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Old 06-28-2018, 09:35 PM   #1
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Camping at US military bases??

We are new to world of TT camping, tho we are bith old "tenters".
Somewhere I heard that military vets(I am one) are sometimes allowed to camp or at least "overnite" at some US military bases. Is this really true? and how does one go about it..[yes I assume I need a copy of my DD214]
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Old 06-28-2018, 11:33 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred762 View Post
We are new to world of TT camping, tho we are bith old "tenters".
Somewhere I heard that military vets(I am one) are sometimes allowed to camp or at least "overnite" at some US military bases. Is this really true? and how does one go about it..[yes I assume I need a copy of my DD214]
You need a CAC, a retired military ID or a base pass to get on base. A pass is issued for official purposes and that means you must have a POC on base. They don't give base passes to veterans at any base I've ever visited unless it's a special veterans event, an airshow or similar. Retired military of course can get on base anytime with their military ID, because they have PX/NEX/BX, Commissary and base hospital/pharmacy privileges.

Once on base, you can camp at an MWR camping facility or similar if the base has one, but there's no "overnighting" in a parking lot as far as I know. There are a number of reasons why, but most are related to security.

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Old 06-29-2018, 08:29 AM   #3
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Information on use of military campgrounds for vets:

U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks - Authorized Users of Military Campgrounds

You should probably contact the military facility you are going to ahead of time since it looks like active duty are the priority.
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Old 06-29-2018, 08:42 AM   #4
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I was drafted in 1971. At the time I thought it was awful. Little did i know I was being slapped in the face with opportunity.
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Old 06-29-2018, 11:32 AM   #5
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If military bases allowed every vet and their families to camp, they'd become campgrounds, not military bases, sooner than you could imagine.

If you want cheap or free camping, check out the National Parks and by all means the BLM: Bureau of Land Management sites. Often it's dry camping, but such nature! Such wilderness! Such savings!


BEST to you!

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Old 06-29-2018, 12:17 PM   #6
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Camping

That is correct to use the Bureau of Land Management, ""West of the Mississippi"", but if your on the morning side of the big muddy it is the Corp of Engineer's. Also look at some of the National Forest sites, they may allow camping for a short while. A hidden gem in Ohio is near Cambridge, Ohio. The American Electric Company has an area open to campers. It is called ReCreation Area. They have a wildlife area that is open for tours. Check the AEP web page for information.
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Old 06-29-2018, 12:35 PM   #7
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I have a great deal of admiration for our vets, having both retired and active duty military in the family but this is not the place for a discussion or sharing opinions on what members or others think of politically charged topics.

This is clearly spelled out in the community rules http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/m...ork&page=rules

We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion of free and cheap places to camp. Always a winning subject.

Michigan has both State and National forests, I know National Forest is a free place as long as you follow rules about fire, and waste disposal etc. that are readily available online. State forest have different rules but again any State park can point you to where you might go to find "the road less traveled" on state land. Some camping is restricted to designated areas.
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Old 06-29-2018, 12:49 PM   #8
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Be careful where you land

While kayaking, I rounded a corner and saw some picnic tables on a hillside; beached the kayak, walked up and discovered a beautiful, well-kept campground...empty. No signage where I pulled in. Was eating lunch when I suddenly was surrounded by military police who sternly informed me that I was on restricted military property. They processed my ID, and kicked me out, with a stern warning to never be seen again.

I can only vouch that this campground was nicely laid out, very clean.

I have retired military officer friend & wife that stay at military bases during their vacations. So it may be worthwhile if you qualify, Check out this web site: https://www.military.com/spouse/mili...mpgrounds.html
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Old 06-29-2018, 02:21 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by M Scott View Post
While kayaking, I rounded a corner and saw some picnic tables on a hillside; beached the kayak, walked up and discovered a beautiful, well-kept campground...empty. No signage where I pulled in. Was eating lunch when I suddenly was surrounded by military police who sternly informed me that I was on restricted military property. They processed my ID, and kicked me out, with a stern warning to never be seen again. I can only vouch that this campground was nicely laid out, very clean.
This is funny, with such an inviting look and no signage, I bet you weren't the first one to be "surprised" .
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Old 06-29-2018, 03:47 PM   #10
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National Forests definitely offer camping in the Pacific Northwest...Tacoma Power parks are much like State parks and about the same facilities and prices.

Now here's a thought: if you are a veteran, you may qualify for some discounts in some states. If you are a wounded veteran, you qualify for FREE camping in Oregon even if you're not a resident. You have to do a little paperwork to get the permit, but it's more than worth it. If you're in Washington and are a wounded vet at the 30% and worse level, you can have a discount. Oregon doesn't care how wounded you were, wounded is wounded. Oregon has many signs along roads saying, "We honor our veterans" and they're not kidding. Once you've proven your case (and it's not that hard) you can present your papers at any State campground and get your discount/free camping without argument.

We like to camp in Oregon. Showers for campers are hot and free, too. No coins or tokens to juggle.

I bet other states offer such discounts as well. Some browsing around online should let you discover more ways to save money camping. I mean, if I can find FREE camping (it does cost $8 per each total reservation), you can find some, too.

Speaking of that, I'm going to go browsing right now. It's that or washing dishes. I'll browse for camping deals!

BEST
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Old 06-29-2018, 03:51 PM   #11
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You need not be a veteran of the "Corps" of Engineers to use their facilities. Many have features designed with you in mind.

They are in interesting locations. Colorado, for example, has none. Oklahoma has 19, every one has "lake" in its name.

There are over 600 campgrounds on 200 lakes.



Here is a link to a printed guide on actual paper.
https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Corps...7bf00d55bc2238
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Old 06-29-2018, 03:56 PM   #12
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You can also buy a guide to "FREE and Low-Cost Camping" on Amazon.com or get it through your library. Oregon will send you a lovely booklet covering all their State Parks and State Recreation Areas.

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Old 06-29-2018, 05:38 PM   #13
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Friends of mine (he is a veteran) camped in their RV at a beautiful park in Oak Harbor on the base. I got in to see it only because they came to the gate to escort me in.
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Old 06-29-2018, 06:09 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by Fred762 View Post
We are new to world of TT camping, tho we are bith old "tenters".
Somewhere I heard that military vets(I am one) are sometimes allowed to camp or at least "overnite" at some US military bases. Is this really true? and how does one go about it..[yes I assume I need a copy of my DD214]
Benefits for veterans (non-retired) are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Benefits for active duty and retirees are provided by Department of Defense. This includes access to military facilities, commissary, Exchange and MWR. Military RV parks (Famcamps) are MWR facilities. There are exceptions for 100% disability and MOH.

We have stayed at many military RV parks. Some are very nice, some are not. Most are moderately priced, 20-30 dollars/night. Some are expensive. We stayed at Fort Belvoir while visiting Washington D.C. Very nice park, right on the Potomac and $50/night.

COE (Army Corps of Engineers) campgrounds are open to everyone. Some are top notch and with the National Park senior pass are real bargains.

A great App for finding public campgrounds is Ultimate U.S. Public Campground Project. It shows national and state park, COE, BLM, FS, municipal, etc., campgrounds.

Our site at Fort Bevoir:
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Old 06-30-2018, 12:58 PM   #15
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Some American Legion and VFW's have electric outlets in back. If they are having Bingo or a dance, I ask the person at the door if it is ok to plug in, pay the admission, then offer an extra $10 to cover the electricity. Haven't been turned down yet. Better if you are a VFW or AL member. Also some SPJST or Moose lodges have outlets or RV parking spaces or allow dry camp after the dance, etc.

I usually claim that I can't see well at night to drive, but I would like to attend your event if I can stay. That usually gets a positive response.
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Old 07-04-2018, 07:10 PM   #16
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Camping military base. Fred 762

Fred, contact the MWR for the location your interested. As a Vet, and thank you for your service, you will get info on where to camp and the fee. It is generally very minimal and if you have a disability rating from the VA there are more privileges for you. Take advantage of what you have sacrificed as a veteran for this country. As far as getting on post , you go to the welcome center and after they run a background check on you, you can get a temporary visitors pass. I work on Ft Knox and am a Vet also.
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Old 07-06-2018, 02:56 PM   #17
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So, they recently changed the rules that veterans, who are not retirees, can now shop at the military exchange websites. They can’t shop in the exchanges or posts, but they can at their websites.
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Old 07-06-2018, 07:16 PM   #18
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So, they recently changed the rules that veterans, who are not retirees, can now shop at the military exchange websites. They can’t shop in the exchanges or posts, but they can at their websites.
Yes, and I have found a few things less expensive through AFEES online than on civilian sites. Picked up a very nice 8 quart porcelain enameled dutch oven comparable to a Staub, for under $150!
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Old 07-06-2018, 07:17 PM   #19
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Yes, and I have found a few things less expensive through AFEES online than on civilian sites. Picked up a very nice 9 quart porcelain enameled dutch oven comparable to a Staub, for under $150!

But, it wasn't a Staub.
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Old 07-06-2018, 07:21 PM   #20
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But, it wasn't a Staub.
Nope, but I have a smaller Staub, and in terms of cooking performance, materials and the quality of the porcelain, can't tell a difference.
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