Camp Site Options

[Silverado333]

Good Morning!

Just wondering, for those of you who are veterans, particularly Disabled Vets. I understand we can now camp on Military bases or RV campsites run or owned by the military, is this true?

I'm not a retired veteran, but a Marine that served honorably for four years and am now rated as 80% rating. I understand that we are now approved to shop at Base Commissaries, PX's, and the camp sites - if available? Have any of you non retirees tried this out yet? What is required? I do have a VA Disability card, but no car sticker (if thats still used) to get thru a military gate. For you non-military retirees. Have you used this benefit? How does it work? How do you find the RV Camping sites (are they online an App)??

I also have a National Park Card which gets us into the parks for free, but I don't believe that applies to camping/RV's.

Thanks - Semper Fi!

Steve

[Unlimitedmatt]

Good Morning!

Just wondering, for those of you who are veterans, particularly Disabled Vets. I understand we can now camp on Military bases or RV campsites run or owned by the military, is this true?

I'm not a retired veteran, but a Marine that served honorably for four years and am now rated as 80% rating. I understand that we are now approved to shop at Base Commissaries, PX's, and the camp sites - if available? Have any of you non retirees tried this out yet? What is required? I do have a VA Disability card, but no car sticker (if thats still used) to get thru a military gate. For you non-military retirees. Have you used this benefit? How does it work? How do you find the RV Camping sites (are they online an App)??

I also have a National Park Card which gets us into the parks for free, but I don't believe that applies to camping/RV's.

Thanks - Semper Fi!

Steve

I've got nothing to help you with your questions but wanted to thank you for your service!

[WhittleBurner]

While we haven't gone to the PXs yet or used the family camps (just haven't been in the areas we go) You will find many State and Federal discount programs for disabled vets. Some require 100 % disability also some states require you to be a resident. We have learned to ask because at times that info is buried deep. It varies from state to state.

The federal pass will get you anywhere from 25% to 50% off on camping fees, the more popular the area or park the less the discount.

[Silverado333]

I've got nothing to help you with your questions but wanted to thank you for your service!

Well, thank you so much Unlimited - very nice of you!!!

[Silverado333]

While we haven't gone to the PXs yet or used the family camps (just haven't been in the areas we go) You will find many State and Federal discount programs for disabled vets. Some require 100 % disability also some states require you to be a resident. We have learned to ask because at times that info is buried deep. It varies from state to state.

The federal pass will get you anywhere from 25% to 50% off on camping fees, the more popular the area or park the less the discount.

All good information!! I was very grateful for the benefit for free admission to the NP's, but really good to hear there are further discounts for camping too!! Thanks for your insight!!

Thanks Whittle!!

[LV Naturist]

Good Morning!

Just wondering, for those of you who are veterans, particularly Disabled Vets. I understand we can now camp on Military bases or RV campsites run or owned by the military, is this true?

I'm not a retired veteran, but a Marine that served honorably for four years and am now rated as 80% rating. I understand that we are now approved to shop at Base Commissaries, PX's, and the camp sites - if available? Have any of you non retirees tried this out yet? What is required? I do have a VA Disability card, but no car sticker (if thats still used) to get thru a military gate. For you non-military retirees. Have you used this benefit? How does it work? How do you find the RV Camping sites (are they online an App)??

I also have a National Park Card which gets us into the parks for free, but I don't believe that applies to camping/RV's.

Thanks - Semper Fi!

Steve

Steve, You might find this link useful. Although it's not affiliated with the DoD or the military, it has some good information about eligibility and what not.

https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/n...authorized-use

John

[FT4NOW]

Car stickers are no longer used, no need to worry about that. My buddy works for the Army Core of Engineers and he uses his ID to reserve sites at Military owned campgrounds, I'd think as long as your ID can get you on base you should be good. You could always just give the campground a call and ask. There is an app for Military campgrounds, I have one that's called UC Military CG. Wont let you make reservations, but helps locate them. Usually you need to call, there are some Navy base campgrounds that do accept online reservations.

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[el Rojo]

Steve,

Thank you for your service. I'm sure @Second Chance will fill you in on the veteran discounts. I believe he uses them most places he goes.

Red

[Second Chance]

Steve,

Thank you for your service. I'm sure @Second Chance will fill you in on the veteran discounts. I believe he uses them most places he goes.

Red

From https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/n...authorized-use:

Prior to new laws that went into effect on 1 January 2020, active duty, retired military, and 100% DAV were the primary users that were authorized to utilize MWR facilities (includes campgrounds). However, this all changes so The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 became law in August 2018 and will take effect on January 1st, 2020. This bill will now allow the following veterans use of commissary and exchange stores, and MWR facilities (includes campgrounds):

Veterans Awarded the Purple Heart
Veterans Who Are Medal of Honor Recipients (already authorized)
Veterans Who Are Former Prisoners of War
Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities
Caregivers of Veterans

As was mentioned above, DOD is not using windshield stickers for anything any more - it's all ID cards and other documentation. At Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, where we are currently staying, they don't even look at the front of the card... they scan the bar codes on the back (while you hold it up due to the pandemic) with a hand-held scanner and say, "Have a good day, colonel" or, "Welcome to APG, sergeant." The computer systems know exactly who you are and what your eligibility is. Of course, that's the gate - MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) offices aren't there yet and need the hard copy documentation.

Documentation of the above is required to make reservations and situations can differ due to local commanders' options (i.e. current DOD civilian employees may use the facilities at Pointes West Army Resort at Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta, GA). There are also varying length of stay limits established by the local command and MWR based on availability and usage. Rates also vary - and have been creeping up most places the past few years. The FamCamps are still an excellent option - we are staying at one all summer near grandkids.

Many other places a military ID will get you a 5 - 10% discount - but you usually have to ask as they often don't advertise it like the other club discounts.

Rob

[Silverado333]

From https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/n...authorized-use:

Prior to new laws that went into effect on 1 January 2020, active duty, retired military, and 100% DAV were the primary users that were authorized to utilize MWR facilities (includes campgrounds). However, this all changes so The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 became law in August 2018 and will take effect on January 1st, 2020. This bill will now allow the following veterans use of commissary and exchange stores, and MWR facilities (includes campgrounds):

Veterans Awarded the Purple Heart
Veterans Who Are Medal of Honor Recipients (already authorized)
Veterans Who Are Former Prisoners of War
Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities
Caregivers of Veterans

As was mentioned above, DOD is not using windshield stickers for anything any more - it's all ID cards and other documentation. At Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, where we are currently staying, they don't even look at the front of the card... they scan the bar codes on the back (while you hold it up due to the pandemic) with a hand-held scanner and say, "Have a good day, colonel" or, "Welcome to APG, sergeant." The computer systems know exactly who you are and what your eligibility is. Of course, that's the gate - MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) offices aren't there yet and need the hard copy documentation.

Documentation of the above is required to make reservations and situations can differ due to local commanders' options (i.e. current DOD civilian employees may use the facilities at Pointes West Army Resort at Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta, GA). There are also varying length of stay limits established by the local command and MWR based on availability and usage. Rates also vary - and have been creeping up most places the past few years. The FamCamps are still an excellent option - we are staying at one all summer near grandkids.

Many other places a military ID will get you a 5 - 10% discount - but you usually have to ask as they often don't advertise it like the other club discounts.

Rob

Hey Rob! So I'm rated at 80% disabled. I have a VA Disability Card. Can't find my DD214, but have replacement orders, but God knows how long that will take? What other ID, process or documents will I need? Do you just drive up to a gate where a campsite is located (assuming its gated or actually on base) and say I'm here to camp? Are prior reservations needed?
Thanks!
Steve