Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Hains Point Picnic Areas are located in East Potomac Park. Reservations for picnic areas (A, B, C, D) are required seven days a week (Sunday through Saturday) all year-round.
Hains Point offers four picnic areas for reservation (Areas: A, B, C, D). Each area accommodates up to 75 people. Picnic areas include limited picnic benches with no shelters. A public restroom is located in the area. Limited parking is available. There are no electrical outlets and grills are not provided.
Picnic areas can be reserved for half day $90.00 (Week Days: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Weekends: 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.); full day $180.00 (Week Days: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Weekends: 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.).
Need to Know
The following items are prohibited:
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Live bands, DJs, and amplified sound.
- Balloons.
- Pets without leashes.
- Moon bounces, pony rides, or other carnival rides.
- Generators.
- Food trucks or catering at facility (loading/unloading of catered food is allowed).
- The use of illicit substances.
- Parking or driving on any grass or turf area.
- Moving tables from one area to another.
- The dumping of hot ash or coals on the ground (hot ash and coals should be completely extinguished and placed in the provided hot coal bin - not the trash recepticales).
A maximum of one 12’x12’ tent may be used. Tent must not be placed within the drip-line (root zone area) of trees or other vegetation and must be staked to the ground through the use of stakes no longer than 10”. No tents or canopies larger than 12' x 12'.
The alteration, damage, or removal of park resources or facilities is prohibited. No holes may be dug and no item, including signs or banners, may be attached to park trees, plantings, benches, fences, light standards, or any other park landscape element.
Picnic area reservations do not reserve exclusive use of the communal pavilion/restroom areas.
Leave no trace - any trash generated during use of the Hains Point Picinic Areas should be placed in the provided trash receptacles, or removed from the area for proper disposal or recycling.
If your activity is an organized event contact the Permits Management Office at 202-245-4715.
If your activity is part of a commercial operation, or charges a fee for participation, you are required to contact the Commercial Services division before operating in the park.
Please contact the National Park Service Division of Permits Management at (202) 245-4715 for additional information. In the event of disputes, contact the United States Park Police, (202) 610-7505.
Natural Features
Hains Point is at the southern tip of East Potomac Park, and offers beautiful views of the Potomac River, Anacostia River and the Washington Channel. Surrounded by beautiful greenery and trees, the area is a popular destination for a delightful picnic and relaxation.
Nearby Attractions
East Potomac Park offers additional attractions managed by outside agencies including the East Potomac Tennis Courts and the East Potomac Golf Course.
Other local attractions within approximately a five-mile radius include: Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the National Mall.
Recreation
Hains Point Picnic Areas are a convenient spot to have a picnic near the water. Other popular activities on Hains Point include fishing, bicycling, running, and playtime for the kids on the playground.
Changes & Cancellations
Cancellations made more than fourteen (14) days in advance will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Reservations that are cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
Contact Information
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National Mall & Memorial Parks 900 Ohio Dr SW Washington DC 20024-2000
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 202-245-4715
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From 395 North:
Take 395 NORTH across the 14th Street Bridge. Take Exit #2 POTOMAC PARK/PARK POLICE. Follow the signs towards Hains Point. Turn Left onto Buckeye Dr. Take a right onto Ohio Dr. Keep straight to the tip of the point. The picnic area is fenced in where the two playgrounds are located.
From 395 South:
Take the Exit #2 towards POTOMAC PARK/PARK POLICE. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Ohio Dr. Follow the signs towards Hains Point. Keep straight to the tip of the point. The picnic area is fenced in where the two playgrounds are located.
Available Campsites
- Site C - AM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site D - PM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site D - AM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site C - PM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site B - PM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site A - PM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site A - AM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site B - AM, Loop HAINS POINT PICNIC AREA, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
