Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Open for day-use picnicking. Advance reservations available April 1 through November 30 via Recreation.gov. First-come, first-served December through March. Half-day sessions: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. No overnight camping.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 8:36AM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112 expected. For the Extreme Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. For the Extreme Heat Watch, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 2 at 8:36AM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112 expected. For the Extreme Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. For the Extreme Heat Watch, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 8:36AM EDT until July 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112 expected. For the Extreme Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. For the Extreme Heat Watch, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
About
Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas offer a rare opportunity for group gatherings in an urban national park setting. Located in northwest Washington DC, these eight picnic groves sit along the wooded corridor of Rock Creek, providing a forested escape from the surrounding city. Each site accommodates up to 75 people and features picnic tables, grills, and trash receptacles. Four of the groves (1, 6, 13, and 24) include covered pavilions with stone fireplaces, making them suitable for larger organized events. Picnic Grove 1 and Grove 24 can accommodate bus access for groups arriving via oversized vehicles. Amenities vary by site but generally include flush restrooms, potable water, and parking. All sites are day-use only, with half-day reservation blocks running 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (or dusk). Alcohol, amplified sound without a permit, and ground-anchored tents or canopies are prohibited. Visitors must bring their own firewood or charcoal and are responsible for cleaning up after their events.
Directions
Rock Creek Park is located in northwest Washington DC, between Connecticut Avenue to the west and 16th Street to the east. For directions to specific picnic groves, refer to the Rock Creek Park map at nps.gov/rocr.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| rocr_superintendent@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (202) 895-6000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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