Beginning this month on May 1, 2025, several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreational areas both North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana will be temporarily closed or experience service reductions, according to the USACE Omaha District release. According to the agency, staffing shortages and resource limitations following the cuts to USACE will limit the ability to “safely open and maintain all recreation sites at normal levels of service.”
Many RVers like these places for the generally pleasant surroundings and very affordable pricing. These facilities typically have large recreational reservoirs and are also popular for fishing or boating. The release also warned that safety patrols in these areas that do remain open may be reduced.
In addition, janitorial services will also be reduced meaning restrooms and other common facilities could be less pleasant. For those who wish to visit any USACE site, the agency suggests that one should contact the location before planning a visit.
Areas Affected by Cuts to USACE
Campground Closures
The following campgrounds will be fully or partially closed for the 2025 season:
- East Totten Trail Campground, North Dakota
- Wolf Creek Campground, North Dakota
- Hazelton Campground, North Dakota
- Cattail Bay Authorized Camping Area, North Dakota
- Beaver Creek Campground (partial loop closure), North Dakota
- North Shore Campground, South Dakota
These closures will also impact supporting services. Those services include the following: janitorial services, refuse removal, mowing, park attendants, fire ring cleaning, and weed control. At each location, USACE will post closure signage. For any reservations that have been made through Recreation.gov, full refund will be processed.
Day Use Area Closures and Reductions
Several comfort stations and vault toilets will be closed at day use areas. These include:
- Good Soldier Day Use/Boat Ramp, South Dakota – one vault toilet closed
- North Shore Beach Day Use/Boat Ramp, South Dakota – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
- Old Fort Thompson, South Dakota – one comfort station closed
- Left Tailrace, South Dakota – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
Visitor Center Impacts
Educational and interpretive programs at the following visitor centers will be affected:
- Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum, Montana – reduced to one day per week (from five)
- Oahe Visitor Center, South Dakota – closed
- Fort Randall Visitor Center, South Dakota – closed
- Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Gavins Point, Nebraska – reduced hours (Wednesday-Saturday)
Powerhouse Tour Suspensions
Powerhouse tours at the following project sites will be suspended beginning mid-May:
- Garrison, North Dakota
- Oahe, South Dakota
- Fort Randall, South Dakota
- Big Bend, South Dakota
- Fort Peck, Montana – available only during Fort Peck Interpretive Center hours
The release goes on to say these temporary adjustments following the cuts to USACE are being made to ensure visitor safety, protect environmental resources, and sustain critical hydropower and dam operations across the Missouri River Basin.
Speaking about the cuts to USACE, Col. Robert J. Newbauer, Omaha District commander, says,“We understand these closures may disrupt plans, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s flexibility as we take the necessary steps to provide safe and sustainable recreation experiences this summer,”
About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approximately 37,000 civilian and military personnel delivering engineering services in over 130 customers, according to the agency. Among the tasks they are charged with include building and maintaining America’s infrastructure including maintaining water ways for use within communities including flood control.
Where the Corps oversees these facilities there are generally very affordable and rather pleasant camping facilities which are enjoyed by many. Cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers budgets will likely affect more of these facilities.
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