Press Releases

Okatibbee Lake reduces Operations at a Campground, a Day Use Area and Four Beaches

Published April 10, 2013

MOBILE, Ala.--The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, announced today that one campground, a day use area and four beaches at Okatibbee Lake will have reduced hours for the upcoming recreation season.  

“To keep our recreation operations within the budget we have received for this year it will be necessary to reduce hours at these facilities,” said E. Patrick Robbins, Public Affairs Officer for Mobile District.  “These reductions are not related to sequestration but are required due to flat budgets and increased costs.”  

Collinsville Park Beach, Pine Springs Park Beach, West Bank Park Beach will open on May 23 and close after Labor Day. East Bank Park is open currently and will close on Nov. 1. Gin Creek Park Campground will open on May 23 and close on Nov. 1.   For more information on reservations visit recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made from 2 to 180 days in advance and include holidays. No additional fees are charged to make reservations; however, there is a $10 cancellation charge.

Reservations can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.   Annual passes are available at the Okatibbee Lake Office for $30 ($15 w/ the America the Beautiful Cards). By purchasing the annual pass you gain immediate access to the parks without the need for going through your pockets to find the normally required $3 boat launching fee or the $1 per person ($4 max. per passenger vehicle) beach user fee. The annual passes are good at all USACE operated day use parks nationwide.  

Visitors are reminded to make safety a number one priority while taking advantage of the various recreational opportunities that can be found at Okatibbee Lake, and always “Wear your lifejacket.  It’s an idea everyone can live with.”            For more information about recreation at Okatibbee Lake call 601-626-8431 or find us online at: http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/OkatibbeeLake.aspx

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Contact
Lisa Parker
251-690-2505
lisa.a.parker@usace.army.mil

Release no. 13-013