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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Archery Ranges icon
Archery Ranges
Art in the Park icon
Art in the Park
Picnic Shelters icon
Picnic Shelters
Playgrounds icon
Playgrounds
Volleyball Courts icon
Volleyball Courts

Rock Creek Regional Park stretches across approximately 1,800 acres and includes the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood and the picturesque 55-acre Lake Frank. Enjoy all the park has to offer by meandering along 13 miles of trails through woodlands and along the lake shores, or go picnicking, fishing, or boating while viewing the many species of resident wildlife. You can reserve picnic shelters by contacting the Park Permits Office. Other park amenities include playgrounds, Needwood Boat Rental and Snack Bar, Meadowside Nature Center, and lake tours on the Needwood Queen.

Tips for Visitors

Help us make your visit as enjoyable as possible by adhering to the following recommendations:

  • The park offers multiple entrances. Please check which entrance will take you directly to the area of the park you plan to visit.
  • Buses entering the park require access permits, which the Park Permits Office issues. The park does not permit buses during weekends.
  • County and park rules require that dogs be kept on a leash at all times.
  • The park does not permit alcoholic beverages.
  • Visitors to the park must follow M-NCPPC Rules and Regulations, as well as any policies specific to a park facility or activity.

Boating and Fishing

Lake Needwood Boat Shop
15700 Needwood Lake Circle
Rockville, Maryland 20855
Boat Shop: 301-762-9500

Park visitors can rent canoes, rowboats, and pedal boats or tour on the Needwood Queen pontoon boat between May and September. The boat shop also includes a snack bar. Visitors can launch hand-carried boats, and the park offers mooring. For more information on boat rentals, passes for private boats, and fishing, please view the complete Lake Needwood Boat Shop information.

Facilities

Meadowside Nature Center

5100 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20855
301-258-4030

Meadowside Nature Center provides interpretive programs on the natural and cultural history of the area through exhibits, workshops, naturalist-led programs, camps, and hikes. Please contact the nature center for hours of operation and complete program information.

Picnic Shelters

Pack a picnic and bring your family, friends, co-workers, or group to Rock Creek Regional Park! Shelters are available to reserve from April 1 – October 31.

Facilities include 18 picnic shelters, each accommodating up to 40 people. The shelters feature grills and access to playgrounds, trails, archery ranges, and other facilities. Picnic Shelter Map

Shelters can be reserved through our Park Permits Office or online through ActiveMONTGOMERY.

Trails

Experience nature and wildlife while hiking over 13 miles of scenic trails at the park. Natural surface trails cover the Lake Needwood and Lake Frank areas. The Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail, an asphalt surface, extends to the District of Columbia line. For maps and trail information, visit Rock Creek Trails.

Archery Range

Located across from picnic area #3 on Beach Drive, the archery range provides sheltered target standards with measured shooting positions for 20 to 100 yards. The park offers the range on a first-come, first-served basis during normal park hours. The park permits archers to use field points only, and they must provide their own targets. For questions, call Montgomery Parks General Information: 301-495-2595.

Go Ape

6129 Needwood Lake Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20855
1-800-971-8271
Go Ape

Go Ape is a highly interactive treetop adventure that spans across six acres and features various obstacles, including five zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope ladders, bridges, and trapezes. The course takes two to three hours to complete and caters to all skill levels. Looking for a fun and exciting outdoor adventure? Try Go Ape.

Needwood Golf Course

6724 Needwood Road
Rockville, Maryland 20855
301-948-1075

The Montgomery County Revenue Authority operates the Needwood Golf Course.