About National Capital Parks-East
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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: District of Columbia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail
Hike or bike the 7-mile trail from Fort Stanton to Fort Mahan and take in scenery that ranges from urban…
Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East
Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and…
Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps
Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital…
Become an Oxon Hill Farm Junior Ranger
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…
Hiking at Oxon Cove Park
Hiking at Oxon Cove Park
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Go Roller Skating
Visit the National Park Service's only roller skating pavilion!
Oxon Hill Farm Self Guided Tour
Take a walk and see the historic structures of Oxon Hill Farm.
Golf in DC's National Parks
Visit one of three golf courses at National Parks in Washington, DC
Discover Frederick Douglass’s Home
Explore the home of Frederick Douglass, a leading voice in the abolitionist movement.
Peer Into the Past at the Carter G. Woodson Home
The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is one of the newest units of the National Park Service. Acquired in 2005,…
Explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
Learn about the life and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune as well as the work of the organization she established, the National…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences
Discover National Capital Parks-East with expert-led tours
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Search Lodging for National Capital Parks-East
Review lodging results matching this park or site name
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.