"Homesteading"

this topic has long been, a sore spot for me. I mentioned on another post, about some problems at FT Meade. Most of the sites there are DOD civilian, retired military, that are working as contractors, and some military. Originally when they opened they had 8 sites designated for military, but like most rules there, it did not last long. It is getting harder and harder to get a site there. In our travels I have noticed more and more Famcamps filling up. It is not hard to tell the homesteaders. Large Patio furniture, lots of plants, very large grills ect I feel that time should be limited, and I think Sam Houston, has the best policy. You can stay for a month, and have to leave, unless you are there for medical treatment. A month anywhere is long enough, and truly constitutes a RV park. I sure wish there was a way to send this site to all commanders, and MWR managers. It shows the good, bad and ugly, of famcamps.

I sure wish there was a way to send this site to all commanders, and MWR managers. It shows the good, bad and ugly, of famcamps.

Funny you mention this, I'm currently in the process of mailing postcards to all MWR's that I have an address for. These cards simply let them become aware of this website and invite's them to visit us and participate, and to keep their campground information current.

Except for the active duty, TDY, and reserve (on orders), I think the max should be two weeks, rotate out until you come back to the top of the list. To use the FAMCAMP/Travelcamp as cheap housing dramatically limits site availability to others. They are called RV parks and campgrounds, not housing areas. Just my humble opinion

:)Larry three cheers for you, taking the time to do this. I hope it helps. Will it do any good, just sending to MWR, if the base Commander, sets the policy, for the campgrounds? I know many people who have been to FT Meade, and left negative comments, but little has changed.

Larry keep up the good work, you put so much into this site, and I really appreciate it.

Will it do any good, just sending to MWR, if the base Commander, sets the policy, for the campgrounds?

Actually, my goal is to create awareness of the website with MWR and to solicit their participation here. I hope the CO eventually learns about the website. But I'm not on a campaign for questioning/adjusting their policies. Perhaps that's in the future.

Except for the active duty, TDY, and reserve (on orders),...

I don't mean to sound ungrateful to our active duty, but I don't agree active duty that are assigned to that base/post should be able to stay in that base/post's campground for extended stays, above the normal rules (which some are already too long). It's STILL a recreational park and not base housing. While arguably not enough, they DO get BAQ, VHA, separation allowance, etc (if that's what they're still called) to provide housing for their families. If they are permanently assigned there, then get an apartment or use base housing - NOT the recreational park! Perhaps the bases need to create base housing "RV parks". I do agree that active duty should have top priority on using military campgrounds, but only as a recreational facility. At Vandenberg AFB FamCamp, if you're stationed there or work in the area, you CAN'T extend your stay more than 2 weeks. Visiting recreational users can extend much longer.

As with many other things that are done to try and help Veterens or Retire's some
will ruin it for all. I have stayed at a couple of bases in the "off season" and had free
reign except for the sites the Homesteders were on. I talked with some of them and
one man was on his spot going into his 2nd Year! Now believe it or not he had his son
pick him up in his RV and let his brother who was also stationed there use his MH. While
He went with his son camping in his MH.
What will eventually happen is the bases that let this go on will be filled year round and
never have room for those that just want a week or 2. They will complain and then the
Base Commanders will shut the whole thing down. I can see how the base makes out on
the spot being rented all the time but they should IMHO have some kind of limit. I have
nothing against "Homesteders" But to a point don't abuse the system and ruin it for everyone.