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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.

News

Bald eagles roost in Westrick Park at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' managed The Dalles Lock and Dam at Lake Celilo in The Dalles, Oregon. The project's close proximity to the Columbia River offers an excellent food source to the eagles. Photo by Amber Tilton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Dalles Lock and Dam welcomes raptor (and human) visitors during Eagle Watch 2013
1/30/2013
Nestled between Oregon and Washington is the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, home to year-round resident bald eagles and temporary host to hundreds more eagles that winter there. As northern rivers and lakes freeze over and animals go into hibernation, food sources become scarce and the eagles migrate to the Gorge.

Warrior hunt at BA Steinhagen Lake nets monster gator for recovering Soldiers, veterans
10/2/2012
Poe and Boorse, along with retired Staff Sgt. William Bighouse and former U.S. Marine Cpl. Cody E. Hammer, took part in a wounded warrior alligator hunt hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Pineywoods Ecosystem Project and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District’s Town Bluff Project Office.

Army Corps of Engineers waives day-use fees on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 29
9/18/2012
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will waive day-use fees at its more than 2,400 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day, Sept. 29. On this day, fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches will be waived. USACE does not charge entrance fees to its parks.

Recreation Photos

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Campers at Applegate Cove
Refurbished dock at Applegate Cove on R.S. Kerr.
Water tubing on R.S. Kerr
A park ranger demonstrates how to properly wear a life jacket.
Wear your life jacket!
Fishing for Flathead Catfish at Marion Reservoir.
Child in Raft
Richey Cove Beach
WASHINGTON -- As part of President Obama’s initiative to fuel the economy and create jobs by promoting travel and tourism, the administration today announced a new design, improved navigation tools and expanded content for Recreation.Gov, the interagency website that guides visitors to 90,000 sites on federal lands such as national parks, wildlife refuges, waterways, forests and recreation areas.
DENISON, Texas — Tommy Holder (left), and Josh Wingfield, both park rangers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District, along with Student Conservation Association intern Matt Mueller pose with a group of children who have learned about water safety at Lake Texoma. The Tulsa District has teamed with Wendy

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