ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District announces campgrounds managed by the Mississippi River Project will reopen June 1 with the exception of Grant River in Potosi, Wisconsin. Online reservations through www.recreation.gov are required for all sites and same day reservations are now permitted.
All public restroom/shower facilities, boat ramps and trails will be open to visitors. Use of playgrounds may vary by location depending on state regulation. For detailed information about Mississippi River Project areas visit: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Mississippi-River-Project/Recreation/Recreation-Area-Status/.
In order to take precautions related to the pandemic, the check-in/check-out process at the campgrounds has changed. Reservations can no longer be made at the entrance stations and must be made online at www.recreation.gov or via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Vehicle hang tags will also not be issued and campers will no longer need to place reservation cards in site posts.
To Check-In:
1. Stop at entrance station but do not exit your vehicle. Do not go directly to site.
2. Call the entrance station to verify reservation. Have your phone number and email ready to confirm your reservation.
3. If you do not have a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov to make one, then continue with instructions above.
If an attendant is not present or cannot be reached by phone:
1. Go to your reserved campsite and set up.
2. Call the entrance station during posted business hours to register.
To Check-Out:
1. All campers must vacate their campsite by 4 p.m. and there is no need to call or stop at the entrance station when leaving.
As a reminder, the Corps of Engineers has suspended the collection of day use fees for all Corps-managed boat ramps until Oct. 1, and has extended the expiration date of USACE and America the Beautiful annual passes for seven months for those who previously purchased annual passes for the year.
The health and safety of our employees, contractors, volunteers and the visiting public remain our highest priority. While visiting recreation areas, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and other COVID-19 safety precautions required and recommended by local, state and federal authorities, to include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC guidance on visiting parks and recreation facilities can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html.
Visitors are advised that individual Corps of Engineers recreation areas may be closed again if it is determined that COVID-19 safety precautions are not being followed and the public could be put at risk as a result. Visitors are asked to help keep the recreation sites open by recreating responsibly and always wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
For more information on the status of recreation areas in the Rock Island District visit: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.