About GREENBELT PARK PICNIC AREAS
Overview You may book a picnic areas up to six months ahead. Greenbelt Park is an urban oasis just 10 miles (16 km) from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its peaceful surroundings and National Park Service hospitality.Recreation Ten miles (16 km) of hiking trails meander through Greenbelt Park, including the Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood and Blueberry Trails. Sweetgum Picnic Area is located near the entrance of the park with playground equipment and public picnic tables. The Sweetgum Picnic Area is on a first-come, first-served basis limited to groups of 24 people or less. The Holly Picnic Area is a 1/2 mile (.8 km) walk to playground and open field.Facilities Greenbelt Park has two picnic areas available, ranging in capacity from 25-150 people per site, with restrooms, picnic tables, and barbeque grills. Park rangers, maintenance personnel and park police are on site if needed.Natural Features In suburban Maryland, Greenbelt Park is forested with a pleasant mix of pine, oak and maple trees which make for a colorful autumn season. Mountain laurel blooms throughout the park in May.Still Creek flows through the park, where deer and chipmunks are commonly seen. Nearby Attractions Greenbelt Campground is surrounded by a myriad of fun and interesting attractions. Washington, D.C. and its famed historic sites are just 10 miles (16 km) from Greenbelt. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens are 8 miles (13 km) away. Goddard Space Flight Center is 3 miles (5 km) from the park and the City of Greenbelt is 1 mile (1.6 km) away. The Washington, D.C. Metro Transit System (Greenbelt Station) is just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the park, and major shopping centers are located within 1/2 mile (.8 km). Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (301) 344-3944 for general information.Charges & Cancellations All Cancellations and changes must be made with Recreation.gov and not with the park.
How to Get There
From I-95/495 (Capital Beltway), take Exit 23 Kenilworth Avenue South (Route 201) to Greenbelt Road East (Route 193). The park entrance is a quarter mile down Greenbelt Road on the right. The park address is 6565 Greenbelt Road.
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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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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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 GREENBELT PARK PICNIC AREAS
Heading to GREENBELT 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 GREENBELT PARK PICNIC AREAS?
No central reservation system listed for GREENBELT PARK PICNIC AREAS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251624) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to GREENBELT PARK PICNIC AREAS?
From I-95/495 (Capital Beltway), take Exit 23 Kenilworth Avenue South (Route 201) to Greenbelt Road East (Route 193). The park entrance is a quarter mile down Greenbelt Road on the right. The park address is 6565 Greenbelt Road.
How do I contact GREENBELT PARK PICNIC AREAS?
You can reach the park at phone: 301 344-3944 or email: john_reid@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
