Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majest
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursUnless otherwise designated, all park land is open sunrise to sunset. Roads are open 24 hours unless posted otherwise.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 202-895-6000 · rocr_superintendent@nps.gov
Ample parking for hiking, biking and visiting the Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Road NW. Rock Creek Park is a large urban park stretching from the Maryland - DC border to the Potomac River. Rock Creek Park also administers 99 separate neighborhood small sites. A large network of public roa
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Rock Creek Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Rock Creek Park?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at Rock Creek Park?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Amphitheater Access, Battery Kemble Foot Trail, Bike Trail #1, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Rock Creek Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Unless otherwise designated, all park land is open sunrise to sunset. Roads are open 24 hours unless posted otherwise.
Nearby sites
NPS Photo / Buddy Secor National Park Service Civil War Defenses of Washington
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS / Liz Macro National Park Service African American Civil War Memorial
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
