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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The Golden Age and Golden Access Passports have been replaced by the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes.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

Lake Shelbyville 4th of July Fireworks Parking and Holiday Festivities
6/26/2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is gearing up for the 4th of July at Lake Shelbyville. Fireworks will be launched on July 4th at dusk from Ramp Point, located in Dam West Recreation Area. Lake...
Community Cove Welcomes New Kayak Launch and Pollinator Field
6/25/2025
The area of public lands designated as Dam West High Water Boat Ramp, commonly referred to as “Community Cove”, recently acquired a new kayak launch and pollinator plots through various partnerships...
Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration
6/10/2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,600 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16,...
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Commercial Concession Opportunity at Carlyle Lake
6/10/2025
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...
Enjoy a Safe and Fun Summer at Carlyle Lake
5/19/2025
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is excited to welcome visitors to Carlyle Lake for another recreation season. Carlyle Lake is the perfect destination for a variety...
Rend Lake Dam West Boat Ramp Closed for Special Event May 1 & 2, 2025
4/28/2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project will temporarily close public access to Dam West Boat Ramp and Recreation Area from sunrise to 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2. This...

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