Outpost Meadow Picnic Area
Enjoy a picnic with the family next to the Outpost nature playground.
Created as an extension of the Presidio Tunnel Tops Outpost nature playground and Field Station, Outpost Meadow provides space to gather, rest, and enjoy a meal.
The 1.5-acre site includes wheelchair accessible picnic tables, barbeque grills, stroller and bike parking, water fountains, a large lawn surrounded by gardens, and easy access to Presidio Pop Up food trucks. And it’s all against a Golden Gate Bridge backdrop!
Why We Love Outpost Meadow
Jump and climb at the Outpost playground and then take a break at this beautiful gathering space.
Accessibility at Outpost Meadow
More than half the picnic tables at Outpost Meadow are accessible with companion seating. Paths and paved surfaces are accessible. Accessible parking and drinking fountains are nearby.
Insider Tip
All picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis through October 2025. A reservation system (via reservation.gov) for some picnic tables will be rolled out in the fall (check back for details). More reservable tables are located nearby at Picnic Place at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
A Family-Friendly Place for a Picnic
We’ve expanded Presidio Tunnel Tops with more space for families and friends to picnic and play.
Picnic Tables, BBQs, & a Beautiful Lawn
Outpost Meadow offers seating for up to 240 people. Three picnic pods feature a total of 19 tables, half of which have companion seating. One pod has two double BBQ grills. Another six communal picnic tables, including four that are accessible, surround a large lawn. If you need to pick up a blanket or Frisbee, Presidio Sports Basement is right next door.
Forgot Your Picnic?
Presidio Pop Up food trucks are right next to Outpost Meadow so you can grab a meal or a snack. Sports Basement, right next door, also offer grab and go food.
Enjoy Art with Your Picnic
Coming Soon: Umbrellas feature playful images from the same artists who made the colorful ground murals at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Colorful Gardens
Outpost Meadow features 23,000 Presidio native plants and 4,000 drought-tolerant ornamentals Flowering plants Seaside Daisy, California Poppy, and California Lilac. Shade is provided by California Live Oaks and Torrey Pines.
By the People, for the People
Community groups helped shape Outpost Meadow’s design and operation. Feedback informed the picnic table reservation system, signage, food service, and activities.
- 1.5-acres
- 25 picnic tables
- 2 double grills
- 9 umbrellas with art
- 1 large lawn
- Two drinking fountains with pet bowl
- 23,000 native plants
- 4,000 ornamental plants
- 75 spaces for bicycle parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are available two months in advance via Recreation.gov at the following link: Outpost Meadow picnic Pods
Reservations can also be made by calling (877) 444-6777 daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day).
The maximum capacity for both Outpost Meadow Picnic Pods is 45 people. Only one (1) reservation per group at a time.
Each site at Outpost Meadow Picnic Pods has a different rate for weekdays and weekends:
Picnic Pod A – Tables and grills: $175 Monday through Friday, $300 Saturday/Sunday Picnic Pod B – Tables Only: $175 M – F, $300 Saturday/ Sunday
All reservations have a $75 security deposit. The deposit is automatically returned by Recreation.gov 14 days after your reservation date assuming all Terms and Conditions were followed.
Picnic Pod A – Tables and grills: two tables (6 feet) and three tables (8 feet)
Picnic Pod B – Tables Only: four tables (6 feet) and three tables (8 feet)
Yes, on leash dogs are allowed.
No, third-party vendors (e.g., catering, beverage service, food trucks, entertainers, rental services, etc.) are not allowed to provide services at the Outpost Meadow Picnic Site. A third-party vendor is defined as any individual, company, or organization that sells goods or provides a service to other businesses or consumers.
Yes, alcohol is allowed in accordance with 36 CFR § 1002.35.
At Outpost Meadow we’ve added shade structures to each pod to limit the amount of equipment needed to have a great time. Pop up tents are not allowed at the Outpost Meadow Picnic Pods. You’re allowed up to four (4) folding chairs or lawn chairs and one small table no larger than 4 ft by 4 ft.
You may decorate your picnic tables and should tape, weigh, or tie down any decorations. Tacking, nailing, and stapling of decorations to the tables is prohibited. Decorations on trees or other surrounding surfaces or vegetation is not allowed. Balloons, confetti, streamers, glitter, piñatas, water balloons, and other similar items are not allowed as they may harm wildlife.
Yes, bring your own charcoal; it’s not provided.
The nearest parking lot is located on Old Mason Street behind the Outpost Meadow Picnic Area. There are a few short-term loading zone spots along the first row of parking. Parking next to the Outpost Meadow is extremely limited. However, there are several other options for getting to Outpost Meadow, such as biking and public transit.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located inside Sports Basement and on the other side of the Outpost nature playground.
Yes, review the Terms and Conditions for Picnic Reservations at The Presidio.
No, stakes of any kind are not allowed. They can cause damage to the lawn, irrigation systems, and gopher wire.
Sports Basement offers bike rentals. There are also Bay Wheels Bike Share stations near Crissy Field Center and Presidio Transit Center.
Restroom are located near the Field Station and at Sports Basement.
Yes! We highly recommend you schedule your visit to the Outpost Playground and Field Station so we can be prepared to support a great experience. For details, visit the Youth Group Visits to Presidio Tunnel Tops page.
