If you’re a camper you’ve probably noticed a significant change in the last few years. When COVID hit, and hotels and resorts shut down, many “newbies” discovered what many of us have known for years: the best way to experience nature is to camp and the best way to camp is in an RV.
I used to be able to hook up my travel trailer, load the kids and the dog in the truck, and hit the road. We never worried about where to camp, the freewheeling exploration was fantastic. Unfortunately, it is a thing of the past. These days, finding an open spot at a campground can take some skill and persistence and, even then, success can be elusive. Private campgrounds are a bit easier to get into, but they are more expensive. State and federal campgrounds near any desirable destination? Forget about it!
MILITARY BASE CAMPING
But if you are in the military, I have great news! Military bases are in some of the country’s most beautiful spots, and most have campgrounds. The base campgrounds are generally easier to get reservations at than many public campgrounds. Active duty service members and their families can use all Department of Defense or MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) camping facilities. In addition to active duty service members and their families, campgrounds may also be used by:
- Military retirees and families.
- Medal of Honor recipients.
- Purple Heart recipients.
- Former Prisoners of War.
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities (VA documented disability rating).
- Authorized family caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in the VA Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program.
- In addition to the above, reserve members, Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, or a commissioned National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officer meet the requirements for being considered a veteran. They are eligible for campground access if they also meet the above criteria. Honorably discharged veterans are not authorized unless they meet the additional criteria listed above. The rest of us, sadly, are out of luck and will be forced to continue playing “campground roulette” online.
Always carry the required documentation that identifies you as or verifies you as a person eligible to use the military campground. If you have questions, it’s always smart to contact the campground and get information straight from the source before heading out.
CALIFORNIA CAMPING
The only campground I have personally stayed at is the one at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside. It was gorgeous and right on the sand. California is filled with military campgrounds in wonderful locations. San Diego has at least three separate locations. There are campgrounds in Big Bear, San Luis Obispo, Point Mugu, Vandenberg (near Lompoc), Monterey Pines, Port Hueneme, Lake Tahoe, and many other beautiful spots. For a complete list, check militarycampgrounds.us/california.
You’ll want to download the Allstays Military FamCamp app if you’re on an Apple device. Search for the “Ultimate US Military FAMCAMPS” app for Android users. The website https://veteran.com also has a lot of information.
No matter which campground you choose, camping is a great way to explore the beautiful state of California.
TRICIA VLASAK is a mother and grandparent. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures. Tricia received a Gold Award for personal essay from Parenting Media Association in 2022.