Recreation Overview

USACE Ranger with mask providing life jacketsThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the nation's leading federal providers of outdoor recreation with more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states. Visitors of all ages can enjoy traditional activities like hiking, boating, fishing, camping and hunting, and for those slightly more adventurous there is snorkeling, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and geo-caching.  Regardless of your favorite outdoor activity one thing is certain, recreation enriches people's lives.  A visit to an Army Corps of Engineers' recreation area can strengthen family ties and friendships; create unforgettable memories and connect people to nature that will last a lifetime.

With 90 percent of our recreation areas located within 50 miles of a major metropolitan center, there is a Corps site near you. We invite you to visit us!

Latest News

Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 23
9/18/2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will waive day use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of...
Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration
6/6/2023 UPDATED
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,850 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16,...

Did you know?

  • USACE is one of the nation’s leading federal providers of outdoor recreation welcoming 260 million visitors annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states.
  • Visitors to USACE-managed recreation areas will find 41,188 miles of shoreline, 7,825 miles of tails, 94,565 campsites, and 3,735 boat ramps nationally.
  • With 90 percent of USACE lake and river projects within 50 miles of major metropolitan centers, our recreation areas offer a diversity of outdoor opportunities close to home.
  • Seven of the top 10 migratory bird flyways in the U.S. crossover USACE-managed waters.
  • USACE lake and river projects generate annual visitor spending of about $14.5 billion that support local economies.
  • It is estimated that 120,000 Americans work at jobs supporting visitors to USACE lake and river projects associated with the outdoor recreation industry as well as restaurants, hotels, marinas and other businesses related to tourism.

For more facts on the USACE Recreation Program, please visit Fast Facts.

Status on Recreation Openings
Recreation Passes
Recreation.gov 
Water Safety

Recreation Photos

Corps employee providing directions on a map
Corps employees unveiling a Native Pollinators information board, part of a Scout Project
Visitors Exploring an Interpretive Topographic Map of a Mountainous Region of Hawaii
Child in a Raft in USACE Tulsa District
Coastal Life Jacket Giveaway
Ranger and Students Wearing Masks and Viewing Animals
Bobber the Water Safety Dog and Huntington District Park Ranger Lisa Hess handed out Bobber Fishing Gaiters and bookmarks to all the students Dec. 17, 2020 at Burnsville Elementary, during their visit with Santa, today at the Burnsville Community Center! 
Please remember to wear your masks and maintain a social distancing!
Cub Scouts at Grapevine Lake
Cub Scouts at Grapevine Lake
Tubing Behind a Boat on a Lake
RVs in a Wooded Campground
New Dock on a Serene Lake
Kayaking Sojourn