Fees & Passes

Key Information

1. Metered Parking

   There are 80 metered parking spaces in Rock Creek Park, located at the Thompson Boat Center. The cost of metered parking as of January 1, 2024 is $2.30 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours (not renewable at that same location), and is in effect from 5:00 a.m. to midnight daily, including weekends and holidays. The parking lot is closed from midnight to 5:00 a.m. Pay stations accept credit cards and debit cards (no cash/coin). Payment can also be made via the Parkmobile app or website.

   More about parking/transportation fees

2. Plan to go cashless

   This park does not accept cash.

Rock Creek Park does not have an entrance fee.

2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

• Thursday, January 9 — National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
• Monday, January 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 19 — First Day of National Park Week
• Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
• Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

 

Parking Fees

There is a fee to park at the Thompson Boat Center parking lot.

 

Other Fee Information

Permits & Reservations

For information about permits and fees, please visit the Permits & Reservations page. This includes information and permits for:

• picnic groves
• athletic fields that require reservations
• weddings
• research
• other special park uses

If you require additional information, please contact the Rock Creek Park Permits Specialist at 202-895-6013 or via email.

Fees for Activities and Services

Concessioners work with the National Park Service to provide services to park visitors that parks do not provide directly. At Rock Creek Park, concessioners manage a golf course, horse center, tennis center, and two boathouses. Visitors pay fees to use these services.

For more information, visit the Outdoor Activities page.



Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) allow for small-scale, commercial activities and visitor services that are appropriate, minimal impact, and consistent with the purpose for which Rock Creek Park was established.

Please visit our Commercial Use Authorizations page to learn more about CUAs.