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Fort Dupont Park: fees, hours, camping and when to visit

Updated October 30, 2026. Based on National Park Service data. Published by Humblebee.

Entrance fee
None[1]
Campgrounds
1[2]

Fort Dupont Park is a unit of the National Park System in the District of Columbia[3]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].

Entrance fees and passes

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for Fort Dupont Park[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.

When to visit and hours

NPS lists the park as open daily, from 6:00[4] in the morning until 10:00[4] at night. NPS describes it as open in all weather, unless the alerts section of the park website says otherwise[5]. At the Lanham Estates Picnic Area, walkers can enter from 6:00[6] in the morning, and vehicles can go through the gated areas from 7:00[6]. Both close at 10:00[6] at night. Those gates are closed on three holidays: New Year's Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day[6].

Camping

NPS and Recreation.gov list one campground record here, the Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas, with 6 sites[2]. Check Recreation.gov or the official park page for booking details before you go.

Pets and dogs

Under the NPS pet rule, pets must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet where they are allowed[7]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings or on public transportation, and service animals are excepted[7]. NPS marks pets as permitted on 5 of the 6 things to do it lists here, and each park can close more areas to pets[8][7].

Before you go

Questions people ask

Is there an entrance fee at Fort Dupont Park?
NPS lists Fort Dupont Park as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].
What are the hours at Fort Dupont Park?
NPS lists the park as open daily, from 6:00[4] in the morning until 10:00[4] at night.
Are dogs allowed at Fort Dupont Park?
NPS marks pets as permitted on 5 of the 6 things to do it lists here[8]. Where pets are allowed, the leash limit is six feet[7].
Can you camp at Fort Dupont Park?
NPS and Recreation.gov list the Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas with 6 sites[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NPS lists Fort Dupont Park as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
  2. Campgrounds in Fort Dupont Park (list on this page). National Park Service
  3. Fort Dupont Park is a unit of the U.S. National Park System in the District of Columbia. National Park Service
  4. Operating hours, Fort Dupont Park: Open: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily National Park Service
  5. NPS weather and seasons overview for Fort Dupont Park. National Park Service
  6. Operating hours, 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,... National Park Service
  7. National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
  8. NPS lists 6 things to do at Fort Dupont Park: Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail, Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East, Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps, Picnic at Fort Dupont,... National Park Service

Fees and hours are what NPS lists in its data at the snapshot date. They change: tell readers to confirm on the official park page before a trip. Visits are NPS recreation visits (counted entries, not unique people). Use them only for this park's own months and years, never to rank parks. Campground list and site counts come from NPS and Recreation.gov records. Count fields can differ slightly between the two. The pet rule is the national baseline (36 CFR 2.15). The park may close more areas to pets. Do not claim specific trails allow dogs unless a fact says so.