Fort Hunt Picnic Areas

Overview

Fort Hunt Park provides six picnic rental areas: Area A, Area B, Areas C1, C2, C3, and Area D. Picnic pavilions are in Area A, B, C-2 and D. Areas C-1 and C-3 are open areas with picnic tables only. Only Picnic Area A has electricity and amplified sound allowed. If you plan to grill, you must bring in your own grill. A fire extinguisher is required for grilling. If you have a large group and wish to cater food and beverage, please contact gwmp_sup@nps.gov to obtain a special use permit. If you plan to bring in and prepare your own food and beverage, no catering request is necessary. See the Need to Know section under Food and Beverage for more information. Some types of activities (e.g. organized runs or races, weddings, etc.) may also require a special use permit. Please contact gwmp_sup@nps.gov for more information. Fort Hunt Park is located only two miles from Mount Vernon, the historical home of George Washington, and is a local favorite for picnicking and recreation. This picnic area has transformed tremendously over time, from George Washington's farmland to a Spanish-American War fort to a top secret intelligence camp during World War II. The rich history of this area is still being discovered and shared with the public.

Recreation

Fort Hunt Park has many opportunities for recreation. There are several large fields, making it an ideal place for large picnics and family gatherings. All picnic rentals have different pricing for weekends versus weekday rentals. The historic batteries are always open to the public. The inner lane of the Loop Road is closed to cars past Area A and can be used as a multi-use trail. The stretch of the Mount Vernon Trail from Turkey Run Park south to Riverside Park is a great place to see birds along the river. There are several birds of prey that live in the area. Sundays in June, July and August, the park presents the Fort Hunt Concert Series.

Facilities

Fort Hunt has six picnic areas available for reservation, ranging in capacity from 100-600 people per site. Four of these areas have covered pavilions. Fort Hunt is an ideal place for group picnics. There is no camping at this site. Reservations cancelled more than fourteen days in advance are refunded with the exception of a service fee. Explore each picnic area for its amenities and pricing. Call the park for more information: 202-439-7325. Available parking in each picnic area is limited. Please plan to reserve enough space for your guests to park in marked spaces or to make other arrangements (e.g., for a shuttle to bring guests to the park). Parking on the grass is not allowed. Reservation of more than one area requires a Public Gathering Permit. See "Need to Know" section for more information. Moon bounces and similar setups are are not allowed. See the Need to Know section for more information. If you plan on having an activity beyond bringing in food and beverage (i.e. wedding event, a public gathering, setting up tents or equipment, use of a generator, etc.) you may need a Special Use Permit. Amplified sound is only permitted at Area A. Electricity is only available in Area A. Use of a caterer requires a Special Use Permit. Alcohol (beer and wine only) is permitted in Areas A though D with a reservation. Grills are allowed, but visitors must provide their own barbecue grills. Use of barbecue grills requires a Size II Dry Chemical and ABC Rated fire extinguisher be brought by its user. Properly dispose ash and coal in the ash cans provided throughout the park. See the Need to Know section under Food and Beverages for more information. Picnic Area E is always open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis for small groups of family and friends. It has picnic tables spread out in a large area. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in Area E. Parking is limited. Reservations are valid only from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Access and use of reserved amenities outside of these hours is not guaranteed. If you have questions about early check in or late check out, speak with a park ranger after making your reservation: 202-439-7325. NOTICE regarding the Fort Hunt Concert Series. If you reserve Pavilion A on Sundays in June, July or August, the pavilion must be clean and vacant by 6:00 pm in time for the free Fort Hunt Concert Series. Late check is not be available. Visit the park's Fort Hunt Concert Series web page for dates and details.

Natural Features

Fort Hunt is located just minutes from the nation's capital in the lush environment of Northern Virginia. The area is abundant with trees, plants and wildlife, with mild, crisp winters that include the occasional dusting of snow, and hot, humid summers where the wildflowers and greenery paint the backdrop. Trails behind the remains of the Spanish American War era gun batteries were build by the Civilian Conservation Corps era, and provide peaceful walks in the woods with views of the Potomac River. One can enjoy a walk around the park in the grassy fields and under tall trees. Nearby Attractions Fort Hunt is located just minutes from Mount Vernon, the historic site and former plantation of George Washington. The museums, memorials and monuments of Washington, D.C., are also located a short drive from the picnic area.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. Cancellations within 14 days of the reservation date will forfeit the entire reservation fee for the shelter facility. There is no inclement weather policy, this is an open outdoor facility. For further information on reservation and cancellation policies please visit the Recreation.gov Rules & Reservation Policies page.

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