These US military campgrounds and RV parks are highly rated on RV LIFE Campgrounds
Don’t Miss These Top Rated Military Campgrounds and RV Park Destinations
One of the perks of being active duty or retired military (and in some cases, a current or former Department of Defense employee) is getting to stay at US military campgrounds and RV parks.
There are dozens of such parks across the country; I have showcased ten of the most highly-rated parks below. A quick search of RV LIFE Campgrounds will help you find the perfect location for you. To make the search even easier, you can filter the results to show just the military-only options.
1. Peregrine Pines FamCamp
Nestled at the base of the Southern Rockies, this campground just north of Colorado Springs is located at one of the most scenic spots in America. Located on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy, Peregrine Pines makes an amazing home away from home. The base itself has several trails for hiking and biking, and you can visit the Cadet Chapel and Visitors Center.
Amenities at the park include full hook-ups (there is also a dump station on-site), a sparkling clean shower area, laundry facilities, a picnic area, and a playground for the kids. You can also enjoy the academy’s golf course, commissary, exchange, and fitness center. The campground has 105 gravel sites as well as 10 tent sites.
Peregrine Pines FamCamp. Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
2. Pelican Roost RV Park
Just north of Jacksonville, Florida, Mayport Navel Station can be found on the banks of the St. Johns River. The Pelican Roost RV Park is on base and features a scenic view of the river’s jetties.
With a total of 47 sites, including waterfront and back-in sites, you are sure to find the perfect spot for your temporary home. All sites include electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer. Additional amenities include cable, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, restroom, shower, and laundry facilities, as well as a book/video “swap library.” The park also allows primitive and tent camping. Guests will have access to the planned activities and the Roost clubhouse.
Pelican Roost RV Park. Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds.
3. Seabreeze RV Resort
Want to stay within 30 minutes of Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm? Check out Orange County’s Seabreeze RV Resort, which is located at the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. This beautifully landscaped campground has 50 x 20 concrete RV pads, and each site offers full hook-ups, Wi-Fi, and DIRECTV. Park amenities include bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities, a BBQ area with cabanas, a fitness trail, and RV/car wash area.
You can also enjoy additional amenities such as the Navy Exchange Mini-Mart, a park/picnic area with grills, cabanas, and a playground for the kids. You can play sand volleyball and horseshoes on base or play 27 holes of golf at the nearby Navy Golf Course in Cypress.
Seabreeze RV Resort. Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds.
4. Weston Lake Recreation Area
South Carolina’s Fort Jackson Army Post is home to the Weston Lake Recreation Area, which offers 33 RV sites as well as some cabins and primitive tent camping sites. Some of the RV sites offer full hook-ups (electric, water, and sewer) while others have half hook-ups.
There is an on-site dump station for those without sewer hook-ups. All campers will have access to a shower area, a playground and picnic area, and hiking opportunities. There is an on-site marina where you can rent a boat and go fishing. You can also rent a kayak, paddle boat, or canoe, and there is a beach area where you can soak up the sun.
Weston Lake Recreation Area. Photo courtesy of RV LIFE Campgrounds.
5. Cliffside RV Park
Washington’s Cliffside RV Park, which can be found on the base of Naval Air State Whidbey Island, offers stunning views of Vancouver Island, the Olympic Peninsula, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the San Juan Islands. The park offers RV sites with water, electrical, and sewer hook-ups, tent camping, and rental yurts and RV trailers.
The RV park offers restroom, shower, and laundry facilities, covered pavilions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There are walking/hiking paths and private beach access; in addition, you will have access to base amenities like the golf course, recreation center, paintball games, and dining.
Cliffside RV Park – Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
6. Pine View Campground
Located on Fort McCoy in western Wisconsin, Pine View Campground is open to the public with 136 campsites available year-round. Several amenities are on-site including an accessible fishing dock, comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, picnic shelters and grills, cable TV and Wi-Fi, and a camp store.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on-site including hiking and biking trails, a sportsman’s range, basketball and volleyball courts, a swimming beach (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), a playground, 9-hole disc course, canoes and kayaks, paintball and laser tag, and a dog park.
Pine View Campground – Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
7. Desert Eagle RV Park
This campground on Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada has a total of 226 campsites. All but four offer full hook-ups (electric, water, and sewer). There is a dump station available as well.
Park amenities include free Wi-Fi, shower, restroom, and laundry facilities, a game/TV room, and a dog run. Be sure and take advantage of all the base amenities that you can access. The base has a movie theater, fitness center, commissary, exchange, museum, snack bar, and library. Should an emergency arise, there is a hospital/clinic and pharmacy on the base. You can watch a driving tour of this campground below.
8. Engineer Beach RV Park
Engineer Beach RV Park is located on the Fort Rucker Army Post in Alabama and offers guests stunning views of Lake Tholocco. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, the almost 700-acre lake is perfect for boating, swimming, fishing, and water skiing.
The area is great for hiking and biking, and offers some opportunities for hunting as well. During your stay, be sure and visit the Army Aviation Museum and the Silver Wings Golf Club. The park has 48 RV sites, 4 tent camping sites, and 1 yurt.
Engineer Beach RV Park – Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
9. Sea Mist RV Park
Virginia Beach, Virginia is home to the Sea Mist RV Park, which can be found near the beach on Dam Neck Annex of Oceana Naval Air Station. All their concrete pad RV sites have full hook-ups (30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer); they also have two super pads. There are rustic cabins available for rent as well.
The pet-friendly campground has two restroom, shower, and laundry facilities and two places guests can access the beach. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi and covered pavilions with gas grills provided for guests’ use.
10. Saguaro Skies FamCamp
Luke Air Force Base, located in Glendale, Arizona (just outside Phoenix), has a campground with over 60 RV sites. Saguaro Skies FamCamp is both pet and big rig friendly. All sites offer electric (20/30/50 amp), water, and sewer, and there are on-site showers and a laundry facility.
The base itself offers a host of amenities, conveniences, and recreational opportunities. You can visit the commissary and exchange, go swimming or work out in the fitness center, or grab a snack at the Shoppette or snack bar. The base also has a hospital/clinic and pharmacy in case you need medical attention.
Saguaro Skies FamCamp. Photo courtesy of RV LIFE Campgrounds.
Regardless of which area of the country you are visiting, odds are good there is a military-only campground close to you. You can find more US military campgrounds and RV parks with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds, or while planning your RV-safe route on RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
For more US military campgrounds and RV parks, check out this article: 10 Best Military RV Parks In The U.S.
Tammy Grey has been a freelancer writer for just over ten years. She has been published in regional and national publications, such as USA Today and Silver Sage Magazine. While her main focus is writing travel-related articles, she also writes human interest pieces.
Tammy is a Marine Corps brat from Parris Island, South Carolina. After many years spent in the Midwest, she currently resides in southeast Georgia, in a small Navy town just north of Jacksonville, Florida.
Do you have to be military to camp and all the things the base offers
Hi Douglas,
Each campground has different eligibility requirements, but generally speaking you need to be current or former military. A great number of the campgrounds allow Department of Defense (DOD) and in some cases contractors and dependents. If there is a particular campground you are interested in, you could reach out and ask about the eligibility requirements. Travel safe!
Tammy
I was really surprised that Sigsbee Campground at NAS Key West didn’t make your list. I’m on day 22 here and not ready to leave.
These are the people allowed to use the military campgrounds. Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, DoD Civilians, Sponsored Guests
Hi George! Are Canadian Retired Military eligible?
Ellsworth just outside Rapid City is a great park, concrete pads, sewer & water plus close proximity to AAFES facilities. Perfect base for the Badlands, MT Rushmore, & Crazy Horse!
One of my first RV experiences was Colorado Springs RV park. Will return !! It’s the best so far still !!! DFAS DoD Employee
Hi Dawn,
Colorado Springs is so beautiful. Travel safe!
Tammy
Spent 8 yrs USAF am I entitled to this an if so how much per day
Hi Edward,
Each campground has different eligibility rules and pricing. It would be best to just reach out to the campground you’re interested in and find out their requirements. I hope you have safe travels!
Tammy
Our favorites also include, Ellsworth AFB, Luke AFB Annex in flagstaff, Coronado, and Travis AFB because of the location, the park sucks
Tammy, just wanted to know if I might be eligible to go to the military RV parks. I’m a 4 year vet with 20% disability from the Air Force.
Hi Barbara,
Each campground sets their own eligibility requirements; some require a guest to be current military and some allow veterans. If there is a specific campground you are wanting to visit, I would just reach to them directly. Safe travels!
Tammy
Mcdill, Ellsworth is no.1, Coronado, Patrick. Didn’t care for ftccoy
My Dad was in the Army in 1943 for 3 years. Would I be eligible to stay in Military Campgrounds?
Hi Barry,
Each campground has rules and eligibility requirements unique to them. If there is a specific campground you’re interested in, a quick phone call should get you the information you need. Happy travels!
Tammy
You missed one that is one of the nicest on any base. That’s at Ft Belvoir VA. It overlooks the Potomac River and all of the Washington DC area is a short distance away.
Hi Caleb,
There were so much great campground to pick from, it was difficult to pare down the list. If I do a follow-up, I will include it. Thank you for reading.
Tammy
What about prior service? What the going rates. And how long. Can you stay.
Hi Mike,
Each campground has their own rules and eligibility requirements. It would be best to directly contact the one(s) you’re interested in and find out their specific rules and rates. Thank you for reading; travel safe.
Tammy
Attended sons Air Force Academy graduation in May and did stay at Peregrine Pines family camp agree with the top ranking there beautiful location great facilities only draw back when the Thunderbirds fly or practice they institute a mandatory evacuation of everyone from the campground for safety in case of a aerial mishap.
How come Davis Monthan FamCamo in Tucson was not mentioned???
Hi James,
There are so much beautiful campgrounds that it was difficult to narrow them down. If I do a follow-up article, I will definitely include it.
Thank you for reading.
Tammy
Great article!! Thank you..I’m planning a road trip for next year.
Any word on COVID rules for campgrounds ??
Hi Timothy,
Thank you! Each campground has their own rules and requirements; it would be best to just reach out to the one(s) you’re interested in visiting. Happy traveling!
Tammy
Make sure you check with each individual campground yo see if you can even use these sites. Each one has its own list of what they deem to be veteran status. Only active or veterans can use these.
If disabled from military can you stay at these rv sites? We purchased an rv to travel and word like to know. Thank you.
Hi Rebecca,
Some of the RV Parks only allow current military, and some have more lenient eligibility requirements. It would be best to just call the park you’re interested in and check their particular requirements. Thank you for reading and have safe travels.
Tammy
I am prior national guard can I stay if so what do I need
Hi Timothy,
Each RV Park has their own eligibility requirements. The best thing to do would be to call the specific park you are interested in to verify eligibility and get requirements. Thank you for reading.
Tammy
Who Can Use Military Recreation Centers & Facilities (FamCamps)
Active Duty Service Members and Families
Active duty service members and their families (with proper ID) are allowed to use DoD / MWR military camping facilities on and off-post.
Veterans
Veterans who meet certain requirements (see below) and their families may also be able to use military campgrounds. MWR offers access to many of its programs and facilities for:
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
Reserves members, Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service or a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the meets the requirements for being considered a veteran AND also meets the above criteria are eligible for campground access.
Honorably discharged veterans are not authorized, unless they meet the additional criteria listed above.
In general, any campsite that requires a privately owned vehicle to enter a military base cannot be accessed by civilians with no military ties. There may or may not be provisions at a particular site for government employees, civilian contractors, etc. Each of the many different sites will have their own entry requirements. Some may be more relaxed about ID checks and general requirements, others will be quite strict. Depending on the destination, DoD civilians, Guard and Reserve members may all be welcome.
Are all veterans eligible???
I only have on complaint is the DoD contractor the get into a campground and homestead. For years we tried Huntville Redstone Arsenal and all it is people who work on base
Visit this site and it will tell you who may stay. https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/
Thanks a million
We have stayed at a few and we recently ran into another veteran who indicated he used a DoD site to make reservations. Have you heard anything about a website?
I was wondering if you qualify to stay at these campgrounds. Being an adult (with a family member who was in the military) it seems to me that you don’t qualify to stay at these campgrounds.
Matt 7:1-2
Might be some difficulty for retired DOD civilians now that their retirement cards have all been canceled as of 31 August 23 with very little proper notification they would be cancelled. The law canceling them was passed in February of 2023, but both DoD & OPM never notified the thousands of retirees that their cards were being canceled. Now have to show them your SF50 and your Real ID driver’s license to register you to get on any base. A real mess to get on base to a FAM camp while traveling.
I was initially disappointed that Cliffside wasn’t #1, but gratified to see it included. I’d hasten to add that the CG Host is a master gardener and the place is exploding with color. Every day he cuts a bunch of blooms and puts them out for the residents (please don’t take more than a few, though!). Read this article mere seconds after confirming a reservation at Pelican Roost for Feb ’24.