Picnic Areas

Step by Step Instructions to Check Availabilities and Reserve Picnic Facilities 

Please read all instructions and rules before reserving a site.

1. Go to: https://fairfax.usedirect.com/FairfaxFCPAWeb/Facilities/AdvanceSearch.aspx or click the “Availability Calendar” button on any picnic page.

2. Select your desired date in the calendar box.

   • Type a park name in the search bar.
   • Scroll through the images and select a park.

   HINT: Hover the cursor over a park’s image to see its location on the map.
   HINT: Select “Park Info” to see more about a park.

3. Select a park by clicking the reserve button.

4. Select the “Reserve” or “Check Availability” button in the Facility Reservation section. A calendar with available dates will appear.

5. Select your desired facility along with the corresponding date and click on its green box.

   HINT: Dates that appear in green are available. Use the date selector or green double arrows to see future dates.
   HINT: Dates that appear in gray are available (typically within 10 days). Please submit a Picnic Permit Application. 
   HINT: Dates that appear in red are not available. Please select another date or unit. 
   HINT: Ignore the drop-down menu for the number of nights or select “1 Night”. Picnic reservations are for day use. Continue with your reservation.
   HINT: Dates that appear in teal are available, but not web bookable. Please submit a Picnic Permit Application.

6. Click 'Reserve Unit' in the pop-up window.

7. Log in with a Parktakes account, or create a new account with a work or personal email.

8. On the Booking Details page, complete all applicable boxes in the “Extra Information” section.  All fields with an asterisk (*) are required.

   HINT: If you select Other Entertainment, Volleyball or Sports Bags add-ons (additional fees may apply) you will be contacted by staff to confirm your request once your picnic permit has been issued (typically within 10-14 days before your rental date). A finalized permit will be issued providing permission details, if approved and paid for.
   HINT: If you receive an error before the Booking Details screen appears, you have likely chosen a reservation date that is within 10 days of the current date. Please select a new date or submit an application via Fax, Email, by mail or in person.

9. Please enter the maximum number of attendees for your event. If you have more attendees than a rental area can hold, you may need to book an additional location or change locations.

10. After completing all information, check the box indicating that you agree with the terms and conditions.

11. Select “Book Site”. Your shopping cart will appear.

    Optional: To make another reservation, select “Reservations” at the top of the Shopping Cart page.
    Optional: To add tickets for additional features such as Train, Carousel or Mini Golf, select “Tickets” at the top of the Shopping Cart Page.

12. Review your cart and select “Go to Checkout.”

13. Enter your payment.

14. Select “Complete."

15. A window will open verifying receipt of your reservation. You will receive an email with your receipt and a copy of the rules and regulations. Staff will be in touch to finalize your event if you have exceeded capacity or if you have requested additional extras. Do not book other entertainment beyond what is permitted.

If you are requesting a date less than 10 days in advance or looking to book an hourly unit such as Volleyball or Amphitheater, please submit an application via Fax, Email, by mail or in person. Any applications sent after 4 p.m. on Thursday for an upcoming weekend date will not be considered. If you have any additional questions, please email the Picnic Department at FCPAPicnicApplications@fairfaxcounty.gov or call the Picnic Department’s reservation line at 703-324-8732.

Looking for a place to host a single pick up game or weekly meetup for outdoor sand volleyball? Check out our courts!

Courts: Burke Lake Park** Volleyball Courts 1, 2, 3, 4; Eakin Community Park Volleyball Courts 1, 2; Franconia Rec Center Volleyball Courts 1, 2; Lake Accotink Volleyball Court; Mount Eagle Volleyball Court; Nottoway Volleyball Court; Stratton Woods Volleyball Court

Rental Fee: $30/hour with Picnic Reservation
Rental Fee: $35/hour without Picnic Reservation

GRILLING, FOOD TRUCKS, INFLATABLES AND AMPLIFIED SOUND ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THIS AREA.

**There are Entrance Fees for non-county residents on weekends and holidays only (no charge on weekdays), April through late October.

*Hourly reservations available Sunrise – Sunset. Rental Fee is per 1-hour minimum time slot, single use rate. This unit is not web bookable.

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

1. Web Application:  Please fill out the web form, this request will be sent directly to the Picnics Department. 
   • 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 to complete the reservation process.
2. Download and complete the Picnic Area/Picnic Shelter Application and submit one of the following ways along with the appropriate payment. 
   • 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 Picnics"
   • In person: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – 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.

Web Forms or Applications may take up to 3-5 business days to process. Without a Sales Receipt (Picnic Permit) the reservation request is not confirmed. The Picnic Department does not accept reservations over the phone. The Picnic Department stops accepting applications for the upcoming weekend Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Looking to host a concert, performance or other similar event? Check out our stage venues!

Venues: Burke Lake Park Amphitheater, Ellanor C Lawrence Amphitheater, Franconia Rec Center – Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater, Mason District Amphitheater, McLean Central Amphitheater and Ossian Hall Amphitheater

Fees: Vary by site/date

Amplified Sound or Announcements may be permitted in this area.

Hourly reservations available Sunrise – Sunset. Rental Fee is per 4-hour minimum time slot, single use rate. This unit is not web bookable.

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

1. Web Application:  Please fill out the web form, this request will be sent directly to the Picnics Department. 
   • 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 to complete the reservation process.
2. Download and complete the Picnic Area/Picnic Shelter Application and submit one of the following ways along with the appropriate payment. 
   • 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 Picnics"
   • In person: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – 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.

Web Forms or Applications may take up to 3-5 business days to process. Without a Sales Receipt (Picnic Permit) the reservation request is not confirmed. The Picnic Department does not accept reservations over the phone. The Picnic Department stops accepting applications for the upcoming weekend Thursdays at 4 p.m.