"Homesteading"

We just got to FT Meade for 2 weeks, and the parks back in sites (cheaper) were all full, except for the one we reserved. We saw many of the same homesteaders, and some new ones here too. I do have to give credit to the MWR, they now have a two week rule, and that means the homesteaders must move every two weeks. We know some of the homesteaders, since we have been here many times, and they are not happy. Don't get me wrong I like many of these people, but things have gotten out of hand. I'm am glad that management is aware of the problem, and in doing so, trying to make room for people who just want to visit. I understand, if they have more reservations than spaces, the homesteaders have to leave. I hope this works for them, and it frees spaces for the rest of us. I suggest, to anyone who wants to stay at Ft Meade, to make reservations at least a week a head of time.

Gee, I thought I was the only one complaining about "Homesteaders". I stayed at Fort Huachuca this past winter and observed what appear to be retiree's spending the winter there from Oct through Mar. Atleast one I know off had been there for five months before he left and the only reason he left was that his house was ready. (retired command sgtmaj) I was there for 3 weeks, about a week before he departed, I saw several turned away because there was no room. Some of the RVs look as if they have not moved in several weeks. The length of stay is 90 days, but I think it should change to 30 days in order to allow full usage to all who have served.

Sgtjoe et al
I'm starting to see a three-way break here and I can't help but feel there is a way for us all to live together comfortably.
You see 30 days as a long time. We fulltimers kind of consider that a short stay. The problem with us fulltimers is that during the winter we are all jammed into a small ribbon of states running from SoCal to God's waiting room (Florida). The third major group are the true homesteaders who put up fences, build porches, dig motes and raise flowers. These are the ones that get my goat.
As for the Command Sergeant Major since he was waiting for his house to be finished he is kind of in a very small category outside of the three majors above. Also out of the three major categories are active duty and called up reservists involved in the current conflicts (those folks can have anything they want).
Actually, speaking as a fulltimer, if I am staying at a campground for three months I would have no problem moving to another site every 30 days or even two weeks if the flow calls for it. Heck, I would even take my turn in overflow if I had to. One of the reasons I became a fulltimer is to see a different view from my bedroom window when I wake up in the morning.
Glenn

Glenn, I see where you are and agree too, pretty much. There will always be "special circumstances" where a guy has a particular need that can be addressed.

At this same time, my problem with the "homesteaders" that abuse the length of stay is that others that travel more will be left without a spot because a homesteader remains beyond his term. If a homesteader stays for months at a time when a site is available, then that's good for the CG as it continues operating revenue. But each individual family should rotate equally in ALL the sites, including overflow, not just some of the sites while others stay comfortably at one site too long. And that is easily done as long as everyone understands that one can't stay "long enough to mow the lawn" at any one site ...

What is even more annoying than homesteaders are the people who use camping spaces as storage. I've spent weeks in some parks and never saw the doors open on the RV next to me.

I've been told the Navy at Key West, FL has this figured out. They also have a storage area and if you call them ahead of time they will move your rig out of storage into an available spot for a very small fee (like a couple of bucks).

Bottom line is that a lot of people are happy taking advantage of the system with special rules just for them. I've come to understand that is life and that some people don't mind inconveniencing others. I couldn't be that self centered.

Glenn

Notice something about this thread??

Not one response from anyone that defends the homsteader over-use / over-stay policy. Lots of them out there doing it, apparently, but no one willing to admit it... pretty interesting.