Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Veterans Day

By Doug GarmanNovember 1, 2021

Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees 
at recreation areas in observance of Veterans Day
Luke Johnson, a local area youth, demonstrates the proper wear of a personal flotation device while water skiing on Keystone Lake, Okla., Aug. 26, 2018. Anyone being towed by a watercraft on skis, wake boards or similar devices is required by law to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD. Operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Keystone Lake is located on the Arkansas River, approximately 15 miles west of Tulsa, Okla. Visitors to the lake who lose or forget to bring a PFD are encouraged to use life jacket loaner stations found at most beaches and recreation sites around the lake. If loaner vests are not available, visitors are encouraged to contact the nearest Park Ranger or gate attendant for assistance. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Edward N. Johnson ) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON – 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 Veterans Day, November 11.

The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.

Visitors are encouraged to contact USACE lake and river projects before visiting to ensure recreation areas are open. The status of USACE-managed campgrounds, boat ramps and swimming beaches and other sites is available at https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/status.cfm.

While visiting USACE recreation areas, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and other COVID-19 safety precautions required and recommended by local, state and federal authorities, to include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC guidance on visiting parks and recreation facilities can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html.

USACE began the Veterans Day fee waiver in 2006 as a way to honor the men and women who have served our nation and the armed forces.

USACE is one of the leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. It’s estimated that 90 percent of the USACE-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home.

To discover a USACE recreation site nearest you, please visit www.corpslakes.us, or www.recreation.gov.