Pavilion at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #13
LOCATION
Picnic Area #13 at Rock Creek Park is near the northern intersection of Ridge Road and Glover Road, very close to the Rock Creek Nature Center. See the Picnic Areas web page for an interactive location map.
PARKING
A large parking lot that holds approximately 50 vehicles serves both Picnic Area #13 and #14, which is across the street. If your group is coming by bus, you must reserve either Picnic Area #1 or #24, as these are the only picnic areas that can accommodate buses.
AMENITIES
Picnic Area #13 has 11 quality picnic tables made of recycled plastic and three old wooden tables, a covered pavilion, a large grill with three grilling surfaces, trash cans, and an old stone grill that is not in the best of shape.
The picnic area can accommodate up to 75 guests. It is not handicap accessible.
NOTE: Table and grill count may vary due to theft, breakage, or the addition of new tables and grills. If you plan on hosting a group picnic, be sure to stop by and check out the facility in advance to make sure it will fit your needs.
Large grill at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #13
Old stone grill at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #13
Picnic tables made of recycled materials at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #13
Old wooden picnic tables at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #13
RESERVATIONS
If you plan on hosting a group picnic at Rock Creek Park, Picnic Area #13 must be reserved in advance from May 1st through November 31st. Reservations can be made for a half day from either 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM or from 3 PM to dark, or for a full day by reserving both time slots. The current fee is $65 per time slot, and no refunds are given for cancellations. Reservations can be made online up to one year in advance at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Other picnic areas that can be reserved are #1, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, and #24. From these, I would rank Picnic Area #13 as the third most desirable behind #1 and #24.
All tables are taken on a first come, first served bases the rest of the year. For complete picnic area rules, see the National Park Service’s official Rules and Regulations web page for Rock Creek Park.
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on January 11, 2022
