Army Corps Waives Day Use Fees for Veterans Day

Day use fees at more than 2,850 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas will be waived on Nov. 11.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Military

Photograph of an empty concrete boat launch ramp descending into a calm reservoir at dawn, bordered by bare autumn trees and low hills. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees at more than 2,850 federal recreation areas nationwide on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees at recreation sites nationwide on Nov. 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day. The waiver covers boat launch ramps and swim beaches but does not apply to camping or specialized facilities.

Why it matters

The fee waiver offers free access to federal lakes and recreation areas for visitors observing the holiday and honors those who have served in the nation's armed forces. Visitors are encouraged to contact local offices in advance to confirm which areas are open.

The waiver applies to more than 2,850 USACE recreation areas on Nov. 11, 2026, covering boat launch ramps and swim beaches. The agency has not specified which individual sites may have reduced services or closures on the holiday.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that operates and maintains a large network of lakes, dams, and recreation sites across the United States.

The details

The USACE announced the waiver in a press release, stating it is in solidarity with the Veterans Day holiday. Fees for camping, camping-related services, group picnic shelters, and other special events are not covered by the waiver.

Nov. 11, 2026: Day use fees waived at USACE recreation sites nationwide.

Big Picture

Federal agencies have long used fee-free days on national holidays to expand public access to recreation lands, and this Veterans Day waiver follows that established pattern. It extends the same approach to the Corps' nationwide network of lakes and recreation areas.

Visitors planning to use USACE day use areas on Nov. 11 should contact local offices beforehand to confirm which sites are open. Camping and specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters will still require standard fees.