Fort Dupont Park
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Fort Dupont Park at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- Half day–2 days
- Don't miss
- Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail
- Nearby city
- Washington, DC
Explore this park
About Fort Dupont Park
This 361 acre wooded park was once home to an earthen fort built to protect Washington, DC, during the Civil War. Today, visitors can see the fort's earthworks and escape to the great outdoors. Activities include picnics, nature walks, biking, gardening, environmental education, music, and ranger-led programs.
No current NPS alerts
The National Park Service has no active alerts listed for Fort Dupont Park. Conditions change quickly — check again before you go.
Source: National Park Service (as of Oct 27, 2026). Official Fort Dupont Park page on nps.gov
Weather Information
Open in all weather, unless otherwise noted under the alerts section of the parks website.
Operating Hours
Open: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
- Monday6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Tuesday6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Wednesday6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Thursday6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Friday6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Saturday6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sunday6:00AM - 10:00PM
Lanham Estates Picnic Area Gates
Lanham Estates Picnic Area is open daily for pedestrian access from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and for vehicle access through gated areas from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; gates are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- Monday7:00AM - 10:00PM
- Tuesday7:00AM - 10:00PM
- Wednesday7:00AM - 10:00PM
- Thursday7:00AM - 10:00PM
- Friday7:00AM - 10:00PM
- Saturday7:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sunday7:00AM - 10:00PM
Common questions
Planning Fort Dupont Park
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Fort Dupont Park. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
