Are CG's for career military only?

[Chickadee]

Hi Vets: Have been reading your posts and wondering if military campgrounds are ONLY for career vets. Wife and I retired from civilian jobs in 05 to fulltime on the road. I served 4 yrs. back in 65-69 but have assumed I don't qualify for base campground use. Is this correct?? Thanks. Steve

[Ol'Joe]

Hi Chickadee,

In general, Military "Family Campgrounds" are for active duty, retired military, reserves and in some instances current DOD civil service employees. There may also be some cases where a guest of an elligable member may also camp but that is determined by the local command authority. It depends on the popularity of the CG, space available and who knows what else. Sometimes all an ol'goat retired Navy Chief can offer a 4 year Vet is Thanks for Serving with Honor. Good Roads to you,

Ol'Joe

[KC1BUD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol'Joe Hi Chickadee, In general, Military "Family Campgrounds" are for active duty, retired military, reserves and in some instances current DOD civil service employees. There may also be some cases where a guest of an elligable member may also camp but that is determined by the local command authority. It depends on the popularity of the CG, space available and who knows what else. Sometimes all an ol'goat retired Navy Chief can offer a 4 year Vet is Thanks for Serving with Honor. Good Roads to you, Ol'Joe

So an old two branch enlistee with a 40% medical discharge like me is out. Oh well.

[rray32539]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC1BUD So an old two branch enlistee with a 40% medical discharge like me is out. Oh well.

A good rule of thumb is if you are still eligible to use the commissary and exchange, you are eligible to use the FamCamp.

If you had a 100 percent VA disability rating, you could use some of the FamCamps based on that fact alone. But you can be sponsored as a guest of an eligible patron.

I'm retired, also a 100 percent service connected disabled veteran. One of the benefits the VA indicated I was entitled to when I received my rating was restored commissary and exchange privileges. But I never lost them, as I was medically retired by my service branch.

The FamCamps are great if you enjoy the military lifestyle and being around others with the same mindset. Not so great if you prefer being a civilian.

[KC1BUD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rray32539 The FamCamps are great if you enjoy the military lifestyle and being around others with the same mindset. Not so great if you prefer being a civilian.

Oh no, 0:500 inspections all over again?? I don't know if I can even get a shine on my suede tennis shoes let alone a spit shine.

[Ray,IN]

If you wish to view an example check out http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/st...rida_c48_m217/. Clicking on the name of the facility results in requirements to camp there, as well as everything about the facility. A guest of military retirees/active duty is usually permitted at MWR campgrounds, but as previously posted, it's up to individual commanders.

[KC1BUD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN it's up to individual commanders.

This is why I went from the Army to the Navy back in the 70s. I was out less than 2 years and would have gone back into the Army, but was told that it was up to the discretion of the post commander. Which at the time meant if he had a bad night the night before I got there I could have had to repeat basic training all over again.

So I went Navy the second time.

[Chickadee]

Oh well, I just thought it would have been kinda fun camping with other old military folks around the country but I agree,...those facilities should only be for you folks who dedicated your life career for 20+ and/or your health to the service. Just thought I'd check. Thanks. Steve

[majfrizz]

I would check with the FAMCAMP you want to go to. The camp at Fort McCoy, WI is even open to the public, they only pay $5 more per night. The problem is trying to get on the base without a military ID card. some are located off the main posts

[kenyonman]

I agree most military CG's are AD, reserve and retired. I have stayed in a few (including Pax River MD where I'm at now) where DOD civilians are allowed. They do a lottery here with AD/Reserves in January, Retired in Feb, and DOD in March. Then in April everyone moves. Summer months you are lucky to get a spot if you wern't in the lottery. Also since less than half of the sites are full hook-up you have to be really lucky or AD to get in there, otherwise your honey cartin' it for the summer. I got really lucky by the way...K-man

[mick]

Many fam camps ARE open tot he gen public, you just need to call the base commander and ask. Many times, even the closed ones, will allow you to stay , if you tell them why you want to. Hard to believe, but some commanders even have a heart for old timers.