NPS | Katy Cain
Reservations
All group activities of 25 or more people in Rock Creek must be registered under a special use permit. For more information call our Special Park Uses Ranger at (202) 895-6000 or e-mail us.
Picnic Permits
The following picnic groves require reservations for events between May 1 and October 31 : 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 24.
Rock Creek Park picnic grove reservations are no longer being accepted by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Reservations may be made online at www.recreation.gov or 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).
Keep in mind that groups that will be transported by bus may only reserve picnic groves 1 and 24, which are served by wider city streets that can accommodate oversized vehicles.
Review our picnic regulations [PDF].
Special Park Use Permits
Permits for first amendment rights demonstrations, special events, or filming within any park area in the National Capitol Region (NCR) are required by 36 CFR to be processed through the NCR Park Programs Division. To obtain an application, contact 202.245.4715 or visit www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permits.htm. For information on Rock Creek Park areas for these permits, contact the Special Park Uses office at 202-895-6000.Permits for right of way uses, construction, educational programs (not led by a park ranger) or to use or cross park land are obtained from the Environmental Protection Specialist for Rock Creek Park, 202-895-6000.
Weddings
Special Use Permits are issued for small wedding ceremonies ONLY and for three different locations in the Park:
- Old Stone House (garden area only), Montrose Park and Meridian Hill.
- The Old Stone House will be undergoing renovations in 2018. Therefore no wedding permits will be issued during that time.
- The fee for a wedding permit is $200.00. The fee is non-refundable.
- For more information, go to FAQs #23, or contact Special Park Uses Ranger at 202-895-6013 or e-mail us
Sports Field Permits
Reservation required sports fields are located at: Rock Creek Tennis Center - 16th & Kennedy Streets - 4 sports fields and Fort Reno - 2 sports fields.
Requests for athletic field reservations may be completed online through the DC Department of Park and Recreation Permit Office: http://dpr.dc.gov/node/496592 . Fees vary.
The DPR permit office is located at 1250 U St., NW, Washington, DC 20009.
- The office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Walk-Ins: Customers may drop off permit applications or submit payments any weekday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. For general concerns, questions, or comments, the office will provide walk-in hours from 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
- Customers who wish to discuss permit issues (Approval, Denial, Pending Request,) or general questions concerning a permit can schedule a meeting or conference call (202) 671-2597 or email: e-mail us.
Research Permits
Please see our web page at https://www.nps.gov/rocr/parkmgmt/researchpermits.htm for further information
