Picnic Area #24 at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D. C.

LOCATION
Picnic Area #24 at Rock Creek Park is located across the street from the Rock Creek Tennis Center. The entrance is at 16^th and Kennedy streets. See the Picnic Areas web page for an interactive location map.

PARKING
Picnic Area #24 shares the parking lot with the tennis center. It can be reserved for group picnics. If your group is coming by bus, you must reserve either this or Picnic Area #1, as these are the only picnic areas with parking lots that can accommodate buses.

AMENITIES
Of the eight picnic areas that can be reserved at Rock Creek Park, I would rate Picnic Area #24 as first on the list. Picnickers have access to a covered pavilion, a half dozen tables, a large grill with three grilling surfaces, a bin for hot charcoal, a playground and swing set, and restrooms. There is also an old stone grill, but it’s pretty much worthless.

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NOTE: Table and grill count may vary due to theft, breakage, or the addition of new tables and grills. If you plan on hosting a group picnic, be sure to stop by and check out the facility in advance to make sure it will fit your needs.

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Large grill and hot coal bin at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #24

Old stone grill at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #24

While there are tennis courts and sports fields surrounding the facility, all of these must be reserved in advance. Many of the fields host soccer and softball leagues on the weekend. However, the picnic area itself is situated on a field that is large enough for kids to run around on and for guests to throw a ball or Frisbee. No team sports can be played because there are too many obstacles on the field.

Picnic Area #24 can accommodate up to 75 guests. It is handicap accessible.

Playground at Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Area #24

RESERVATIONS
If you plan on hosting a group picnic at Rock Creek Park, Picnic Area #24 must be reserved in advance from May 1^st through November 31^st. Reservations can be made for a half day, from either 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM or from 3 PM to 7 PM, or for a full day by reserving both time slots. The current fee is $65 per time slot. Reservations can be made online up to one year in advance at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Other picnic areas that can be reserved are #1, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, and #13.

All tables are taken on a first come, first served bases the rest of the year. For complete picnic area rules, see the National Park Service’s official Rules and Regulations web page for Rock Creek Park.

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