ewport News has 41 picnic shelters in eight parks across the City that can be reserved for picnic activities.  Each picnic shelter, which accommodates approximately 35 people, generally has three to four picnic tables and one grill.  A Group Shelter, which accommodates approximately 150 people, has fifteen tables and one large grill.  Electricity is available at some shelters.  All parks are open sunrise to sunset.  Reserved shelters are cleaned by 10:00 a.m.  Picnics with special activities (rental equipment, entertainment, weddings, etc.) must contact the Special Activity Coordinator (757-886-7912) for permit information.

Reservations can be charged over the phone by calling 757-888-3333 or toll free at 1-800-203-8322. Reservations can also be made in person at the Newport News Park Campsite Office, Deer Park, or the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Office at 700 Town Center Drive (3rd floor). Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the Newport News Park Campsite Office. Online reservations are available at www.nnparks.com/picnic.

For 2021, reservations can be made for picnicking activities that take place after April 1.  Due to the continuing health crisis, use of facilities may be cancelled or restricted in scope and attendance and restrooms and other accommodations may not be available, with very little notice. Reservations for picnic shelter use will start January 1 for Newport News City residents and January 15 for people living outside of Newport News.  Shelter use is first come-first served for the months of  January, February, and March 2021.  

FULL SHELTER/day: $50.00

LARGE SHELTER/day: $100.00

GROUP SHELTER/day: $150.00

ELECTRICITY/day: $10.00

Shelters in Newport News Parks:

Newport News Park (11 small shelters and 5 group shelters):
Newport News Park Picnic Area I:

Large Shelters (#1 & #2) in this area accommodate approximately 75 people. Reservation fee for a large shelter is $100.00 Small shelters (#4 - 8) in this area accommodate approximately 35 people. Reservation fee for a small shelter is $40.00. Accessible restrooms, playground and volleyball net located in Picnic Area I.  All shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #1 - #8 Descriptions:

Shelter #1: Near parking lot, 8 tables, 1 large grill

Shelter #2: Near playground, near parking lot 8 tables, 1 large grill

Shelter #4: Near lake, 4 tables, 2 grills (split shelter, 2 tables per side)

Shelter #5: Near stage, playground and lake, 4 tables, 2 grills (split shelter, 2 tables per side)

Shelter #6: Close to playground, 2 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #7: Close to Ranger Stations and restrooms, 4 tables, 1 grill (split shelter, 2 tables per side)

Shelter #8: Close to Ranger Station and restrooms & volleyball net, 3 tables, 1 grill


Newport News Park Picnic Area II:
Shelter #10: Near lake and tot lot playground, 8 tables, 1 large grill

Newport News Park Picnic Area III:
Each picnic shelter in this area accommodates approximately 35 people. Restrooms (handicapped access), playground and volleyball net located in Picnic Area III. Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#13 - #18). All shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #13 - #18 Descriptions:

Shelter #13: Next to playground, 3 tables, 2 grills, wheelchair accessible

Shelter #14: Near playground, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #15: Near playground and volleyball net, 3 tables 1 grill

Shelter #16: Near playground and volleyball court
3 tables 2 grills

Shelter #17: Near playground, 3 tables, 2 grills

Shelter #18: Near playground, 3 tables, 1 grill, wheelchair accessible

Newport News Park Group Shelters (Arboretum Area):
Each Group Shelter accommodates up to 150 people. Portable restrooms are located in the area. Restrooms with handwashing are available across Constitution Way at the Ranger Station. Group area has access to large playground, field areas, disc golf (fees apply) and sand volleyball court. Group shelters are also closest to the Peace Garden and Arboretum. Reservation fee $150.00 per group shelter (shelters # 19 - #20). Both group shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00. Water available for $5.00 for Shelter #19.

Shelters #19 & #20 Descriptions:

Shelter #19: Group Shelter: 15 tables, 1 large grill

Shelter #20: Group Shelter: 15 tables, 1 large grill

Harwood’s Mill Fishing Area:
Each picnic shelter in this area accommodates approximately 35 people. Jon boat rentals and concessions available weekends and holidays May – October. Portable restroom is located in parking lot, year-round. Shoreline fishing and private launch also available (by permit). Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#1 - #4). No electricity at shelters.

Shelters #3 - #4 Descriptions:

Shelter #3: Near lake, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #4: Near lake, 3 tables, 1 grill


Deer Park (3 small shelters):
Each picnic shelter in this area accommodates approximately 35 people. Restrooms located near Ranger Station and near Monfalcone Field. Sports fields (for scheduled use only), boundless playground, and volleyball net. Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#1 - #3). All shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #1 - #3 Descriptions:

Shelter #1: At front of park, closest to Boundless playground, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #2: At front of park, close to playground, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #3: Further into the park, near volleyball net, 3 tables, 1 grill

Huntington Park (2 small shelters):
Each picnic shelter in Huntington Park accommodates approximately 35 people. Restrooms located on bluff by Fort Fun with baby changing area. Beach with attendants on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day and concession open during those times. Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#2 - #3). All shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #2 - #3 Descriptions:

Shelter #2: Located on bluff close to Fort Fun, 4 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #3: Located on bluff closest to Fort Fun, 4 tables, 1 grill


King-Lincoln Park (3 small shelters):
Each picnic shelter in King-Lincoln Park accommodates approximately 35 people. Restrooms, water fountain, tot lot playground, playground, tennis and basketball courts, fishing pier, stage (minimum $50.00 to rent) and interpretive center in area. Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#1 - #3). All shelters and stage have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #1 - #3: Descriptions:

Shelter #1: Located near interpretive center, 4 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #2: Located near waterfront, 4 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #3: Located near stage, 3 tables, 1 grill


Anderson Park/Peterson’s Yacht Basin (6 small shelters):
Anderson Park South:
Each picnic shelter in Anderson Park accommodates approximately 35 people. Restrooms in building at front of the Park, basketball court, athletic field, waterfront picnic shelters (motorized vehicles cannot be driven to the shelters). Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#1 - #2). No electricity at shelters.

Shelters #1 - #2: Description

Shelter #1: Waterfront, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #2: Waterfront, 3 tables, 1 grill

Anderson Park North:
Each picnic shelter in Anderson Park accommodates approximately 35 people. Portable restrooms in parking lot (May-September), large playground, tennis courts, grassy areas. Located across inlet from Peterson’s Yacht Basin. Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#1 - #2). No electricity at shelters.

Shelters #3 - #4 Descriptions:

Shelter #3: Closest to playground, 4 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #4: Near playground, 4 tables, 1 grill

Peterson’s Yacht Basin:
Each picnic shelter in Peterson’s Yacht Basin accommodates approximately 35 people. Portable restrooms located in parking area. Public boat ramp is open year-round. Limited parking on summer weekends and holidays. Reservation fee $40.00 per picnic shelter (#5 - #6). No electricity at shelters.

Shelter #5: Closest to 16th Street, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter#6: Closest to Walnut Avenue, 3 tables, 1 grill


Riverview Farm Park (3 group shelters):
Each shelter accommodates up to 100 people. Restrooms are located across the parking lot. The park features the Fantasy Farm Playground- a 30,000 square foot community playground; a separate skate park (fees apply); and two miles of paved multi-use trails which surround the soccer fields and playground. Reservation fee is $150.00 per group shelter (Shelters # 1, #2, & #3). Electricity is not available at any of the shelters.

Shelter #1: First shelter, closest to playground and park entrance, 8 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #2: Middle shelter, closest to the restrooms, 8 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #3: Last shelter, closest to athletic field, 8 tables, 1 grill