TOPIC:

My 100% disabled retiree husband and I recall our month at the Fort McCoy famcamp 2 years ago with fondness. So, with our path taking us through that area again, we eagerly called them for a reservation. Our eagerness evaporated when they quoted us a bit over $1000 for a one month stay, in a campsite. I was so stunned, I asked if she understood we were talking about a campsite, not a yurt. "Yes, maam."

They have doubled their prices, now charging $30/night Sun-Thurs, and (you might want to sit down) $45/night for Fri-Sat and holidays. Additionally, (you really might want to sit down) that is the DISCOUNTED rate for military/retirees. The "civilian" rate is $52/night.

I remember, for 27 years, being an active duty family with 4 kids. There's no way we could have afforded that. We are now a retiree couple, 100% disabled, and there's no way we can afford that. I don't know who Fort McCoy's target demographic is, but they have priced military and vets right out. I was apologized to, for my "frustration". I'm not frustrated. I am stunned and appalled and hurt and deeply disappointed.

We're in agreement. Many military campgrounds are getting overpriced!

Two things, first US Military Campgrounds are considered a source of income for MWR and second many are now looking at the going rate in private parks in the area to determine fees.

JJnLilly wrote:

US Military Campgrounds are considered a source of income for MWR

That's true but that was never the intent of having an MWR. MWR activities were never intended to be profit centers.....only "close" to self-sustaining. Close because they do receive other funds to include appropriated and non-appropriated funds. A lot of these military campgrounds that have priced themselves out of the active duty and retiree market are the same ones that are now catering to the local civilian population to the detriment of active and retired military. When MWR facilities are being targeted to civilians and/or are no longer usable by active and retired due to costs they should be closed down as being unnecessary for morale and welfare. Of course that will never happen but that is what should happen when an MWR facility prices itself out of range of the lowest ranking enlisted service member and their family.