SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The waiver covers day use fees only. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.
Visitors to any of the USACE Sacramento District’s 10 lake and river projects are encouraged to contact site staff or visit https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/ in advance to ensure recreation areas are open.
The MLK Day fee waiver began in 2023 to honor the life of Dr. King, a national leader of the 1950s-1960s Civil Rights Movement whose legacy continues to inspire the pursuit of civil rights today. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
Other fee-free days are offered throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration, including the USACE birthday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.
USACE is one of the leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. It’s estimated that 90 percent of the USACE-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home.
Release no. 25-002