Military Family Campgrounds, often known as “Fam Camps,” are great benefits for active-duty service members and retired veterans who have a passion for exploration. These campgrounds provide a distinctive opportunity to traverse the nation, immerse oneself in captivating settings (including some with exclusive access to private beaches), all while enjoying the convenience of full RV connections, and at remarkably affordable rates. The range of locations and accommodations at military campgrounds is extensive, making them an enticing choice for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the realm of military family campgrounds, equipping you with vital information to help you determine if your next adventure should unfold at one of these exceptional campgrounds.
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What Are Military Campgrounds?
Military Family Campgrounds, commonly referred to as “Fam Camps,” are a well-kept secret within the military community. These campgrounds offer a wide array of amenities to enhance your experience, including cabin rentals (available at some locations), full RV connections, laundry facilities, bathhouses, and recreational facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Do I Qualify to Camp at a Military Campground?
Military campgrounds cater to active-duty service members, their families, National Guard, Reserve members, DOD civilians, and retired military personnel, providing a range of benefits and experiences for this diverse group.
Where Are Military Campgrounds?
You can find military Fam Camps at most, though not all, military bases in the United States. Each Fam Camp is supervised by the base commander, and you can obtain information, phone numbers, and booking details through militarycampgrounds.us or the AllStays Military app.
How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Military Campgrounds?
A standout feature of Military Fam Camps is their budget-friendly rates, consistently offering lower prices compared to non-DOD campgrounds, making travel more accessible for military personnel and their families. Though the rates vary by location, you will always find the rates significantly lower than surrounding private parks.
Military Fam Camp Reviews
We’ve divided our reviews by the Mississippi River. Click East or West to jump to locations. Check back as we will be expanding this article as we visit more locations.
East of the Mississippi River
Blue Angel RV Park (Pensacola, FL)
One of our favorite parks is situated along Perdido Key in the Florida panhandle. Here, you can enjoy stunning water views, and if the Blue Angels happen to be in town, you might even catch an airshow all from your RV patio. While the camp used to offer various recreational activities like mini-golf, these options are no longer available. Nevertheless, the overall experience at the camp remains excellent.
The park offers a dual experience, catering to different preferences. On one side, you can embrace a more primitive camping experience, albeit without sewer hookups. On the other side, you’ll find full connections, including its unique feature, Battleship Row.
It’s essential to note that, like many places in Florida, securing reservations during the winter months can be challenging. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your visit well in advance to ensure availability and a smooth camping experience.
The Commissary and BX are located further into town on the main base. An additional campground is located there as well.
Facilities:
- Bath Houses
- Laundry
- Beach Access
- Dog Grooming Station
- Gated check-in – located off the main base
Tip: You don’t want to miss one of America’s most unique bars with the nearby FloraBama.
US Naval Station – Sigsbee (Key West, FL)
There’s simply no better opportunity to enjoy waterfront living in Key West for less than $50 per night (at the time of writing). Just a few miles away from the renowned Duval Street, you’ll discover Dredger’s Key and Sigsbee Campground. This area also houses base housing, a commissary, and a BX (Base Exchange). Spots here get snatched up rapidly, particularly during the winter months. However, if you can endure the Key West summer, securing a spot for the summer season is much easier.
The campground is divided into three sections, all situated along the water, offering convenient access for snorkeling and kayaking. The first section, affectionately known as the “Rock Pile,” features gravel pull-through full connection sites that are closely spaced. Despite this, the affordable rates make it a great choice. The next section, “Hollywood,” offers concrete pads and some grassy areas. The third and most popular option, “The Circle” or “Hamptons,” is farther into the key, featuring a smaller group of full connection concrete sites with more spacious grassy areas, surrounded by dry camp spots often used during peak season.
Many visitors prefer longer stays during the winter, but securing reservations becomes easier if you’re open to the hotter months. If you’re set on a winter stay but want something shorter, keep an eye out for cancellations.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath Houses
- Laundry
- Water Access
- Located off the main base
In Key West, you’ll have plenty to explore, from visiting the nearby Dry Tortugas National Park, and the Hemingway House, enjoying famous Key West bars, driving up the Florida Keys, or o taking historic walks through the streets of Key West.
Pelican Roose RV Park (near Jacksonville, FL)
Located along Florida’s east coast in Mayport, near Jacksonville, this smaller park serves as an excellent base camp for exploring historic Saint Augustine or nearby Jacksonville Beach. The park offers splendid views and provides access to a nearby base beach, which was virtually deserted during our visit. If you happen to be in the area during the holidays, don’t miss the chance to experience Saint Augustine’s Night of Lights display.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby (outside gate)
- Bath House
- Laundry
- Nearby Private to Base Beach
Tip: Head to Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Beach for a sub sandwich. Yes, it is a bit of a drive. Yes, it is absolutely worth it!
Manatee Cove Campground (near Cocoa Beach, FL)
If you plan to visit the Space Coast and Kennedy Space Center, Manatee Cove Campground is ideal for you. Located along the Banana River, this camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available (as of the current information). However, it provides generous spacing, especially by Florida standards, and offers lovely waterfront spots. During our stay, we frequently observed dolphins and manatees playing in the vicinity of our RV.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath House
- Laundry
- The nearby beach is supposed to be private to the base, but not behind the gate.
Nearby Space Coast Attractions
- Kennedy Space Center
- American Space Museum (Titusville)
- Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum (Titusville)
- Cape Canaveral Lighthouse & Space Tour
- American Police Museum (Titusville)
- Brevard County Natural History Museum
- Florida Surf Museum & Ron Jon’s Surf Shop
Racoon Creek (Tampa, FL)
Without a doubt, this campground offers some of the most desirable locations in Tampa Bay. It’s conveniently situated to the south of downtown Tampa and within a short drive to St. Petersburg, Dunedin, Clearwater Beach, and Tarpon Springs. The camp itself is sizable, featuring two sections: the main section and the “annex,” which is closer to the popular golf course. While the sites can be somewhat snug, as is common in central Florida, they do provide full hookups.
However, when it comes to reservations, there is some ambiguity. Over the years, we’ve called and received different explanations each time. Long-term reservations are an option, but they tend to fill up a year in advance. There’s a rumor that you can book the following year in person in September or by phone in October, but for precise details, a call to the office is essential. Additionally, they offer first-come, first-served spaces for two-week periods, but immediate availability isn’t guaranteed. If you plan to stay longer, you might need to transfer to a dry campsite. Due to these uncertainties, contacting the office directly is advisable to clarify reservation policies and meet your specific needs.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath House
- Laundry
- Popular golf course
- Boat rentals
- Nearby Private to Base Beach
- No fire pits are allowed
Nearby Tampa Bay Attractions
- Ybor City
- J.C. Newmann Cigar Factory Tour (highly recommend even if you are not a smoker)
- Clearwater Aquarium
- Tampa History Center
- Dunedin
- Historic Sunken Gardens in St Petersburg
- Tarpon Springs
Camp Blanding (Starke, FL)
This remote area is located on a former sinkhole lake. The area is very remote, but nice shaded spots. Within driving distance for day trips into Jacksonville and Saint Augustine, but not a lot to do outside of that. There is no commissary. The nearest (large) grocery store is about a 20-mile round-trip drive.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Moore’s Uchee Creek (Columbus, GA)
This camp is located off-base (not behind the gate). It is a paved, but winding road to get there. The spaces are dispersed well and include cabin rental spaces along the Chattahoochee River. You are in a remote area but don’t hear much from the base (unless the paratroopers are practicing, there will be plains).
Note: Spots 44 & 45 flooded significantly during heavy rains.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX (on base)
- Bath House
- Laundry
Nearby Columbus, GA Attractions
- National Infantry Museum
- Civil War Naval Museum
- Tuskegee Airman National Monument
- Plains, GA Home of Jimmy Carter
- FDR’s Little White House
Lotts Island Army Airfield (near Savannah, GA)
Location, location, location! This is an excellent spot for exploring historic Savannah. While you’ll need to drive to the downtown area, the campground provides roomy RV sites. Most of them are pull-through and come with full hookups. Despite being a smaller park, availability is generally good.
Facilities:
- No facilities at this campground
- Commissary & BX nearby
Nearby Savannah Attractions
- Downtown Savannah
- Find some peaceful time in one of the famous Savannah Squares
- Beaufort, SC
- Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Burnt Church Distillery (worth the drive)
Joint Base Charleston (Charleston, SC)
While it’s a bit of a drive to downtown Charleston, you can’t beat the affordable rates here. The campground offers spacious full hookup sites that are shaded and conveniently close to a lovely park. Additionally, the park accepts reservations and maintains well-kept grounds.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath Houses
- Laundry
Nearby Charleston Attractions
- Old Exchange
- Fort Sumter
- Historic Walk in Downtown Charleston
- Angel Oak
- Drayton Hall Plantation
Aviation Arbor RV Park (near New Orleans, LA)
Yes, there is an RV park in the French Quarter. If your plan involves spending a lot of time on Bourbon Street, it might be your best option. However, it’s important to note that you won’t have as much space or find the same rates as you would across the river in Belle Chasse. Getting to the French Quarter will take approximately 20 minutes by car, or you can opt to park in Belle Chasse and take the ferry if you prefer. Regardless of your choice, you won’t run short of things to do in New Orleans, so consider booking a longer trip.
The RV spaces at this park are situated at the end of the flight line. If noise is a concern for you, there may be better parks than this one. These spaces are all back-ins and offer full connections, with nice grassy areas between the spots. Additionally, facilities are conveniently located nearby.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath House
- Laundry
Nearby New Orleans Attractions
- World War II Museum
- Museums of New Orleans
- New Orleans Self-Guided Cocktail Tour
- Find the Best Beignets
- New Orleans Restaurants
- New Orleans History Lovers Self-Guided Tour
West of the Mississippi River
Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX)
Located in the heart of San Antonio, you will not find a better park to explore the area. The lots are spacious with concrete pads and full connections.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath House
- Laundry
Nearby San Antonio Attractions
- San Antonio Missions
- The Alamo
- San Antonio Riverwalk
- San Antonio Botanical Gardens
- The Pearl
- Fort Sam Houston’s own museums on base
White Sands Missile Range (Las Cruces, NM)
This small park is conveniently situated between Las Cruces and White Sands National Park, making it an ideal location for travelers. It provides some of the most breathtaking views we’ve encountered. The park offers a limited number of spots, each featuring covered patios and pull-through sites with full connections.
Additionally, it’s just a short drive away from various attractions, including the national park, the Space Port, and abundant hiking opportunities in southern New Mexico. Furthermore, you’ll have easy access to the historic city of Las Cruces, making this park a central and convenient base for exploration in the area.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath House
- Laundry
- VIEWS!
Nearby Las Cruces Attractions
- White Sands National Park
- Historic Las Cruces
- Pat Garrett’s Grave
- Space Port
- Southern New Mexico hiking
- Visit one of the best veteran memorials we have found. Don’t miss the Bataan Death March Memorial too.
Tip: Those winds that shape White Sands National Park will rock you a bit.
Desert Eagle (Las Vegas, NV)
If you’re looking for an RV park in Las Vegas that provides a safe spot and convenient access to the area’s attractions, this park is a great option. Many RV parks in Las Vegas can be expensive or may not meet expectations, often falling into the luxury category with high prices. However, this park offers a more budget-friendly and practical choice for travelers. It allows you to stay in a secure location while being close to all the exciting attractions of Las Vegas and southern Nevada.
Facilities:
- Commissary & BX nearby
- Bath House
- Laundry
Nearby Las Vegas Attractions
- Downtown Las Vegas/ Fremont Street
- Las Vegas Strip
- Mount Charleston
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Red Rock State Park
- Seven Magic Mountains
- Death Valley National Park
- Take a drive on the ET Highway
Please check with each park for stay requirements, reservations, rates, and rules.