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Recreation Overview


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation.  Its 422 lake and river projects in 43 states provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities. 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 more than 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!

Did you know?

  • The Army Corps of Engineers hosts 370 million visits annually to its recreation areas.
  • Corps-managed waters provide 33 percent of all U.S. freshwater fishing.
  • 59,000 volunteers work 1.9 million hours annually at Corps projects-- providing $37.5 million in value of service.
  • Seven of the top 10 migratory bird flyways in the U.S. crossover Corps-managed waters.
  • The Corps manages 12 million acres of public lands and waters nationwide.
  • A visitor to Corps recreation areas can find 55,000 milies of shoreline; 4,500 miles of trails; 90,000 campsites and 3,400 boat launch ramps nationally.