Picnicking at Fort McHenry

Park living historians enjoying a pie.

NPS

Fort McHenry's beautiful views on its peninsula provide for a scenic and tranquil backdrop for picnic lovers. Picnicking is welcome on the park grounds and park picnic tables are available on a first-come first-serve basis by the Orpheus statue. Picnickers are also welcome to bring folding lawn chairs and blankets to spread out on the lawns to comfortably enjoy their visit. Please be aware of the following restrictions when picnicking at Fort McHenry:

• Grills: The park does not provide any grills to cook on site. In addition visitors may not bring their own grills, cooking devices, or start fires of any kind to cook food on site. 
• Tables: Visitors are welcome to use the picnic tables in the park on a first-come first-serve basis. However visitors are prohibited from bringing their own tables to set up in the park. Be prepared to bring alternative picnicking options such as blankets.
• Picnicking Areas: Picnic tables are located near the Orpheus statue on the West Lawn. That being said, visitors may lay out blankets and picnic through out the park grounds, but cannot picnic in the Historic Zone. The Historic Zone is designated by a wooden fence that encircles the Star Fort structure.
• Ground Penetration: Visitors cannot set up any picnicking equipment or conduct activities that penetrate the ground. This includes tents, poles, hammocks, volleyball nets, etc. 
• Park Trees and Shrubbery: No accessories or equipment may be attached to park trees. This includes hammocks, streamers, tents, signs, etc.
• Clean Up/Trash: Visitors are expected to follow National Park Service "Leave No Trace" policies when cleaning up from their picnicking areas. Picnic spots should be cleaned up and trash properly disposed of once visitors are done with their picnics. Trash cans are located throughout the park for visitors to properly dispose of their trash. All other items should be taken out of the park with the visitors when they leave.

Details

Activity

Picnicking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are welcome at Fort McHenry but must be kept on a 6 foot leash and are not allowed in park buildings or the park Historic Zone.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Picnicking Area

Several picnic tables are located in this area of the park for visitors to use on a first-come first-serve basis. Visitors may picnic at other parts of the park but may not bring their own tables or set up in the park Historic Zone.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Park hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors are welcome to picnic within these hours.

Accessibility Information

Park picnic tables are located just off of paved paths. In addition a paved seawall trail path connects most of the park making all picnicking spots accessible to all visitors.