Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds are affordable, well-maintained and publicly owned campgrounds managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Due to their unique history (which we’ll get into below), they’re also almost always along beautiful reservoirs, lakes, rivers and other waterways — so along with all their other perks, they’re pretty, too.
In short, Army COE campgrounds are a way to enjoy beautiful natural scenery without paying an arm and a leg, and many of them have electric and water hookups (and occasionally even full hookups), making them a dreamy choice for RVers. Below, we’ll walk you through what exactly these campgrounds are and how they came to be, why RVers love them so much, and tips for crafting your own perfect Army CEO campground camping trip.
What Are Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds?
First things first: what, exactly, does the Army have to do with campgrounds? Or engineering, for that matter?
The Army Corps of Engineers (COE) dates all the way back to 1775, when George Washington approved the appointment of military engineers who aided in the Revolutionary War. Then, in 1802, Congress formally established the COE, which was in charge of building coastal defensive forts, canals and harbors, as well as engineering navigational improvements along rivers and other waterways. Basically, if it had to do with moving water around, the Army COE was on it.
In the 1900s, the Corps had another big project to manage — flooding. The agency built dams, becoming a major provider of hydroelectric energy, and was also charged with responding to natural disasters. However, all of those reservoirs and waterfronts weren’t just good for creating electricity and providing drinking water. They were also beautiful, natural recreation areas. (And, yes, this is why so many of these campgrounds are located along waterfronts!)
Today, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are federally managed campgrounds located near lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They’re known for spacious RV sites, scenic waterfront locations, and affordable camping.
There are hundreds of Army COE campgrounds across more than 40 U.S. states. Like state park campgrounds, these campgrounds often offer a perfect combination of affordability and comfort, all with a stunning waterside backdrop to boot.
Why RV Travelers Love COE Campgrounds
Given what we’ve discussed so far, it’s probably no surprise to you that RVers love COE campgrounds. Who doesn’t want a waterside camping spot with hookups for as little as $10 per night?
But there are even deeper reasons these campsites are perfectly suited to RV travelers. These include:
Spacious RV Sites
If you’ve camped widely, you know that some older state parks and other locations have smaller slots that can be a little tough for modern campers. Although Army COE campgrounds began being built back in the 1940s, many of them were expanded and finalized throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, which means they often feature larger sites than many other types of campgrounds.
This makes it easier for larger RVs like fifth wheel travel trailers and Class A motorhomes. It also means that you have more privacy and space to play with as far as setting up outdoor furniture and games.
Scenic Waterfront Camping
The unsung hero of the Army COE campground (and one of the things that truly differentiates it from other publicly owned options): the lakes, reservoirs and rivers that they all lie along. Waterfront camping expands your opportunities for fun since it means easy access for boating, fishing, swimming, and other picture perfect summer activities. Even in the winter, it’s just plain beautiful.
Affordable Nightly Rates
These days, private waterfront parks often fetch something like $75 to $100 per night for a full-hookup campsite. While many Army COE campgrounds only offer partial hookups, when you’re looking at $10 to $30 per night, it’s well worth having to visit a dump station on the way out!
Note: While your standard America the Beautiful Pass doesn’t include Army COE campgrounds, those who hold an Interagency Senior pass or Access pass can score a 50% campsite fee discount at eligible COE campground sites.
What Amenities Do COE Campgrounds Offer?
A comfortable camping trip is all about the amenities — and Army COE campgrounds deliver. While specific amenities will vary at each individual campground (and you should check ahead of time if you have your heart set on a specific place or a specific amenity), many COE campgrounds offer:
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Dump stations
- Restrooms and showers
- Boat ramps
- Picnic tables and fire rings
In other words, you’ll find pretty much everything you need to have a comfortable camping experience, plus a little bit of extra fun.
How to Reserve an Army Corps Campground
These days, the easiest way to reserve your Army COE campground is online. You can do so at reacreation.gov. Simply search for the campground you have in mind, enter your prospective dates, and choose a site. You’ll also be able to see any included amenities at the site, such as electric or water hookups.
You can also call to reserve at 1 (877) 444-6777. Sites are reservable up to 180 days in advance.
Along with reservable sites, many Army COE campgrounds offer first-come, first-served campsites that are set aside specifically for people who just show up. However, you’ll likely have more luck attaining one of those campsites if you show up relatively early, especially during busy travel times like summer.
Pro Tip: While, as mentioned above, many Army COE campgrounds feature larger campsites than older state parks, it’s still true that some sites may have length restrictions. If you’re traveling in a larger RV, always double-check any size requirements at the specific site you’re looking at before finalizing your booking.
Tips for RV Camping at COE Campgrounds
Ready to take your own Army COE campground adventure? You pretty much can’t go wrong — especially if you follow these simple tips.
- Book early. We’ve said it before, and we’ll doubtless say it again, especially when you’re camping at affordable public campgrounds during peak travel season.
- Verify RV length restrictions. As mentioned, these campgrounds tend to have bigger sites, but there are always exceptions.
- Confirm amenities, like hookups, before arrival. No water? No big deal… as long as you remember to fill up your potable water tank and empty your black and gray tanks before you settle in.
- Prepare for limited wifi. Many of these campgrounds don’t offer site-wide internet, and many may even be out of cell signal range. While having an emergency satellite phone can be a comfort, it can also be great to totally unplug and remember what it’s like to read a book cover to cover in a weekend.
- Bring leveling blocks. They should always be on your list, but they can come in extra handy at certain Army COE campgrounds!
Army COE Campgrounds: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Many Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds have RV-friendly hookups like water and electricity, along with sites that are large enough to host even the biggest RVs. Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules, so you’ll want to double-check length restrictions as well as included amenities when you make your reservation.
Sometimes. Most Army COE campgrounds offer partial hookups — water and electricity. (You’ll want to double-check the amperage, too, as many only offer 30 amps and not 50.) Army COE sites with full hookups (including sewer) are rarer, but not impossible to find. However, many of the campgrounds that don’t offer full hookups do offer dump stations, so it’s an easy workaround.
It varies, but many Army Corps campsites go for between $10 and $30 per night, with some going as high as $50. Even the highest priced Army Corps campgrounds, though, are often far more affordable than similar privately owned campgrounds, which regularly go for $75 to $100 per night. And yes, they usually do offer at least partial hookups.
Yes, the vast majority of COE campgrounds allow pets, provided they’re well behaved, leashed and that owners and animals follow other posted rules. There may be exceptions, so it’s always worth double-checking the specific campground you’re thinking about.
It depends, but yes, in many cases, Army COE campgrounds offer sites that are spacious enough even for large RVs and travel trailers. However, you’ll always want to double check length restrictions not just at the campground, but at the specific site you’re booking.
For a camping trip that combines gorgeous scenery, spacious sites and great value, Army COE campgrounds are hard to beat — especially when you travel in an RVshare rental. Our nationwide fleet of peer-owned RVs gives you access to the widest range of types, sizes and footprints, all at prices built for any budget. We can’t wait to hear where your adventure takes you!
