Last updated: June 17, 2022
Thing to Do
Picnicking at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
NPS Photo / Meagan Huff
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site rests in the heart of Vancouver, Washington, and is a beautiful urban park with plenty of green space. This makes it a perfect place to have a picnic with family or friends! Whether you are visiting the national park to tour Fort Vancouver or Pearson Air Museum, or if you're escaping the city with a walk on our grounds, please enjoy a picnic at one of our many picnic areas, or bring a blanket and find a spot of your own!
Picnic areas with benches and garbage disposal are available at the following locations:
Please note, there are some areas of the park that are closed to picnicking. Read the Superintendent's Compendium for more information.
Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Check here for updated operating hours.
Parking lots are open from 8 am to 4 pm (Labor Day to Memorial Day) or 8 am to 5 pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Vehicles must be removed from parking lots before the lot gates are closed. Street parking is also available.
Having a large gathering? We also offer the Visitor Center Annex, a large covered picnic area with tables, for large groups or events. This space must be reserved in advance. Learn more about permits and reservations at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
If you picnic at the national park, make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out or dispose of trash and food waste to ensure that the next visitors can enjoy their experience. Garbage and recycling bins are located near picnic areas, and at Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum, and the Visitor Center.
Bringing a pet to your picnic? Be sure to follow our BARK Ranger Rules! Pick up and dispose of pet waste, and please keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Learn more about bringing pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Where to Picnic
Picnic areas with benches and garbage disposal are available at the following locations:
- The Great Meadow
- Near the Visitor Center
- In front of Pearson Air Museum
Please note, there are some areas of the park that are closed to picnicking. Read the Superintendent's Compendium for more information.
When to Picnic
Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Check here for updated operating hours.
Where to Park
Parking lots are open from 8 am to 4 pm (Labor Day to Memorial Day) or 8 am to 5 pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Vehicles must be removed from parking lots before the lot gates are closed. Street parking is also available.
Permits & Reservations for Large Gatherings
Having a large gathering? We also offer the Visitor Center Annex, a large covered picnic area with tables, for large groups or events. This space must be reserved in advance. Learn more about permits and reservations at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Leave No Trace
If you picnic at the national park, make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out or dispose of trash and food waste to ensure that the next visitors can enjoy their experience. Garbage and recycling bins are located near picnic areas, and at Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum, and the Visitor Center.
Pets
Bringing a pet to your picnic? Be sure to follow our BARK Ranger Rules! Pick up and dispose of pet waste, and please keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Learn more about bringing pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Picnicking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Learn more about bringing pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Reservations are only required for large groups reserving the park's Visitor Center Annex or other spaces. Learn more here.
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The Great Meadow picnic areas and picnic areas near the Visitor Center are located in grassy fields and are surrounded by uneven terrain. Please watch your step.
The picnic area near the entrance to Pearson Air Museum is located adjacent to a parking lot with ADA parking.
The Visitor Center annex offers more extensive facilities for picnics, including accessible restrooms. Learn more about reserving this space here.
The picnic area near the entrance to Pearson Air Museum is located adjacent to a parking lot with ADA parking.
The Visitor Center annex offers more extensive facilities for picnics, including accessible restrooms. Learn more about reserving this space here.