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.
P Street Northwest Ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is closed
The P Street Northwest Ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is closed until further notice due to sinkholes on the ramp that may compromise the roadway. Drivers should seek alternate routes.
Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety
Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.
Glover Archbold Trail detour
For visitor safety, the southern end of the Glover Archbold Trail is under an emergency closure until further notice due to aerial hazards. Please follow the posted detour along Foxhall Rd. / 44th St. NW / P St. NW.
Picnic grove restrooms
The restrooms at the picnic groves throughout the park are currently closed. Portable comfort stations with handwashing stations are in place until they reopen.
Restrooms at Thompson Boat Center
The indoor restrooms of Thompson Boat Center continue to be closed due to repairs needed to a sewage line. Temporary restrooms with hand sanitizer remain available near the building and will be in place until the indoor restrooms reopen.
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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