Military Campgrounds: 5 Reasons We Love Them
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Are you looking for a great place to park your RV? Last year, we spent 152 days camping at military campgrounds. We love staying on military bases and always look for them before any other campground. There are hundreds of military campgrounds at amazing locations with luxurious amenities just waiting for you.
Fourth Cliff Recreation Area, Hanscom AFB, MA
Why We Love Military Campgrounds
1. Price
Campground fees will vary from location to location, with the average daily rate at about $15-30 per night. Since we hit the road as full-time RVers, we have paid between $19-$50 per night and $450 monthly. Although military campgrounds are much cheaper than local campgrounds, they provide the same if not more amenities.
2. Campground Amenities
You may be surprised to find beachfront access, lake access, or stunning mountain views at military campgrounds. We had beautiful views of the Colorado mountains while staying on the Air Force Academy and walked right out on the beach from our campsite at Pensacola Air Station and Fourth Cliff Recreation Area. We were also provided beautiful sunsets on the Potomac River on Fort Belvoir.
Other amenities may include a laundry facility, lounge, dog park, WiFi, playground, cabin rentals, and so much more. Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and other animals call military bases home, which will enhance your breathtaking views.
Oak Grove RV Park, Pensacola, FL
3. Base Amenities
Many base amenities can be utilized when you stay on a military campground. A great place to start is the Tours and Tickets office. They can provide information on things to do in the area as well as discounts for local attractions. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation office should be your second stop. They can provide rentals for items such as boats, kayaks, skis, snowboards, or other outdoor equipment to enrich your stay. Base amenities may also include the commissary, gas station, exchange, pool, and gym.
4. Safety
When traveling to new areas, it can be difficult to know which areas are safer than others. Military campgrounds provide you the safety and security of the installation. This is one stay that won’t require you to search the internet for crime statistics. You can also stop by base security for tips for areas you might want to avoid when exploring the local area.
Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
5. Community
Military campgrounds also provide an amazing community of like-minded RVers. The military culture is unlike any other, and when you stay on the military base, you will be among people with shared experiences. It is a great place to expand your community and possibly your circle of friends.
one of our favorite military CAMPGROUNDS!
Finding Military Campgrounds
Many resources are available to help you find the perfect military campground. Military Living is an excellent resource for all types of military travel and includes campground information. You can find more info here: Army, Navy, Coast Guard. An often overlooked resource is the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation office on your local base. So don't forget to drop in there for info.
Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
Who Can Stay
Military campgrounds are available to active duty, retirees, reservists, and some Department of Defense personnel. And as of January 2020, they are open to any veteran who qualifies for a rating through the VA. For more information check out our blog How do Veterans Gain Access to Military Campgrounds.
So, the next time you are looking for a campground, be sure to see if a military campground is close by because they are the perfect place to park your RV. And when you get there, be on the lookout because we might be there too!
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You, Me & the RV
Author: Stacy Farley, You, Me & the RV - All rights reserved
