The short version
Military campgrounds — the MWR FamCamps and RV parks in our directory of 290 campgrounds — are open to the military community, not the general public. Exactly who counts as “the community” has broadened over time, most notably with a 2020 federal law.
Who is typically eligible
- Active-duty service members and their dependents.
- Military retirees and their dependents.
- National Guard and Reserve members.
- DoD civilian employees — at many, though not all, installations.
- Sponsored guests accompanying an eligible patron, where permitted.
The 2020 expansion for veterans
The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 took effect January 1, 2020 and extended access to on-base MWR facilities — which include FamCamps — to several groups of veterans who previously lacked it:
- Veterans with any service-connected disability rating.
- Purple Heart recipients.
- Former prisoners of war (POWs).
- Primary family caregivers enrolled in the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
Two practical caveats: getting onto the installation still requires an approved credential (commonly a Veteran Health Identification Card), and the law governs access to the facilities — each campground can still set its own reservation windows, rates, and priority rules.
What to bring
Plan for a gate check: a valid DoD or VA-issued ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Some installations pre-clear guests through the visitor control center, so build in extra time on arrival day.
Common questions
Can veterans use military campgrounds?
Many can. Military retirees have long had access. Since January 1, 2020, the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act also extended access to MWR facilities to all veterans with a service-connected disability rating, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and primary family caregivers enrolled in the VA caregiver program. Physical base access typically requires an approved credential such as a Veteran Health Identification Card, and individual campground rules still vary.
Do you have to be active duty to stay at a FamCamp?
No. Active-duty members, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and — at many installations — DoD civilian employees are commonly eligible, along with the veteran groups added in 2020. Each installation sets its own priority and patron rules.
Can civilians stay at military campgrounds?
Generally only DoD-affiliated civilians where the installation permits it, or guests sponsored by an eligible patron. Campgrounds located outside the secured perimeter sometimes allow broader public access — always confirm with the specific campground.
What ID do I need to book a military campground?
Most installations require a valid DoD ID (CAC or retiree/dependent ID), a Veteran Health Identification Card for newly eligible veterans, or an approved base-access credential. Bring vehicle registration and proof of insurance for gate checks.
Verify before you go
Eligibility and base-access rules change and vary by installation. Confirm your status and required credentials with authoritative sources and the campground itself:
- Military OneSource — the DoD-funded program with current MWR recreation and travel guidance.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov) — Veteran Health Identification Card and base-access eligibility.
- The individual campground's official listing, linked on every page in our directory.
This guide is general information, not official eligibility determination or legal advice. GetParkAlerts is an independent directory and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, the VA, or any military service. Always confirm your eligibility with an official source before traveling.