Picnic in the Park

Pine Grove Picnic Area

National Park Service photo

Want to spend a great day relaxing in the park? Come out to the park picnic areas and bring yourself, your family, your friends, and some food. Several parts of the park support picnicking. Two picnic pavilions are available with grills and picnic tables. The park provides the beautiful backdrop. Entrance fees apply..

Larger groups might prefer to reserve Telegraph Picnic Pavilion or one of the park's historic cabin camps for their picnic outing. You can make a reservation for Telegraph Picnic Pavilion on Recreation.gov.

Pine Grove Picnic Area is available on a first-come, first serve basis. Located adjacent to the visitor center and less than 1 mile from the park entrance, this picnic area is the perfect place for a quick picnic lunch on your way up and down Interstate Highway 95. This picnic area has a pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms and grills. The playground provides fun for children.

If picnic tables is all you need, you can also eat at Parking Lot "E" on the park Scenic Drive. This small picnic area consists of a few picnic tables. It is well situated to work as a mid-point for many hikes in the park.

To find out about more about these picnic options, please call the visitor center at 703-221-7181 or e-mail us. Prince William Forest Park is a trash-free park, so please plan to pack-out all of the trash and recycling that you bring into the park.

Some tips for eco-friendly picnicking:

• Don’t use lighter fluid; it releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Light your charcoal with fire starters for greater efficiency.

• Utilize lump charcoal as opposed to briquettes.

• Use reusable dishes rather than disposable dishes.

• Use washable napkins rather than paper.

• After the barbecue, recycle and compost what you can including charcoal ashes.