The area around the Fort Washington Lighthouse is closed until June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. as construction continues to rehabilitate the historic lighthouse.
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Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
Fort Washington Park is a hidden gem located in Maryland. While many tourists flock to the major parks, this park offers a much more peaceful and intimate experience with nature. It is preserved for its unique history, diverse habitats, and local significance.
About Fort Washington Park
Fort Washington Park is a park located in Maryland. Summers are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. 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.
From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Fort Washington is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Fort Washington Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Fishing, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, and 4 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Fort Washington
🥾 Activity-Specific Gear
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Fort Washington
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Fort Washington before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Fort Washington. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Fort Washington. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood sentry for over 200 years. As technologies advanced, so did Fort Washington from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Washington
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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