Spending time outdoors isn’t just a welcome escape from the daily grind—it can be profoundly healing. For both active-duty service members and Veterans, nature offers a powerful combination of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Research shows that connecting with the outdoors can reduce stress, lift mood, ease PTSD symptoms, improve sleep, boost immunity, build resilience, lessen feelings of isolation, and strengthen social bonds in both active military and Veterans.
In honor of May’s Military Appreciation Month, here are ways for active and former military personnel to take advantage of discounts that make exploring the great outdoors easier and affordable.
U.S. Military Campgrounds
The Department of Defense operates campgrounds across all 50 states, located either on military bases or designated recreation areas. While some fees may apply, staying at these sites comes with added perks—like access to on-base amenities such as the commissary, post exchange, movie theaters, and more. Here is a state-by-state search tool for military campgrounds. Most campgrounds and National Parks are also pet friendly.
The Department of Defense operates campgrounds across all 50 states, located either on military bases or designated recreation areas. While some fees may apply, staying at these sites comes with added perks—like access to on-base amenities such as the commissary, post exchange, movie theaters, and more. Here is a state-by-state search tool for military campgrounds. Most campgrounds and National Parks are also pet friendly.
Private Campgrounds
The search engine tool Campspot allows active and former U.S. military to find private campgrounds near them, many with a 50% off discount - not just this month, but year-round.
The search engine tool Campspot allows active and former U.S. military to find private campgrounds near them, many with a 50% off discount - not just this month, but year-round.
For those with physical limitations, many campgrounds offer accessible facilities such as wheelchair-friendly paths and cabins, accessible restrooms, and campsites with level and consistent ground material.
Kampground of America (KOA) wheelchair-accessible cabin
RV Rentals
RVshare.com connects you with individual RV owners who often offer military discounts. You can even have the RV delivered, set up, and picked up at your campground—no driving required. For additional rental options, nearby dealerships, planning tools, sample road trips, budget-friendly tips and more, visit GoRVing.com, a one-stop resource for all things RV travel.
RVshare.com connects you with individual RV owners who often offer military discounts. You can even have the RV delivered, set up, and picked up at your campground—no driving required. For additional rental options, nearby dealerships, planning tools, sample road trips, budget-friendly tips and more, visit GoRVing.com, a one-stop resource for all things RV travel.
National Parks
Current U.S. military and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and veterans are eligible to receive free annual or lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and more.
Current U.S. military and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and veterans are eligible to receive free annual or lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and more.
Honoring Memorial Day
Military Appreciation Month concludes with Memorial Day Weekend, when campgrounds honor fallen service members with events such as:
• Parades, barbecues and patriotic concerts
• Flag-raising ceremonies and flag-folding demos
• Storytelling sessions led by Veterans and their families
• Walls of honor displaying photos of fallen heroes
Military Appreciation Month concludes with Memorial Day Weekend, when campgrounds honor fallen service members with events such as:
• Parades, barbecues and patriotic concerts
• Flag-raising ceremonies and flag-folding demos
• Storytelling sessions led by Veterans and their families
• Walls of honor displaying photos of fallen heroes
Here’s a sampling of Memorial Day weekend activities at campgrounds and RV resorts across the country: Memorial Day at Campgrounds Nationwide.
Whether it’s a peaceful night under the stars or a weekend of remembrance and community, time spent in nature is more than a getaway—it’s a tribute. Camping offers a space to honor service, reflect on sacrifice, and celebrate the resilience and spirit of our military.
Memorial Day at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park
Dogs are welcome at most campgrounds & National Parks
Multi-generational Camping
Camping on the Beach
