Military campgrounds

[MyronL]

There are several hundred US military rv campgrounds across the continent. I stayed at (blundered into) the coastal Navy Pacific Beach campground and Conference Center in Pacific Beach, WA on our maiden voyage from Chiliwack and found it to be excellent. (“Best razor clamming in the world…”) This camping opportunity seems like a really good kept secret. Would love to do that again, anywhere. But now I wonder if someone made a mistake letting me in. A search of US military campgrounds online state specifically, that “authorized users are: Active, National Guard, Reservists, Retired, 100% DAV, DoD/NAF Civilians, Guests.”

Did 4 years but am none of the above. My Dept of VA ID card, stating a service connected disability (it’s 40%), is what got me into the Ri Lea campground. Should I have been excluded?

[C&G in FL]

Typically, you should not have been eligible. Being a discharged veteran does not qualify you unless you have 100% disability. If you Google "who is eligible to use military campgrounds," you will get several hits that detail eligibility requirements. However, the commanding officer at each installation has the final say.

[Mike Lewis]

If you are considered retired on disability from the military you should be okay, but I suggest calling ahead. (I don't know how military retirement works.) As a retired DoD civilian I'm eligible in theory to stay in military campgrounds, but I always call the campground ahead of time and let them know my status. So far I've stayed at a few of these and haven't been turned down yet.

[Mike Lewis]

Sorry-- I didn't read all of Myron's post. I'll change me answer to say I don't know.

[MyronL]

I'm guessing if the campground is on a base you'd need a base pass to get past the first gate. Big stopper there. Then, showing a VA card that says "Service connected" leaves the rest to one's honesty and/or the benevolence of the campground host.