Pickall Area
The Pickall Area is the group-picnic part of Patapsco Valley State Park, at 8125 Johnnycake Road in Woodlawn, Maryland. It is not open to the general public: only people who have reserved one of its seven large shelters, and their guests, can get in, on weekends and summer holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Shelters hold 100 to 250 guests, and there are playgrounds, playfields and a basketball court for renters. Entry is $2 per person for Maryland residents and $4 from out of state.
Pickall at a Glance
Season and Who Can Enter
DNR opens Pickall the weekend before Memorial Day weekend and closes it the weekend after Labor Day. Use is restricted to weekends and summer holidays, by reservation. If you have not rented a shelter here, visit one of the park's other areas instead, such as Hollofield a few minutes away on Route 40.
The Shelters
Pickall has seven rental shelters, all large, with grills; some have fireplaces.
- Shelter 702: up to 100 guests
- Shelter 703: up to 200 guests
- Shelter 704: up to 100 guests
- Shelters 705, 706 and 707: up to 250 guests each, as two side-by-side shelters of 125
- Shelter 708: up to 125 guests
Every Pickall shelter can get an alcohol permit, arranged in advance through the reservation service. Inflatable play equipment, trampolines and water devices such as dunk tanks or portable pools are not allowed.
Book at parkreservations.maryland.gov or 1-888-432-2267. DNR's base rental rates are listed by capacity, from $96.75 for a 100-person shelter to $246.75 for a 250-person one, before transaction fees. See Picnic Shelters for every area's shelters.
See Your Shelter First
DNR runs monthly open houses so renters can see their shelter before the event. Call park headquarters at 410-461-5005 to sign up.
Fees
From May through September, Pickall charges $2 per person for Maryland residents and $4 per person from out of state; buses pay the per-person rate. This is separate from, and in addition to, the shelter rental. Free entry applies to children in car seats, seniors with the Golden Age Pass, Universal Disability Pass holders, and active-duty military and Maryland National Guard members with ID. Contact the park office before your date if you want to prepay your guests' entry.
Playgrounds and Sports
Two playground structures are open to pavilion renters. There are playfields for baseball and volleyball and a basketball court between Shelters 704 and 706. Bring your own equipment.
How to Get There
From the Beltway (I-695), take Security Boulevard (Exit 17) west. After half a mile, turn left on North Rolling Road, then take the next right onto Fairbrook Road. Go one mile, turn left on Johnnycake Road, and go 1.5 miles to the entrance on the left. From Route 40, head east to North Rolling Road toward Security Square Mall, go 2.5 miles, turn left onto Fairbrook Road, then left on Johnnycake Road and 1.5 miles to the entrance.
Trails and Dogs
Pickall's trails appear on DNR's Hollofield and Pickall map (see Trail Map). DNR's park-wide pet policy says pets are not allowed in the Pickall Area.
Pickall Area FAQ
Is the Pickall Area open to the public?
No. Pickall is open only to people who reserved a shelter there and their guests, on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
How much does it cost to enter the Pickall Area?
From May through September, $2 per person for Maryland residents and $4 per person from out of state, on top of the shelter rental.
How big are the Pickall shelters?
There are seven, holding from 100 to 250 guests. Shelters 705, 706 and 707 are each two adjoining shelters of 125.
Can I see my Pickall shelter before my event?
Yes. DNR holds monthly open houses. Call park headquarters at 410-461-5005 to reserve a spot.