what is required to camp at a military campground?

[Herk7769]

As active, reserve, and national guard bases close we are slowly losing this great benefit.

Worse yet, fees at FAMCAMPs are rising like crazy (some have doubled with no improvement in facilities) because a few bases that have FAMCAMPs are using those higher fees to add to the base MWR fund (and are being spent on the golf course or Club facilities instead of maintaining and improving the FAMCAMP).

They are still a pretty good deal though and I support them whenever the facility is convenient to my travels.

[Len & Cheri]

They've contracted the golf course here at Moody AFB out. In an attempt to bring in more money they let everyone play there now, not just people affiliated with the military. Smart move I think.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Len & Cheri

They've contracted the golf course here at Moody AFB out. In an attempt to bring in more money they let everyone play there now, not just people affiliated with the military. Smart move I think.

Be curious as to how they manage security in that case...

[h20ski]

Here at Ft Rucker civilians are authorized to use some MWR facilities but not all. They can use the golf course, movie theater, and the lake on post. Civilians cannot use the campground. You know it all about making money for MWR facilities. Oh ya the bowling ally and all fast foods places canals be used by civilians.

[woodsman]

For those that like military camp grounds, I strongly recommend Pelican Roost in Mayport, Fl. Great place at entrance to St. Johns River. From sept. to april 30th no guest camping. Often we take friends with us to enjoy the view and fishing. Had to give up golfing. Host are very accommodating and keep the place very clean. Laundry is free(new). I can go on and on but they are on the web.

[Iggy]

They used their status to sign you in. That is possible on some base campgrounds. That person was responsible for you while you were there.

If you aren't active, retired or DOD with ID you are not eligable.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by h20ski

Here at Ft Rucker civilians are authorized to use some MWR facilities but not all. They can use the golf course, movie theater, and the lake on post. Civilians cannot use the campground. You know it all about making money for MWR facilities. Oh ya the bowling ally and all fast foods places canals be used by civilians.

There is a difference between civilians with base access (like government employees who work on the base) and the general public. Am I to understand that the general public has the run of your base without an escort? Interesting...

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by woodsman

For those that like military camp grounds, I strongly recommend Pelican Roost in Mayport, Fl. Great place at entrance to St. Johns River. From sept. to april 30th no guest camping. Often we take friends with us to enjoy the view and fishing. Had to give up golfing. Host are very accommodating and keep the place very clean. Laundry is free(new). I can go on and on but they are on the web.

My dear lord! Be quiet! I have been trying to keep that place a secret.
Always a stop on the way south.

[jimh]

i'm trying to place pelican roost...is there a fire training facility across the street from it?
i also find it interesting the oiler has a civilian crew now (stack markings).

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by jimh

i'm trying to place pelican roost...is there a fire training facility across the street from it?
i also find it interesting the oiler has a civilian crew now (stack markings).

Across the street is the ocean.
The marking show Merchant Marine all right!

[Len & Cheri]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Be curious as to how they manage security in that case...

The golf course is on-base, but not in the secured area. You dont even go through a security gate to get to it.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by jimh

i'm trying to place pelican roost...is there a fire training facility across the street from it?
i also find it interesting the oiler has a civilian crew now (stack markings).

I'll let you know in about 10 days. I'll take pictures.

[Rcandvicki]

I served from 74-82,4 ships,recruiter,and got out as an E-6,but unless I retired after 20 or 30years,I am nothing but an X Navy Boiler Tech.
Why must you be a retiree to use the facilities?Just isn't fair in my eyes.A vet is a vet .

[h20ski]

Originally Posted by herk7769

There is a difference between civilians with base access (like government employees who work on the base) and the general public. Am I to understand that the general public has the run of your base without an escort? Interesting...

All that is required to get onto most Army bases now is a valid drivers license , vehicle registration and a valid insurance card. When I use the term civilian I mean non escorted general public.

The general public is not authorized every where though, airfields, O club, PX or Commissary.

[B47]

Originally Posted by Rcandvicki

I served from 74-82,4 ships,recruiter,and got out as an E-6,but unless I retired after 20 or 30years,I am nothing but an X Navy Boiler Tech.
Why must you be a retiree to use the facilities?Just isn't fair in my eyes.A vet is a vet .

I would imagine the main reason is that being able to use certain base facilities is one of the "perks" the military tangles in front of you if you stay in long enough to retire.

Also - there are many many more vets than retirees and the facilities would be packed if all vets were allowed access.

[jimh]

it's been over 40 yrs sense i've been in there. (Mayport was my home port). seems like the fire training facility was to the south of that a block or two. no telling what is there now.

[jimh]

the only base i have camped on is Barksdale near Shreveport. the daughter of a deceased AF officer made the arrangements. i did not wander around while there.
The ship, that i was on, is scrap now. the crew has a reunion every year.

Although i would like to be able to camp at a military facility, i like that something is reserved for those stayed with it.

[jimh]

Originally Posted by Iggy

I'll let you know in about 10 days. I'll take pictures.

looking fdw to it. those that herk posted brought back memories.

[handbuilder]

DH and I both retired from the Navy for the "perks"...I enjoy utilizing base facilities that I worked for. It may not seem fair to those who dont qualify, but to those who committed and sacrificed for "the long haul" it is understandable. Famcamps are great because they offer a sense of family and security as well as convenience of using other base services. The book on military campgrounds is a helpful tool when planning long distance RV travel. Dont be too deterred - Some bases do offer camping to civilians as our adult son has utilized on his own with no assistance from us.

[Herk7769]

For those who can:

U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks

The very best source of information including access gates and directions for RVs. Buying the software subscription every year supports the free site and allows you to update their database.

HIGHLY recommended.

Many