Last updated: January 25, 2023
Place
Picnic Grove 1

NPS Photo/ K. Cain
Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Bicycle - Rack, Fire Pit, Grill, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
Location Description
Picnic Grove #1 has a single story brick pavilion with a fire place. The ground slopes away from the picnic pavilion towards the creek. Between the pavilion and the creek there is a paved multi-use hiking and biking trail. The trail goes under the Tilden Street bridge to the north and over a the creek on a foot bridge to the south. Access to the Reservation 630 Trail is to the south west of the pavilion and the Western Ridge Trail continues to the south over a small foot bridge. Several picnic tables are scattered through the open space around the pavilion.
Restrooms
Yes- Public restrooms are attached at the rear of the pavilion near a gravel path.
Parking
Yes- There is a medium sized parking area next to the pavilion that can fit 50 cars with street parking available for over-flow.
Reservations and Permits
This site is reservable in advance from April through November and available on a first-come, first-served basis from December through March.
To make a reservation, please go to the website www.recreation.gov and search for "Rock Creek Group Picnic Areas." You can also make reservations by phone at 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. ET).
Reservations are by the half day. A half day is from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or dark whichever comes first).
All group activities of 25 or more people in Rock Creek must be registered under a special use permit. Visit our Permits and Reservations page for more information.
Contact United States Park Police to assist with Picnic Grove issues or if you think someone is occupying your reserved space- 1 (202) 610-7500.
Maximum Capacity
75 people