Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities
Fort Washington is located 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. Part of the National Park Service, 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.
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.
Need to Know
- No amplified music or DJs are allowed.
- No moon bounces or structures that have to be constructed.
- No propane grills or table top grills. Charcoal grills only.
- 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.
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.
- 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 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.
See http://www.nps.gov/fowa/planyourvisit/picnicregulations.htm or call 771-208-1555 for detailed park rules.
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 of green space Fort Washington Park is great for fishing, birding and hiking.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Washington Park is located just minutes from Oxon Cove Park, Piscataway Park, National Colonial Farm and the National Harbor. Downtown Washington, D.C. and interstate access are less than 10 miles from Fort Washington Park.
Recreation
There are several large fields making it an ideal place for large parties and family gatherings. Different types of trails are available for bicycles and river path hiking. The playground is located in the "B" picnic area; the basketball court is located 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 permitee, but open to all visitors of the park.
Changes & Cancellations
Cancelling a Reservation
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.
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).
Rain Dates
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.
Contact Information
Default
13551 Fort Washington Road Fort Washington MD 20744
Physical
13551 Fort Washington Road Fort Washington MD 20744
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 301-763-4600
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
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.
Available Campsites
- Site Area B1, Loop Area B, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area B2, Loop Area B, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area D2, Loop Area D, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area C, Loop Area C, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area B4, Loop Area B, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area B3, Loop Area B, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area A, Loop Area A, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Area D1, Loop Area D, Type Group Picnic Area
