First-come, first-served picnic tables at the Carderock Picnic Area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
A second field at Carderock is separated from the main field by a stand of trees. There are another dozen tables spread randomly on the field, but these are out in the open and do not have grills.
There is a large parking lot right next to the picnic area that holds approximately 70 vehicles. Some tables are right next to the parking lot, while the farthest are about 100 yards away. If this lot fills, there are three others at Carderock, with the farthest being a half-mile from the picnic area.
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Last updated on June 2, 2024
