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 day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
1/4/2023
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 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,...
New lifetime pass available for Military Veterans and Gold Star Families to access public lands
11/10/2022
The Biden-Harris administration announced that starting on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and Gold Star Families can obtain a free lifetime pass to thousands of federal...

Did you know?

  • USACE is one of the nation's leading federal providers of outdoor recreation managing more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states.
  • USACE-managed waters provide 14 percent of all U.S. freshwater fishing.
  • 28,550 volunteers work 1.50 million hours annually at USACE projects.
  • Seven of the top 10 migratory bird flyways in the U.S. crossover USACE-managed waters.
  • USACE is responsible for 12 million acres of public lands and waters nationwide.
  • A visitor to USACE-managed recreation areas will find 41,188 miles of shoreline; 3,572 miles of trails; 91,583 campsites, and 3,713 boat ramps nationally.

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