Corps of Engineers Campgrounds – Cheap Camping on the Water!

Since even before the turn of the 19th century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serve as masters of civil and military engineering with a long list of major key functions and responsibilities.

Because COE (abbreviated for Corps of Engineers) are essentially a division of the U.S. Army, they provide engineering, construction and infrastructure improvements on military installations worldwide in support of our national defense.

The Army Corps’ diverse workforce of 34,600 civilian and 650 military members (2023) meets the constant demands of technology, changing times and requirements as a vital part of America’s Army.

They are the leaders in support, development and engineering infrastructure, environmental restoration, water source management and aiding in disaster response and recovery.

The Army Corps plans, designs, constructs and maintains civil engineering projects of waterways including flood control systems, dams, levees and canals nationwide. 

And, maintaining over 700 dams and waterways, COE plays a huge part in a network of port and waterway transportation, navigation and commerce.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers most notable projects:

• • • Hoover Dam
    • The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Projects
    • Mississippi River and Tributaries Project
    • Mississippi River Lock and Dam System
    • New Orleans Hurricane Protection System
    • Everglades Restoration
    • Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration
    • St. Lawrence Seaway Project
    • Savannah Harbor Expansion

The Corps also provides emergency response in flood control, repairing infrastructure and disaster recovery assistance when and where needed. COE also provides ongoing restoration and revitalization projects, such as bridges, roads, airports and buildings, worldwide as part of humanitarian efforts.

The Army Corps of Engineers are also facilitators of restoring, preserving and managing our natural resources, wetlands, habitats and ecosystems that are impacted by civil works projects.

But reason for writing this article, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides over 400 river and lake projects in the United States. Thus, offering amazing outdoor recreation opportunities on the water and on land!

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Outdoor Recreation Contributions

Recreationally, COE campgrounds are a byproduct of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission. The federal agency offers an amazing collection of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Since their primary focus in the United States during peace time is water environment management, COE creates and manages recreational facilities and campgrounds where citizens can relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Breaking it down nationwide, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the nation’s leading federal providers of outdoor recreation. The USACE manages and stewards (2023):

• • • 2,850 USACE-operated recreation areas
    • 41,188 miles of shoreline
    • 7,825 miles of trails
    • 94,565 campsites
    • 3,735 boat ramps
    • 400 lake & river projects in 43 states
    • 12 million acres of public lands and waters at hundreds of water resources projects in the entire U.S.

From building the campsites, playgrounds, bathroom facilities, fishing areas, boat ramps, safe swimming areas and hiking trails, you can see why COE parks are amongst the best in America!

Of course, we learn about wonderful places to camp simply by word of mouth. Whether it’s sitting around the picnic table or circling around the campfire, you can learn where exceptional campgrounds are that offer more than just camping!

But, since we’re talking about Corps of Engineers campgrounds, here’s some tried and true camping resources where you can get the skinny on Corps parks. 

Corps Lakes Gateway

The Corps Lakes Gateway is where you can plan your camping trip to your favorite COE campground or find one on your route. It’s the gateway to outdoor recreation opportunities at Corps parks nationwide.

You can find campgrounds by state. Once you get to the campground you wish to visit, it will list recreation activities and other info to make the most of your outdoor experience.

Also, there’s also a COE free PDF booklet that lists Corps parks in each state and what’s recreation opportunities at each.

Recreation.gov

Like the U.S. National Parks, the Army Corps of Engineers park reservation system is managed through Recreation.gov. Search for federal campgrounds and recreational facilities by name and location. 

How much does it cost to camp at COE campgrounds?

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds can cost anywhere from about $20 upwards to $40 or $50 per night depending on location.

But, if you have a National Park America the Beautiful Senior Pass, Golden Age or Access Pass, you get a 50% discount off of your camping fees and free admission for day use.

Unfortunately, other America the Beautiful passes do not get discounts on camping.

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What do Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer besides camping?

The USACE provides tons of outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities. COE Campgrounds aren’t just a place to park your RV or tent camp.

You can do most anything under the sun at a Army Corps of Engineers Recreational Facilities! Day-use passes (non-camping) usually start at about $5 per day.

• • • Hiking & Backpacking Trails
    • Mountain Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching
    • Hunting & Fishing
    • Motorboating & Waterskiing
    • Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboarding
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Windsurfing
    • Picnic Areas & Playgrounds
    • Photography
    • Stargazing
    • Educational Programs
    • Scouting
    • Group Events
    • +More depending on location

What are COE Day Use Fees?

Based on what’s available at each park, day use fees may vary individually based on what activities are available at the park. Typical day use fees range about $5-10 per day. 

As discussed above, the National Park America the Beautiful Annual or Lifetime Senior Pass, Golden Age Pass or Access Pass grants free entrance for day use at any COE park facilities, at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation sites.

America the Beautiful Senior Pass or Access Pass holders also receive 50% off camping when they reserve their campsite (it will require your pass #).

For Active Duty Military members, we encourage you to get your free America the Beautiful Military pass for free entry into any COE park. However, there is no discount on camping fees.

That said, if you are preparing for or returning after deployment, you may find the COE offering a free campsite based on availability if you call a particular Corps Park.

With all passes, the pass owner with photo ID needs to be present when entering a park. Travel companions in the same vehicle can be admitted as long as one of the passholders is present with valid identification.

Also, there are a few designated free days when day use fees at Army Corps parks aren’t collected (does not apply to camping).

Be aware, there may be a small charge for some amenities and added programs at some COE parks.

Now, If you’re camping overnight at a Corps Park, you do not have to pay day use fees as your campsite fee includes the privilege of recreating there as well.

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