We take the extra time to craft your VanLeigh Fifth Wheel with the greatest attention to detail.
We like to approach our work with a quality-over-quantity attitude.
Article and Photos by: Steve Blume, Tiffin Ambassador
Looking around at all the mature trees, the lakefront view, and the enormous, spacious site, I felt a sense of guilt. We were about to leave Gunter Hill Campground in Montgomery, AL, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, and had paid only $15 per night for this 50-amp site. Slides in, jacks up, and my walk-around complete, I inched our Tiffin slowly forward down what felt like a long, paved runway toward the street to hook up our tow and continue our journey. The regular rate was $30, but our lifetime ‘America The Beautiful’ pass not only offers free admission to national parks, but also 50% off COE campsites. My rate was so low that I felt like I had stolen something as we pulled out!
It’s hard to believe, but I know people who have never stayed at a COE campground. Admit it; the name is confusing if you don’t understand who they are. First, “Army” makes it sound exclusively military, and “Corps of Engineers” sounds like a whole bunch of them. What does that have to do with campgrounds?
If you’ve ever camped at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, you already know the secret: Some of the best waterfront campsites in the country come at a price that won’t break the bank. With over 450 campgrounds across 43 states, most nestled along lakes and reservoirs, COE campgrounds offer a front-row seat to nature. They also manage over 2,850 recreation areas. Expect nice, spacious sites, peaceful surroundings, and well-maintained bathhouses and facilities—without the crowds and high costs of private campgrounds. Are they luxurious? No, but think of it as an Army facility – functional, clean, and manicured, but with a grey metal desk, nothing fancy. And here’s the best part: you don’t need any military affiliation to stay. Bring your sense of adventure, and consider packing a kayak or fishing rod, as you’ll likely be camping on the water.
So, how did the Army become involved in building campgrounds? We can thank George Washington for that. In 1775, he realized the importance of having engineers, not for building campgrounds, but for military purposes. Congress agreed with him, and in 1802, it established the Corps of Engineers as a separate, permanent branch. They assigned the engineers the responsibility for founding and operating the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, which would later become a renowned engineering school. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers didn’t set out to be one of the country’s largest campground operators—it just happened along the way. Initially, the COE’s mission focused on water: building dams, managing flood control, and enhancing navigation along the nation’s rivers. However, a new opportunity emerged as these massive projects created reservoirs and lakes. People started flocking to these scenic shorelines for fishing, boating, and recreation. Recognizing the public’s growing interest, the COE began developing campgrounds and recreational areas around these waterways, ensuring that people could enjoy the very landscapes their projects had helped shape. After all, the Corps owns more than 600 dams and maintains 926 coastal, Great Lakes, and inland harbors.
While specific Google ratings can vary and are subject to change, here are ten COE campgrounds that have great reviews. Practice searching campsites and booking to see how the dates work. Also, be aware that some COE campgrounds in colder areas close during the winter. This and other information will be on their respective pages.
So, how do you find these fantastic sites? The best way to find Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds is to use a combination of online tools and resources that filter results based on location, amenities, and availability.
Recreation.gov – The official booking site. Any search engine you use will direct you here for the actual booking. If you’ve ever tried to book a campsite at a national park or grab a permit for a bucket-list hike, you’ve been here. Think of it as the ultimate backstage pass to America’s public lands. This website (and app) lets you reserve campsites, cabins, and permits across federal lands, from remote backcountry spots to coveted RV sites on the water. Whether you’re planning to camp on a Corps of Engineers lake, purchase your timed entry to Glacier National Park, or book a tour through Mammoth Cave, this is where the journey starts. With interactive maps, availability calendars, and trip-planning tools, recreation.gov eliminates the guesswork from outdoor adventures. You can filter by RV size, hookups, and types of campgrounds, and then select your desired dates to determine availability. In addition to the Corp of Engineers sites, you can book Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forests campsites from here, plus permits and passes.
Each location opens reservations in advance, so note when booking starts for popular spots. For example, if you can only book a campground within 90 days, be aware of the specific day and time (in the correct time zone) it will be available for online reservation. When I want a specific campsite really bad, I prepare by having the campground page open and my finger poised to press ‘enter’ as soon as the reservation time starts. I’m getting it!
Corelakes.us—Corps Lakes Gateway—This is the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site. You can filter by individual states or lakes, and it links to recreation.gov for reservations.
RV & Camping Apps—Apps such as AllStays, The Dyrt, and RV Life Trip Wizard have incorporated COE sites into their platforms and are excellent tools for finding campgrounds along the way.
Now you know. As Anton Chekhov once said, “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” Can’t let that happen—so go on, book a trip!
Steve first lives it, then colorfully writes about it, especially his passion for the RV lifestyle. A retired entrepreneur, he and his wife spend half the year traveling the country in their Tiffin Allegro RED 38 KA and the other half at home in Brentwood, TN with family. Married for almost 50 years, once you meet them he and Nancy are easily remembered – he is 6’4″ and she is 4’7″. His articles on business, personal development, faith, fundraising and running have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines over the years.
