Overview

Fort Washington is located 15 miles (24 km) south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. It is a local favorite for picnicking, recreation and historic interest. Built to defend the nation's capital in 1824, the 19th century masonry fort is the oldest and best preserved in the area. Rich in history, green space, and beautiful river vistas, Fort Washington Park is a treasure trove of historic and recreational opportunities.

Facilities

Fort Washington has eight picnic areas available, ranging in capacity from 35-150 people per site, with restrooms, picnic tables, and barbeque grills. The Visitor Center and Historic Fort are open year round. Park Rangers are on site to provide park information and historic talks and walks. The "B" picnic area offers a playground; a basketball court is near the "C" picnic area.

Natural Features

Fort Washington Park is located off Maryland Highway 210, four miles south of the National Harbor along the Potomac River in the quaint, quiet Fort Washington neighborhood. Abundant with trees, wild life, shore line and 341 acres (138 ha) of green space Fort Washington Park is great for fishing, birding and hiking.

Recreation

There are several large fields making it an ideal place for large parties and family gatherings. Both biking and hiking trails are available. The "B" picnic area offers a playground; a basketball court is near the "C" picnic area. Both are open during regular park hours year round. The playground and basketball court areas are not exclusive to the reservation-holder, but open to all visitors of the park.

Nearby Attractions

Downtown Washington, D.C. and interstate access are less than 10 miles from Fort Washington Park.

Fort Washington Park is also just minutes from:

• Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm

• Piscataway Park

• National Colonial Farm

• The Waterfront District at National Harbor.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• The confirmation email you receive from Recreation.gov serves as your permit and governs your use of the picnic area at Fort Washington Park. You or someone you designate must have the permit (the confirmation email) on site for the entire event, including while you are setting up before and cleaning up afterwards. You are responsible to comply with the National Capital Parks East Superintendent's Compendium. Call the park at 771-208-1555 with any questions.

• Your permit is only in effect from 9:00 am until 8:00 or sunset. It gives you exclusive use of the picnic area you reserved, but does not give you exclusive use of the restrooms, the playground or basketball court.

• When you reserve a picnic area at Fort Washington Park, the National Park Service issues you a permit that governs your use of the site. The confirmation email you receive from Recreation.gov serves as your permit.

• No amplified music or DJs are allowed.

• No moon bounces or structures that have to be constructed.

• You may bring pets to Fort Washington Park. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (or shorter) and you must clean up after them.

• No alcohol allowed on park grounds.

Available Activities

• Visitor Center - Visitor Center
• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• Birding - Birding
• Guided Interpretive Walks - Guided Interpretive Walks
• Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Photography - Photography

Directions

<p>From Interstate 495: Take Exit 3 to MD 210 South (Indian Head Highway South). Travel approximately 4 miles to Fort Washington Road. Turn right on to Fort Washington Road and continue to park entrance. </p> <p>From Waldorf, MD: Take MD 228 to MD 210 North (Indian Head Highway North). Turn left at Old Fort Road S, travel to end of road. Turn right onto Fort Washington Road and continue to park entrance.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Cancelling a Reservation</p> <p>Customers may cancel a reservation prior to the day of the reservation check-in date, both online, through the app, or through the contact center. A $10 cancellation fee may apply. For most facilities, customers may not cancel a reservation after 12:00am local time on the reservation check-in date. In these cases, the contact center will not be able to assist either, and only an on-site staff member will be able to assist. Check the facility's page for additional information on their specific business rules.</p> <p>Group Facilities - Day Use Forfeit the Day Use recreation use fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).</p> <p>Rain Dates</p> <p>Customers may call the facitilty to request a rain date, prior to the day of the picnic. There is no guarantee that the same site will be available on the new date requested.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 301-763-4600

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip