Can veterans use military campgrounds?

Since January 1, 2020, veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and VA-designated primary family caregivers can use MWR revenue-generating activities, including recreational lodging and RV campgrounds, on the same basis as military retirees (32 CFR 225.4, 10 U.S.C. 1065).

What ID does a veteran need to get on base?

A VA Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or a REAL ID-compliant license. On the first visit to each installation, enroll at the visitor center (identity, background check, purpose). Enrollment lasts up to one year.

Eligible veterans and caregivers cannot escort guests, but their purpose conveys to guests traveling with them. Guests need their own acceptable photo ID, must clear the visitor center, generally get access for that visit only, and may not use services themselves.

Who can use military campgrounds?

Military campgrounds (FamCamps, travel camps, MWR RV parks) are not public, but the list of who can use them is longer than most people think. Since 2020 it includes many veterans who never retired from the service.

The short version

Always eligible: active duty, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and their family members with a DoD ID card. Most campgrounds also accept DoD civilian employees, and many list contractors and others under service rules (for example AR 215-1 Table 7-1). Each campground page on this site quotes that campground's own list.
Eligible since January 1, 2020: veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart, veterans who are former prisoners of war, veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating, and VA-designated primary family caregivers. The regulation says these groups may use DoD commissary, exchange and MWR revenue-generating activities "on the same basis as a member of the Military Services entitled to retired or retainer pay" (32 CFR 225.4, implementing 10 U.S.C. 1065). Veterans rated 100% disabled already had access before 2020.
Caregivers qualify only while actively enrolled in the VA caregiver program (32 CFR 225.4(d); VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers).
Not eligible on the 2020 basis: veterans without a service-connected rating, a Purple Heart or POW status. A Veteran ID Card (VIC) alone is not the same as a VHIC (DoD transition plan).

The Department's current guidance lists "recreational lodging, RV campgrounds" among the MWR facilities these veterans and caregivers can be granted base access to use (War Department Transition Plan for Patronage Expansion Act, Military OneSource, February 2026).

Getting on base if you don't have a DoD ID

All of the following comes from the DoD transition plan (Feb 2026).

Bring an acceptable photo ID. A VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or non-driver ID.
Enroll at the visitor center on your first visit to each installation. You establish identity (your ID), fitness (an on-the-spot criminal record and terrorism check) and purpose (for MWR use, verified electronically). Felony convictions, warrants or other derogatory information mean you won't get access. If your VHIC has no barcode or can't be scanned, you will need a new card from your VA medical center.
Enrollment lasts up to one year. After that, go straight to the gate and show the same card you enrolled with.
At the campground front desk (point of sale), show a VHIC that prints your eligibility status (PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED). If you don't have a VHIC, show a VA service-connected disability letter or VA Form H623A (from VA.gov) plus your REAL ID. Caregivers show their VA caregiver patronage letter plus REAL ID.

Some campgrounds add their own steps. For example, Navy sites in southern Maryland ask overnight unaffiliated guests and veterans to file a SECNAV 5512 form in advance. Our campground pages quote these rules where the official page states them.

Guests

Eligible veterans and caregivers cannot escort guests onto a base, but their purpose conveys to guests traveling with them. Each guest needs their own acceptable photo ID, must stop at the visitor center for the same identity, fitness and purpose checks, and generally gets access for that visit only. Guests are "not authorized to use any services" themselves (DoD transition plan). Campground sponsor rules vary: several require the sponsor to stay on site for the whole reservation.

Getting a VHIC

You need to be enrolled in VA health care. Apply online, in person, or by calling the VA at 877-222-8387. Then request the card at a VA medical center or online at VA.gov (source).

Why some campground pages say "call ahead"

Many MWR pages still show eligibility lists written before 2020. Some list only "100% DAV", and some say a "DoD ID card" is required at check-in. The regulation above applies DoD-wide, but local procedures differ. Where a campground's own page doesn't confirm that expanded-access patrons can book, we mark it unverified, call ahead rather than assume.

Sources: 32 CFR 225.4 (eCFR); 84 FR 71822 (Dec 30, 2019); War Department Transition Plan for Patronage Expansion Act (Military OneSource, Feb 2026); VA: Veteran Health Identification Card. Read on Oct 19, 2026. This page summarizes official guidance; it isn't legal advice, and the installation has the final say on access.

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