Overview

You may book a picnic areas up to six months ahead. Greenbelt Park is an urban oasis just 10 miles (16 km) from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its peaceful surroundings and National Park Service hospitality.

Facilities

Natural Features

In suburban Maryland, Greenbelt Park is forested with a pleasant mix of pine, oak and maple trees which make for a colorful autumn season. Mountain laurel blooms throughout the park in May.

Still Creek flows through the park, where deer and chipmunks are commonly seen.

Recreation

Ten miles (16 km) of hiking trails meander through Greenbelt Park, including the Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood and Blueberry Trails. Sweetgum Picnic Area is located near the entrance of the park with playground equipment and public picnic tables. The Sweetgum Picnic Area is on a first-come, first-served basis limited to groups of 24 people or less. The Holly Picnic Area is a 1/2 mile (.8 km) walk to playground and open field.

Nearby Attractions

Greenbelt Campground is surrounded by a myriad of fun and interesting attractions. Washington, D.C. and its famed historic sites are just 10 miles (16 km) from Greenbelt. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens are 8 miles (13 km) away. Goddard Space Flight Center is 3 miles (5 km) from the park and the City of Greenbelt is 1 mile (1.6 km) away. The Washington, D.C. Metro Transit System (Greenbelt Station) is just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the park, and major shopping centers are located within 1/2 mile (.8 km).

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Picnic Area Fees: $100.00 for 1-99 people $155.00 for 100-149 $225.00 for 150-200.

  There is a 200 person maximum.

  You may book reservations up to six months ahead.

• Temporary Bathroom Closure. Bathroom facilities are temporarily closed due to a water issue. There are vault toilets and a washing station available in the picnic areas. Visit the park's Alerts & Conditions page for current status.

• Your Reservation Serves as your Permit. When you reserve a picnic area at Greenbelt Park, the National Park Service issues you a permit that governs your use of the site (visit the Greenbelt Park Permits page for details). The confirmation email you receive from Recreation.gov serves as your permit.

• Bring the Confirmation Email (Permit). You or someone you designate must have the permit (the confirmation email) on site for the entire event, printed or downloaded to your mobile device. This includes while you are setting up before and cleaning up afterwards. All trash must be placed in the dumpster before departure.

• Permit Hours. Your permit is in effect from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. It gives you exclusive use of the picnic area you reserved. Call the Ranger Station at (771) 208-1588 when you arrive so that park staff can open the picnic gate. Ranger Station hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

• No amplified music or DJs are allowed. No moon bounces or structures that have to be constructed. No propane grills or table top grills. No alcohol is permitted in the park. 

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

• More Information. For more information or if you have questions, please call Greenbelt Park at (771) 208-1588 or visit the official Greenbelt Park website.

Notifications and Alerts

• Laurel and Holly Picnic Areas are available through Special Use Permit only. If you are interested in applying for a Special Use Permit to reserve the picnic areas, please call the Greenbelt Park Ranger Station at 771-208-1588 or visit: How to Apply for a Permit at Greenbelt Park - National Capital Parks-East (U.S. National Park Service)

Available Activities

• Hiking - Hiking
• Camping - Camping
• Biking - Biking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

From I-95/495 (Capital Beltway), take Exit 23 Kenilworth Avenue South (Route 201) to Greenbelt Road East (Route 193). The park entrance is a quarter mile down Greenbelt Road on the right. The park address is 6565 Greenbelt Road.

Cancellation Policy

<p>All Cancellations and changes must be made with Recreation.gov and not with the park.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 301 344-3944

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip