By Cheri Sicard
U.S. military campgrounds can be an awesome option for those who qualify. In the video below, Steve Turtle explains what these campgrounds are, who can use them, and how to find them. Military campgrounds (MWRs: Morale, Welfare and Recreation) are secure and close to all the post’s amenities.
Who can stay at U.S. military campgrounds and RV parks?
• Active duty Army personnel
• Department of Army civilian personnel
• U.S. Army retirees
• Members of the Army National Guard or Army Reserves (over 18 years old)
• Family members of the above groups, aged 18 or older, with military IDs
Many of these campgrounds are also available to other branches of service. Check eligibility with the MWR staff.
At point 2:00 in the video, Steve discusses the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Act of 2018, which expanded access to all kinds of services and on-base amenities.
Steve also discusses his experiences at various military campgrounds, which cost him between $18-$22 per night. Some were better than others. The prices may have gone up since this video was filmed. You can find more information on these campgrounds, as well as locate the campgrounds on your route, here.
If you are a member of Facebook, check out the group Military FamCamp Reviews.
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Please note in the eligibility section the term “army” is used exclusively. Military campgrounds are open to members of all the armed forces and all of their retirees.
The several FamCamps where I stay have all raised their rates to a point where they’re no longer a perk for active duty or retired military members. This trend is similar to other former military ‘perks’ such as commissary and exchanges.
We’re paying $40/night here for 5 weeks in Key West right now on NASKW. Granted that’s with no hookups. FHU is about $50/night. Local private campgrounds are $200-$250/night. I call that a wonderful perk, and a great deal as well!
I stay at a couple in Delaware (Bethany Beach and Dover AFB). Bethany is $40 and a nearby SP is also $40. Both with full hookups. I hope that in prime vacation areas the disparity will be similar to what you’re experiencing.
I usually try to stay at the military campgrounds. $42 is the most I think I’ve paid. Some on Chesapeake Bay, VA Beach, Wyoming, and so on. I frequently stay at Langley AFB Famcamp and Cheatham annex in the Hapton, VA and Williamsburg, VA areas. I’m retired USAF. The following site has great links to most military campgrounds: https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/.
I spent 37 years in the army and our 7 kids all went to US Navy or Air Force academies and are still largely on active duty. Not once in over 45 years have I not been allowed to stay on a Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard RV camp. This article needs to be cleaned up quite a bit versus just reprinting erroneous information!
Retired Army, I’ve stayed at Army, Air Force and USMC Famcamps without issue. Do you have an ID card issue? Some Famcamps are difficult to get into especially “in season” a few have many “homesteaders”, and a few have many AD families, but there shouldn’t be an issue. You might want to check out a base local to you and meet with the MWR folks to resolve the issues.
Only Army retirees?
No, all branches, including the Space Force. There is a great website militarycampgrounds.com for more info.
Last I knew that as a disabled veteran I could get into a Famcamp but my wife couldn’t since she was not in the service. That still true as it went into effect commensurate with the new administration? Thanks.
Hi, Bill. First and most important, thank you for your service.👍 Try Googling “can family members get into FamCamp with eligible spouse” or something similar. A lot of information is available. Or, it also says to check with the specific FamCamp you are interested in, since they are independently managed. Good luck! Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com