If you need some typically inexpensive, yet unforgettable fun, consider camping. You can satisfy your sense of adventure and find peace in the wilderness at a national, state, or military park. Before you go, have an action plan in place and reference this extensive camping checklist to help you prepare and stay safe.

Military & Veterans Discounts

• Current members of the US military and their dependents qualify for a free annual recreational pass which waives entrance fees to federal recreation areas. Please check, additional camping fees still may apply.
• Always ask about additional military and veteran promotions before booking.
• Get military discounts with Go Camping America. To apply this discount, enter a city or park name, click on the clubs/discount tab, check the ‘military’ box, and click the search button.

Other Discounts

• Seniors, volunteers, and those who are permanently disabled also qualify for a free annual recreational pass which waives entrance fees to federal recreational areas.
• Go Camping America allows you to search and apply various discounts, such as for members of AAA, AARP, and Family Campers & RVers. 

Booking Options for Your Motorhome or RV Park

Various search engines provide a fast, easy, and cost-effective way to locate campsites and RV parks. Some popular locations include Herkimer Diamond KOA, Bend-Sunriver RV Campground, Fort Yargo State Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Palo Duro Canyon, Apgar Campground, Baxter State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, Ingalls Homestead, Jellystone Park Larkspur, Devils Lake State Park, Carolina Hemlocks, Ludington State Park, Double Lake Recreation Area, and Yosemite National Park.

• Go Camping America features a powerful search engine that allows campers to locate parks and compare them by available amenities, payment options, services, discounts, and more.  It’s a vast resource for tips and information campers can use while planning their vacations.
• US Campgrounds serves as a comprehensive guide to federal, state, provincial, and local campgrounds, offering over 13,000 public locations. It includes information such as the latitude/longitude of every campground, interactive street/topo maps, and an excellent state and federal campground contract list.
• Military RV Parks and Campgrounds on military installations and recreation areas are controlled by the army and DOD service departments. Find a location and read all policies including requirements, cancellations, fees, and availability, as they vary by location. Courtesy of Paths Across America/Army MWR. Some interesting locations include: Alaska military campgrounds – Eielson AFB, Arizona military campgrounds – Luke AFB, California military campgrounds – Big Bear Recreation Facility, Colorado military campgrounds – Peregrine Pines Family Camping , Texas military campgrounds – Fort Sam Houston and Canyon Lake Recreation Area, Utah military campgrounds– Carter Creek Camp, Wyoming military campgrounds – Warren AFB,  and many more.

Additional Resources

RV Park Reviews offers reviews and camping information on thousands of campgrounds in the United States and Canada.  Personal accounts submitted by campers empower the RV community to locate the right accommodations to meet their needs.

Tips

• Check campground opening and closing dates, and confirm space availability.
• Ensure your vehicle can safely use roads leading to a campsite.
• Check eligibility and restrictions, reservation and cancellation policies, rules and regulations for use, and pet policies.
• Be aware, temperatures may vary from nearby cities depending on the elevation.  

More Tips

• Budget cuts or construction may affect park operations. Always confirm access.
• Have phone numbers for the campground staff available for questions.
• Hookups, toilets, drinking water, or showers may be limited at certain locations.
• Check reviews to find first-hand information about a park written by other travelers.
• The  Kampnik app can verify campground location and other information on the go.