If you haven’t stayed at a COE campground or aren’t familiar with them, do yourself a favor and check them out.
The COE is part of the U.S. Army, and its primary responsibility is maintaining critical water infrastructure in the United States, including dams, levees, and harbors. It also helps protect wetlands and supports environmental restoration in these important natural areas. As if that weren’t enough, the COE also builds and maintains more than 450 campgrounds across the United States. COE campgrounds are typically located on or near large bodies of water and are wonderful places to camp for a night or longer. Because of their proximity to water, most offer boating, swimming, kayaking, or other water-related activities. I don’t stay in campgrounds often, but when I do, COE campgrounds are my first choice.
Finding COE Campgrounds
COE campgrounds can be found in 43 states, but they are most common in the South, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.You can certainly use Google to search for these campgrounds, but I typically use the Recreation.gov website or app to find and reserve sites. The filters on Recreation.gov make it easy to view COE locations and plan your travels accordingly. I purchased the Corps of Engineers Camping book from Amazon, and it provides a great visual resource for route and activity planning.
Booking Sites and Pricing
Booking COE campsites is very easy on the Recreation.gov website or app. Enter your location and travel dates, and you’ll find all the information you need to reserve a site. Most sites are reservable, but some are first come, first served. The more popular locations do book up early, so it’s important to plan ahead. I’ve never had an issue booking a site because my plans are very flexible. Weekends during camping season are usually the most difficult, so I plan around them.
Site pricing is very reasonable. The average cost of an overnight stay is between $20 and $25. If you have a National Park Senior Pass (for adults age 62 and older) or an Access Pass for people with permanent disabilities, you receive a 50% discount. I’ve paid as little as $8 per night for a full-hookup site with my Senior Pass. It’s a fantastic deal, and I take advantage of it whenever I can.
Campsite Amenities
With very few exceptions, COE campgrounds provide electric and water hookups. Many also have sewer connections at the site, and those that don’t usually offer easily accessible dump stations on-site. Potable water is typically available throughout the campground, and dumpsters are provided for trash disposal.
Many of the campgrounds have bathroom and shower facilities available as well. In my experience, these have been very well maintained and very clean. In addition to the amenities above, many campgrounds offer swimming beaches, playgrounds, fishing areas, and hiking or walking trails. Many also have boat ramps and docks for launching boats, kayaks, or canoes.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy camping near the water, appreciate quieter campgrounds, and want excellent value for your money, Corps of Engineers campgrounds are absolutely worth exploring. They’ve become some of my favorite places to stay during my travels, and I always keep an eye out for COE locations when planning a route across the country.
Whether you’re traveling in a van, camper, trailer, or large motorhome, there’s a good chance you’ll find a COE campground that fits your travel style.