Camping for Everyone
Whether you're in the military or not, the campgrounds run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have something for everyone.
- Water sports: Because every campground is located on the water, campers can boat, canoe, fish and swim.
- Fishing: There are over 20,000 fishing tournaments within the Corps recreation areas. Plan a camping trip around these events.
- Year-round availability: "Take a map and in the lower third of the United States, many of our campgrounds are open year-round," according to Persio. Plan a winter camping trip at this Corps-run campground in Clear Springs, Texas. Though most of the northern areas shut down after Labor Day, others stay open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice-skating.
- Close to metropolitan areas: Nearly 90 percent of the Corps camping areas are located near a major metropolitan area. This makes it easy to escape for a short weekend trip, which Persio believes is the reason their recreation areas are as popular as they are.
- Hiking: Though water is a primary draw, these camping areas have over 7,000 miles of trails to explore.
More: Camping Activities for Your Next Outing
Whether you take a day trip or pack your bags for a weekend camping vacation, give these recreational areas a try.
Twin Lakes, South Carolina
Open Year-Round
This large waterfront campground sits on Hartwell Lake, with nearly 56,000 acres of water for campers to boat, swim and fish in. Stay on land and explore a variety of shoreline trails for hiking and biking, with stunning views of the water and surrounding forest landscape. Almost every campsite is located on the water, so be sure to request a waterfront site.
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Plymouth Park, Washington
Open April 1 to October 30
Located on an island in the Columbia River, this campground offers a unique camping adventure. The park is filled with towering Russian olive trees, tall fields of sage, and plenty of green space where you can pitch your tent. The park, known for exquisite stargazing, is the perfect spot to look for constellations and count shooting stars.
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Bailey's Point, Kentucky
Open April 18 to October 25
This Kentucky campground is the largest Corps campground on the Barren River Lake, and offers spacious lakeside campsites. When you're not relaxing around the campsite, enjoy private coves along the shoreline where you can swim and boat, or explore the C.E. Rager Nature Trail and the Robert Foster Hiking Trail.
Reserve a Campsite
More: How to Bond With Your Kids While Camping
Find a Campground at ReserveAmerica.com.
