Reserve a Shelter

Open-air shelters available for your exclusive use

Open-air shelters make excellent settings for functions – from casual barbecues to weddings, from birthday parties to family reunions. Shelters are located in beautiful, natural settings and come with tables and mowed play areas. Some include electricity, water, grills and other amenities. Most shelters accommodate 35 people; several are much larger. All are ranger-patrolled, quiet and designed to offer a degree of privacy. By making advanced reservations, your group will be guaranteed use of the site. Get your shelter permit today!

    Other Ways to Reserve

    Call: 937-275-7275

    Mon. – Fri., 8 AM – 5 PM
    Sat. – Sun., 10 AM – 5 PM (Apr.-Oct.)
    Sat. – Sun., 11 AM – 4 PM (Nov.-Mar.)

    Cash & check payments must be made in person at our headquarters:
    409 E. Monument Ave., Third Floor
    Dayton, OH 45402
    Mon. – Fri., 9 AM – 4 PM

    Availability & Pricing

    Fees vary by shelter, day of week, time of year, and services requested. Pricing starts at $25. The standard rental period for a shelter is a flexible 6-hour block between 10 AM and park closing in all parks. Additional hours may be purchased. Payment is due at time of reservation.

    Shelter rentals are available daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) during park hours. Reservations must be made a minimum of 4 days in advance with a maximum advance booking of one year from today’s date. Alcoholic beverages are allowed at shelters with an alcohol permit for an additional $28 fee.

    Learn about discounts for local non-profit, educational and government institutions.

    Due to the threat of invasive species, do not bring firewood to any MetroPark facility.

    Group or Organization Outdoor Events and Permits
    Would your group or organization like to hold an outdoor event (such as a race, an orienteering event, a festival or a hike) at one of our locations? Visit our Special Use Permits page, or call 937-275-PARK (7275) to find out how to get started!

    Picnicking without a reservation

    If a reservation notice isn’t posted in a shelter, it is available at no charge on a first come, first served basis. In addition to shelters, green space with picnic areas are available at most MetroParks facilities for spontaneous get-togethers.

    View our Shelter Permits Statement of Policies

    Get Out & Camp!

    Spend a night sleeping under the stars.

    email@metroparks.org

    937-275-7275

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