U.S. Military Campgronds Access

Hello all.
This is my first post on your new website, and I would just like to Congratulate you on a very nice site!
I would appreciate it if I could find out if I was allowed access to U.S. Military Campgrounds. I am a Retired Canadian Soldier that is Full Timing and will be travelling your beautiful country for an extended period, and would love to be able to stay in some of your lovely Campgrounds.
If you don't know, I wouyld appreciate being sent in the right direction to find out.
Thank you for your time.
Regards, Cdnguy

Cdnguy,

There's an article in the "News and Aritcles" section that includes copies of the regulations from the different services, and the D.O.D. on who is authorized patronage of MWR facilities.

Thanks Larry,
I appreciate the reply. After checking out your info, I finally found out my answer.
Again, Thanks for your help.
Cdnguy

About 5 years ago, about the start of the war, we ran into a very nice couple from Canada, at the military campground in Charleston, SC. We became friends, and were traveling to the same campgrounds. We were at Patrick air force, campground, and planed on have Christmas dinner together. We were shocked to find out they were asked to leave, a few days before Christmas. They were told, the base commander, was not allowing Canadians in "his campground". They called Christmas, day and were staying at a state park. We thought this may of been because, Canada, at the time was not backing us up in the war. Who knows, but in the end it is up to the base commanders. Sadly they change base commanders, and rules continue to change. I know this may not help you now, but I would check the individual campgrounds. ???

I absolutely do not have a problem with retired (or active duty) Canadian military personnel having access to our military campgrounds. I think it is entirely appropriate for long-time allies of America to have this access, but sadly, I'm not the Base Commander.

What I DO have a problem with is retirees signing in non-eligible "guests" for extended stays, with the end result that people who earned the right to this benefit are turned away - unable to secure a campsite. Sometimes, dry camping is available and that's where they end up. Unfortunately, the camp hosts/MWR/commanders where this is happening don't have the guts to enforce priority and this continues. grrrrr... When ineligible people ask me if I will sign them in, I politely say no. Nobody has ever tried to force the issue with me.

I agree with you mustang on long term non-connected folks. But, each base/post has it's own criteria based upon what the CO says. At some locations it can't be done, at others the time is limited and still other places it is unlimited.

Of course the same situation can apply to retired/active duty folks - the length of stay depends upon the CO.