Entrance way into historic Fort Washington Photo: NPS Photo

Fort Washington Park

Park · Maryland

Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood sentry for over 200 years.

  • LocationFort Washington, MD
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursDaily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM
  • Weather now88°F Sunny
  • Alerts No active alerts

Overview

As technologies advanced, so did Fort Washington from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century.

Topics
  • African American Heritage
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Forts
  • Military
  • Plantations
  • Spanish-American War
  • US Army
  • War of 1812
4 more topics
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Women's History
  • World War I
  • World War II
Fort Washington Volunteers firing a cannon
Fort Washington Guard fires one of the park's cannons. Demonstrations are presented during the summer months April-October. — NPS Photo

Things to Do

8 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

a green shoreline with small lighthouse along river at sunset
Fort Washington offers great views of the Potomac River, especially at sunset. — NPS/JGernatt

Camping

1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.

  • Concrete Endicotte Battery White, with the Potomac River in the background. Located below the old fort.

    Day Use Facilities

    Reservable Campground

    Fort Washington is located 15 miles (24 km) south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. It is a local favorite for picnicking, recreation and historic interest…

    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD 301-763-4600 Directions

    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Picnicking
    • Birding
    Details

    Fees: Free Entrance

    Overview

    Fort Washington is located 15 miles (24 km) south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. It is a local favorite for picnicking, recreation and historic interest. Built to defend the nation's capital in 1824, the 19th century masonry fort is the oldest and best preserved in the area. Rich in history, green space, and beautiful river vistas, Fort Washington Park is a treasure trove of historic and recreational opportunities.

    Recreation

    There are several large fields making it an ideal place for large parties and family gatherings. Both biking and hiking trails are available. The "B" picnic area offers a playground; a basketball court is near the "C" picnic area. Both are open during regular park hours year round. The playground and basketball court areas are not exclusive to the reservation-holder, but open to all visitors of the park.

    Facilities

    Fort Washington has eight picnic areas available, ranging in capacity from 35-150 people per site, with restrooms, picnic tables, and barbeque grills. The Visitor Center and Historic Fort are open year round. Park Rangers are on site to provide park information and historic talks and walks. The "B" picnic area offers a playground; a basketball court is near the "C" picnic area.

    Natural Features

    Fort Washington Park is located off Maryland Highway 210, four miles south of the National Harbor along the Potomac River in the quaint, quiet Fort Washington neighborhood. Abundant with trees, wild life, shore line and 341 acres (138 ha) of green space Fort Washington Park is great for fishing, birding and hiking.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (771) 208-1555.

    Nearby Attractions

    Downtown Washington, D.C. and interstate access are less than 10 miles from Fort Washington Park.

    Fort Washington Park is also just minutes from:

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancelling a Reservation

    Customers may cancel a reservation prior to the day of the reservation check-in date, both online, through the app, or through the contact center. A $10 cancellation fee may apply. For most facilities, customers may not cancel a reservation after 12:00am local time on the reservation check-in date. In these cases, the contact center will not be able to assist either, and only an on-site staff member will be able to assist. Check the facility's page for additional information on their specific business rules.

    Group Facilities - Day Use Forfeit the Day Use recreation use fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).

    Rain Dates

    Customers may call the facitilty to request a rain date, prior to the day of the picnic. There is no guarantee that the same site will be available on the new date requested.

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Visitor Center Bookshop

    Fort Washington Park Visitor Center

    Facility

    Built in the 1820s, this bright yellow building was once the home of Fort Washington's commander. Today, it serves as the Visitor Center for Fort Washington Park. Inside…

    Details
    Built in the 1820s, this bright yellow building was once the home of Fort Washington's commander. Today, it serves as the Visitor Center for Fort Washington Park. Inside you will find the park bookstore, a small museum, and two restrooms. The Visitor Center is staffed with Rangers ready to answer your questions.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Daily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM · Fort Washington Park

Hours by area (3)
  • Fort Washington ParkDaily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM

    Open daily, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Monday6:00AM - 10:00PM
    Tuesday6:00AM - 10:00PM
    Wednesday6:00AM - 10:00PM
    Thursday6:00AM - 10:00PM
    Friday6:00AM - 10:00PM
    Saturday6:00AM - 10:00PM
    Sunday6:00AM - 10:00PM
  • Fort Washington Historic FortToday: 9:00AM - 4:30PM

    Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Thursday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Friday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Saturday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Sunday9:00AM - 4:30PM
  • Fort Washington Park Gated AreasDaily, 7:00AM - 10:00PM

    Open daily for pedestrian access from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and for vehicle access through gated areas from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; gates are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

    Monday7:00AM - 10:00PM
    Tuesday7:00AM - 10:00PM
    Wednesday7:00AM - 10:00PM
    Thursday7:00AM - 10:00PM
    Friday7:00AM - 10:00PM
    Saturday7:00AM - 10:00PM
    Sunday7:00AM - 10:00PM

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Weather

88°F
Sunny · feels like 86°
  • Today 89° 62°
    Overcast
    10% rain
  • Tomorrow 90° 61°
    Overcast
    36% rain
  • Saturday 69° 56°
    Overcast
    82% rain

Updated 4 hr ago

What to expect by season

Summers are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. Winters are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.

Upcoming Events

6 coming up
  • Fort Tour

    Oct 1, 2026 · 11:00 AM–11:45 AM · through Jan 31 Check in at the Visitor Center! Free

  • Artillery Demonstration

    Oct 4, 2026 · 01:00 PM–01:15 PM · through Nov 1 Inside the historic fort Free

  • Shoreline Cleanup at Fort Washington Park

    Oct 10, 2026 · 09:30 AM–11:30 AM · through Dec 12 13551 Fort Washington Rd Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 Free

  • Nuts About Black Walnuts! Ink Making and Art Drop-In

    Oct 11, 2026 · 09:30 AM–01:30 PM Meet ranger inside the fort by the enlisted men's quarters Free

Show 2 more events
  • Fort Washington Victorian Dance Society

    Oct 24, 2026 · 12:00 PM–02:00 PM Free

  • Fort Washington Victorian Dance Society

    Nov 21, 2026 · 12:00 PM–02:00 PM Free

Photos

Getting There

13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744

From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right.

Full directions

The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance.

Mailing address: 13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744

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