USACE launches new website after closing dozens of recreation areas
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) launched its Recreation Operational Status website to keep the public informed about the operational status of USACE recreation areas nationwide.
This comes after the USACE announced in April that dozens of campsites across the Midwest would close on May 15.
Campgrounds and visitor centers at federal lakes are closing amid Trump's budget cuts
You can visit the website and click on any state for the current overall status of a recreation area – and for the status of campgrounds, boat ramps and beaches owned and operated by the USACE within the area.
You can visit the new website by clicking here.
'The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages staffing for our recreation mission to ensure we meet the needs of nearly 2,600 recreation areas across 400 lakes and waterways,' said Stephen L. Hill, USACE director of Operations and Regulatory Programs.
'Public safety and service quality continue to be our highest priorities. As we manage available resources, some sites may experience reduced operations or temporary closures. These difficult decisions are based on our ability to ensure visitors have a safe and consistent experience.
'These decisions are not made lightly because we understand the importance of USACE recreation areas to the public and their vacation plans, especially during the summer season.'
Campsites, recreation areas across Kansas and Missouri to close in May, Army says
The new website shows the status of recreation areas and associated campgrounds, boat ramps and beaches as either fully operational, partially open or closed. The USACE said the website will be regularly updated with any status changes.
USACE districts are maximizing available staff resources to keep recreation sites at least partially open and to ensure that the full closure of any site is a last resort, the USACE said.
Visitors are encouraged to check the current operational status of USACE recreation areas for any restrictions or safety alerts prior to visiting.
The website does not include information about the status of state-, local- or vendor-operated parks, campgrounds, marinas or other facilities located on USACE project lands. The public will need to contact those facilities for information regarding their operating status.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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