On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC. Today, you
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open d
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 202-895-6000 · rocr_superintendent@nps.gov
Directions vary based on your preference of site.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Civil War Defenses of Washington — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Civil War Defenses of Washington?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Civil War Defenses of Washington. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open d
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service Rock Creek Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS / Liz Macro National Park Service African American Civil War Memorial
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
