🌲 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds: A Hidden Gem Facing Temporary Closures Published by: Fish Snatcher

🏕️ Our Love for Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds

As full-time content creators behind the Wherever We Land YouTube channel, my wife Nikki and I have a deep passion for van life, nature, and outdoor adventure. Some of our most peaceful, affordable, and scenic camping memories come from Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campgrounds.

From lakeside campsites to hidden forest escapes, these locations are a true blessing for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. But recently, we’ve noticed a troubling trend—temporary closures and reduced services due to staffing shortages and limited funding.

⚠️ Closures and Service Cuts: What’s Happening?

Across the United States, USACE campgrounds have been struggling to maintain full operations. Due to a combination of federal hiring challenges, seasonal staff shortages, and limited resources, some campgrounds are closing temporarily or offering reduced services such as:

Shortened operating seasons
Limited restroom or shower access
Closed visitor centers
Reduced reservation availability
Minimal maintenance or trash services

This is especially disheartening because these campgrounds serve as a low-cost, high-quality alternative to private campgrounds or overcrowded state parks.

🎥 Our Camping Adventures at USACE Campgrounds

Despite these recent challenges, we continue to support and camp at USACE locations whenever possible. We’ve documented several of these experiences on our channel. Watch some of our favorite moments below:

Each one of these videos highlights the serenity, space, and connection to nature we experience at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. These sites are often less crowded, more spacious, and significantly cheaper than most RV parks. We’ve camped with lakeside views, under starry skies, and near clean, well-maintained facilities—all for $20–$30 per night with electric hookups.

🌿 Why These Campgrounds Matter

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages over 400 lake and river projects nationwide, offering more than 90,000 campsites across 43 states. That’s over 30% of all federal recreation lands!

These sites are vital for:

Budget-conscious travelers and families
Van lifers and RVers like us
Nature lovers who prefer less commercialized spaces
Fishing and boating enthusiasts

Yet many travelers don’t realize the scope of what the Corps offers. Often, their campgrounds are nestled beside large lakes and rivers, offering prime access for recreation and breathtaking views—without the crowds and noise of busier parks.

🙏 What You Can Do to Support USACE Campgrounds

If you love camping, outdoor living, or simply want to preserve these hidden gems for future generations, here’s how you can help:

Book a stay at a USACE campground through Recreation.gov
Leave a positive review to promote awareness
Pack in, pack out—leave no trace and help maintain cleanliness
Respect seasonal closures and posted signage
Contact your local representatives to support federal park funding
Share content like ours to raise visibility and appreciation

💬 Our Message to Fellow Campers

We believe in the power of creation, peace, and the natural world to heal and inspire. That’s why we continue to create content that glorifies the beauty of God’s creation and encourages others to explore it responsibly. Our slogan is simple but powerful:

“God’s Got Us Wherever We Land.”

These campgrounds give us a place to reflect, pray, recharge, and connect deeply—with each other and with our Creator. Watching the sunrise from our van door or hearing the crackle of the fire at a Corps of Engineers site reminds us just how blessed we are.

📽️ Watch and Subscribe to Join the Journey

We invite you to follow our adventures as we document life on the road, share tips, and uncover the best places to stay. Start by watching some of our most loved USACE campground videos here:

👉 Subscribe to Wherever We Land and hit that notification bell to never miss an adventure!

🛠️ Final Thoughts

Yes, the temporary closures and service reductions are frustrating. But we believe in showing support, not frustration. Let’s be part of the solution by staying informed, speaking up, and continuing to use and appreciate these incredible public lands.

Whether you’re new to van life or a veteran camper, we hope our story inspires you to experience the serenity of USACE campgrounds—and to help preserve them for others. Don’t let the quiet beauty of these places fade away due to silence and neglect. Together, we can keep these natural treasures open and thriving.

Thanks for reading. We’ll see you down the road—Wherever We Land. 🚐💚

Wherever We Land