Picnicking

 

Reserve a Picnic Area

The Laurel and Holly Picnic areas are available for reservations April-October. The Sweetgum Picnic Area is non-reservable.

Make a Reservation
 
Picnic tables and a play structure with a slide under vibrant orange and yellow fall colors in the Sweetgum Picnic Area.
Sweetgum Picnic Area is first come, first served, and is available for groups under 25 persons.

NPS

Sweetgum Picnic Area

Open all year, the Sweetgum Picnic Area is available for first come, first served use. Hours: 8 am to dusk.

Limit 4 tables and 25 people per group. Larger groups will need to reserve a picnic area at the Laurel Picnic Area or the Holly Picnic Area.

Upon entering the park from Greenbelt Rd., take a right at the T intersection. Take the first left into the Sweetgum Picnic Area.

Amenities:

  • Picnic tables
  • Restrooms
  • Playground
  • Baseball field with backstop
  • Large field
  • Emergency phone: 202-610-7500

 
Grills and picnic tables in a forest setting
Holly Picnic Area is reservable and is suitable for groups of 25-200 persons.

NPS

Holly Picnic Area

The Holly Picnic Area is located near the entrance of the park. After entering the park from Greenbelt Road, turn left at the stop sign. The Holly Picnic Area will be on your right in 0.1 miles.

Reserve the Holly Picnic Area

The Holly picnic area can accomodate up to 200 people. There are 99 parking spaces. There are picnic tables and restrooms. Reservation fees are based on group size.

There are no covered pavillions in the picnic area.

Check current hours and seasons.
 
Picnic tables backlit through brilliant fall trees, amid crunchy leaves.
Laurel Picnic is reservable and is suitable for groups of 25-200 persons.

NPS / Claire Hassler

Laurel Picnic Area

The Laurel Picnic Area is located on the park loop road. After entering the park from Greenbelt Road, turn left at the stop sign. The Laurel Picnic Area will be on your right in 0.5 miles. You will pass by the Holly Picnic Area along the way.

Reserve the Laurel Picnic Area

The Laurel Picnic area can accomodate up to 200 people. There are 99 parking spaces.
There are picnic tables and restrooms. Reservation fees are based on group size.

Check current hours and seasons.
 

Regulations and General Information

  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park.
  • Amplified music and loud use on any audio device is not permitted.
  • The park does not provide electric power and portable generators are prohibited.
  • There are no covered pavillions in the picnic area. If you plan any special activites that require equipment, please discuss it when reserving the area and have the activity written on the permit.
  • Amusements such as pony rides, any type of balloons, and moon bounces may not be used in the park.
  • There will be a $25.00 administrative fee charged for each cancelled reservation.
  • Refunds will not be made for rain or inclement weather.
  • The park does not provide electric power and portable generators are prohibited.
  • There are no covered pavillions in the picnic area.
  • See Recreation.gov for additional information, terms, and conditions
 

Special Events

Some special events or activities may require an additional permit. See Permits for more information.

Last updated: March 15, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6565 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770

Phone:

771-208-1588
Calls are directed to the ranger station at the campground, open 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. daily.

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