Picnicking

NPS Photo

Picnickers enjoy a meal along the canal.

 

Learn and Explore

Enjoy picnic tables throughout the park, but especially near visitor centers, campgrounds, and boat launch ramp areas. For a complete list of picnic locations view the Recreation Guide by Milepost. Rememeber, the C&O Canal is a trash free park and trashcans are not provided. Trash must be picked up and the area left in a clean condition. Pack in, pack out!

If you have a large group, consider renting out the Carderock Recreation Pavilion on Recreation.gov. Other alternatives for large groups would be Fletchers Cove, located in Washington D.C, Swains campground, located just north of Great Falls or Riley's Lockhouse in Seneca, Maryland. Grills are permitted at all three listed locations. Gatherings of more than 25 people require a Special Use Permit from the C&O Canal National Historical Park permits office.

Find Out More

• Rent Carderock Picnic Pavillion
• Recreational Guide by Milepost
• Camping