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Civil Works Recreation

Recreation Overview

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 Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday
6/9/2026
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 observance of its birthday, June 16...
Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Presidents Day
1/27/2026
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 observance of Presidents Day, February 16...
Army Corps of Engineers celebrates World Ranger Day July 31
7/22/2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will recognize World Ranger Day July 31. This annual worldwide celebration commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and celebrates the work rangers...
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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