National Capital Parks-East

Picnic Area Conditions and Regulations

The use of Fort Washington Park picnic areas is conditional and any violation of National Park Service regulations may result in the immediate expulsion from the park. The complete list of park regulations can be found in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 36).

All park visitors are responsible for complying with park regulations and public law. Group picnic permit holders are also responsible for the conduct of the group and may be held liable for any damage to government property. A few of the most common park regulations and the picnic area use conditions are listed below.

Fort Washington is an alcohol free park. Alcoholic beverages of all types are prohibited in the park.

Open fires are prohibited. All fires must be in the established fireplaces or charcoal grills and fires must be extinguished before leaving the picnic area. Portable, self-standing grills may be brought into the park and used in the picnic area but all types of tabletop grills are forbidden.

Dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Contributions must not be solicited or accepted and ALL SALES ARE PROHIBITED in the park.

Drivers must observe all traffic rules and drive carefully at all times. The maximum speed limit in the park is 15 mph.

Vehicles must stay on established roads and park only in designated areas. Vehicle parking on the grass is not allowed and permit holder may be charged the cost of repairing any damage to lawn areas.

The loud use of any audio device is prohibited.

Tables are not to be moved from one area to another. Each area has enough tables to accommodate the maximum capacity of the area.

Signs, markers or other devices are not to be attached to any tree, park sign, lamppost, fence or other structures. Self-standing signs may be used to identify the picnic group but must be removed before leaving the area.

Amusements such as slides, space walks, pony rides and other activities that require a structure or use of animals will not be allowed in the park. Be sure to check with the park before arranging for any type of amusement service.

Screen type tents or sun protection may be erected provided the structure is less than 12 feet long and 12 feet wide and stakes do not exceed two feet.