Fort Washington Park is a park run by the National Park Service in Maryland.
In the park service’s words
Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood sentry for over 200 years. As technologies advanced, so did Fort Washington from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East (30 to 90 Minutes): Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks, East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and certificates along the way!
- Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps (5 to 10 Minutes): Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.
- Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park (15 to 90 Minutes): Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery.
- Birding at Fort Washington Park: Come for the history, stay for the birds. Fort Washington Park has a diverse array of bird species spread among its distinct ecosystems.
- Bicycle Smallwood State Park to Oxon Cove Park (1 to 2 Days): The on-road bicycling route between Smallwood State Park and Oxon Cove Park makes connections with parks and historic sites.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Daily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM. Open daily, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Getting there
From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | Washington, DC | No road route | 10 | Large hub |
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Dulles, VA | No road route | 28 | Large hub |
| Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) | Baltimore, MD | No road route | 37 | 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.
Visitor centers
- Fort Washington Park Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 72 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
- National Park Service Data API: Fort Washington Park (public domain)
- Official website
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Fort Washington Park?
No entrance fee.
Where is Fort Washington Park?
In Maryland. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 10 miles away.
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