IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District announces campgrounds at Coralville Lake will reopen June 1. Online reservations through www.recreation.gov are required for all sites and same day reservations are now permitted.
Restrooms, dump stations and playgrounds will be open while picnic shelters, beaches and the visitor center remain closed. Trash receptacles are also limited in many areas. Visitors should come prepared to carry-out their trash should no cans or dumpsters be available at a specific site.
In order to take precautions related to the pandemic, the check-in/check-out process at the campgrounds has changed. Reservations can no longer be made at the entrance stations and must be made online at www.recreation.gov or through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Vehicle hang tags will not be issued and campers will no longer need to place reservation cards in site posts.
To Check-In during posted operating hours:
1. Stop at entrance station but do not exit your vehicle. Do not go directly to site.
2. Talk to the attendant through the window or call the entrance station to verify reservation. Have your phone number and email ready to confirm your reservation.
3. If you do not have a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov to make one, then continue with instructions above.
If an attendant is not present or cannot be reached by phone:
1. Go to your reserved campsite and set up.
2. Call the entrance station during posted business hours to register.
To Check-Out:
1. All campers must vacate their campsite by 3 p.m. and there is no need to call or stop at the entrance station when leaving.
As a reminder, the Corps of Engineers has suspended the collection of day use fees for all Corps-managed swimming beaches and boat ramps until Oct. 1. and has extended the expiration date of USACE and America the Beautiful annual passes for seven months for those who previously purchased annual passes for the year.
The health and safety of our employees, contractors, volunteers and the visiting public remain our highest priority. While visiting recreation areas, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and other COVID-19 safety precautions required and recommended by local, state and federal authorities, to include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC guidance on visiting parks and recreation facilities can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html.
Visitors are advised that individual Corps of Engineers recreation areas may be closed again if it is determined that COVID-19 safety precautions are not being followed place the public, our employees, contractors/volunteers at risk as a result. Visitors are asked to help keep the recreation sites open by recreating responsibly and always wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
For more information on the status of recreation areas in the Rock Island District visit: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.