Last updated: May 19, 2026
Place
Varnum's Picnic Area
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
North side of Rt 23 in Valley Forge National Historical Park
Designation:
Picnic Area
Amenities
10 listed
Cellular Signal, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Toilet - Flush, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
Varnum's Picnic Area is located on a shady, grassy lawn with wooden picnic tables and trash receptacles. In the parking lot there is a seasonal restroom facility, an information kiosk, and a short path to the Star Redoubt. Trailhead access to the Chapel Trail is located on the west side of the picnic area.
Varnum's Picnic Area is one of three designated picnic areas at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The other two designated picnic areas are Betzwood Picnic Area and Wayne's Woods Picnic Area.
Picnic Area General Rules and Regulations
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Trash must be disposed of properly and packed out if no trash receptacles are available.
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Picnicking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Fires within self-contained grills are permitted in designated picnic areas only.
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All grill accoutrements and used charcoal must be packed out of the park by the user.
Additional information about picnicking in the park and other park laws and policies may be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.
What's Nearby
The General von Steuben Statue is located nearby on the other side of Route 23. Varnum's Quarters, the Grand Parade trail, and the 5-mile loop of the paved Joseph Plumb Martin trail are also located across the street.
Operating Hours
The Varnum's picnic area parking lot is open daily from April to October, 7 AM to dark, then open weekends only through November. The parking lot is closed December through March.