National Capital Parks-East is a park service site run by the National Park Service in District of Columbia.
In the park service’s words
National Capital Parks, East invites you to explore more than 8,000 acres of scenic parkland, historic landmarks, and vibrant community spaces across Washington, D.C. and Maryland. From the riverside trails of Anacostia Park to the homes of American leaders like Frederick Douglass and Carter G. Woodson, each of our 17 nationally significant parks offers a distinct experience.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail (1 to 5 Hours): Hike or bike the 7-mile trail from Fort Stanton to Fort Mahan and take in scenery that ranges from urban greenspaces to forest ecosystems, all while recreating through a historic landscape.
- 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.
- Become an Oxon Hill Farm Junior Ranger (30 to 90 Minutes): Oxon Hill Farm Junior Ranger Program
- 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.
- Hiking at Oxon Cove Park (30 to 120 Minutes): Hiking at Oxon Cove Park
- Go Roller Skating: Visit the National Park Service's only roller skating pavilion!
- Oxon Hill Farm Self Guided Tour (15 to 45 Minutes): Take a walk and see the historic structures of Oxon Hill Farm.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Mon 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Tue 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. National Capital Parks, East is an administrative unit that manages multiple park sites throughout the District of Columbia and Maryland. The headquarters building is located in Anacostia Park. Please note that headquarters hours differ from Anacostia Park’s operating hours.
Getting there
DC295 South to the Exit for I-694/I-395/Capitol Hill then a left Exit 4B to 11th St SE/MLK Jr Ave. Turn Left at light onto 11st/MLK JR. I-295 North to Exit 4B to 11th St SE/MLK Jr Ave. Turn Right at the light. From downtown DC: I-395 to I-695/SW Freeway, take Exit 1C 11th St SE. Turn Right onto 11th St At the light turn Right onto Good Hope Road. At the Stop Sign turn Left. Turn Left at the next road way.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | Washington, DC | No road route | 3 | Large hub |
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Dulles, VA | No road route | 25 | Large hub |
| Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) | Baltimore, MD | No road route | 28 | 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, high humidity, and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. 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 77 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at National Capital Parks-East?
No entrance fee.
Where is National Capital Parks-East?
In District of Columbia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 3 miles away.
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