About 20 years ago during a roadtrip through northern Georgia, we happened upon Payne’s Creek / Lake Hartwell Army Corps of Engineers campground. As RV campers, it was our first experience with “COE” campgrounds; we’d never even heard of them before. It was better than most other campgrounds we’d ever visited. All sites were large and true and plumb and square as a campsites can be. The woods were thick with flora and the bathhouses were clean and well-kept.
Now, any chance we get, we shoot for COE sites. We’ve spoken with other campers who do as well. So it got us to thinking, what makes Army COE campgrounds so special?
First, a little background. What is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? Over 40,000 strong, the COE enlists soldiers and civilians who work on nontraditional infrastructure projects often found in the outdoors across most of the United States. These can include lakes, reservoirs, dams and campgrounds.
Managed by the COE, the parks and campgrounds they create often open to the public camping, hiking, boating, and fishing areas. Ours was on the shores of Payne’s Creek, a tributary of Lake Hartwell in Northeast Georgia.
No dig on privately owned or state or federal campgrounds, but COE properties often are a step above the rest. They’re very well maintained. Availability of hookups can vary. But public bathhouses and restrooms with showers, potable water, picnic tables and fire rings often are available.
As we found with the campgrounds we’ve visited, the sites can be pretty big with ample space for slides, awnings, the picnic table and just to sprawl. At the time, I was working on a project called HomeOfficeHighway showcasing the possibilities of this novel concept called “remote work.” So I found myself working under the canopy of oaks.
Over the years, we discovered a host of other attributes. So we decided to share some of our thoughts. Below are some additional benefits of and reasons to stay at COE sites. Have some to add? Let us know…
Access to Nature. These campgrounds are often located in picturesque settings, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Some are near popular destinations; some are more remote. To most visitors who’ve shared their thoughts, all are worth the visit.
Well-maintained facilities. COE campgrounds are known for their well-kept amenities, including clean restrooms, laundry facilities (at some, but not all), and hookups, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Educational opportunities. Many COE campgrounds offer educational programs, workshops, and interpretive centers, providing enriching experiences for campers and visitors of all ages. Inquire when you book or as you check in. A Corps-managed group camp at Georgia’s Hartwell Lake Crescent Campground allows clubs, families, and friends to camp together in a common area for a reasonable fee. Click here for General Campground Rules and Tips on having an enjoyable camping experience.
Affordability. COE campgrounds are generally less expensive than many state or privately run parks; they can be even less for military personnel and their families, making these campgrounds a budget-friendly option for vacations and getaways.
Camaraderie. COE campgrounds lure a fair share of active and retired service members, which makes for great networking and camaraderie. Even if you’re a civilian, people who choose COE campgrounds know their value, which is a great connection to have. Have a flag for your branch? Fly it high.
COE campgrounds have their shortcomings, mostly related to reservations. Most of these parks are independent and participate in no centralized reservation booking system. If you know or hear of a park, it’s best to look it up online and use the specific park’s online booking system or call the front office.
The Corps of Engineers manages seven campgrounds at Hartwell Lake with approximately 500 campsites. Five of the campgrounds feature resident park attendants who register incoming campers, provide information, and ensure a safe camping experience. For the “Hartwell Lake Campground Policy and Campground Information” brochure, click Hartwell Camping Brochure.
To learn more, consider “The Wright Guide to Camping with the Corps of Engineers Paperback” (click here for more info). This ebook and hardbound edition from 2018 offers tremendous insights into COE camping. It includes “individual campground listings with details about camping facilities, amenities, recreational activities available, RV park information, GPS and longitude/latitude information for each lake, and complete, easy-to-follow directions to get to each campground – which can be handy when traveling where internet signals can be difficult to receive. Concise overviews of the Corps of Engineers’ projects at many sites are included for those curious about the works at many parks.”