Who Can Use Military Campgrounds? (Eligibility Requirements)

Written by

John Cotton

FACT-CHECKED BY

Logan Miller

who can use military campgrounds

The U.S. military has different military bases across the country. These bases have dedicated recreational grounds that military members can use.

So, who can use military campgrounds? Active service members, permanently disabled veterans, military retirees and their families, spouses and minor dependents of military members, and retired DoD employees, to name a few.

This blog post will explore who else can use military campgrounds, their location, reservations, fees, and more. If you are ready, you can scroll down now.

Military Campgrounds

Also called “FamCamps,” military campgrounds are properties in military bases owned by the U.S. military.

The U.S. military’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Services (MWR) programs manage and operate military recreation areas.

The main focus of MWR Benefits is to give soldiers and their families outstanding recreational and morale-boosting activities.

Military campgrounds often have rental cabins, RVs, playgrounds, bathhouses, etc. All of these are available to service members and their families. And, MWR offers more than just campgrounds; it hosts plenty of activities for adults and children.

Also, there are seminars on practical skills, fitness training, and many more lifelong skills classes for U.S. military members to join.

Who is/are Allowed to Stay in the U.S. Military Campgrounds?

military-campgrounds-for-veterans

Active-duty members with valid military IDs, including:

  • Their spouses
  • Minor dependents

Veterans, including:

  • Their spouses
  • Minor dependents

Others:

  • Living relative of a deceased military member
  • DOD ID Card Holders or sponsored member
  • Combat-injured veterans (100% disabled)
  • Veteran recipients of the Purple Heart
  • National Guard and the Reservist family
  • Medal of Honor awardees
  • Liberated war prisoners
  • DoD civilians
  • Retired DoD civilian employees
  • Primary veteran caregivers

Note: the final decision on who is allowed guests in military campgrounds is up to the military base commander.

Location Of Military Campgrounds

There are 278 military campgrounds scattered around each state of the U.S. used by soldiers and campers.

If you are a military member planning a military trailer camping with your family, plan your visit to one of the military campgrounds ahead.

Additionally, each military base will likely have an exclusive set of regulations for registration, fees, and guest eligibility regulations.

Here are some of the best U.S. military campgrounds for veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents to enjoy:

1. FamCamp MacDill AFB in Florida

FamCamp-MacDill-AFB-in-Florida

Amenities:

  • Near The Ocean And Golf Courses
  • Complete Hookups Sites For Rvs
  • Bathhouse
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic Tables
  • Tent Areas

2. Peregrine Pines FamCamp in Colorado

Peregrine-Pines-FamCamp-in-Colorado

Amenities:

  • 105 RV Hook-Up Sites
  • 10 Tent Camping Sites
  • Playground Area
  • Showers And Bathhouses
  • Laundry Room
  • Free Wi-Fi

3. Seward Military Resort in Alaska

Seward-Military-Resort-in-Alaska

Amenities:

  • Ocean Kayaking Opportunities
  • Zipline Tours
  • Helicopters Tours
  • Outdoor Center Tours
  • Trail Rides

4. Lake of The Ozarks Recreation Area (LORA) in Missouri

Lake-of-The-Ozarks-Recreation-Area-(LORA)-in-Missouri

Amenities:

  • Rv Full Hook-Up Sites
  • Tent Areas
  • Cabin Rooms
  • Pavilion
  • Jet Ski Rentals
  • Boat Rentals

Military Campgrounds Cost

military-campgrounds-cost

The campground rates depend on the average cost of camping in the area.

Low prices are offered when using the facilities in military campsites, such as those for renting cabins and using additional amenities. A night at military and veteran campgrounds typically costs $25 to $35.

Nevertheless, these fees are usually considerably less than you’d pay at a standard campsite or RV park.

State parks also offer discounted and free camping for military active-duty members. But it depends if there are available spaces in the park.

Reservation

Like a standard establishment, military campgrounds also require a reservation. Since any campground is strict with whom they allow to enter, they are strict with reservations. Other campgrounds may require bookings a year prior.

If you are interested in camp on a military base, it’s advised to call beforehand to secure reservations.

What is the Discount for Veterans or Military Personnel When Using Military Campsites?

free-camping-for-military

Military campgrounds – Veterans camping on military bases are allowed. There are, however, a few fees to keep in mind.

  • For any active duty military personnel and their families can receive a free yearly pass to any federal parks and preserves.
  • If you are a member of a discount program like AARP, AAA, or Family Campers & RVers, you can find out about and apply for savings on Go Camping America.

For more information about available military campgrounds in each state, visit the link: www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/outdoor-recreation/camping-rv-parks

Other Facilities That Offer Military Discounts

Some facilities besides military campgrounds offer discounts for veterans, active service members, retirees, and their dependents.

Before you book, have a look at this list of money-saving perks:

  • National Parks admissions – veterans and Gold Star Families can have fees waived in state or federal-owned parks.

However, other amenity fees, such as permits, parking, rentals, etc., must be paid accordingly.

  • Tents for Troops – a 100% program partnered with different parks and campgrounds to offer a free minimum of 2-night stays for military members and their families.

Look into these destinations for free stays: Dubois Wind River KOA Holiday in Wyoming, Diamond M Ranch Resort in Alaska, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, and Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging.

You might score a free RV camping for veterans while staying with the places above.

  • Sun Outdoors – offer 20% off through their Sun Military Discount program.

Type their promo code: “SALUTE” when you book your stay at selected Sun Outdoor resorts. Booking RV and tent sites or vacation rentals can save you.

  • Encore and Thousand Trails RV Resorts and Campgrounds – offer 20% off nightly rates with a maximum of a 6-night stay in all their sites in the country.

Use their promo code: “MILITARY20” upon booking.

  • Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts – offer 10% off in most of their resort locations. Check out their website: campjellystone.com/promotions/ for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone camp at Camp Pendleton?

No, not just anyone can enter and camp at Camp Pendleton.

All qualified guests, including DoD members, qualified veterans, active service members, reservists, retired military personnel, and their families, are allowed to enter Camp Pendleton.

In some cases, approved group tours are allowed to enter as well.

Does Cannon Air Force Base have an RV park?

Yes, they have RV parks. There are 11 RV parks and campgrounds around the Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

How many military campgrounds are in California?

There are around 37 military campgrounds in California.

Popular ones include Camp Pendleton Campgrounds in San Diego, Vandenberg SFB Famcamp in Lompoc, and Seabreeze RV Resort NWS Seal Beach.

Are there Navy-operated campgrounds?

Yes. There are 46 Navy campgrounds run by the Navy MWR worldwide as part of their Recreational Lodging Program.

There are 2,631 RV spots, cabin rooms, villas, townhouses, hotels, and more than 332 campsites.

What are the best veterans RV parks to camp in?

The best military RV parks for veterans are Fort Sam Houston RV Park, FamCamp at MacDill Air Force Base, Pelican Roost RV Park, Eagle Hammock RV Park, and Ellsworth AFB FamCamp.

Conclusion

Hope we have explained who can use military campgrounds and other important details clearly.

Always check any military campgrounds and other leisure areas you want to camp if they offer military discounts. In that way, you can save while you enjoy your time with your family!

Remember: Only those who served the country as a part of the U.S. military and their families can have the chance to camp inside the military base.

So, if you plan to camp in one, don’t forget that many military campsites are filling up quickly throughout the summer. Reserve your stay as early as possible.

5/5 - (2 votes)