Introduction

For most of us, 2020 was the year of the “staycation” as we delayed non-essential travel to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. And even though ’smores around the kitchen table weren’t the same as making them around a campfire, a lot of us made the most of the circumstances, even enjoying closer bonds with family. This year, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gives us hope that travel and vacations could be restored to their former glory, with outdoor, socially distancing venues being some of the safest places to eventually visit. Campgrounds and RV parks at military installations have always been an incredible perk, a not-so-secret get-away for active duty and their dependents across the nation. Most military FamCamps and RV parks are much less expensive than comparable vacation spots in each area. Plus, depending on the site, services may also be available to certain veterans and DOD employees. As we look now for ways to enjoy fresh air on a budget, these campgrounds and RV sites are an even better bargain. While you may not be ready yet to hit the road for a 2021 family vacation, it’s never too early to start researching your options once travel is safer. Here’s our top 10 list of best military campgrounds and RV parks in the United States to serve as a starting point for healthy holiday adventures.

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many campsites and RV parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all of the ones listed here, are likely subject to health restrictions, though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Check websites and call ahead to learn each listing’s current status.

10 of the Best Military Campgrounds & RV Parks in the United States Infographic

Click here to download your free PDF copy.

10 Military Campgrounds & RV Parks in the United States

1. Seward Military Resort, Alaska

2305 Dimond Blvd. Seward, AK 99664 Phone: 1 (907) 224-5559 This gem is located about 2.5 hours south of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. And while getting to the Last Frontier will be half of your fun, the deep-sea fishing, hiking, hunting and snow-skiing at this year-round lodge will be even more memorable amid snow-capped mountains and the deep aquamarine of Resurrection Bay. Accommodations include 40 camper sites, 15 tent sites, six yurts and 57 cabins/townhouses/motel rooms. For reservations: Call 1 (800) 770-1858 for eligibility, rates and availability.

2. Agave Gulch FamCamp, Arizona

6170 E. Quijota Blvd. Building 6015 Tucson, AZ 85707 Phone: 1 (520) 747-9144 Located on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, this RV camping spot operates year-round and features 197 spaces with full W/S/E hookups, modern restrooms, laundry facilities, a pet-wash station, free Wi-Fi, a lobby and office. Military, retired military and DOD civilians with base access are welcome to enjoy this site and the golfing and swimming it offers. It’s pet-friendly to boot. Visit the campground’s website for info on space and equipment rental rates. For reservations: Reservations are not accepted. All sites are available first-come, first-served.

3. Peregrine Pines, Colorado

9022 Peregrine Pines Road U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840 Phone: 1 (719) 333-4980 This highly-treed, rustic location near Falcon Stadium features 105 gravel sites and eight tent sites. Even with its proximity to the United States Air Force Academy, you can really get away from it all — because so many trees mean there’s no guarantee of satellite reception for electronics. Ah, quiet times. For reservations: Space at Peregrine Pines is first-come, first-served during the non-peak season Nov. 1 through March 31. Call the FamCamp office at 719-333-4980 starting April 1 for peak-season reservations. Be aware: The week of academy graduation and the Memorial Day holiday are extremely busy.

Lake Tahoe Recreational Lodging, California

4. Lake Tahoe Recreational Lodging, California

2500 Lake Forest Road Tahoe City, CA 96145 Phone: 1 (530) 583-7438 Military campgrounds in California are as plentiful and varied as the Golden State itself. Some of the standouts among standouts are the Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe vacation rental cottages in Tahoe City. Two lake-view cottages and two forest-view cottages sleep six to eight people and are the perfect place to relax after boating, hiking, sailing, snow skiing, swimming and water skiing. For reservations: Check availability online, call 1 (530) 308-8681 or email the reservation desk.

5. MacDill Air Force Base FamCamp, Florida

9907 Marina Bay Drive, Building 608 MacDill AFB, FL 33621 Phone: 1 (813) 840-6919 What could be better than boating, bowling, golfing and swimming in the Florida sun? How about having it all right on the beautiful blue and sandy shores of Tampa Bay at MacDill Air Force Base? Choose from 359 full-service RV sites, 21 partial hook-up RV sites, 40 dry sites and a tent-camping area — but make reservations far in advance. Not only is this site one of the best military campgrounds in Florida, but it’s also one of the most popular FamCamps in the nation. How to make reservations: Call the FamCamp Office at 1 (813) 840-6919 for more information and space availability.

6. Barbers Point Beach Cottages, Hawaii

White Plains Beach Building 1797 Barbers Point/Kalaeloa, HI 96707 Phone: 1 (808) 682-3085 Yes, that’s right: an affordable, military campground in a tropical paradise near Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Sign. Us. UP! With 24 cottages to choose from, you can enjoy the beach, commissary, picnic area, playground and snack bar as well as bowling, golf, surfing and swimming. “Hawaii time” runs at its own relaxed pace, but — as you can imagine — spots at this site go fast. Reservations are accepted up to a year in advance for active-duty personnel and six months in advance for retirees and Department of Defense civilians. For reservations: Visit the Navy Getaways website to check for availability or call 1 (877) 628-9233.

Aberdeen Proving Ground Campgrounds, Maryland

7. Aberdeen Proving Ground Campgrounds, Maryland

6627 Aerospace Road APG North Building 2184 Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005 Phone: 1 (410) 278-4124 Reservations are highly recommended for this location, and for good reason. This beautiful spot near Aberdeen Proving Ground features amenities such as a beach, boat ramp and rentals, commissary, equestrian facilities, exchange, fitness center, hospital/clinic, library, marina, picnic area and playground. Boat, fish, golf, hike, hunt and swim to your heart’s content. Sleep up for the next day of fun at one of the 11 RV sites at Marylander RV Park, the 24 back-in RV sites and five cabins at Shore Travel Camp, or 15 tent sites at Skippers Point. For reservations: Call 410-278-4124 for information or send a completed Campground Reservation Form to the reservation office at their email address.

8. Fort Sam Houston Recreational Vehicle Park, Texas

4028 Petroleum Drive San Antonio, TX 78234 Phone: 1 (210) 221-5502 One of the best things about this RV park is its proximity to all the greatest tourist attractions of San Antonio: The Alamo, the downtown River Walk, the San Antonio Zoo, Joint Base San Antonio and so much more. But with all the amenities at the FSH RV Park, you’ll be entertained with all that’s right outside your camper steps in one of the 74 RV sites. Enjoy an aquatic center, bowling center, car wash, commissary, equestrian center, exchange, hospital/clinic, library, museum, picnic area, playground, snack bar and more. Giddy up! For reservations: Call 1 (210) 221-5502 for rates and availability; reservations are accepted up to a year in advance.

JEB Fort Story RV Park and Campground, Virginia

9. JEB Fort Story RV Park and Campground, Virginia

601 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23459 Phone: 1 (757) 422-7601 Get your beach on at one of the best military campgrounds in Virginia just 20 minutes away from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Choose from 23 RV sites, 17 log cabins or seven bungalows as your headquarters from which to enjoy beach activities, boat rentals, picnic areas and more. Then sit back and enjoy the sunset over the premium oceanfront views. For reservations: Call 757-422-7601 for rates, availability and minimum stay requirements.

10. Pine View Campground, Wisconsin

West J St. Fort McCoy, WI 54656 Phone: 1 (608) 388-3517 We’re not exactly sure how you’ll get your R&R with the paddle boats, canoes, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, mini golf, volleyball and basketball courts that this beautiful, tree-filled campground offers at Fort McCoy. But we’re confident you’ll find a way to mix some rest into the many recreational offerings. Accommodations include 138 RV sites, 38 tent sites and nine yurts/cabins/duplexes. Visit the campground’s website for more information on rates and amenities. For reservations: Call 1 (800) 531-4703 or email the campground for availability.

Conclusion

After staying home to stay healthy in 2020, the open road is calling — loud and clear. Doing your research now means you’ll be able to safely answer that call when you’re ready in 2021 and beyond. And since military campgrounds and RV parks are some of the most affordable ways to vacation, you and your family will be able to spend less money but create more memories for years to come. Looking to get even more value out of your upcoming adventures? Read our special guide “How to Plan Your Next Great American National Park Road Trip” for unique travel tips that are sure to spark your imagination. It has the details you need about the free America the Beautiful Military Pass for active duty and their dependents and a new program to offer free entrance to national parks for veterans and Gold Star Families.

RECREATION

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Email*