Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia · District of Columbia County · Campground
Overview Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that groups may reserve from spring to fall each year. There are also picnic areas available on first-come, first-served (no reservation required).Recreation The varied seasonal activities at this spacious area east of the Anacostia River include: picnic areas, hiking tr…
Overview Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that groups may reserve from spring to fall each year. There are also picnic areas available on first-come, first-served (no reservation required).Recreation The varied seasonal activities at this spacious area east of the Anacostia River include: picnic areas, hiking trails, Civil War programs, gardening, environmental education, concerts and special events, mountain biking and youth programs. Visit Fort Dupont's Things to Do web page.Facilities The three reservable picnic areas at Fort Dupont are::Picnic areas A and B at Randle Circle. Both of these offer picnic tables, a grill and a nearby restroom building and playground. Electricity is not available on site. These areas have street parking but there is also a larger parking lot less than 1/4 mile from the picnic area. This site is also close to several park nature trails and the Fort Dupont Activity Center that has exhibits and other information about the park. No other amenities are available. The Historic Earthwork (Lanham Estates) picnic area on Alabama Avenue. This area offers a picnic shelter, tables, grill and a fireplace. Electricity is not available on site. This site also has an adjacent parking lot with open space nearby for playing games but there are no formal ball fields. This is also in the historic area of the park that contains the earthwork remnants of Fort Dupont and interpretive signage that give the history of the fort. This picnic area also offers access to the seven-mile Fort Circle Parks Hiker-Biker Trail, a seven mile trail that connects multiple fort sites in southeast Washington, D.C.. Natural Features Fort Dupont Park has 376 rolling wooded acres (152 ha), and is one of the largest parks in Washington D.C. Oak, beech and maple trees cover the hillsides. There is also a large area of mountain laurel that blooms in the spring each year. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (771) 233-3973. Nearby Attractions Visitors
Photos
Two rangers dressed in Civil War period costumes — NPS Photo (Rachel Hendrix)A sunset view of a hillside at Fort Dupont — NPS Photo (Terry Adams)The Fort Dupont Activity Center — NPS PhotosThree people enjoy one of the Fort Dupont Summer Concerts — NPS PhotoFort Dupont Preview Image — NPS Photo (Claire Hassler)Two green slides at the Fort Dupont Park playground — NPS PhotoA view of the first-come, first-served picnic area at Fort Dupont Park — NPS PhotoLanham Estate at the Fort Dupont Park — NPS Photo
How to Get There
Please visit the Fort Dupont's Directions web page for detailed directions.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Heading to Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas?
No central reservation system listed for Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250017) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas?
Please visit the Fort Dupont's Directions web page for detailed directions.
How do I contact Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas?
You can reach the park at phone: 202-690-5152 or email: [email protected].
