Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Water Mine Rentals

Department Resources

Site Rentals

Book Your Perfect Spot at The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole!

Looking for the perfect place to relax and enjoy with family or friends? The Water Mine offers a variety of shaded rental spaces to suit your needs — whether you're looking for a private, cozy area for a small group or a larger FUNbrella or canopy for a big celebration. Every rental guarantees shade, so you can stay cool and comfortable!

Rental Availability:

  • Available from May 24 through September 1, during Water Mine operating hours.
  • Rentals are subject to availability and must be booked at least 2 business days in advance.

Important Info:

  • Admission tickets are required for all guests. Rental fees do not include admission tickets, and all guests must have a valid ticket to enter. General Admission tickets can be purchased online. Check here for pricing. 
  • Book in advance to ensure availability. Rental reservations should be made with admission ticket purchases. 
  • To receive group rates for eligible rental areas, contact our reservations team at 703-246-5929 or email FCPAWaterMineRentals@fairfaxcounty.gov.
  • Full payment is required to secure your reservation. Rentals are first-come, first-served, and based on availability.

Don’t miss out — reserve your spot today for an unforgettable experience!

Thank you for your interest in Fairfax County Park Authority Water Mine for your reservation! We are proud of our parks and are confident that you will enjoy your day. Keep in mind the sites are in great demand, so make your reservation early.

To make a reservation, please book online, fill out the web form, or submit an application. Once payment is received, a Sales Receipt (Rental Permit) will be issued by email.  

  1. Book Online: For immediate permitting of select facilities and timeslots (available for rentals 10 or more days in advance)
    • Note: Special Requests may take additional time for the approval process. For rentals with no additional requests or issues, final permits will be issued 7-10 business days in advance of the reservation date.
    • Facilities which allow for group tickets (20+) will need to submit a complete guest list no less than 5 days prior to the rental date.
  2. Web Application:  Please fill out the web form, this request will be sent directly to the Water Mine Reservation Staff.
    • Note: Do NOT include payment information – once the form is received and reviewed you will be contacted to confirm availability, to collect payment information, and complete the reservation process.
  3. Download and complete the Rental Application and submit one of the following ways along with the appropriate payment.
    • Email: FCPAWaterMineRentals@fairfaxcounty.gov 
      • Note: Do not include payment information.
    • Mail: FCPA Picnic Department – 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22035-5500
      • Note: Do NOT mail cash payments; checks can be made out to "FCPA"
    • In person: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22035-5500  
      • Note: Contact us in advance for updated office hours and staff availability.
    • Fax: 703-653-6672 
      • Note: Please include payment information on faxed applications.

Applications may take up to 3-5 business days to process. Without a Sales Receipt (Rental Permit) and Admission Tickets Receipt the reservation is not confirmed. The Water Mine reservation staff do not accept reservations over the phone. The Water Mine reservation staff stop accepting applications for the upcoming weekend Thursdays at 4 p.m or 2 business days in advance.
 

Water Mine FUNbrella Rentals

Our FUNbrella locations are ideal for hosting parties of 10 to 25 people. These large, umbrella-shaped structures are equipped with 5 picnic tables and offer a shaded, spacious spot for your group to enjoy.

Key Details:

  • Capacity: 10 to 25 people
  • Amenities: 5 picnic tables per FUNbrella
  • Restrictions: No electricity, amplified sound, glass, or alcohol allowed.
  • Locations: Available in various areas of The Water Mine.

Book your FUNbrella today for a shaded, comfortable space to enjoy your celebration!

Blossom Rock
Blossom Rock (1 Rental Area)
River Bottom
River Bottom (2 Rental Areas)
Coyote Hole
Coyote Hole (2 Rental Areas)
FUNbrella Rental Areas Max Capacity Rental Fee Rental Times
Blossom Rock (1 Rental Area) 25 people
  • Prime Full Day: $280
  • Non-Prime Full Day: $222
  • Prime Half Day: $150
  • Non-Prime Half Day: $110
  • Full Day: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Half Day: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. OR 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Coyote Hole
(2 Rental Areas)

River Bottom
(2 Rental Areas)

Rental Notes:
  • Rental fee is per area.
  • Non-Prime rates apply Monday through Thursday.
  • Prime rates apply Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
  • Rental prices do not include the price of admission and are sold separately. All guests must have a ticket to enter the park regardless of whether they intend to swim.
    • Admission Rate Information
    • Group Rates applies for groups of 20 or more
    • General Admission Rates applies for groups of 19 or less

Water Mine Canopy Tent Rentals

Our Top Railer, Big Auger and Shoofly rental spaces are perfect for larger gatherings with a maximum capacity of 100 people. These shaded areas provide ample space for your event to take place comfortably.

Key Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 100 people
  • Electricity: Available only at the Big Auger canopy tent location
  • Restrictions: No amplified sound, glass, or alcohol allowed

Book one of these spacious locations today and enjoy a memorable event at The Water Mine!

The Big Auger
Big Auger (1 Rental Area)
The Top Railer
Top Railer (1 Rental Area)
Shoofly
Shoofly (2 Rental Areas)
Canopy/Tent Rental Areas Max Capacity Rental Fee Rental Times
Top Railer (1 Rental Area) 100 people
  • Prime Full Day: $450
  • Non-Prime Full Day: $400
  • Prime Half Day: $310
  • Non-Prime Half Day: $225
  • Full Day: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Half Day: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. OR 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Big Auger (1 Rental Area)

Shoofly A**
(1 Rental Area)

50 people
  • Prime Full Day: $310
  • Non-Prime Full Day: $300
  • Prime Half Day: $185
  • Non-Prime Half Day: $150
Shoofly B** (1 Rental Area)
  • Rental fee is per area.
  • Non-Prime rates apply Monday through Thursday.
  • Prime rates apply Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
  • Rental prices do not include the price of admission and are sold separately. All guests must have a ticket to enter the park regardless of whether they intend to swim.
    • Admission Rate Information
    • Group Rates applies for groups of 20 or more
    • General Admission Rates applies for groups of 19 or less

Private Family Rentals

Add a touch of exclusivity, privacy, and comfort to your Water Mine experience by renting one of our awnings, cabanas or bungalows. Perfect for groups of 10 people or fewer, each reservation includes a table, chairs and personal inner tubes for the lazy river, ensuring a day of relaxation and fun.

Key Details:

  • Capacity: Ideal for groups of 10 people or fewer
  • Amenities: Table, chairs, and personal inner tubes for the lazy river
  • Restrictions: No amplified sound, glass, or alcohol allowed

Book one of these spacious locations today and enjoy a memorable event at The Water Mine!

Ace-High Awning
Ace-High Awning (4 Separate Rental Areas)
Bunkhouse Cabana
Bunkhouse Cabana (2 Separate Rental Areas)
Pete's Bungalow
Pete's Bungalow (1 Rental Area)
Private Family Rental Areas Max Capacity Rental Fee Rental Times
Ace-High Awning (4 Rental Areas) 6 people
  • Prime Full Day: $90
  • Non-Prime Full Day: $80
  • Prime Half Day: $50
  • Non-Prime Half Day: $45
  • Full Day: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Half Day: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. OR 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Bunkhouse Cabana (2 Rental Areas) 8 people
  • Prime Full Day: $120
  • Non-Prime Full Day: $100
  • Prime Half Day: $75
  • Non-Prime Half Day: $67
Pete's Bungalow (1 Rental Areas) 10 people
  • Prime Full Day: $140
  • Non-Prime Full Day: $120
  • Prime Half Day: $90
  • Non-Prime Half Day: $80
  • Rental fee is per area.
  • Non-Prime rates apply Monday through Thursday.
  • Prime rates apply Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
  • Rental prices do not include the price of admission and are sold separately. All guests must have a ticket to enter the park regardless of whether they intend to swim.
Fairfax Virtual Assistant