Picnic Shelter Reservations

Reservations must be made at least five days prior to the usage date. Shelter fees are the same regardless of the day of the week. Shelters are available for reserved use from April through October. View a complete set of shelter rules and regulations by reviewing the Picnic Shelter Reservation Rules and Regulations (PDF)

Picnic shelters at Greenleaf Park and Washington Park are available first come, first serve (unless an approved special-event permit is posted).

2023 Picnic Shelter Information

  • January 1 - March 31:  Shelters are first come, first serve and not rentable.
  • April 1 - October 31:  Shelters at Forest Hills, McIntire and Pen Park are available for daily rental, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm.
    • Shelters must be reserved 5 days in advance.  Shelters cannot be reserved less than 5 days in advance and any unrented shelters are first-come, first-serve.
  • November 1 - December 31:  Shelters are first come, first serve and not rentable.
Shelter at Forest Hills

Forest Hills Park Shelter

Forest Hills Park
1022 Forest Hills Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22901

CAPACITY: 50
FEE: $50.00

Reserve Online

As you face the park, the shelter is on the right-hand side beyond the splash pad and adjacent to Forest Ridge Road. Only on-street parking is available. Shelter DOES NOT HAVE water, power or lights. Rental is from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Restrooms are available at the far end of the park and adjacent to the playground at the location of a second, non-reservable picnic shelter.

The second shelter at Forest Hills Park cannot be reserved but is available first come, first served (unless an approved special-event permit is posted).

THE RENTAL OF THE PICNIC SHELTER AT FOREST HILLS DOES NOT ENSURE IMPLICITLY OR EXPLICITLY THAT THE SPLASH PAD WILL BE OPERATIONAL DURING THE RENTAL PERIOD.

Shelter in McIntire Park

McIntire Park Shelter

McIntire Park
Exit 375 Route 250 Bypass
Charlottesville, VA 22902

CAPACITY: 70

FEE: $70.00

Reserve Online

Shelter is located just past the YMCA on the left, down the incline. Adjacent to the shelter, parking is available for two cars to facilitate loading and unloading. Shelter has water, grill, power and lights until 8:30 pm, and an operating fireplace. Rental is from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm with power continued as a courtesy until 8:30 pm to facilitate cleanup and loading. Parking is available either across from the Little League Baseball fields or up the road in the park. Restrooms are available adjacent to the playground at the top of the hill.

Shelter 1 in Pen Park

Pen Park Shelter #1

Pen Park
1300 Pen Park Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901

CAPACITY: 80
FEE: $80.00

Reserve Online

The shelters are located down the hill on the left, after taking the first left upon entering the park. Shelter #1 is the first shelter closest to the tennis courts. Adjacent to each shelter, reserved parking is available for two cars to facilitate loading and unloading. Each shelter has water, grill, power and lights until 8:30 pm, and an operating fireplace. Rental is from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with power continued as a courtesy until 8:30 pm to facilitate cleanup and loading. Parking is available in the lot abutting the shelter area. Restrooms are available adjacent to the playground at the top of the hill.

Shelter 2 in Pen Park

Pen Park Shelter #2

Pen Park
1300 Pen Park Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901

CAPACITY: 80
FEE: $80.00

Reserve Online

The shelters are located down the hill on the left, after taking the first left upon entering the park. Shelter #2 is the middle shelter. Adjacent to each shelter, reserved parking is available for two cars to facilitate loading and unloading. Each shelter has water, grill, power and lights until 8:30 PM and an operating fireplace. Rental is from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM with power continued as a courtesy until 8:30 PM for cleanup and loading. Parking is available in the lot abutting the shelter area. Restrooms are available adjacent to the playground at the top of the hill.

Shelter 3 in Pen Park

Pen Park Shelter #3

Pen Park
1300 Pen Park Road
Charlottesville,VA 22901

CAPACITY: 80
FEE: $80.00

Reserve Online

The shelters are located down the hill on the left, after taking the first left upon entering the park. Shelter #3 is the farthest shelter. Adjacent to each shelter, reserved parking is available for two cars to facilitate loading and unloading. Each shelter has water, grill, power and lights until 8:30 pm, and an operating fireplace. Rental is from 10:00 AM to 8:00 pm, with power continued as a courtesy until 8:30 pm to facilitate cleanup and loading. Parking is available in the lot abutting the shelter area. Restrooms are available adjacent to the playground at the top of the hill.