Playground equipment and tables at the Sweetgum Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park
Sweetgum is the only picnic area in Greenbelt Park that is open to the public without reservations. All tables are taken on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of four tables and 25 guests per picnicking party. If you have a larger group, you must reserve (for a fee) either the Holly or the Laurel picnic areas. Sweetgum is open year-round from 8 AM to dusk.
This is a much larger facility than either of the other picnic areas. There is a baseball field and two sets of playground equipment, and there is additional open ground aside from the ball field. The only problem is that the terrain tends to be hilly except for the baseball field, so if you want to play soccer or football, use the baseball field. The rest of the park is good for kite flying, playing catch, Frisbee, etc.
Field at the Sweetgum Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park
There are two areas of picnic tables: one with a dozen tables and four grills that is located near the restroom building, and one farther down by the baseball field that has a half dozen tables and three grills. Each has its own set of playground equipment.
Picnic tables in Greenbelt Park’s Sweetgum Picnic Area near the baseball field
Picnic tables and playground equipment in Greenbelt Park’s Sweetgum Picnic Area
The Sweetgum Picnic Area is the best place to park for hiking the Perimeter Trail and the Azalea Trail. To find the trailheads, from the parking lot walk back towards the main park road. The Azalea Trail is located near the start of the parking area. To reach the Perimeter Trail, walk all the way back to the main road and cross it. A short path leads down to the trail.
Connector trail to the Perimeter Trail near the Sweetgum Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park
Start of the Azalea Trail by the Sweetgum Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park
I do have to wonder what sort of crowd gathers here. It’s bad enough that signs are posted prohibiting car washing and car repair, but what about the sign that reads NO LIVESTOCK IN THE PICNIC AREA? If you are having a Bar-B-Q, butcher your animals before coming to the park!
No Livestock in Picnic Area sign at the Sweetgum Picnic Area in Greenbelt Park
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Last updated on April 1, 2026
