The clearest safety concern at Fort Washington Park is the surrounding county's violent crime rate, which sits at 447 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023 — more than three times the national average. Weather adds a secondary layer of risk, with 10 recorded thunderstorm wind events in the data period capable of snapping branches and turning loose gear into projectiles.
Book campsites in well-lit, higher-traffic areas of the park and plan to be back at your site before dark, since crime risk tends to rise after nightfall near urban-adjacent parks. Secure valuables in your locked vehicle rather than leaving them visible at the picnic table or in an open tent. For the wind threat, stake down your canopy and store camp chairs inside your vehicle or tent when storms approach — the Potomac corridor channels gusts quickly and with little warning.
Top recorded hazards in Prince George's County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Thunderstorm Wind 10
- Flood 1
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About Fort Washington Park
Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood sentry for over 200 years. As technologies advanced, so did Fort Washington from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century.
Weather
Summers are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. Winters are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.