Recreation, camping and lodging on base for service-connected veterans

Morale, Welfare and Recreation is the umbrella for the businesses a base runs for its community: the golf course, the bowling alley, the campground, the lake cabins, the club. Since January 2020, veterans with a service-connected rating can use the ones that take part. A 0% rating qualifies.

What is included

The Department of Defense lists the recreation businesses that are open to this group: recreational lodging and resorts, bowling and golf, restaurants, marinas, equipment rental, movie theaters, vehicle storage, kennels, and the American Forces Travel booking site. Campgrounds and RV parks are included.

What is not

Fitness centers and gyms are not on the list, and neither are child development programs or activities paid for out of appropriated funds. Ticket offices and craft and hobby shops are at each military department's discretion. The privilege is yours alone; it does not extend to family members.

Availability

Lodging and campsites are booked with a priority order, and active-duty families come first. In popular locations and seasons, veterans in this group may be able to book only close to the date. Call the facility; the answer differs from base to base.

What you need

Installation access from the visitor center, then your proof of service connection at the facility. Getting on base to shop covers the visitor-center step.

Related

• Off base, the Military Lifetime Pass covers national park entrance fees and needs no rating.
• Commissary shopping and exchange shopping come from the same law.
• Back to A 0% VA rating still counts.