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Reservable Picnic Areas
18 parks have reservable picnic areas: Bartholomew Park | Commons Ford Ranch| Dick Nichols Park | Dove Springs Park | Eilers Park | Garrison Park | Lake Walter E. Long | Lake Emma Long | Martin Park | Mary Moore Searight Park | Mountain View Park | Northeast Balcones | Northeast District Park | Northwest District Park | Patterson Park | Pease Park | Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park | Zilker Metropolitan Park


200 S. Lamar, Austin, Texas 78704
(512) 974-6797 reservation line, (512) 974-6729 (fax)
8 am - 5 pm daily

Picnic Rental Fees:
Under 100 Persons: $60
100-250 persons: $75
251-399 persons: $ 95
400-499 persons: $120
500-700 persons: $145
701-900 persons: $200

Common's Ford Ranch Picnic Site: $150 for up to 150 persons, plus $75 deposit

Damage Deposit:
All groups over 100 are required to provide a damage deposit of $100.

Where available and allowed - the following amenities carry the noted fee(s):
Sound Permits: $30
Moonwalk, Rockwall & Dunking
Booth Permits: $10 [plus water ($50) where available for dunking booths)]

Water and Electricity:
Water and Electricity are available at most sites, and will be made available if requested IN ADVANCE at the time of reservation. See individual site information for additional information.

Available uploadable information
Policies and procedures - How to Reserve | Picnic and Shelter Sites at a glance | Pricing Sheet | Tips for a successful picnic | Picnic Site Map


Available Picnic Areas
Site Address Available Sites Use Hours Seats/Site Capacity (Approx) Available Electricity Moonwalk Allowed $10 Map Picture
Bartholomew District Park 5204 Berkman Drive - Shelter A (West of parking)
- Shelter B (South of A)
- Shelter C (fronts parking)
- only 2 of 3 sites may be reserved at any time
10am - 10pm A - 24-32/50
B - 18-24/50
C - 18-24/50
yes yes Map Picture
Bartholomew Park has a lighted basketball court, swimming pool, disc golf course, horseshoe pit and playground. BBQ grills are available at all 3 sites. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: Parking is available on site, and along Greenbrook Drive.
Commons Ford Rand Park 614 Commons Ford Road Lake Front Picnic Area 10am - 6pm 18 / 150 yes yes Map Picture
Commons Ford Rand Park picnic area overlooks a peaceful bank of Lake Austin. There are NO outdoor lights in the area. Gates at Common's Ford automatically unlock and lock at 12 noon and 6 p. No swimming is allowed in the adjacent lake. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: Yes, for up to 60 cars. There is no fee for parking.
Dick Nichols District Park 8011 Beckett Road Covered Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 50-60 / 75 yes yes Map Picture
Dick Nichols District Park has lighted tennis courts, lighted sand pit volleyball courts, lighted basketball court, and softball and football fields. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: A large parking lot is on site.
Dove Springs District Park 5801 Ainez Covered Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 50 / 65 yes yes Map Picture
Dove Springs District Park has an adjacent volleyball pit, a playscape, swimming pool, and a hike and bike trail. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: 3 parking lots are on site.
Eilers (Deep Eddy) Park 401 Deep Eddy Avenue Picnic Area 10am - 10pm 100 / 100 no yes Map -
Eilers (Deep Eddy) Park has rectangular shaped park in the "hip pocket" of Deep Eddy pool and Town Lake, all off Lake Austin Boulevard., West of MoPac. 2 Volleyball stands are available on a first come, first serve basis. An additional picnic area located at the bottom of the park close to the lake is available on a first come, first serve basis. 2 timer operated security lights are in the area. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED in this park. Parking: A parking lot is on site and is first come first served shared with the pool patrons.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park 1600 City Park Road - Area A
- Area B
- Turkey Shelter (left side of City Park Road just before the entry station)
Groups over 100 must reserve BOTH Areas A and B.
10am - 9pm, 10am - dusk, Turkey Shelter A - 100 / 150
B - 100 / 150
Turkey Shelter 25 / 100
A - yes
B - yes
Turkey Shelter - no
A - yes
B - yes
Turkey Shelter - no
Map Picture
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located 6.2 miles off FM 2222 on City Park Road. The park is on the shores of Lake Austin, and consists of a total of 1150 acres, 70 of which are developed.

Sites A and B are located on the waterfront shoreline near the restrooms and swim area. Sports equipment is available at the entry gate on a first-come first-served basis upon request. A smoker is available between Areas A and B, at no additional charge. It must be requested in advance so the combination to unlock it may be provided in advance. Extra Trash bags are available at the cashier's booth to help organizers keep their sites clean. 2 boat ramps, 2 sand volleyball courts, and 3 sets of volleyball standards.

Emma Long Park has a designated swimming area in Lake Austin and has a large sandy beach. Men's and women's rest rooms, hot showers and dressing areas are also available. In addition, a bike/motorcycle trail is available for public use (trail map may be found online). Grass Permits are REQUIRED if you intend to load/unload on the grass at Areas A and/or B (caterers, trailer pits, any vehicle). There is no fee for this permit, but they are mandatory. Canopy Tents up to 400 square feet (20'x20') may be put up with ADVANCE coordination with the Site Manager due to proximity to water lines. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED in this park. Parking: Areas A and B: Yes.

Standard entry charges apply in addition to the rental fees. $5/vehicle Monday - Thursday, $8/vehicle Friday - Sunday, and Holidays. Turkey Creek Shelter: Yes, no charges apply unless entering main park area.
Garrison District Park 6001 Manchaca Road Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 50 / 65 No Yes Map -
Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: A parking lot is on site. Carpooling is encouraged.
Martin Park 10 Chicon Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 50 / 60 No Yes Map -
Martin park is near Lady Bird Lake in the Festival Beach Area, this generous shelter is ready for your next family picnic event. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED (NOT in play area / pool) in this park. Parking: A parking lot is available just across the street for approximately 60 cars.
Mary Moore Searight Park 907 Slaughter Lane Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 50-60 / 75 No Yes Map -
Mary Moore Searight Park has volleyball courts, tennis courts, and multi-purpose fields nearby. Fishing is permitted in the back of the park with a valid State fishing license. Amplified sound MAY NOT be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED in this park. Parking: A parking lot is on site for approximately 45 cars.
Mountain View Park 8700 Westerkirk Drive Covered Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 36 / 50 Yes Yes Map Picture
Mountain View Park has tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court, a playground and water fountain. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED in this park. Parking: A SMALL parking lot is on site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Northeast District Park (Davis-White Northeast District Park) 5909 Crystalbrook Drive Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 80 / 100 Yes Yes Map Picture
Northeast District Park (Davis-White Northeast District Park) has lighted basketball court, volleyball pit, 2 horseshoe pits and playground. Amplified sound MAY NOT be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED in this park. Parking: Limited parking is available on-street only. ADA parking in a very small North end lot. Carpooling is encouraged
Northwest Balcones Park 10203 Talleyran Drive Covered Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 24 / 40 Yes Yes Map -
Northwest Balcones Park has a basketball court, playground and water fountain. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED (Not in playscape or fields area.) in this park. Parking: A SMALL parking lot is on site for approximately 14 cars. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Northwest District Park (Beverly S. Sheffield Park) 7000 Ardath Street Area A
- Area B
- Area C
10am - 10pm Area A 75/ 100
- Area B 75/ 100
- Area C 75/ 100
Area A - yes
- Area B - no
- Area C - yes
Yes Map -
Northwest District Park (Beverly S. Sheffield Park) is a 31 acre park located in Northwest Austin. Three sites are available for reservations, with only 2 of the 3 rented at any one time. Area A is close to the Toddler Playground. Area B is close to the Infant Playground. This park has a lighted basketball court, 4 lighted tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a playground. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED (ONLY in Area C. Not in pool or bathhouse) in this park. Parking: Generous parking lots are on site.
Patterson Park 4200 Brookview Road Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 36-48 / 75 Yes Yes Map -
Patterson Park has a basketball court, lighted tennis courts, ball fields, swimming pool, volleyball pit and playground. Amplified sound may NOT be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: A SMALL parking lot is on site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Pease District Park 1100 Kingsbury Street South End Area Picnic Tables 10am - 10pm 150 / 150 Yes No Map -
Gifted to the City in 1875, Pease Park is a popular disc golf location located within blocks of the University. In addition, it has been the home to the annual Eeyore's Birthday Celebration since 1974. Play equipment and a wading pool are located nearby. Sand volleyball courts are available for first-come first-served use. Single tables in the park are available on a first-come first-served basis only. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: There is extremely limited parking on Kingsburry Street. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Trailhead Park 11021 Boulder Lane Covered Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 36 / 100 Yes Yes - -
Trailhead Park, located in Canyon Creek, has picnic pavilion, bathroom and water fountain. Electricity is available on site when amplified sound permits, or moonwalk permits are secured with a paid reservation.
The site also includes multi-purpose fields, swings, a sport court with one basketball goal, and grills located throughout the park all available for first-come first-served use during park hours.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park 12138 North Lamar Boulevard Shelter Area 10am - 10pm 48-100 No yes Map -
Walnut Creek A 1.680 square ft. shelter with eight handicap accessible tables are available for reservations. The shelter will accommodate parties up to 100 persons, water and electricity are not available and parking is limited.
Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park (Lake) 6614 Blue Bluff Road Cedar Shelter Area
Mesquite Shelter
Sycamore Area (located across from restrooms)
Post Oak Area (West of the Entry Station)
10am - dusk Cedar Shelter Area - 20 / 50
Mesquite Shelter - 20 / 100
Sycamore Area (located across from restrooms) - 30 / 200
Post Oak Area (West of the Entry Station) - 40 / 200
No No Map -
Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park (Lake) is the perfect setting for a day at the lake. This site has a public boat ramp and dock, volleyball courts and public trails. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is ALLOWED in this park. Parking: Public parking is available. Standard entry charges apply in addition to the rental fees. $5/vehicle Monday - Thursday, $8/vehicle Friday - Sunday, and Holidays.
Zilker Metropolitan Park 2100 Barton Springs Road Pecan Grove
Playscape Shelter
Polo Area
Rock Garden
Reservations at the Playscape Area must begin by 11 a.m.
10am - dusk Pecan Grove - 100 / 200
Playscape Shelter - 75 / 100
Polo Area - 150 / 250
Rock Garden - 150 / 300
Reservations at the Playscape Area must begin by 11 a.m.
yes, except Playscape shelter yes, except Playscape shelter Map -
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a 351 acre park that is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events for the individual or the whole family. The park boasts features such as the famed spring fed ever-cool 68º Barton Springs Pool, a disc golf course, volleyball courts,

Lighted Areas: Polo and Rock Garden Areas. Playscape Shelter: Alcohol and BBQ cooking are NOT allowed. Reservation occupancy must begin by 11 am. Amplified sound MAY be requested and permitted in this park. Alcohol is PROHIBITED in this park. Parking: Numerous parking lots are on site. Standard entry charges apply seasonally. $3/vehicle on weekends March - September, for holidays, and special events.






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