Fort Hunt Picnic Areas Campground

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.