Picnic Shelters

The Picnic Shelter Permit Season runs from May 1, 2026, through October 11, 2026.

Please note that the Cosca Group Pavilion at Louise F Cosca Regional Park will be closed until further notice. Construction is taking place at the lake, and during this period, the area around the pavilion and the lake will experience significant traffic from construction vehicles.

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation has many picnic shelter options today.

Rent a Picnic Shelter

All rental fees and security deposits must be paid in full at the time of reservation. All reservations must be made online through Parks Direct. The renter must first become a verified Parks Direct customer and provide valid proof of residency, age, and identification.

During the off-season (October 12, 2026 – April 30, 2027), all park shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No shelters can be reserved during the off-season. Those looking for a secure gathering place should instead call the Park Permits Office to book a Recreation Building

Rentable Picnic Shelters

Watkins Regional Park

301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Watkins Regional Park Map (PDF)

Shelter #1-

Louise F Cosca Regional Park

11000 Thrift Rd, Clinton, MD 20735

Cosca Regional Park Map (PDF)

Acredale Park

4300 Metzerott Rd
College Park, MD 20740

Auth Village Park

611 Baxter Ave
Suitland, MD 20746

Calvert Park

4807 Drexel Rd
College Park, MD 20740

Fairwood Park

12390 Fairwood Pkwy
Bowie, MD 20720

Highbridge Park

6800 Highbridge Rd
Bowie, MD 20720

North Barnaby Park

5000 Wheeler Rd
Temple Hills, MD 20748

Oxon Run Park

2600 Oxon Run Dr
Temple Hills, MD 20748

Calvert Road Park

5202 Old Calvert Road
College Park, MD 20740

Rose Valley Park

9800 Jacqueline Dr
Ft Washington, MD 20744

Temple Hills Park

5200 Hagan Rd
Temple Hills, MD 20748

University Hills Park

3400 Stanford St
Adelphi, MD 20783

Walker Mill Regional Park

8001 Walker Mill Rd
Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Make a Reservation

Reserve online through PARKS DIRECT.

The Picnic Shelter Permit Season runs from May 1, 2026, through October 11, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact the Park Permits Office at Park-Permits@pgparks.com or 301-699-2400.

Office Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Reservation Details

  • The Picnic Shelter Permit Season runs from May 1, 2026, through October 11, 2026.
  • Reserved from 10 am-7 pm on Monday through Sunday.
  • Must be a verified Prince George’s or Montgomery County resident at least 21 years of age to reserve.
  • All reservations must be made online via your Parks Direct Account
  • A $100 security deposit in addition to the rental fee is due at the time of reservation.
  • Picnic shelter reservations must be made 72 business hours in advance.
  • Weather Cancellation Policy: No refunds or reschedules will be processed due to rain, snow, or other weather issues.
  • For capacity and fee information, please view the Picnic Shelter Fees (PDF)
  • Non-residents may reserve certain shelters at Watkins Regional Park or Cosca Regional Park.

Prohibited Activity

Off-Season

During the off-season (October 12, 2026 – April 30, 2027), all park shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No shelters can be reserved during the off-season. Those looking for a secure gathering place should instead call the Park Permits Office to book a Recreation Building

Posh Picnics

Currently available at Walker Mill Regional Park only.

Bring your favorite people — we’ll bring the charm. Our Posh Picnic packages turn any afternoon into a picture-perfect memory with cozy rugs, chic tablespaces, and stylish details. Just show up, relax, and enjoy.

Picnic Times

Available by reservation only:
· Thursdays & Fridays: 6-8 pm
· Saturdays: 11 am-1 pm, 12 noon-2 pm, or 3-5 pm
· Sundays: 12 noon-2 pm or 3-5 pm

Colorway Options

Choose your preferred aesthetic for your picnic setup:

Blush Meadow – soft beige, cream, and blush accents

Moss & Mist – sage, gray, and silver accents

Sunset Citrus – bright orange and yellow with neutrals

Outdoor picnic on patterned rugs with a low table, candles, plates of food, and cream, blush, and fluffy white pillows arranged on grass under trees.
How It Works

1. Choose your package and date
2. Pick your colorway (Neutral, Sage and Silver, or Sunset Citrus)
3. Arrive and enjoy. We’ll handle the rest.

Perfect for birthdays, date nights, proposals, girls’ days, and more!

Four people seated on cushions around a low picnic table outdoors, with candles, plates of food, and drinks on layered rugs in a grassy area.
Package Tiers

Petal Package (Up to Four Guests)

“Ease into elegance. Your picnic, simply styled.”

two-hour picnic experience

Rugs and ground seating pillows

Low picnic table for four

Faux floral décor and candle holders

Guests provide their own dining ware (plates, utensils, cups)

$250 Residents / $325 Non-Residents

Blossom Package (Up to Eight Guests)

“Blooming brighter: curated comfort, set and styled.”

Two-hour picnic experience

Everything in Petal, plus:

  • Full dining setup with plates, utensils, napkins, chargers, goblets, and wine glasses
  • Coordinated table styling in your chosen colorway
  • Battery-operated candlelight for added ambiance
  • Chalkboard stand with your custom message

$400 Residents / $520 Non-Residents

Garden Package (Up to Twelve Guests)

“Gather in style: a lush, luxurious picnic for your whole party.”

two-hour picnic experience

Everything in Petal, plus:

  • Expanded setup with ground picnic tables for ten to twelve guests
  • Extra layers of rugs and pillows for comfort
  • Luxe faux floral centerpiece styling
  • Personalized touches: themed chalkboard welcome sign and coordinated place settings

$550 Residents / $715 Non-Residents