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A small motorized boat with four passengers pulls another passenger on a tube.

Recreation

The 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!

 

Image of Gull Lake boat launch in October   Ranger hat on a picnic table
Recreation Openings
Find recreational opportunities, plan your trip, or check the current operational status of Corps properties.
 		  

Recreation Passes
Learn more and purchase Recreation Passes with this summary of what USACE sells and accepts.
 

 

RV parked at a camp site   Two rangers wearing life vests sitting in a boat
Recreation.gov
Visit the federal government's online portal for camping, permits, tours, and outdoor recreation reservations.
 		  

Water Safety
USACE's Water Safety Program provides boating, swimming, and life jacket safety resources.
 

Latest News

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of America’s 250th birthday celebration
6/24/2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in support of America’s 250th birthday celebration,...
J. Strom Thurmond Hurricane Helene Debris Mission, 2025 "Restoring Thurmond: Success Forged Through Trials and Tribulations"
6/22/2026
The J. Strom Thurmond Lake Project experienced extensive damage to all 51 USACE operated recreation areas as a result of Hurricane Helene's movement through the area in September 2025, including what...
USACE and FIND Outdoors Enter into CCSCMA at Carters Lake
6/16/2026
Carters Lake is demonstrating the value of innovative recreation partnerships through the first recreation season of the Challenge Cost Sharing Cooperative Management Agreement (CCSCMA) with FIND...
VIEW MORE

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.

Every Kid Outdoors

Every Kid Outdoors logoThe Every Kid Outdoors initiative is designed to provide all fourth grade students and their families with free admission to federal lands and water for a full year (September 1 - August 31). America's public lands and waters offer space to get outside and get active, and are living classrooms that provide opportunities to build critical skills through hands-on activities. This initiative's goal is to inspire the next generation to discover all that America's public lands and waters have to offer.

The initiative is an administration-wide effort among the National Park Service, Forest Service, Department of Education, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Every Kid Outdoors Website | Recreation.gov Every Kid Outdoors Page

  • A green vegetated area is viewed by a woman in a big straw hat, holding a camera up to her eye.
    A green vegetated area is viewed by a woman in a big straw hat, holding a camera up to her eye.
  • A patrol boat on Rend Lake that reads "Park Rangers, Rend Lake"
    A patrol boat on Rend Lake that reads "Park Rangers, Rend Lake"
  • A large RV is parked next to a picnic table on a concrete pad between a grassy area and a lake behind it.
    A large RV is parked next to a picnic table on a concrete pad between a grassy area and a lake behind it.
  • A large lake stands in the background of a wooded area under which people have set up a tent and chairs.
    A large lake stands in the background of a wooded area under which people have set up a tent and chairs.
  • A scenic primitive campsite with a tent.
    A scenic primitive campsite with a tent.
  • A man wearing a ranger shirt and USACE hat from behind, wearing a life jacket that reads Park Ranger.
    A man wearing a ranger shirt and USACE hat from behind, wearing a life jacket that reads Park Ranger.
  • Couple hiking on a nature trail stops to view wildlife.
    Couple hiking on a nature trail stops to view wildlife.
  • Multiple cars and RVs are parked along a wooded road.
    Multiple cars and RVs are parked along a wooded road.
  • Photo of a river with a rocky forested shore leading to a dam at sunset.
    Photo of a river with a rocky forested shore leading to a dam at sunset.
  • A man wearing sunglasses, hat, and a ranger outfit looks ahead.
    A man wearing sunglasses, hat, and a ranger outfit looks ahead.
  • A lake with trees in the background and green vegetation in the foreground.
    A lake with trees in the background and green vegetation in the foreground.
  • A single snowshoer walking through a wooded landscape with bare trees and trees with red leaves remaining.
    A single snowshoer walking through a wooded landscape with bare trees and trees with red leaves remaining.
  • A man wearing a park ranger shirt and USACE hat smiles at the camera.
    A man wearing a park ranger shirt and USACE hat smiles at the camera.
  • An RV parked next to a picnic table at a bright, wooded campsite.
    An RV parked next to a picnic table at a bright, wooded campsite.
  • A concrete area with a grill and picnic table, next to a grassy area, with clouds and a rainbow in the background.
    A concrete area with a grill and picnic table, next to a grassy area, with clouds and a rainbow in the background.
  • A small motorized boat with four passengers pulls another passenger on a tube.
    A small motorized boat with four passengers pulls another passenger on a tube.
  • Two women wearing park ranger shirts, hats, and sunglasses smile at the camera.
    Two women wearing park ranger shirts, hats, and sunglasses smile at the camera.
  • A family of four wearing bike helmets looks at posted signage between a lake and a grassy area, with bikes parked behind them.
    A family of four wearing bike helmets looks at posted signage between a lake and a grassy area, with bikes parked behind them.
  • An older man and woman hiking a nature trail.
    An older man and woman hiking a nature trail.