The Ultimate Guide to Military RV Camping (2026)

Military RV camping is one of the best-kept secrets of service member benefits. With over 270 locations across the United States, Department of Defense (DOD) Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities offer affordable, safe, and scenic camping options for those who serve and have served.

Whether you're a full-time RVer or planning a weekend getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know to navigate the military campground system in 2026.

1. What are MWR Campgrounds?

MWR stands for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. These are programs operated by each branch of the military to support the well-being of service members and their families. While MWR covers everything from gyms to libraries, one of its most popular offerings is outdoor recreation.

Each branch has its own name for these facilities:

• Air Force & Space Force: FamCamps (Family Campgrounds)
• Army: MWR Campgrounds or Travel Camps
• Navy: Navy Getaways
• Marine Corps: MCCS Recreational Lodging
• Coast Guard: MWR Recreational Lodging

2. Who is Eligible?

Eligibility has expanded in recent years. In the past, only active duty and 20-year retirees had access. Today, thanks to the Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018, the list is much broader.

Standard Eligibility

• Active Duty (All branches) and their dependents
• National Guard & Reserve members
• Military Retirees (20+ years service)
• 100% Disabled Veterans (DAV)
• Medal of Honor recipients

Expanded Eligibility (Check Specific Facility)

• Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities (0-90% rating) - Note: Access to base may require a VHIC card with "Service Connected" designation.
• DOD Civilians (Active and Retired)
• Purple Heart Recipients
• Former POWs

Important: While most facilities follow these guidelines, base commanders have the final say on access. High-security installations or small bases may have stricter rules. Always call ahead.

3. Types of Camping Available

Military campgrounds aren't one-size-fits-all. They range from parking lots to luxury resorts.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The most common. Includes water, sewer, and electric (30/50 amp). Often paved or concrete pads.
• Dry Camping / Boondocking: Parking without hookups. Great for overflow or saving money.
• Tent Sites: Dedicated areas for tent campers, usually near bathhouses.
• Cabins & Cottages: Many MWR sites offer fully furnished cabins, ranging from rustic one-room huts to 3-bedroom houses.
• Yurts: Available at select locations like Fort Novosel (AL) and Jim Creek (WA).

4. How to Make Reservations

Unlike the centralized booking system for National Parks (Recreation.gov), military campgrounds are decentralized. There is no single "Military Airbnb" app, though Navy Getaways handles many Navy/Coast Guard bookings.

Booking Methods

1. Direct Phone Call: This is still the most reliable method for 80% of facilities. Find the number in our directory and call during business hours.
2. Online (DOD MWR Libraries): Some facilities use DOD Lodging portals.
3. Navy Getaways: For Navy and some Coast Guard sites, you can book via Navy Getaways (1-877-NAVY-BED).
4. Walk-Ins: Many facilities keep a percentage of sites for same-day arrivals, but this is risky during peak season.

Reservation Windows:
Active Duty usually gets priority booking (e.g., 1 year in advance). Retirees and others may be limited to 6 months or 90 days out. This "tier system" ensures active duty families on PCS moves have a place to stay.

5. Rules & Etiquette

Living on base is different from a civilian KOA. You are subject to federal laws and the UCMJ.

• Base Access: You must have valid ID to get on base. Drivers must have a valid license, registration, and insurance. Some bases do background checks for guests.
• Firearms: Rules vary WILDLY. Generally, personal firearms must be declared at the gate and stored in the armory or locked in a specific manner. Do not assume you can carry on base.
• Cleanliness: "GI Clean" is a real expectation. Keep your site tidy.
• Length of Stay: Most parks have a limit (e.g., 14 days, 30 days). However, many offer "homesteading" in the off-season or if there is no waitlist.

6. Popular Destinations by State

Military campgrounds span the country, from tropical beaches to mountain retreats. Here are some of the most sought-after destinations:

California

Naval Base San Diego RV Park offers oceanfront sites near downtown San Diego - one of the most popular military RV parks in the country. Vandenberg Space Force Base FamCamp provides stunning coastal access near Santa Barbara. Travis Air Force Base FamCamp serves the San Francisco Bay Area with easy access to wine country and the Sierra Nevada.

Florida

MacDill Air Force Base FamCamp in Tampa features full hookups and beach access on Tampa Bay. Naval Air Station Key West offers tropical camping at America's southernmost point. Patrick Space Force Base provides Atlantic coast camping with shuttle access to Kennedy Space Center - perfect for space enthusiasts.

Texas

Fort Bliss RV Park in El Paso accommodates large RVs with stunning desert mountain views. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland FamCamp serves the historic San Antonio area. Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) offers multiple outdoor recreation areas in central Texas hill country.

Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam provides camping on Oahu with beach access and military history tours. Bellows Beach Cottages offer some of the most beautiful beachfront military accommodations anywhere. Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base features incredible ocean recreation opportunities.

North Carolina

Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) Smith Lake Recreation Area offers lakefront camping. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune provides multiple beach and inland camping options. The Outer Banks area offers unique coastal military camping experiences.

Colorado

The U.S. Air Force Academy FamCamp sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains with stunning views. Camp Hale near Vail offers high-altitude camping in historic WWII training grounds. Peterson Space Force Base provides easy access to Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs attractions.

7. Top Tips for Newbies

• Call the Gate First: Ask if there is a specific gate for RVs/Commercial vehicles. Main gates often have tight chicane barriers that can wreck an RV.
• Join the Community: Facebook groups like "U.S. Military Campgrounds" are goldmines for real-time reviews.
• Be Patient: Outdoor Rec offices are often understaffed. Keep calling or leave a polite message.
• Check "Dry" Capability: If a park is full, ask if they have overflow. You might have to dry camp for a night, but you'll be on base and first in line for a site the next morning.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about military camping: