Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups from spring to fall each year. There are also picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The three picnic areas at Fort Dupont that can be reserved are:
Picnic area A at Randle Circle, Picnic area B at Randle Circle, and the Historic Earthwork (Lanham Estates) picnic area on Alabama Avenue.
Randle Circle A and Randle Circle B: have picnic tables, a grill and a nearby restroom building and playground. Electricity is not available on site. These areas have street parking but there is also a larger parking lot less than 1/4 mile from the picnic area. This site is also close to several park nature trails and the Fort Dupont Activity Center that has exhibits and other information about the park. No other amenities are available.
Lanham Estates: has a picnic shelter, tables, grill and a fireplace. Electricity is not available on site. This site also has an adjacent parking lot with open space nearby for playing games but there are no formal ball fields. This is also in the historic area of the park that contains the earthwork remnants of Fort Dupont and interpretive signage that give the history of the fort. Access to the nearby Hiker-Biker Trail, a seven mile trail that connects multiple fort sites in southeast Washington, D.C., is also on site.
Need to Know
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Live bands, DJs, amplified music, moon bounces, helium balloons, parking/driving on the grass, generators, etc., are also prohibited.
- Parking for Randle Circle picnic areas is curbside parking and/or there is a large parking lot about 1/4 mile from the picnic area on Fort Dupont Drive.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Natural Features
Fort Dupont Park has 376 rolling wooded acres, and is one of the largest parks in Washington D.C. Oak, beech and maple trees cover the hillsides. There is also a large area of mountain laurel that blooms in the spring each year.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors may also enjoy visits to Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Smithsonian Anacostia Museum, Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and the Anacostia River Trail.
Recreation
The varied seasonal activities at this spacious area east of the Anacostia River include: picnic areas, hiking trails, Civil War programs, gardening, environmental education, concerts and special events, mountain biking and youth programs.
Changes & Cancellations
Half day $65.00. Full day $130.00. No refund for cancellation.
Contact Information
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National Capital Parks - East 1900 Anacostia Dr SE Washington DC 20020-6722
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 202-690-5152
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Please visit the website for detailed directions, .
Available Campsites
- Site Historic Earthwork (Lanham Estates) PM, Loop ALABAMA AVENUE, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Historic Earthwork (Lanham Estates) AM, Loop ALABAMA AVENUE, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Randle Circle B - PM, Loop RANDLE CIRCLE, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Randle Circle A - PM, Loop RANDLE CIRCLE, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Randle Circle A - AM, Loop RANDLE CIRCLE, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Randle Circle B - AM, Loop RANDLE CIRCLE, Type Group Picnic Area
