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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.
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
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Watkins Regional Park Map (PDF)
| Shelter | Capacity |
|---|---|
| #0-#9 | 100 |
| #10-#14 | 50 |
Louise F Cosca Regional Park
11000 Thrift Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
| Shelter | Capacity |
|---|---|
| The Pavilion | 250 |
| #0-#4 | 100 |
| #5-#6 | 50 |
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
- Electricity is not available at any of the shelters.
- Amplification or excessive noise is prohibited.
- Moon bounces, dunk tanks, and pony rides are not permitted.
- No sale of merchandise.
- No bands or amplified music.
- No generators or propane.
- For a complete list of Rules & Regulations, please view the Picnic Shelter Rental Agreement:
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
