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Park · Maryland

Fort Foote Park

Park in Maryland. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypePark
StateMaryland
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (73 mi)
Closest airportDCA (6 mi)
A cannon in front of fall leaves
Rodman gun at Fort Foote. Photo: NPS / Rachel Hendrix

Fort Foote Park is a park run by the National Park Service in Maryland.

In the park service’s words

Fort Foote was constructed in 1863 atop Rozier's Bluff to strengthen the ring of fortifications that encircled Washington, D.C. Two of the Guns that protected Washington are still there along with the remains of the fort's earthworks.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Closed. The National Park Service is imposing a temporary closure of Fort Foote Park. This temporary closure is necessary to provide for visitor safety during a comprehensive rehabilitation project to restore park resources and improve the visitor experience. Work will include resurfacing the parking lot and gravel roadway, replacing parking barriers, removing the abandoned restroom facility and reseeding the area, and replacing trash cans with new wildlife-proof trash cans.

Getting there

From the Beltway (I495/I95), take Exit 3, Indian Head Highway south (MD210/Indian Head Highway) and drive for approximately 3.5 miles to Old Fort Road. Turn right for 1 mile to Fort Foote Road S, turn left. Follow the winding road through the residential area to entrance sight on the left for the fort. If driving north on MD210/Indian Head Highway turn left onto the 2nd Old Fort Road you come to (Old Fort Rd cross 210 twice). There will be a McDonald's on your left at the correct traffic light.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington, DC No road route 6 Large hub
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Dulles, VA No road route 26 Large hub
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, MD No road route 34 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Summers are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. Winters are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 73 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Fort Foote Park?

No entrance fee.

Where is Fort Foote Park?

In Maryland. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 6 miles away.

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