Why is This Allowed?

How do you feel about active duty living in the CG and going to work everyday? In fact, when I arrived according to my reservation, my space was occupied by a unit that was supposed to have left. I was not met upon arrival or directed to another site so I took an open one then reported to the office after setup. When my reservation time was up I requested another day but was denied but was told I could move to another space which was way shorter than my unit for the one night because they had another unit, with a reservation coming in. Needless to say I didn't move but rather left the CG for my next destination a day early.
How about the CG allowing contractors to stay while they are working somewhere on the base? One FamCamp I ahve stayed at frequently allow reservists to stay in the CG while doing their active duty time. This same FamCamp has an extremely shaded area for "Long" term, up to 2 years while transits have to park out in the unshaded open area sites. True, I have never been denied a spot but doesn't some of this just sound abusive?
At another CG I encountered a unit that belonged to a active service member who was deployed for 6 months.
The abuses of these recreation facilities are disgraceful.

Not too many years ago I would have agreed that everything you cited was abusive. I don't know which campground you're talking about but you said you've never been denied a spot. I think a campground manager has to walk a fine line keeping utilization high. I don't think contractors should be in our campgrounds unless they qualify under some other criteria and are within length of stay rules. I think active duty should always be allowed in the campground under the length of stay rules for that particular campground. And reservists doing their two weeks of active duty wouldn't be a problem. And then there are exceptions that I think a good manager should be able to make. If you or your spouse had a serious medical issue during your stay and were hospitalized, I think it would be appropriate to let you stay as long as you needed. If an active duty member had something serious going on out of the ordinary....help them. And for every reasonable exception, I bet there are many abusive instances that prevent the "recreational" camper from getting a spot and that should be corrected. JMHO and I know sometimes I'm out in left field.

Reading through these a question comes to mind: What is the purpose of the local campground for these installations? I guess they have a mission statement on who/what they are to serve? DMAFB used to have a trailer park, which has been converted to their campground. I dont know who is living there or for how long, but the wife knew a lady who said they 'lived' there on a permanent basis. Seems the lot rent is cheaper than anyplace else! Anyhow, AD personnel or even guard reservists should have 1st crack at any facility IMO. Particularly if they are assigned/tdy whatever.

So unless there is a definitive readout somewhere then all the grousing is just that grousing. I really dont use these places as they are generally not on my route of travel, plus there are other concerns (weapons, etc) that would keep me off the installations. These places are usually under MWR supervision and operated under the guidance of the local command. Keeping them open means taking in a steady flow of $$, so they may allow homesteading if they are not all that popular, and remember as I was once told, "you are RETIRED and no longer a primary concern at this facility"! Yes I was told to go elsewhere as retirees are not high on the totem pole for priority services.

I wish people on this forum would quite using "at the one park", "at a park we visited" or some variation of this phrase! Just say the park and park manager (if you know it). Since we ALL seem to be experiencing the same issues with AD LIVING in MCGs and LONG TERMERS in the MCGs, it'd be nice to HIGHLIGHT them as not following the prescribed policy! Also, take a look at your RATING of those MCGs! If you rated them 5s, then enough said. How about rating them 1s across the board with some valuable comments.

BTW: From what I heard, the manager/owner of this site (MilitaryCampgrounds.us) did the same thing at Patrick AFB this past winter. He arrived and took a space while he was on a cruise and during this time many campers were turned away.

It would be nice for campers to be a little more "courteous" and "friendly" when taking a camping site. How would you feel if you were turned away and there were campers in the CG unoccupied? Do unto others….you know the rest.

For those of you who say they get turned away from a MCG that does not take reservations it would be in your best interest if you need to be in a certain geographic area to make a reservation at a private campground and call the MCG the day before or morning of your expected arrival to see if they have any space available, hook ups, no hookups or any place for you so you do not have to deal with this. This has been our practice for years and it sure simplifies things when you travel. Yes at times we may have to pay a cancellation fee to the non MCG but for us it is worth it to not drive into the MCG and be told no space available and hope you can find another campground in the area. We usually know where we are going when gone for a few months and have made reservations as needed. No disrespect but I know some folks do not make reservations and let the road guide you to your next destination so it is your choice to show up and be turned away if nothing is available.

I am not quite following the "crap" line. Would that refer to the misguided notion that it's wrong for someone to legitimately occupy a space for whatever reason, having paid for it, and within the applicable rules for doing so? Or does it refer to some MCG management systems that obviously don't care to follow posted rules and guidelines which then allows for complaints like those in this thread?

MoBettr> You have three post and are trashing the owner of this site by using the phrase "BTW: From what I heard". I respectfully suggest that what someone hears is purely gossip and without any credibility. Would it be a surprise to know that a campground does not survive by operating under a Utopian do unto others, "courteous" and "friendly" business plan?

I also lack an understanding of why some think that having an opportunity to use a MCG should be a bestowed privileged on themselves. Isn't that like complaining that you went to the Commissary to buy a loaf of bread and someone before you got the last one?

I agree with Hank. "grousing is just that, grousing." And I'll add to that: Some people can never be pleased.