Homesteading in Military Campgrounds and RV Parks

I don't disagree--if there is no room, and the users actually have priority. Problem is that the MWR folks tend not to verify the status of the users, and non-priority folks are treated the same as those who, by regulation, should have the priority. Additionally, the campgrounds mostly stopped being recreational when they put in full hookups. The DOD Instruction seems to recognize that, because it actually addresses it. And, in reality a huge number of folks live in their rigs. Commercial campgrounds have recognized it and figured out ways to manage both recreation and full-time to maximize their income. DOD is still floundering. As for me, I stay in a KOA long-term right now and the price is very compare able to the base. It is much smaller than a nearby base campground, but far better managed, cleaner, better maintained, and has more ammenities. Still, I'd rather give the money to MWR, but they don't seem to want it, and policies seem to prevent it. And BTW, that FAMCAMP is nowhere near full, but they still want you to move every two weeks. KOA doesn't do that, and they actually treat me like a customer.

In my opinion Mayport is WELL managed and has the luxury of having two campgrounds on base. One is for long term stays and the one we're discussing here is Pelican Roost, a short term (at least in the past). If you've never stayed there you ought to try to get in the next time you're traveling. Waterfront views, the ocean a short walk away and Navy men of war coming and going and at the pier. Free washers and dryers, a great lodge with computers and a kitchen. And a great staff. I know everyone doesn't share this opinion as Frank pointed out with his "good Ole boy" reference. And there is probably some truth in that to some degree. The staff is human and we know what humans are capable of. For the most part they treat everyone fairly. I'm a big fan of the Navy and Pelican Roost as I'm sure you can tell and that's why losing access is an important issue to me.

I'm flakey. I thought I was responding on the Mayport Pelican Roost thread dealing with length of stay. Please excuse another of my frequent lapses.

I've never stayed at Mayport, bur will soon. My grandson is now on the USS New York which is based there. The base I was mentioning is in the west and is Air Force. The Air Force Policy is far from being consistently enforced. And it seems to be unduly focused on preventing residency. Not sure what that has to do with anything, as I'm already a resident of this state.

I suspect part of the problem with the "homesteading' idea - some bases allow DOD to stay, and some allow AD to stay and for long periods beyond the 'allowed stay'. In many cases, taxpayers are funding housing at a specific rate based on local rentals for both AD and DOD. When either category stays at the MC's for less $$$ than local housing, then pockets the extra leftover dollars. That might be considered "cheating', because the MCG's are for recreation stays, NOT full-time housing, especially when it involves those site occupants putting tax-free funds in their own bank accounts.

And, another complaint illustrates many full-timers staying in a site as a personal campsite. And when we have enough full-timers using those sites, then in fact it means many recreation campers can't use the campsites for recreation. it always seems to come down to the money, instead of the original purpose of campgrounds - and the reason any one individual uses the campgrounds usually indicates on which side of the wall he/she falls.

Part of the problems arises when the ability for the CO to decide which is best for that command - sometimes, personal preferences influence how that decision gets made. IF the CO camps, the campground wins, if the CO golfs, the golf course wins, if the CO fishes, the marinas win.

So, back to the MCG issue, some campers abuse the privilege, and over stay to save $$$ - that's never a good reason for the majority, and only benefits that individual. We all earned the same benefits, and when one individual or group interferes with the benefit another earned,then it becomes selfish and self-interest.

To add a personal thought here - any time there is no housing available for AD,t hen AD and family should get preference - other than that, it's not ever a good reason to overstay and hog the campground sites for an extended time.

Words of wisdom Mr. Monkey.