National Mall

Manager: National Park Service
Designation: Special Designation Area
Size: 167 acres
Region: District of Columbia

Mushroom harvest rules

Restricted

US National Parks (National Park Service)

Removing plants is prohibited in national parks unless the superintendent allows it. Gathering is limited to items the park designates, and mushrooms are not named in the rule, so ask the park first.

36 CFR 2.1(a) prohibits possessing, removing or disturbing plants or their parts. Under 2.1(c) a superintendent may allow hand gathering of certain fruits, berries, nuts or unoccupied seashells for personal use or consumption, within limits the park sets. Sale or commercial use of natural products is prohibited. The regulation does not name mushrooms, so whether they are allowed depends on the park's written designation or compendium.

Official source: eCFR: 36 CFR 2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources

Last verified: November 11, 2026

Rules change. Confirm with the land manager before you pick.

See the foraging laws for District of Columbia.