Plan an Event in the Park

 

Are you interested in hosting your next event at Prince William Forest Park? Visitors are welcome to host their private events at the within the park so long as the event falls within the policies and use guidelines of the park. On this page you can find more information about hosting events like:

• Large picnics
• Family or class reunions
• Baby or wedding showers
• Birthday parties
• Weddings or ceremonies

Please see the information and FAQ’s below. If you have any additional questions, or would like to obtain a permit for an event, please contact the park’s Permits Coordinator, Chief Ranger Brendan Bonner, at e-mail us or [phone].

How Does It Work?

First, an event organizer should decide where they would like to host their gathering. See 'Event Areas' for more information.

Next, determine what you may want to have at your event - typically, visitors are welcome to bring their own food, games, and activities as part of their gathering. Specific limitations, restrictions, or rules apply for catering, food trucks, alcholic beverages, and audio/visual components (see 'FAQs' for more information). Some activities may require an approved Special Use Permit if they are not within regular park use guidelines.

 

Telegraph Picnic Pavilion

National Park Service / Amanda Zimmerman

Event Areas

The most common areas to host a gathering are the park's two picnic pavilions. Both pavilions are located near parking lots, comfort stations, and additional picnic table areas. The pavilions provide shelter from weather and have electrical outlets and grilling stations.

Please note that the use of either pavilion/picnic area does not grant the user the authority to close off surrounding areas or parking spaces. All parking is available on a first come, first served basis regardless of the use of a pavilion or picnic area.

Telegraph Picnic Pavilion

Cost:
-$80 per day (advanced reservation)
-Free (without reservation on a first come, first served basis)

Telegraph Picnic Pavilion is available to rent in advance and is the only picnic area in the park that can be reserved for exclusive use. Individuals who are interested in having exclusive access to a pavilion are encouraged to consider Telegraph Picnic Pavilion as a location for their function. Please note that reserving the pavilion does not grant exclusive access to the parking lot, rest area, and additional picnic areas that are located nearby. Reservations for the Telegraph Picnic Pavilion must be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-833-6777. Reservations cannot be made at the park Visitor Center.

Telegraph Picnic Pavilion may be available on a first come, first served basis on any day that it has not been reserved in advance.

Pine Grove Picnic Pavilion

Cost:
-Free (without reservation on a first come, first served basis)

The Pine Grove Picnic Pavilion is available on a first come, first served basis. Advance or day-of reservations are not available. The Pine Grove Picnic Area is located next to the Visitor Center, playground, comfort station, and trailheads.

Park Events may also be held elsewhere in the park, provided that the location you select is compatible with the nature, size, and logistics of the event.

 

National Park Service

Rules and Regulations

All federal laws, park policies, and use guidelines are applicable to all members of a group who plan to host or attend a gathering within the park. More information about park-specific laws can be found by reviewing the Superintendent's Compendium.

Entrance Fees

An entrance fee is required of all visitors to the park, including organizers and participants of a private function that is being hosted within the park. Entrance fees can only be waived through an approved fee waiver by the Superintendant which must be applied for in advance of the event date. Activities that fall under a fee waiver and may be exempt from entrance fees include:

• First Amendment activities
• National Park Service authorized research activities
• Any non-recreational activity authorized under a valid permit issued under any other law, such as agricultural, grazing, and commercial filming activities (all of which may be subject to special park use fees)
• Individuals conducting official business for federal, state, tribal, or local government
• Outings conducted for non-commercial educational purposes by schools and other bona fide academic institutions
• Researchers, contractors, vendors, and utility, delivery, or service people entering and working in the park for non-recreational purposes
• Holders of permits for commercial filming and still photography
• Members of American Indian tribes or traditionally associated groups entering a park for traditional activities

It is the responsibility of the event organizer to inform guests/participants of their event of all applicable entrance fees prior to the event date. Please note that a fee waiver must be obtained in advance through the application process and cannot be obtained on the same day of an event.

Food Trucks and Catering

Food trucks and catering companies that are part of an organized function do not need any additional paperwork, permits, or agreements only if they are already on the National Park Service's National Capital Area approved food vendor list. Food vendors that are not pre-approved by the National Capital Area are not permitted to perform business functions inside the park without an approved Commerical Use Authorization or permit. Event organizers who are planning on having food vendors as part of their event must contact the park's Permit Coordinator prior to the event to verify if their vendor of choice is approved to conduct business inside the park.

Alcohol

A valid Virginia State ABC license is required for the distribution and consumption of all alcoholic beverages for groups of over 50 people. The organizer of an event must submit a valid ABC license to the park's Permit Coordinator prior to the start of their event.

Activities That Require a Permit

Activities that are outside of normal operations of the National Park Service and Prince William Forest Park may require a Special Use Permit. Such activities include fundraisers, commercial activity (promoting a business, soliciting funds or participation of others, selling/purchasing goods and/or services, etc.), religious or military ceremonies, performances, distribution of printed material, organized sports, memorializations, First Amendment demonstrations, etc. Permit applications must be submitted to and approved by park management prior to the anticipated event.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance must I request an event permit?

We highly recommend that you contact the Permits Coordinator as soon as you have an event plan, in order to discuss details and permit requirements. Permits cannot be issued the day of the event, and should be arranged as far in advance as practicable.

Can I decorate a pavilion?

There are limitations when decorating a picnic area. Prohibited items include helium-filled balloons (possessing, using, or releasing), inflatable trampolines (bounce houses), and any objects that involve an open flame or fire. Event organizers are responsible for cleaning up the area prior to exiting the park. Damage to park resources may result in additional fees or legal action.

Are there any additional fees for having an event in the park?

Possibly. Entrance fees are required for all individuals to enter the park. Additional fees may be required when applying for a Special Use Permit (if applicable) and any cost recovery fees associated with the event.

Can I host an event where I charge people to attend?

Please contact the Permits Coordinator with more information.

Can I promote my business or organization at my event?

Commerical activity such as promotions, purchasing or selling goods and/or services, soliciting, and distributing printed material requires an approved Special Use Permit.

Can I pay the entrance fees for my attendees in advance?

General entrance fees are charged per vehicle and can be paid on an individual basis or as a lump sum. Fees can be paid up to 7 days in advance at the visitor center or up to six months in advance on recreation.gov.

Can I play music at a pavilion?

Yes, in accordance with the park's policies on noise disturbances.

Can I use a generator?

Generators are only permitted within Oak Ridge Campground and Turkey Run Ridge Campground. Generators are not permitted at pavilions and general picnic areas.