Military MWR Campgrounds

[LittleRed586]

Hi Everyone!

My husband is AD Air Force with 17 years in and it looks like he is going to be medically retired within the next 12 to 18 months. We have thus started planning out our dream of full time RVing. How are the facilities at military campgrounds?

I found a directory of military campgrounds online and the rates are actually pretty reasonable when compared to privately owned campgrounds. My only concern is how the quality of the facilities stacks up as to privately owned campgrounds.

We aren't looking for vacation resort type places. All we want is a safe place to hook up a fifth wheel to electric, water and possibly sewer and do our laundry.

Our ultimate goal with this venture is to simply see the United States on a budget.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Highly recommend Port Hueneme for the price vs location (near Malibu). Think the movie theater was free too.

Port Hueneme Fairview RV Park

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

It won't be s big deal to the OP, but when we started RVing and using MWR campgrounds,I had been retired for 22 years. I lived in an area were I almost never went on a military base. My wife of 18 years had never beenna dependent on s military base.

It was a bit of a shock to have to put up with some of the little thinks which I had forgotten. The wife is always asking "Why do they want you to do .....?"

Because it's the Navy/ Army/ Air Force dear, don't ask why just do it.

[imgoin4it]

I have not run across a military park that had any unusual rules for dogs. Basically the same as all the civilian parks. Well one exception, I did run into a civilian park that did allow any dogs of any kind. Never found that or any other unnecessary rule in a military park.

[jnharley]

We have not run into a military base where we could not take a firearm. Each base has their own procedures with how to deal with them. Most of the time, we must be escorted by Security to their office to turn in the weapon. Then when we leave, we are escorted out the gate and given back our firearm. It is a bit of a hassle but we try to comply with all the rules.

[jnharley]

Don't forget to obtain the Disabled Natl Parks Pass(sounds like you or spouse will qualify). It is free and the disabled person can obtain the pass at most national park visitor centers. Just bring proof of disability and ID. It gives you half price camping in many (if not all) Corps of Engineer campgrounds and free entrance into our national parks. There are some restrictions though. For instance, one can see Mt Rushmore without an entrance fee but parking is vendor operated and the Pass will not cover parking. You have to pay the parking fee yourself. It helps one save tons of money. Our Passport America and Disabled Park Pass plus staying at military campgrounds are our go to discounts that save us the most money.

[Hobo2]

I was staying at the key West Navy base motel with some friends to offshore fishing a few days. While cleaning fish at the cleaning fish table and talking with a retired Navy seal. he was running a guide service and camping all Winter on the base. He said that on days that they were full he would dry camp. When an open spot came up which was often he would move right in.
It's cheap to leave your boat there. Great marinia ,great boat ramp walking distance to downtown. He said fantasy fest in October is hard to get a full hookup spot.
Camping spots right on ocean. If I boondocked that's were I would go. This was 4 years ago nice base.

[jamesroadking]

We too are retired military. Have stayed at a lot of MWR military campgrounds.
We found them to be about the same pricewise. A lot of BS rules about dogs.
Their No Guns allowed on bases is the most idiotic rule for people traveling the country in RV's.

[imgoin4it]

If you could average out all military families camps and compare to average of all civilian rv parks (lots more civilian) I think the military parks would win hands down. Like others have said some a better than others. To name a few DM AFB, Nellis AFB, Fort Sam Houston army, Vandenburg AFB, Buckley AFB, New Orleans Navel air reservation base are excellent and better than most facilities in the area. Civilian friends we travel extensively with love it when we stay at military facilities.

[DaveG39]

most are time limited so in some you have to move out after their time. Others have overflow and you can move into overflow. Some take reservations others first come first served. I have stayed in them across the country for years and they are definitely in my list when near one. I found some to be parking lots and others to have nice, landscaped sites. For me, they are aplace to stay when visiting people or exploring sights I want to see.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Most are quite good, a few are bad.

Just as MWR facilities vary from base to base, campgrounds do also.

They are a part of our money saving strategy. We also use Passport America, Escapees, federal Senior Pass (a medical retirement might qualify for the federal Access Pass) and we belong to the Thousand Trails camping club.

We have never paid over $42.24 per night - that was Fort Lauderdale at a Broward County Park.

Most years we average about $18 per night. We don't have sewer hookups sbout 1/2 of the time but do have 50 amp power most of the time.

Re: Passport America- it is a program that I love, but we only stay at their parks for a night or two most of the time. The program is designed for travelers, not for destination stays. Don't count on it providing most of your stop locations.

Map out some trips you might take and see how the various discount options might apply.

[kohldad]

Make sure you check out state and federal parks. They usually don't have the amenities of private parks, but are cheaper too. And being military disabled you may qualify for discounts.

The couple I have been too were great places. I am retired DOD Civil Service and get the same privileges...

I was under the impression most didn't accept DOD retires but it was on a site by site basis. Other question is what type of ID do you need or is it just a copy of your retirement papers?

Ask because I'll be DOD retiree in 172 weeks and would like to take advantage of FamCamps if one is in the area of my stay.

A

[lj2654]

Some are great and some are so so.....Macdill in Tampa Fl is quite nice but very busy most of the time. Camp Blanding near Jacksonville, fl has a great campground and quiet too. On a big lake and very scenic.

[rbtglove]

Retired 1984 and have had a MH or TT most of the time since and have stayed at lots of MWR campgrounds in all parts of the US. Most of them are as good or better than most commercial operations in my opinion and have the benefit of base facilities. There are also many military rec areas that are in prime locations and are really reasonably priced.We use this site http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/ and the book you can get at the BX on military campgrounds. Really feel safe when camping on base. There are a few that have almost permanent residents and don't want short timers around but these are the exceptions.

[LittleRed586]

I just checked out Passport America and I am VERY impressed. I spend more on magazine subscriptions per year than the price of the membership. Some of these campgrounds are really impressive!