Welcome to the Bureau of Reclamation's Recreation Homepage
The Bureau of Reclamation manages approximately 6.5 million acres of land and water, much of it available for public outdoor recreation. Reclamation water projects support both developed recrdation areas and dispersed outdoor opportunities, including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and day use. Recreation areas may include campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, trails, visitor centers, shoreline access, and other facilities that serve visitors across the West.
Recreation is delivered through a combination of federal and non-federal partnerships, Reclamation-managed areas, and concession operations that provide public services such as marinas, lodging, food, rentals, and campgrounds.Recreation by the Numbers
- 289 project areas with developed recreation facilities and opportunities
- 187 developed recreation areas drawing more than 24 million visits annually
- 549 campgrounds and 454 boat launch ramps
- More than 4,538 miles of shoreline
- More than 12,000 RV and trailer sites, including over 5,700 sites with hookups
In addition to developed facilities, many Reclamation project areas offer dispersed recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, photography, wildlife viewing, and day use.
Managing Recreation Through Partnerships
Recreation at Reclamation projects is managed through partnerships with federal, state, county, local, and Tribal entities, as well as through Reclamation-managed areas and concession operations.
- Federal partners: 102 developed recreation areas are managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- National Recreation Areas and Wildlife Refuges: The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service manage 12 National Recreation Areas, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages 11 National Wildlife Refuges associated with Reclamation projects.
- Non-federal partners: Sixty-four state, county, and local government partners manage 156 developed recreation areas.
- Reclamation-managed areas: Reclamation directly manages 31 developed recreation areas.
- Concession operations: Approximately 115 concessionaires provide public services such as marinas, campgrounds, lodging, food service, and equipment rentals.
Legal and Policy Framework
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Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965:
Authorizes Reclamation to provide minimum basic recration facilities unless site-specific legislation provides otherwise.
Recreational Opportuities and Allowed Activities
No use authorization is generally required for public recreation at open Reclamation facilities. Visitors should follow posted site rules and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Dispersed and Day-Use Activities
Many project areas offer hiking, sighseeing, wildlife viewing, phtography, fishing, and day-use opportunities in developed and undeveloped settings.
Water-Based Recreation
Reclamation reservoirs and riers support boating, swimming, marina use, whitewater rafting, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Developed Amenities
Recreation facilities include campgrounds, RV hookups, boat ramps, picnic shelters, visitor centers, and concession services such as lodging, food, and equipment rentals.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing may be allowed in accordance with applicable state and local regulations. Recreation opportunities are also available at several wildlife refuges and reservoir areas associated with Reclamation projects.
Public Use and Recreation Activities
A use authorization is generally not required to enjoy open Reclamation recreation areas and facilities. Activities may include boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and photography. Hunting and fishing are subject to applicable state and local laws and regulations.
Some activities or uses of Reclamation land, facilities, or waterbodies may require prior authorization. Learn more at Use of Land, Facilities, and Waterbodies.
Learn More
For additional recreation facts and statistics, visit Reclamation's Recreation Overview. For recreation opportunities on federal public lands nationwide, visit Recreation.gov.
