Possibly the most expensive military campground in the natio

M44, it's my understanding that they have to get a waiver from the department of the Army to allow civilians to use it. The decision can't be made at the local level. I think it's wrong to let civilians into a MWR facility that is built with non-appropriated funds since civilians didn't fund it with tax dollars. BTW, Larry, if you read this, I sent a form to Ft. McCoy ICE and requested a response. I'll let you know what I receive back.

Hey guys, please keep me in the loop here because I believe we should have first priority -- and this is a little upsetting to me, unless I am misunderstanding something here...

hello,

i have noticed that camp pendleton in california is getting more expensive also. $30 per night at the ocean but not always on the water. no cable or wifi. no off season rates. no monthly discounts.

bottom line is the civilians now run MWR and they are in the profit business. end of year bonus depends on them making money.

after i retired from the marines i went to work for MWR and it was an eye opener. the days of cheap family entertainment are over.

david,
socal

Received a reply back from my ICE comment. While polite, the letter doesn't provide any real justification for the high rates. Here's the reply I received:

Larry,

Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns referencing the pricing at Pine View Campground.

The $40.00 price you mentioned is the military price for a Friday/Saturday stay on a full hook-up site that includes water, sewer, electric, cable and telephone line for computer use. The weekly military rate for a full hook-up site is $25.00 for stays that cover Sunday through Thursday and may be more appealing to you. You are entitled to the military rates because of your status as a retired military and as you noted civilian prices are higher. Additional reduced pricing can be obtained by selecting an electric only or tent site if that fits your camping style.

The fee structure is comparable to the escalating operating expense. As a returning customer you are aware that pricing has not changed over the past 8 years. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for Pine View Campground to continue operations without adjusting prices.

Pine View Campground by nature of being on a federal reserve provides a more secure campground along with privacy due to natural landscaping.
Other amenities include weekend crafts, games and activities along with themed type weekends throughout the summer with the most recent being the Halloween Haunted Forest. Additionally, Pine View Campground does not assess a per person rate charge for 3 or more people occupying the units or campsites each night. This is a very positive amenity to larger families.

I appreciate the feedback concerning the pricing structure and the opportunity to address this issue and hope that you weigh all the additional costs when determining the location of your next outing. We hope to see you again.

Again, thank you for your comments.

Daryl Budda
Chief, Business Activities Division
608-388-3240 or DSN 280-3240

Must be a form letter. Here is the same response, to me. I won't be camping there again. I would like to warn all other military campers to be sure to check the fees before they camp there or they are in for an unpleasant surprise. > They might as well turn it into a civilian campground. Maybe if enough of us send in an ICE review, they may see the error of their ways. Ha! I wonder if the post commander should be contacted. What do you think, Larry?

Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns referencing the pricing at Pine View Campground.

The $40.00 price you mentioned is the military price for a Friday/Saturday stay on a full hook-up site that includes water, sewer, electric, cable and telephone line for computer use. The weekly military rate for a full hook-up site is $25.00 for stays that cover Sunday through Thursday and may be more appealing to you. You are entitled to the military rates because of your status as a retired military and as you noted civilian prices are higher. Additional reduced pricing can be obtained by selecting an electric only or tent site if that fits your camping style.

The fee structure is comparable to the escalating operating expense. As a returning customer you are aware that pricing has not changed over the past 8 years. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for Pine View Campground to continue operations without adjusting prices.

Pine View Campground by nature of being on a federal reserve provides a more secure campground along with privacy due to natural landscaping.
Other amenities include weekend crafts, games and activities along with themed type weekends throughout the summer with the most recent being the Halloween Haunted Forest. Additionally, Pine View Campground does not assess a per person rate charge for 3 or more people occupying the units or campsites each night. This is a very positive amenity to larger families.

I appreciate the feedback concerning the pricing structure and the opportunity to address this issue and hope that you weigh all the additional costs when determining the location of your next outing. We hope to see you again.

Again, thank you for your comments.


Daryl Budda
Chief, Business Activities Division
608-388-3240 or DSN 280-3240

Why wouldn't MWR put mil retirees workampers running the famcamps? Seems to me they would their cake and could eat it to. It would save money and have better services also. Do you think?

Joe