Group Picnic Area at Fort Washington Park

There are eight group picnic areas that can be reserved at Fort Washington Park plus individual tables scattered throughout the park that are available on a first come, first served basis for groups of less than fifteen people. I doubt an individual, single family, or a couple of friends who just want a place to sit and eat lunch will be told to leave the group facilities if they are empty, but you can’t make an entire day of it.

Groups of fifteen or more must use the group picnic facilities. These are available from mid-April through October 31st and can be reserved up to one year in advance at Recreation.gov. The 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

Each group picnic area has at least three standard grills, and a few have a large stone grill. You can also bring your own free standing charcoal grill, but propane grills and propane camp stoves are not permitted. No bonfires are allowed either.

Large, stone grills at the Fort Washington Park picnic area

I picked up a tick while walking through the grass at one of the picnic areas. This is mowed grass, not waist high weeds, so I am sure this was not a freak occurrence. Thus, be sure to check for ticks periodically throughout the day and do a thorough check when you get home.

See the following web pages for more information and photos of each Group Picnic Area.

Group Picnic Area A

Group Picnic Area B (divided into four separate picnic areas)

Group Picnic Area C

Group Picnic Area D

PICNIC AREA RULES (from the National Park Service website)

• All park visitors are responsible for complying with park regulations and public law. Permit holders are also responsible for the conduct of the group and may be held liable for any damage to government property.
• Fort Washington is an alcohol free park. Alcoholic beverages of all types are prohibited in the park.
• DJs or amplified music are not allowed in the park.
• Amusements such as slides, space walks, pony rides, bouncy castles and other activities that require a structure or use of animals will not be allowed in the park. Be sure to check with the park before arranging for any type of amusement service.
• Open fires are prohibited. All fires must be in the established fireplaces or charcoal grills and fires must be extinguished before leaving the picnic area.
• Portable, self-standing charcoal grills may be brought into the park and used in the picnic area.
• Propane and tabletop grills are not allowed.
• There is no electricity in the picnic areas.
• Generators are only allowed by permit only and must conform to the safety regulations stated within the permit.
• Dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
• Contributions must not be solicited or accepted unless specifically allowed within the terms of a permit and ALL SALES ARE PROHIBITED in the park.
• Drivers must observe all traffic rules and drive carefully at all times. The maximum speed limit in the park is 15 mph.
• Vehicles must stay on established roads and park only in marked spaces within designated areas.
• Vehicle parking on the grass is not allowed and permit holder may be charged the cost of repairing any damage to lawn areas.
• Permittee may NOT drive on the grass to unload/load.
• Tables are not to be moved from one area to another. Each area has enough tables to accommodate the maximum capacity of the area.
• Signs, banners, markers, or other devices are not to be attached to any tree, park sign, lamp post, fence or other structures. Self-standing signs may be used to identify the picnic group but must be removed before leaving the area. Balloons are not allowed to be placed or tied on any table or sign.
• Screen type tents or sun protection may be erected provided the structure is less than 15 feet long and 15 feet wide and stakes do not exceed 18 inches.
• Any permitted ceremonies (i.e. weddings) must be concluded by 5:00 pm.
• If more than one area of the “B” picnic areas are rented by one group or individual, it is required to contact the park within 48 hours for additional requirements or permits concerning the use of more than one B areas. Failure to contact the park may result in cancellation of the reservation.

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