About George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion
Overview The Popes Creek Picnic Area Pavilion is located within George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The surrounding picnic grounds were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. A connecting foot bridge leads to the historic area, farm, colonial garden, visitor center and gift shop. The Washington family burial ground is located one mile away.Recreation George Washington Birthplace offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing on Popes Creek and on the Potomac River, canoeing and kayaking from the Potomac River beach, hiking, bike riding on park roads, and bird watching. Facilities The 30' by 42' picnic pavilion contains 12 picnic tables and two grills. Restrooms and a water fountain are 80' away. (The use of amplified music and public address systems requires a permit and a portable power source.) Parking is available for 25 vehicles on a first come first served basis. Natural Features The pavilion and picnic area sit on a bluff overlooking the mouth of Pope's Creek with views of the Potomac River in the distance. A one mile nature trail meanders along the shore of Popes Creek and through wooded areas. A connecting trail and series of boardwalks takes visitors through Dancing Marsh and into the historic area. Nearby Attractions Numerous attractions surround the area, including: Westmoreland State Park, Stratford Hall Plantation (Birthplace of Robert E. Lee), Historic Christ Church, Historic Fredericksburg, Menokin (Home of Francis Lightfoot Lee), Northern Neck Wine Trail, The Lower Potomac River Water Trail, The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Belle Isle State Park and James Monroe Birthplace. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (804) 761-5160.
How to Get There
From Fredericksburg/I-95: Exit I-95 at Exit 130 A and continue onto Route 3 East. Follow Route 3 East for 38 miles. Look for Route 204, which is on the left. After turning down Route 204, entrance to park is approximately 2 miles. From Route 301: Follow Route 3 East approximately 12 miles. Take the left at Route 204. After turning down Route 204, entrance to park is approximately 2 miles. From Route 360: Follow George Washington Birthplace signs out of Warsaw, VA. Take Route 3 West approximately 22 miles. Take the right at Route 204. After turning down Route 204, entrance to the park is approximately 2 miles. For GPS Devices use the following address: 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
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 George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion
Heading to George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion? 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 George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion?
No central reservation system listed for George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234766) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion?
From Fredericksburg/I-95: Exit I-95 at Exit 130 A and continue onto Route 3 East. Follow Route 3 East for 38 miles. Look for Route 204, which is on the left. After turning down Route 204, entrance to park is approximately 2 miles. From Route 301: Follow Route 3 East approximately 12 miles. Take the left at Route 204. After turning down Route 204, entrance to park is approximately 2 miles. From Rou…
How do I contact George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion?
You can reach the park at phone: 804-224-1732 X 240 or email: GEWA_Superintendent@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
