USACE Recreation Fee Changes

Johnston, Iowa - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Washington D.C. has implemented changes in the recreation day use fees charged for boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. These fees were last changed in 2002 and are adjusted to be comparable to fees charged by other local providers with similar facilities and services.  Changes were effective January 1^st and will impact the 2016 recreation season.

Payment of the day use fee entitles the user to launch a boat or use any developed swimming beach at any USACE-operated recreation area for that day. Day use fee changes are as follows:

- $5.00 will be charged per private non-commercial vehicle.

- $2.00 per adult for walk-in or bike-in.

- $20.00 will be charged per bus or commercial vehicle.

- Children under the age of 16 are not charged a day use fee.

USACE Annual Passes are now $40.00, which permits the holder and accompanying passengers the daily use of facilities managed by USACE for one calendar year. 

America the Beautiful Interagency passes are now being sold at over 240 USACE projects across the country. These include senior, access, annual, military, and Every Kid in a Park passes. The senior and access passes now allow pass holders to utilize USACE day use areas free of charge rather than at a discounted price. Pass holders are still able to use the pass for discounts while camping. Golden Age and Golden Access passports are still valid and may be replaced by America the Beautiful Senior or Access Passes at no cost.

At Saylorville Lake, passes can be purchased Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM at the Saylorville Lake Administration Office (5600 NW 78^th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131) or at the campground entrance stations while they are open May - September.

USACE is the nation’s largest federal provider of outdoor recreation, managing more than 400 lakes and river projects in 43 states and hosting more than 370 million visits per year. With 90 percent of these recreation areas within 50 miles of metropolitan areas they provide a diverse range of outdoor activities close to home and to people of all ages.