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Recreation Day Use Fee Program

 

In 1993, Congress authorized the Corps of Engineers to expand its Recreation Day Use Fee Program to include the collection of day use fees at recreation areas with developed boat ramps or swimming beaches.  These fees are deposited in a special U.S. Treasury account and later returned to the Corps, as a budget offset, and not as additional funds for project operations.  Day use fees help recover only a portion of the costs associated with operating, maintaining and improving Corps of Engineers recreation facilities.

 

The Corps of Engineers is the Nation's Largest Provider of Recreation!

    • 12 million acres - hosting 20% of visits on 2% of federal lands
    • 456 lakes in 43 states - hosting 33% of all freshwater lake fishing
    • 3,800 boat launch ramps - 200,000 fishing tournaments a year
    • 4,000 recreation areas - 80% within 50 miles of a large U.S. city
    • 56,000 miles of shoreline
    • 5,000 miles of trails
    • 101,000 campsites
 

Daily Fee

Payment of the daily use fee, which ranges from $1 to $4, allows you to use all similar Corps day use facilities on that day.  Just save your permit and show it when you return or visit another area on the same day.  A staffed fee booth or self-registration depository is available for payment of daily use fees. Please have exact change when you visit to help keep the lines and your wait short.

If you are staying at one of the Corps of Engineer Campgrounds here at Saylorville Lake you do not have to pay the daily fee for use of the boat ramps or beach areas. Just present your current vehicle camping pass (hang camping pass with valid date visible from rearview mirror) and enjoy all day use areas free of charge.

Annual Fee/Pass*

If you are a frequent visitor, you may wish to purchase the annual pass for $30. The annual pass allows unlimited, nation-wide use of all Corps day use fee areas for 12 months from the date of purchase. The pass is in the form of a hangtag, which will be hung from the rear view mirror. Decals on the hangtag will display the month and year the pass is valid through.  The hangtag may be used on any vehicle that is registered to the pass holder.

Discount Passes

Persons with the new Interagency Senior, Interagency Access Pass, Golden Age and Golden Access Passes are entitled to 50% discount on all day use fees.  This discount applies to the passport holder and all guests in the vehicle.  Only one annual pass may be purchased at the 50% discount, any additional passes must be purchased at full price.

Purchase your annual pass in person at:

  • Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3:30 pm
  • Cherry Glen Campground, Daily April - October, 9 am - 10 am & 2 pm - 8 pm
  • Prairie Flower Campground, Daily May - October, 9 am - 10 am & 2 pm - 8 pm
  • Acorn Valley & Bob Shetler Campgrounds, Daily, May - September, 9 am - 10 am & 2 pm - 8 pm
  • Cherry Glen, Lakeview, and Oak Grove Fee Booths, Memorial Day - Labor Day, (No credit cards & hours vary)
  • Order by phone via VISA, Master Card & Discover Card, by calling Reservation Office at (515) 270-6173