"Homesteading"

An observation and a prediction. The only problem with homesteaders is during the winter, ( September thru April ) in the southern campgrounds, where everyone is trying to go at the same time.
Prediction: no one will mention homesteaders from June till September.
And no I'm not a homesteader.
KenB

Ken -- you are correct ... winters in the south fill the CG's because of colder weather in the north.

But just because someone can "give a reason" does not make it acceptable behavior. Any group can give a reason for anything they do -- but to actually justify that behavior successfully is a different matter. And in this case, just because it's warm in the south and cold in the north and one camper "gets there first and enjoys a friendly relationship with the CG host" is no justification to "hog the sites" by any stretch of the imagination.

But, I'm guessing at this point we're flogging that dead horse now --

I agree 100% in what Glenn has said. I also am aware of the snowbirds, who head south, which is what we do, but only stay 2 weeks at a campground, as a rule. We have stayed a month when the base, has a month stay policy. and pricing. I have also noticed. that now we have headed North, Ft Meade to be exact, that many of the snowbirds are coming here for the summer. Add that to the large population of homesteaders. and you have a problem. I have to applaud Ft Meade, because they have just implemented a 2 week rule, and are enforcing it. Military can stay for 60 days on orders, but everyone has to rotate, and when full some have to leave. You can not renew until you are here 10 days, which means if the place is booked, you may have to leave or go to overflow. Things were really out of hand for some time, and with the BRAC, and so many new people coming here, I just can't imagine, how bad things could get. Now I list Ft. Meade, and Brooks, San Antonia, as having the fairest of rules, concerning long term homesteaders. I certainly agree there are exceptions, illness, family emergency, and Military necessity, but most people just want to have a cheap place to live and work. Though Ft Meade does over charge, $300 for two weeks, but when you look at rent and homes prices in the area, it is a bargain

"... but most people just want to have a cheap place to live and work. Though Ft Meade does over charge, $300 for two weeks, but when you look at rent and homes prices in the area, it is a bargain."

And that is not why these campgrounds were developed -- they are not for residence, they are for everyone to use some of the time. I'm glad Ft. Meade is doing what they're doing, and I hope others follow suit. Otherwise, we can look forward to many more 'over-full' problems in the future as more guys retire and RV technology develops -- twenty years or so ago we would not have this problem -- that's when tents were the norm for camping instead of "homes on wheels" permanently parking to save $$$ ...

I have been following this for a while now just to see where it goes. I am one of those "homesteaders" everyone seems to love to hate. However, we here in New Orleans fall into that "special case" scenario. The housing that is available on base is definitely lacking since it is over 40 years old. Since Congress has graceously increased our Housing Allowance for this area, I am not about to give up that amount for sub-standard housing on base. Living off base is even more undesirable considering the local crime and price gouging occuring here. How do I feel about possibly taking space away from an RVer passing through looking for a short stay or even a snowbird looking for a winter home? It doesn't bother me one little bit. MWR (or actually its predecessor) services were originally created to support the active duty military member and their family. Everyone else is on a "Space A" status and I think that is how it should be. While the base commander is at liberty to set his own regulations, he does have to follow certain service specific and DOD guidelines. Also, the commander must rely on the MWR Director and the CG Manager to give him an accurate picture of the local atmosphere. That quite frequently does not happen. I also have seen too many cases where the local manager and even the Director have circumvented regulations to "hook up" a friend, or worse a friend of a friend.

I don't think there will ever be one answer that will satisfy everyone. All of you will do what you think is best for your individual or group situation. In a couple of years I will join the retired ranks and have to follow a different set of rules and I'm sure I won't like it either, but my time will be done and it will be another generation's time.

"... How do I feel about possibly taking space away from an RVer passing through looking for a short stay or even a snowbird looking for a winter home? It doesn't bother me one little bit..."

Good. Doesn't bother me one bit either. You fall into a different category than retired guys that just want to "hog the sites" to save money. And those are the ones that are abusing the privilage. You're right about MWR purpose, but in addition, we as retired have earned an EQUAL right to use the services that are available AFTER the ones that are "special case needs" that deserve a little "help" ... and those that abuse a "friendship" with a camp host should not be allowed to take more than a fair share of the available sites.

We'd all like to use them once in a while -- short term -- and should not suffer just because we are traveling and don't have the time nor the inclination to develop these "special friendships"...