In this guest post, Julie Chickery from Chickery’s Travels, an Air Force retiree and full-time RV traveler, shares her tips for staying at military campgrounds.
Looking for an affordable way to travel around the United States and make the most of your military benefits? Consider using U.S. military campgrounds and RV parks.
Situated in some of the most prime vacation destinations, military campgrounds offer numerous amenities for a fraction of the cost of a comparable civilian campground. Follow these tips to make the most of your military campground experience!
1. Check Eligibility
DOD Instruction 1015.10 explains who can use military campgrounds, which are military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. In addition, each service has written their own regulation.
In general, eligible patrons for MWR programs include active military, military retirees, National Guard/Reservists, certain former and/or surviving spouses and family members, service-connected disabled veterans (any rating), Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and registered Caregivers (the last four groups became eligible 1 January 2020). Many MWR campgrounds also extend privileges to DOD civilians and retirees.
| Related Reading: Military MWR Resorts, Cottages, and Campgrounds
However, we’ve been at facilities like the Grassy Pond Recreation Area, managed by Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA, that even allowed non-military affiliated civilians to stay.
Your best bet is to check well ahead of your planned visit to verify specific eligibility rules.
2. Make Reservations, Where Allowed
When contacting a desired military campground, inquire about reservations. Some DoD campgrounds allow all eligible patrons to make reservations, while others restrict reservations to active duty on orders only.
If you are planning to stay at a highly sought-after location during their high season, you will want to make reservations, where accepted. You may even have to try your luck on a waiting list.
| Related Reading: The Best Military RV Parks in Florida, Arizona, and California
For example, Florida is a high-demand area in the winter. The military “FamCamp” (another name for military base campgrounds) at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL takes reservations one year in advance and manages a very large (100+) waiting list. On the other hand, Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach is first come, first served.
3. Verify Base Access
Due to heightened security requirements, many military bases/posts only allow RVs to enter via commercial vehicle gates. These gates are often closed after hours and on weekends. We’ve been to a few that have required us to contact base security to meet us at the gate.
| Related Reading: What Travel Benefits Can Disabled Veterans Use?
Always check with the campground during duty hours for specific instructions on base access.
4. No RV? No Problem!
Did you know that many military bases/posts rent travel trailers? Options include fully-outfitted trailers that remain in place at the military base campground, as well as those available to tow behind your vehicle for travel.
In addition, many military recreation areas offer tent campsites. You can often rent the tent, too!
Wondering what other military recreational facilities and services you can use? Here’s a list of 10 to try on your next vacation!
5. Where To Find Military Campgrounds And RV Parks
All active duty bases/posts maintain websites with information on their Outdoor Recreation programs, including their campgrounds. There are also a couple of other options if you want to search a specific area or look at a map view to find military bases with campgrounds:
U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks – This is our go-to resource for military RV campgrounds. It is privately run and offers a helpful search tool. You can also use the map feature to see locations of military campgrounds across the U.S. Each listing provides updated information, photos, and reviews.
AllStays – You can access this resource via their website or get the app for your iPhone (the app is not available for Android phones) to access it on the go. The filters allow you to narrow down the type of amenities you want. In addition to military campsites, you can find other public and private campgrounds, rest areas, Walmarts, and even casino parking.
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Julie Chickery is the co-author of Chickery’s Travels. Julie and her husband, Sean, are both U.S. Air Force retirees traveling the country full-time in their Fifth Wheel RV. Chickery’s Travels is an educational and inspirational website and YouTube channel documenting their travels and lessons learned. In addition, they have authored a book, Full-Time RV Finance, that covers all monetary aspects of RV travel, to include the big purchase, making money on the road, and saving money on travel.
Related Reading
A Year of Full-Time RV Living After Military Retirement
Top Military Campgrounds for Snowbirds
You Can’t Plan Adventure: The Benefits of Spontaneous Travel
