Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The picnic pavilion at the Carderock Recreation Area is a large covered pavilion, open on three sides, that accommodates a maximum of 200 people. Convenient and ample parking is available for all attending your event.
There are picnic tables in or around the pavilion and electricity, in the form of 4 110-volt outlets, is available for your use. There are two large grills outside the pavilion and a large fireplace within the pavilion. Water and comfort stations are located nearby.
There is a softball field and an area for volleyball or relay games. Horseshoe pits are near the front of the pavilion. All are for your use during your event. You must provide the sports equipment, though poles are provided for volleyball or badminton.
Need to Know
During Peak Season, the Carderock Pavilion can be reserved for $250/day plus an additional $100 for a reservation on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
During Non-Peak Season, the Carderock Pavilion can be reserved for $125/day plus an additional $50 for a reservation on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Alcohol is allowed under the following rules in the pavilion area: Beer and wine only in unbreakable containers (e.g. plastic cups or aluminum cans).
C&O Canal is a Trash Free Park. Be prepared with trash bags to remove any waste and recyclables as cans are not provided.
- This permit is for use of the pavilion between sunrise and sunset only. Be aware that the restrooms adjacent to the pavilion may not be cleaned until at least 10:00 a.m. the day of your event.
Catering is permitted; however, no vehicle access will be provided to the pavilion. They must be able to operate without running a generator or vehicle. The use of portable gas equipment is allowed.
- Permission is required to post signs or banners on the roadways. Decorations may be hung in the pavilion provided that only tape is used and it is removed following the event.
- The park is a Trash Free Park and trashcans are not provided. Trash must be picked up and taken with the party. The area must be left in a clean condition before departure.
- Fires may be built in established or portable grills only. All fires must be extinguished before leaving the park. Do not bring firewood into the park.
- Parking or driving on the grass is not permitted and parking at the pavilion is prohibited. Parking is restricted to designated parking lots and parking may not be reserved. Car pooling and/or charted buses should be considered for groups of 100 or more.
- Acoustic level instruments and music may be played. Any volume amplification must be at a sound level that does not carry beyond the pavilion or interfere with the use of the area by other park visitors.
- No vending, gambling, raffles or collection of fees of any kind are allowed on park property.
- No amusement type rides and/or generators are permitted. (i.e., Moon Bounce, pony rides, dunk tanks, etc.)
- 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.
If you have an emergency, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.
Natural Features
Carderock Pavilion is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.
Recreation
The most popular activity for Carderock Pavilion attendees is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Changes & Cancellations
Cancellations
A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer.
Camping and Day Use Facilities
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window
• Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
Contact Information
Default
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
- Carderock Pavilion has no street address, search Carderock Recreation Area with Google Maps or follow the directions below.
- From I-495 in Maryland:
1. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn left for parking lot "A" or turn right for parking lot "B" and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.) - From I-495 in Virginia:
1. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock.
2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn left for parking lot "A" or turn right for parking lot "B" and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.) - From Washington (Georgetown):
1. From the intersection of "M" Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road.
2. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn left for parking lot "A" or turn right for parking lot "B" and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.) - Directions from I-270 on reverse side.
From I-270:
1. Take I-270 South toward Washington.
2. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia.
3. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway.
4. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
5. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
6. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
7. Turn left for parking lot "A" or turn right for parking lot "B" and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.)
