Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities
Closed — Day-use facility reservations are currently closed for winter season. The park grounds remain open year-round during daylight hours for general visitation.
Lighthouse Area Closed
A section of Fort Washington Park, including the area around the Fort Washington Lighthouse and nearby sidewalks, will be closed from 12:00 a.m. on May 9, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025.
Helicopter Training at Fort Washington Park – June 5
Visitors may see or hear low-flying helicopters in Fort Washington Park on June 5 during a scheduled training exercise; please follow all law enforcement direction on site.
Picnic Area Closure at Fort Washington Park
The D1 Picnic Area will be closed April 15–November 15, 2025, and remain closed afterward per the Superintendent’s Compendium schedule.
About
Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities is located within Fort Washington Park, a National Park Service site 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. The facility features several large picnic areas available for reservation, making it ideal for family gatherings and group events. The park offers 341 acres of green space with diverse recreational opportunities including hiking trails, bicycle paths, a playground in the B picnic area, and a basketball court near the C picnic area. Built in 1824 to defend the nation's capital, Fort Washington is the oldest and best preserved 19th century masonry fort in the area. Visitors can explore the historic fortifications while enjoying modern amenities across multiple picnic areas. The facility provides access to beautiful Potomac River vistas and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's location in the quiet Fort Washington neighborhood offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to nearby attractions including National Harbor, Oxon Cove Park, and Piscataway Park. Reservations for picnic areas are managed through Recreation.gov, with rain date requests available by contacting the facility prior to the reservation date.
Directions
From I-495: Take Exit 3 to MD 210 South (Indian Head Highway South). Travel approximately 4 miles to Fort Washington Road. Turn right onto Fort Washington Road and continue to park entrance. From Waldorf, MD: Take MD 228 to MD 210 North. Turn left at Old Fort Road S, travel to end of road. Turn right onto Fort Washington Road and continue to park entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Fort Hunt Picnic Areas 1.3mi
- Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas 11mi
- Mason Neck State Park Paddle In Campground 10mi
- Mason Neck State Park Shelter Campground 10mi
- Smallwood State Park Family Campground 14mi
- Cedarville State Forest Campground 12mi
- Leesylvania State Park Campground 15mi
- Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas 17mi
- Greenbelt Park Campground 20mi
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| fowa_visitorservices@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (771) 208-1555 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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