Rock Creek Park

Show on map(202) 895-6000rocr_superintendent@nps.gov
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.

Directions

Ample parking for hiking, biking and visiting the Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Road NW. Rock Creek Park is a large urban park stretching from the Maryland - DC border to the Potomac River. Rock Creek Park also administers 99 separate neighborhood small sites. A large network of public roads provide access to all points administered by Rock Creek Park.

Reviews

Rock Creek Park is favored for its large, scenic, and natural picnic areas with ample parking and various facilities suitable for gatherings. Visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings, covered pavilions, grills, playgrounds, and the helpfulness of park staff. However, common concerns include issues with reservation enforcement leading to overcrowding, maintenance problems such as broken picnic tables and non-functional grills, cleanliness issues including trash and inconvenient or unclean restrooms, and inadequate or unclear signage.

Beautiful natural setting with creek and trees
Ample parking and convenient location
Several covered picnic areas with grills and tables
Nearby restrooms and playgrounds
Good for large gatherings and events
Broken or aging picnic tables and benches
Reservation enforcement issues causing overcrowding
Non-functional or dirty grills
Trash and litter problems
Limited or unclean bathroom facilities and poor signage
105 reviews
5 stars
49
4 stars
20
3 stars
19
2 stars
10
1 stars
7
Martha F
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Reviewed 13 days ago
A lovely location the park with plentiful parking. The spot has some trash from a previous party that we had to clean up when we got there.
Christopher M
Loop:Rock Creek Park Picnic Area
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Reviewed 14 days ago
Was great but unexpectedly had to spend an hour cleaning up litter and chicken bones when I got there. Very uncool.
Tashea B
Loop:Rock Creek Park Picnic Area
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Reviewed 15 days ago
It was smoke from Canada code red, and it rained so we were unable to attend
Ellen M
Loop:Rock Creek Park Picnic Area
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Reviewed a month ago
PIcnic Grove 1 is an excellent spot for a gathering. With the covered picnic area, restroom, and adjacent parking lot, this was a great spot for a reunion event. Only minor issues were that two picnic tables were broken, so we used them for setting up food. The water fountain was also broken, so bring water. Overalll, a great spot! Also-closeby hiking trails and a stream with small waterfall. This picnic area is across the street from Peirce Mill. Note to people taking Ubers: there is no reception in this area of Rock Creek Park.
Addison S
Loop:Rock Creek Park Picnic Area
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Reviewed a month ago
We always have a great time at Rock Creek Park.
Victoria W
Loop:Rock Creek Park Picnic Area
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Reviewed 2 months ago
This is our second time hosting my daughter’s summer birthday party and it was lovely. I love that they replaced a bunch of the picnic tables and there are porty potties now to use since I guess the bathrooms are still out of order. Lots of space, covered, and so much parking. Win win
Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 7% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 3 years of reservations.

Campgrounds

Rock Creek Park has 1 campground.

Nearby Parks