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St. Louis District Recreation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation. The St. Louis District also operates and maintains five lakes and their associated recreational areas. These lakes, which serve a variety of purposes ranging from flood protection and recreation to potable water supply and hydroelectricity, average over 10 million visitors a year.Visitors of all ages can enjoy traditional activities like hiking, biking, fishing, camping and hunting, and for those slightly more adventurous there is windsurfing, disc golf, mountain biking and geo-caching. Regardless of your favorite activity one thing is certain, recreation enriches people's lives. A visit to an Army Corps of Engineers' recreation area can strengthen family ties and friendships; create unforgettable memories and connect people to nature that will last a lifetime.

Federal Recreation Passes


Golden Age and Golden Access Passports

The Golden Age and Golden Access Passports have been replaced by the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes. The requirements to obtain the new Senior and Access passes remain the same (Senior: U.S. citizen 62 years old or older - Access: U.S. citizen legally blind or permanently disabled).


The existing Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are still valid and do not need to be replaced.


An America the Beautiful (AtB) pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The Senior passes and the Access pass can also be used at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers locations to receive a 50% discount on camping fees for the pass holder.

Please remember when making your purchase that Interagency Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, cannot be extended and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

For more information visit: Recreation Passes

Latest News Releases

Carlyle Lake Facilities Opening Soon
3/23/2026
Spring has arrived, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities at Carlyle Lake will soon open for the 2026 recreation season. This includes the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, campgrounds,...
Volunteers Needed for Fish Habitat Improvement Projects at Carlyle Lake
3/9/2026 UPDATED
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Carlyle Lake Education Habitat and Preservation (CLEHP) group and community volunteers, will host two volunteer workdays in March to improve...
Applications open for 36th annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters and Wounded Warriors
3/9/2026
The 36th Annual Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wolf Creek State Park will be held Nov.20 through Nov. 22, 2026.Applications are available at the...
Kaskaskia Eagle Fest Set for March 7 at Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam
2/17/2026
The Kaskaskia River Project will host Kaskaskia Eagle Fest on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, 4800 Lock and Dam Road, Modoc...
Forrest W. “Bo” Wood Area Temporarily Closed
2/12/2026
The Bo Wood Recreation Area will be closed February 17 through February 20. This closure includes the entire area, including the entrance road, dog park, and boat ramp. Access will not be permitted...
St. Louis District announces commercial concession opportunity at Carlyle Lake
1/14/2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, is pleased to announce an exciting commercial concession opportunity at Carlyle Lake, Illinois’ largest man-made lake. The Corps of Engineers is...

Recreation Area Operation Status

Recreation Around the District

Lost on the Lake

This is a powerful seven minute testimonial video that can save your life or the life of someone you love. It is targeted for a mature audience. Produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Operations Center for Water Safety in cooperation with the Brian and Nathan Keese Family.

Reservations

Water Safety

Volunteer