Army Corps of Engineers Camping

Learn about camping and boondocking on Army Corps of Engineers projects

Can You Wash an RV While Camping at an Army Corps of Engineers Campground?

Can You Wash an RV While Camping at an Army Corps of Engineers Campground?

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Generally speaking, no, you cannot wash an RV while camping at an Army Corps of Engineers campground. This is because the Army Corps of Enginees (ACOE) prohibits dumping of pollutants and sewage on to its land and waters. This is a measure meant to protect the water and environment.

army corps of engineers campground
Three Mile Canyon, Boardman, OR, Army Corps of Engineers

Can You Wash an RV While Camping at an Army Corps of Engineers Campground?

When campers are hooked up to campground utilities, they often want to wash the bugs and dirt from their RV and vehicles. However, because most ACOE campgrounds are located on lake shores and riverbanks, they have rules to protect the water and surrounding environment.

Text of the Actual Rule(s)

These rules are codifed under CFR Title 36 § 327.9 Sanitation.

(a) Garbage, trash, rubbish, litter, gray water, or any other waste material or waste liquid generated on the project and incidental to authorized recreational activities shall be either removed from the project or deposited in receptacles provided for that purpose.

CFR Title 36 § 327.9 (a)

(c) The spilling, pumping, discharge or disposal of contaminants, pollutants or other wastes, including, but not limited to, human or animal waste, petroleum, industrial and commercial products and by-products, on project lands or into project waters is prohibited.

CFR Title 36 § 327.9 (c)

You Can Still “Dry Wash” Your RV

Dry washing means to use a spray bottle of water or cleaner and wiping down your vehicle with cloth. As long as you don’t hose down the vehicle, and prevent pollutants from touching the ground or water, you have effectively cleaned your vehicle without violating the above rules.

More About Army Corps of Engineers Camping

Available at Amazon.com...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the nation's leading federal providers of outdoor recreation with more than 400 lake and river projects. This book will guide you to 942 camping areas available from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in 35 states.

Note: the above book is not endorsed by Boondocker's Bible, but is recommended because it provides information relevant to this article. Boondocker's Bible will earn a commission on the sale of this book to help support our goal of providing free boondocking education to the public.

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Recreation Map of Lake Whitney - Army Corps of Engineers, 2020

Campground Map of Lake Whitney - Army Corps of Engineers, 2007

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Rules and Restrictions on the use of Motorized Vehicles - US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, 2022

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