Picnics are perfect for family gatherings, corporate picnics, or small community gatherings. A permit is required for exclusive use of a picnic site.
Please note:
- Picnic site permits are for private, invitation-only gatherings
- Public events – such as runs/walks, festivals, fundraisers, promotional activities, concerts, or other community events are not allowed on a picnic permit. Review picnic site Do’s and Don’ts below for more information
For questions, or to ensure compliance, contact the Parks Permit Office.
For details on site closures/advisories, fees, capacities, restroom access, and more please view the Picnic Site Inventory List.
Please note: Restroom availability in Denver parks is not guaranteed. While most indoor restrooms are typically open from 9am–2pm, conditions can change due to weather, maintenance issues, or other operational factors. Some locations have portable restrooms, but their accessibility or condition may vary. All customers acknowledge this during the reservation process. Thank you for preparing accordingly.
Picnic Season:
- Urban Parks: April 15 – October 15
Available Park Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (some exceptions apply, see inventory list)
- Mountain Parks: May 1 – September 30
Available Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (some exceptions apply, see inventory list)
Do I need a permit?
Not all gatherings require a permit.
Use of a picnic site without a permit must follow casual park use guidelines:
- Maximum of 25 attendees in your group
- Do not interfere with any permits in progress or other casual park users
- No infrastructure (canopies, tables, chairs, sound systems, decorations, food trucks, etc.) Camp style chairs are allowed
- No commercial activity, marketing, sales, advertising, etc.
- No selling or serving alcohol (consumption by person/household only) Beer, wine and champagne only; no glass
Follow all other park use rules.
General Permit Information
- Only one (1) permit is booked per picnic site, per day. Some exceptions apply: see inventory list(PDF, 265KB)
- If reserving multiple dates at a picnic site, please contact the Parks Permit Office for approval before making your reservation. Customers are limited to 3 dates per month, per customer.
- Picnic sites are for private, by invitation gatherings only. Public events such as runs/walks, festivals, fundraising, promotional activities, concerts, and other community events are strictly prohibited. Find more information about public events or inquire with staff to be directed to the correct permit application.
- Site maps with boundaries can be found by clicking a park’s name on the Picnic Inventory List. Please ensure your picnic’s activities stay within these boundaries.
- If you are in need of an athletic field for sports play/activities in addition to a picnic site, please contact the Parks Permit Office.
- Failure to obtain the appropriate permit, violation of park use rules, or not remaining within the picnic site boundaries can result in revocation of the permit and/or a fine.