NS Great Lakes

As a long time Executive Assistant for numerous Commanding Officers, I typed letters of sponsorship several times for service members to sponsor family members for military campgrounds. Have your brother talk to the Command Master Chief and find out what is possible. Not sure what that particular campground is like but it sure would be convenient. And Springtime should not be an issue weatherwise.

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
Be glad he didn't use the Navy abbreviation - GLakes.

Now, do you know where PCola is?

That would be a much nicer trip, but he chose to be transferred to GLakes. lol

kknowlton, thanks for all the info. I saw those parks, and that is what I am debating. Staying relatively close, or almost an hour away... Visiting him in the spring, because he will be retiring.

Depends when you are going; many of the CGs (including SPs) around here close down or offer limited services by November. Closest choice by far is Illinois Beach State Park. Decent enough, and I believe they have some sites with more than just electric hookups. Probably 15-20 miles from the base.

Our old standbys when we lived in that area are Chain o' Lakes SP and Bong SRA (all 3 of these are mentioned in the link 2gypsies provided.) We like both of those CGs better, and if you choose Chain o' Lakes, I'd recommend the Fox Den CG there, over Honeysuckle Hollow, as sites are bigger and the bathhouse newer. Both of these CGs will be roughly 25-30 miles (perhaps a bit more) from the base. Electric hookups in many sites in both these parks. Bong, like all Wisconsin state parks, has an entry fee in addition to camping fees (but we never had a problem paying it - loved the park.) Illinois, last we knew, does not charge such an entry fee, but you may notice some difference. :)

It's pretty urban around there, so you won't find anything closer to the base.

garmp1 wrote:
I wish I knew what "NS Great Lakes" means or even where it is. NS, North South or No Such? Hmmm!

Be glad he didn't use the Navy abbreviation - GLakes.

Now, do you know where PCola is?

Spent two winters there and If family were there I would just wish them luck and stay home. Will be happy to never see that place again.:)

DownTheAvenue wrote:

jasoncw wrote:
I'm sure he could, but I'm not sure whether I would be permitted to camp there...

Typically, he could sponsor you so that you could stay on base. Perhaps his CO could offer guidance.

Many military bases have what they call Fam-camps for visiting family, my parents always camped on base @ FE Warren in Cheyenne, WY when visiting my brother. Also retired service men & women camp at these when travelling.

garmp1 wrote:
I wish I knew what "NS Great Lakes" means or even where it is. NS, North South or No Such? Hmmm!

Naval Station Great Lakes.
It is in northern Illinois.

Check the above link for campgrounds in that area. The base campground doesn't get good reviews and you stated you wanted a 'nice' one. :)

I wish I knew what "NS Great Lakes" means or even where it is. NS, North South or No Such? Hmmm!

DownTheAvenue wrote:

jasoncw wrote:
I'm sure he could, but I'm not sure whether I would be permitted to camp there...

Typically, he could sponsor you so that you could stay on base. Perhaps his CO could offer guidance.

X2. I'd check out that option first. Policies will change with levels of "alert" and it may be that you can stay there. Uber convenient if you can:W