Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas

Summary

Fort Dupont Park is a sprawling 376 acre park east of the Anacostia River in D.C. offering a variety of activities such as hiking, environmental education, concerts, mountain biking, picnicking and more. There are three picnic areas available for group reservations and public use, with amenities such as grills, picnic tables, and historic interpretive signage. Visitors may also enjoy nearby attractions such as Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Anacostia Park and the Anacostia River Trail.

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

 

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Half day $65.00. Full day $130.00. No refund for cancellation.