Locust Grove Facility Rentals

We have a new registration and reservation system, still linked at ActiveMontgomery.org and you should have received an email with login info if your account was rolled over or instructions to create a new account.   The new system will be easier to view availability (check out the Display option: calendar) and create reservations while checking out all on one receipt and will be an improvement in service!  You still must create reservations at least 14 days (2 weeks) in advance of the reservation date, but you can reserve up to a year in advance.

Campfire Rings

*Please note temporary changes to rental facilities below* All reservations should be done online- see below.

Imagine sitting around a cozy campfire roasting marshmallows and sharing stories with friends and family… then come to Locust Grove and make it happen! Private groups may reserve fire rings in 3-hour blocks with varied hours for winter and summer (hours availability is shown by date).  Your fire must be wrapping up to clean up in the last half hour of your reservation and fire must be fully out within 15 minutes of the end of your rental.

You will be accepting responsibility for your group complying with all park rules and regulations while using the fire ring. See instructions below for reservations.  You will create your reservation on ActiveMontgomery.com and all reservations must be made more than 2 weeks in advance.

NEW! Cabin Patio and Fire Cooking Hearth

Cabin Patio with fire Cooking Hearth

Cabin Patio Fire cooking hearth

The new cooking hearth at the Cabin Patio is part of a level flagstone patio with a fence surrounding.  It includes 4 picnic tables with umbrellas for shade and a hearth for a fire or hearth with grill grates.  Limited to 30 guests. You can access this hearth easily from the parking lot and have the ability to pull up to unload or load decorations or food.  The fee is $200 for 3 hours for this space with accessible cooking access.  It now includes the cabin indoor space and is not available during birthday party time slots when the cabin is in use.

We have three campfire rings available to rent:  The fee for any of these campfire only rings is listed below for each 3 hours rental.  Reservations must be made via Active Montgomery at least 2 weeks ahead of time.  There is a $50 Cancellation fee (see policy below).  We anticipate that Security/Damage/Cleaning Deposits and potential add on items will be available soon in the new system to help make your event a success.

The N.E.A. Fire Ring- open

The N.E.A. Fire Ring is located in the Natural Exploration Area just outside the front door of the Nature Center. It provides convenient access to the building and features of the park.  It is within the outdoor exhibit, but partially separated with new landscaping.  All children must still be supervised in the exhibit area at all times. It’s open and sunny. It comfortably seats about 30 people. The Rental Rate is $150 for 3 hours.  The hours are limited to when the NEA is not open to the public and gates will be closed to keep the area limited to your group.  Please be aware that after dark rentals are just for the fire ring and the exhibit space is not visible or to be used after dark.

Oak Grove Fire Ring- open

The Oak Grove Fire Ring is shaded and private. It is at the top of the hill and provides convenient access to the Picnic Shelter, which can be rented in conjunction with the fire ring. Limited to 40 guests. You can access this fire ring via a short trail from the top of the hill, or from the sidewalk along Democracy Boulevard (no stairs but steep slope). The Rental Rate is $150 for 3 hours.

The Sycamore Fire Ring- open

Sycamore Fire Ring at LGNC

The Sycamore Fire Ring is our largest and most distinctive. It is situated under the beautiful arching branches of our 200 year old sycamore tree. The murmuring sounds of adjacent Cabin John Creek can be heard. Ideal for ceremonies of any kind. It also offers two picnic tables. The Sycamore is furthest from the parking lot and the Nature Center, and requires walking down either a long staircase or a steep gravel trail to access. Limited to 60 guests.  The Rental Rate is $175 for 3 hours.

Included in All Fire Ring Rentals:

• Enough fuel (wood logs) for 3 hours. Additional firewood available at no additional charge- but the quantity you are given is the correct amount for a safe fire. Flames must be under 3 feet high at all times and you may not forage additional wood.
• An empty safety bucket. You are required to fill this with water and keep it close to the lit ring at all times. The bucket can be filled in one of our nearby spigots or in the creek and must be returned to the Nature Center at the end of your rental.
• Access to the Nature Center restrooms and water fountain.

You Must Provide:

• A starter, such as matches or a lighter, and any kindling needed to start the fire.
• A signed Covid-19 Safety Precautions Waiver (waiver agreement is completed when booking online, you agree that you will ensure physical distancing between household groups and masking per current county guidelines)
• Marshmallows, roasting sticks, and any other food your group wishes to enjoy.
• Trash bags (you must pack out all trash).
• Someone to start the fire, and someone to watch the lit fire at all times.

Picnic Pavilion- open

Would you like to host an event with some shade or rain backup? The picnic pavilion is available sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. The pavilion is covered and includes six picnic tables; the capacity is approximately 40 people. This is an exclusive rental and is based on first come, first serve. If you would like to book with a fire ring the Oak Grove ring is close to the pavilion.
Fee: $25 per hour. Reservations must be made via Active Montgomery at least 2 weeks ahead of time.  There is a $50 Cancellation fee (see policy below).  We anticipate that Security/Damage/Cleaning Deposits and potential add on items will be available soon in the new system to help make your event a success.

Picnic Pavilion at LGNC

Program Room Rental (Temporarily Closed)

Groups may rent our Exhibit Room for private functions (dependent on staff availability and nature center scheduling).
Fee: $75 per hour. Full payment is due two weeks prior to the event.  Call the center to reserve.

Considerations for all Rentals:

Online Booking– Use the details here to choose your facility then follow this link Active Montgomery  (link opens to our facilities list) to pick your site and date, read the rules and initial then you can purchase and confirm your reservation.  Please Note reservations must be made 14 days in advance. Due to being short staffed, we cannot accommodate rentals under 14 days at this time. 

• Locust Grove Nature Center does not provide trash cans or trash pick up. All trash must be carried out. Disposing of food in fire rings or in the woods constitutes littering, and clean-up fees or fines may be assessed for trash or food left behind. All strings, signage, tape, and decorations must be removed at the end of the event.
• All fires must be completely out (cold) prior to leaving the site.  You should have your fire being put out when the naturalist checks in with your group a half hour before the end of your rental time to ensure it is cold and all other items are packed out by the end of your time.
• For the safety of area wildlife, balloons and piñatas are not allowed.
• Inclement Weather Policy:
  Locust Grove Nature Center encourages people to enjoy nature in all conditions. Events reserved in the Program Room take place rain or shine. Events scheduled at the Fire Rings or Picnic Pavilion may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

Cancellation Policy:

• The host facility reserves the right to cancel the rental due to hazardous weather or facility conditions including emergencies and power outages. If canceled by the host facility, every attempt will be made to reschedule the reservation. If client does not wish to reschedule a full refund will be granted.  The client may cancel for any reason. All cancellations/changes must be made in writing via email to the host facility. If the reservation is canceled at least two weeks in advance, the fee will be refunded less a $50 cancellation fee to cover administrative costs. If cancellation occurs less than two weeks in advance, there is no refund of fees. We offer a one-time transfer of date change. Transfer of date is subject to availability and IS NOT guaranteed.*These policies may be waived for extenuating circumstances like illness due to COVID. Please reach out to the host facility to discuss. We want everyone to be safe, even if that means rescheduling or cancelling a party or gathering.