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Planning for Retirement: Which States Make Military Pay Tax-Free?

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Retiring from the military is not just a job change. The military life is just that – a lifestyle. It comes with a long list of acronyms one must know and understand to PCS (and that’s just one acronym), it requires patience and understanding through work-ups, deployments, long training. Because of the unique challenges of military life, it also creates a community of those who understand and live it. When you leave the military, you are potentially leaving behind the community you know and understand.

After 20+ years of traveling the country, and perhaps the world, it is now time to choose where to live. When you haven’t chosen a job or location for two decades, it can be an overwhelming choice. One factor for many military families looking to make the decision on where to retire is a financial one. Many states do not charge income tax on military retirement pay, but some limit the amount of pay that is tax-free. Get to know the options when weighing your military retirement move.

Alabama: Retiree pay is tax-free

Alaska: There is no state income tax for the state of Alaska, so retiree pay is tax-free!

Arizona: Retiree pay is tax-free after the 2021 bill was passed.

Arkansas: Retiree pay is tax-free

California: Following federal rules, California does not currently offer tax exceptions on military retiree pay.

Colorado: Retiree pay under the age of 55 can exclude up to $10,000 income from their taxable income, those age 55064 can exclude up to $20,000, and those age 65 and up can exclude $24,000 of income

Connecticut: Retiree pay is tax-free

Delaware: Up to $2,000 of military retirement is excluded for those under age 60 and $12,500 for those 60 and older

District of Columbia: Following federal rules, DC does not currently offer tax exemptions on military retiree pay.

Florida: There is no state income tax for Florida, so retiree pay is tax free.

Georgia: Retirees who are over 62 or permanently disabled may be eligible for an exclusion of retiree pay.

Hawaii: Retiree pay is tax-free

Idaho: Retiree pay is tax-free for those over age 65, and over 62 for disabled retirees.

Illinois: Retiree pay is tax-free

Indiana: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2022.

Iowa: Retiree pay is tax-free

Kansas: Retiree pay is tax-free

Kentucky: Up to $31,110 is tax-free.

Louisiana: Retiree pay is tax-free

Maine: Retiree pay is tax-free

Maryland: The first $5,000 is tax-free and once age 55 or older $15,000 is tax-free.

Massachusetts: Retiree pay is tax-free

Michigan: Retiree pay is tax-free

Minnesota: Retiree pay is tax-free

Mississippi: Retiree pay is tax-free

Missouri: Retiree pay is tax-free

Montana: Following federal rules, Montana does not currently offer tax exemption on military retiree pay. Additionally, up to $4370 is tax-free if the adjusted gross income is below $36,420 and the amount tax-free decreases for funds above this.

Nebraska: As of 2022, all military retirement is tax-free.

Nevada: There is no state income tax in Nevada.

New Hampshire: There is no state income tax in New Hampshire, there is tax on interest and dividends.

New Jersey: Retiree pay is tax-free. Honorably discharged veterans qualify for a one-time $6,000 tax deduction in the year after discharge.

New Mexico: Following federal rules, does not offer tax exemption currently.

New York: Retiree pay is tax-free

North Carolina: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2021.

North Dakota: Retiree pay is tax-free

Ohio: Retiree pay is tax-free

Oklahoma: The greater of 75% of retirement pay or $10,000 is tax exempt.

Oregon: Any military service before October 1, 1991 may be able to deduct a portion of retirement pay. Any military retirement for service after that is taxed normally.

Pennsylvania: Retiree pay is tax-free

Rhode Island: Retiree pay is tax-free

South Carolina: Those under the age of 65 can deduct up to $17,000 of retirement pay while those 65 and older can deduct up to $30,000. However, there must be other income outside of military retirement to qualify for this.

South Dakota: There is no state income tax in South Dakota.

Tennessee: There is no state income tax in Tennessee, there is tax on interest and dividends.

Texas: There is no state income tax for the state of Texas.

Utah: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2021.

Vermont: Retiree pay is taxed based on federal rules.

Virginia: Retiree pay is taxed based on federal rules.

Washington State: There is no state income tax for the state of Washington.

West Virginia: Retiree pay is tax-free

Wisconsin: Retiree pay is tax-free

Wyoming: There is no state income tax for the state of Wyoming.

While taxes aren’t the only thing that is a deciding factor for military families retiring, it certainly is part of the equation for long-term financial stability. Where are you looking at retiring after the military?

Try These Twists For Superior Spring Salads

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When the temperatures warm up, the home improvement stores are filled to the brim with plants, and the produce aisles at grocery stores begin to be more varied, salads become more prominent as a meal. While salads for some can be seen as “bird food” or even “girl food,” salads can be hearty, filling, and varied with these additions.

Varied Cheeses

If you are not dairy-free, consider adding feta or goat cheeses to add a tangy flavor to salads. If you are dairy-free, there are great dairy-free alternative cheese shreds to add to salad.

Beyond Traditional Veg

Blanched cut asparagus add a great crunch to salads. Don’t forget about fresh peas as well – if you don’t have fresh, thawed frozen peas work too. Avocado adds a creamy texture to salads while packing healthy fat. Sliced radishes add a pop of color to salad and crunch – bonus that kids may magically like them in “chip” size versus whole. Add kohlrabi or sugar snap peas for extra fun and crunch. Shaved brussel sprouts add a texture and greens to a salad.

Vary the Traditional Veg

If you have picky eaters or looking to add variety to salads, consider carrot shreds instead of sliced carrots. Marinated beets and even mushrooms change the flavor profile enough for a variety for everyone to try. What about baby corn or bamboo shoots for more crunch and variety? Even if you don’t have the bounty of fresh produce, some canned veg adds pizazz to salads. What about olives?

Fresh Herbs

While it isn’t typical to add fresh herbs to salads themselves, they aren’t just for salad dressing. Consider tossing in chives for an added zesty zing to your salads. Basil is a natural complement to salads with tomatoes. If you are making a Greek salad with feta cheese and tomatoes, don’t forget about adding fresh mint to your salad.

That’s Nuts

Nuts like pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts (although they aren’t actual nuts) add crunch and protein to salads. Consider toasted almonds or walnuts for extra flavors profile changes.

But Those Beans

If you have some mixed beans, leftover chickpeas, or even kidney beans – these are a great addition to salads adding protein and flavor to salads. Beans will soak in the flavors of dressings adding a bonus of flavor to spring salads.

Just Add Fruit

Salads aren’t just for vegetables. Add sliced strawberries to a salad with salty balsamic and creamy goat cheese for a change. Mandarin oranges, sliced chicken, and rice noodles add an Asian flair to a crunchy salad. Sliced pears can add a nice crunch to salads. Think beyond the regular salads and mix in your family’s favorites.

More Than Lettuce

The greens in salads don’t have to be just iceberg or romaine lettuce. Consider mixing up greens with mixed greens like arugula, butter, watercress, or red leaf lettuce. And you don’t have to stick to just one lettuce type for salad – be a rebel and mix them all together for a variety of peppery flavors or crunch.

Let Them Eat Meat

You don’t have to stick to one flavor of the meat. Add chicken, steak, veggie burgers, salmon, tuna with any flavor profile. This is a great place to mix in leftovers. If you made a steak but don’t have enough for everyone to have a typical portion, consider slicing them and adding them to salads.  

Even More

Crunchy rice noodles and tortilla strips can add an extra crunch and style to salads. Crotons, or even chopped crunchy bread, can elevate a salad.

Don’t Forget Pasta

Not all salads are greens. There are noodle salads, orzo salads, and even potato salads that can be varied and provide a fun element to meals.

Salads are not all the same and are great places to mix in leftovers. They aren’t just for lunch or a side and can easily be a main meal if you add in some of these varieties. What salads will you make this spring?

Privatized Military Housing to Be Inspected By All Services

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Privatized military housing is now being inspected by all the military service branches. The Navy and the Marine Corps join the Army and Air Force by examining 100% of the PPV, or public-private venture, housing on military bases. The change to inspections was a listed requirement as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

 The Marine Corps began inspections via an independent contractor on January 18, 2022. The Navy began inspections in the fall of 2021. The completion of inspections will be complete by October of 2022, the beginning of Fiscal Year 2023. Per a release by the Navy in the fall of 2021, the inspections are being conducted by Jacobs/HDR JV and each inspection would be signed off by a certified inspector.

The inspections include interior and exterior inspections with special attention to heating and cooling systems in addition to landscaping, equipment drainage, common areas, and building systems. Any concerns seen by the inspectors are to be reported to the military housing office and the housing management company. The reports include physical and operational assessments of the homes.  These inspections being added to the 2020 NDAA was in response to a Reuters series revealing concerns found in privatized housing. The Department of Defense then released a tenant bill of rights for service members and began the move to inspect homes. Inspection notices go to tenants two to three weeks prior to the scheduled inspection and then a reminder is sent 48 hours prior to the inspection.

The Army began inspections in January of 2021 with completion intended to be September 2021. The Air Force has not released an update on when inspections began or the goal of completion.

The results of the inspections are shared not just with the local base but will eventually be shared with the base commanders in addition to Congress.

Want to read more about the recommendations for inspections from the Government Accountability Office? Check out this 2020 release here.

If you live on a military installation, has your home been inspected?

Make St. Patrick’s Day Fun For The Entire Family With These Projects

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St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th and brings with it a flurry of green and rainbow decorations in addition to edible-colored snacks. If you are looking for some fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your kids this month, look no further.

Recipes

Rainbow Donuts

This one is perfect for those not looking to do any baking or preparation. All you need are colored sprinkles of the rainbow, white frosting, coconut shreds, and prepared donuts. Cut the donuts in half so they are semi-circles. Cover in white frosting and place springs in the ROY G BIV color array making a rainbow. At the end of the rainbows, add extra frosting and coconut shreds for “clouds.” If you have coconut shreds on hand and food coloring, you can make your own “sprinkles” of various colors and decorate the entire donut in coconut shreds.

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

If you have Oreos, marshmallows, and melting chocolate on hand – this recipe is for you. Melt chocolate and cover the oreo and marshmallow with it. Put the chocolate-covered marshmallow on top of the chocolate-covered oreo while we allow cooling. You now have a top hat. Decorate with green frosting or roll the cookie in green sprinkles for a festive green rim that any leprechaun would be sure to wear.

Lucky Pancakes

Add green food coloring to pancake mix to make it extra festive. Top with marshmallows from the Lucky Charms cereal and viola – a breakfast worthy of the leprechauns.

Lucky Krispies

Speaking of marshmallows from the Lucky Charms cereal, toss the mallows in with melted marshmallows and rice krispies with green food coloring and you have another sweet treat for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Green Yogurt Parfaits

Add green food coloring to yogurt and layer it with granola for a breakfast parfait. Want to make a layered dessert? Layer brownies and pudding colored with green and topped with whipped cream and green sprinkles.

Rainbow Cake

Looking for a ‘gram-worthy cake and have some leftover M&Ms? Make a two tired cake and cover with frosting. Separate the colors and do one color in a line at a time. The beauty is it can be any cake flavor you want.

Activities

Leprechaun Masks

Cut out a circle from the inside of a paper plate and paint or color it orange. Then add a cut out of a top hat and you’ve got a leprechaun mask. Just add green clothing for an entire outfit!

Shamrock Suncatchers

Cut out a shamrock out of green construction paper and cut the inner shape for an outline of a shamrock. Cut out clear contact paper of the same size and add it to the shape. Inside the contact paper line cut up tissue paper and tape the design to the window. It will catch the luck of the Irish and the colors of the sun.

Rainbow Banner

Construction paper in strips and a white construction piece of paper in the shape of a cloud make a rainbow decoration to add a pop of color to the wall.

Shamrock Wands

Cut out a shamrock shape and glue it to the end of a popsicle stick. Add ribbons for an extra fun flare, and glue on glitter onto the shamrock if you desire. Beware the glitter will get everywhere.

Virtual Offerings

Check to see if a local dance studio will be offering virtual Irish step dancing lessons. Or perhaps there will be a virtual offering of a St. Patrick’s Day parade. This is a fun way to participate no matter where you live or are doing throughout the day. Maybe even check out a language learning application to learn some Gaelic in honor of the special day.

St. Patrick’s Day has a long tradition and various ways of celebration.  Learn some of the history and the language in celebration of the day. How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year?

Save On Summer Camp for Your Military Kids

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While it is still winter, and snow is on the ground in some places, it is the time of year to plan ahead for the summer. Summer camps release dates and times and quickly fill up, so now is the time to find and pick summer camps. If you are looking for a way to send your military kids to camp, and potentially save a little money while you are at it.

4H Military Partnership Camps

These 4H camps are designed specifically for military-connected children. Each camp length and time differ per state, so check out the locations and information about each camp here.

Camp Corral

Camp Corral is a camp for children ages 8-15 who have a parent who is wounded, ill, injured, or fallen. Camps are located all over the United States. Camps are free of charge to military families with a $30.00 refundable deposit to hold the position. Camps vary in length and style based on the location of the camp.

Camp Trotter

The camp in Michigan offers five weeks of one-week long camp for seven to twelve-year-olds with military parents. The Camp is operated by the Department of Michigan and Veterans of Foreign Affairs and is taking applications now. There is a $300 fee for the camp.

DOD Starbase

The Department of the Defense Youth Program provides fourth, fifth, and sixth graders with STEM-based education at National Guard, Marine, Air Force, and Army bases around the United States. There are 70 locations across the United States this summer, check them out here.

Military Teen Adventure Camps

For teens of active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military personnel, military teen adventure camps offer a unique outdoor camp at no cost. There are funds available to help with transportation as well. You can search camps by location and date.

Operation Purple Camp

The National Military Family Association offers Operation Purple Camp in the summer. It is a camp for military children, typically ages 8 and up, and offers overnight camps. The camps vary in availability and location and fill up quickly, so check out the camps now. Campers enjoy activities including music, nature programs, swimming, boating, athletics, and leadership activities.

Operation Camp Program

The Armed Services YMCA offers a camp program through their Operation Camp Program. The offerings range from day, overnight, and holiday camps depending on the local branch. Some local branches, like ASYMCA San Diego, have the Horse of the Sun Ranch which offers equestrian camps. The program is offered at a no-cost or low cost, depending on the activity.

Operation Xtreme

This summer camp CRISTA Camps offers summer overnight camps for children of active duty, reserve, and retired military at the western-themed Miracle Ranch in Washington. The rates are based on rank, so are at a sliding rate. Gold Star families’ children can attend fee-free. The overnight camp offers activities like canoeing, disc golf, archery, high ropes, horseback, and arts and crafts.

Have a favorite summer camp you send your military kids to? Let us know in the comments!

Will the Commissary Add Grocery Delivery?

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Grocery delivery has been an amazing plus. When you have sick kids at home, are sick yourself, and your partner is deployed, gone or at training, grocery delivery means you don’t have to drag yourself out the door or pack up sick kids into the car. Grocery delivery has grown as an option to many stores over the last couple of years. It looks like the Defense Commissary Agency, or DECA, is looking to add this benefit to its stores.

A contract solicitation for grocery delivery was published by the Defense Department on January 31st. The pilot program states that grocery delivery could be provided within a 20-mile driving radius of select stores.

The eight stores where the pilot program is proposed includes:

  • Naval Base San Diego, California
  • Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
  • Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
  • Fort Belvoir, Virginia
  • Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
  • Fort Bragg South Post Commissary, North Carolina
  • MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

While the pilot program does not list a specific timeline for when the program would be executed, grocery has been a goal of the new Defense Commissary Agency Director Bill Moore. The ultimate goal is for all the commissaries in the continental United States to provide this service. There will be a service charge, keeping in line with other large stores’ grocery delivery services. A proposed service charge was not listed in the solicitation, but would likely be determined by the contractor who provides the delivery.

Grocery Pick Up is a currently provided service at the Commissaries. Click 2 Go provides free grocery pick up at Continental U.S. Commissaries. There is no minimum for grocery pick up and can be ordered all online, including digital coupons. The ability to grocery shop online without leaving your home, and then selecting a pickup time is great for meal planners, those who just don’t want to shop in the store or have napping children. The addition of grocery delivery would mean you wouldn’t even have to leave the house to get your favorite grocery items.

Will you use grocery delivery from the Commissary?

Secondary Caregiver Leave Updated for Navy and Marines

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The Marine Corps is updating its policy on leave allowed for secondary caregivers, often referred to as Permissive Temporary Additional Duty or PTAD. The update comes from Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs increasing the previous 14 days leave to 21 days of leave. Per Major Jordan Cochran from Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs, this “will further improve Marine and family readiness, as well as recruiting, retention, and overall talent management of the force.”

This policy is also updated for the Navy with a total of 21 days of leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Per Vice Admiral John Nowell Jr, the Chief of Naval Personnel, the “Navy is dedicated to supporting our new parents, and we fully understand that our families are as much a part of our service as our Sailors.”

These policy updates are short-term solutions “while we await more significant changes anticipated as part of [the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act]” which has a proposed change of paid parental leave for up to 12 weeks for all service members.  The authorization was signed into law in 2021 but requires Congress to pass the defense appropriations bill for funding to be assigned and available for these changes.

The Army and Air Force have had 21 days of parental leave. The Air Force has a Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP) that provides non-chargeable leave entitlements following the birth or adoption of a child as long as the Service Member meets the eligibility requirements.  The Army’s policy of 21-day of non-chargeable leave has been policy since 2019 and can be used within one year of the birth or adoption.

The flexibility for non-chargeable leave is a growing topic of discussion. Some large civilian companies offer up to 20 weeks of paid time for mothers and up to 12 weeks of parental leave for other new parents. These additions are welcome changes as per Pew Research, the United States is the only country that lacks government-mandated paid parental leave across the board in comparison with 40 other countries.  

What If I Can’t Find a Rental?

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If your family has received military orders recently, you are probably already looking in every housing website and group for housing at your next destination. You have probably called the on-base military housing to scope out wait times, neighborhoods and maybe even sent in an application. It doesn’t hurt to have options, right? If you are moving to an area where the waitlist for on-base housing is 12+ months, and off-base housing has either low availability or pricing that is not supportable within Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), you might be looking for other options. While you might have to rent that house that is $500 above BAH, and that’s without utilities, you are probably looking for other options as well. So, what other options are there?

Long Term Stay Hotels

Check out chain hotels for “extended stay hotels” that offer larger hotel rooms with amenities that can make hotel living doable for a short period of time. Most of these hotels offer free breakfast, and maybe even free meals for dinner on weekday evenings.  They also offer free nights for stays longer than several nights or offer weekly rates which can lower the overall cost of the stay. If you are looking to cook, most extended stay hotels have a kitchen or kitchenette In with varying appliances depending on the location and brand. While the larger room and kitchen may make it feel like an apartment, it is still very much a hotel This means they may offer daily or weekly housekeeping dropping off coffee and tea and laundry service for towels and sheets. Bonus if there is a pool at the hotel property for burning off kid, and adult, energy at the end of the day. It can be fun for a short stay and make the wait for housing feel more like a vacation than an added stress. Some of these hotels are also pet-friendly, meaning you do not have to board your pet while staying at them.

Temporary Lodging Facilities

Temporary Lodging Facilities, or TLFs, are military hotels that are made with the idea of extended stays – whether it is for those who are coming to the base for training or for PCSing. The TLFs often have a kitchen in some form – usually a stovetop, fridge, freezer, and microwave. Some even have grills on the ground adding extra cooking ability, especially if you do not have an oven and you really want that pizza. TLFs usually have laundry in the hotel, or even may be available in each individual room. This allows for doing laundry all time of day, versus having to find a laundromat. These facilities offer rates based on rank, so usually don’t add up beyond BAH in a total month, or near it.

On Post RV Campground

So you can’t find a house at your next location, or you have a projected 6-12 month wait for on-base housing. If you have an RV, an RV campground is a great place to live. There are many military bases that offer RV campgrounds on the post. This means you can get a lay of the land in regard to the areas around the base and even schools if you have kids to make the best housing decision you can with more information. If you have been looking at getting an RV for your move and can’t find a home, maybe this is the sign to make the purchase. It can be a large purchase and shouldn’t be done simply because you do not have a home lined up. But if you have already been looking and planning on getting an RV, maybe this is your sign. Even if you can’t get a spot at the RV Campgrounds on base, look off base!

Crash At A Friends

This is not ideal for a long-term solution. It’s already rough moving with your teen for the third time in four years, but if you have a family friend that is at the new duty station who is willing to host you and your family and may even help in the transition of the move, this might be ideal for a few weeks. Think of it as one long staycation. Navigating a stay with friends can be tricky and should only be done when both parties can clearly outline expectations on both sides. Free or cheap lodging isn’t worth losing a friendship over.

Geo-Bach It Temporarily

Geo-Bach or Geo-Bachelor is a term used for when the service member goes to the next duty station unaccompanied, or without their family. While it is usually used for those who choose to, or it is deemed necessary for medical reasons, separate from the time of the tour, it can also be done in the short term. If you have a house where you currently live, is it possible to extend where you are while looking for a place to live at the new location or waiting for base housing? If you are on base, will the current military housing allow you to stay while waiting for housing at the next location? If you are locked into a lease at your current location, will the landlords allow you to move later if the military orders have already been executed without financial penalty? This isn’t ideal for everyone and is very much a personal choice, this can provide flexibility in an unknown housing world.

What do you do when you are waiting for on-base housing or can’t find a rental out in town?

Camp at Military Campgrounds To Save Even More

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According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry, there has been an increase in shipments of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) by 15% since 2020. Sales of camping equipment have increased by 31% in the United States since 2020. These numbers speak volumes -there is a greater desire to explore more of the great outdoors. Military families are not novices at “roughing it,” often going months without their household goods after moving overseas, or even across the country.  Did you know that there is an entire network of camping and RV parks for military families? Each campground has different eligibility requirements. Each campground has a different reservation system as well, some without advance reservations and some with advanced reservations with varying lead times. Make sure to look them up before you plan a trip.

Explore the North

The Great Pond Outdoor Recreation Area in Maine has 13 RV sites, 3 spaces for tents, 1 lodge that sleeps 8, 15 cabins that sleep 6, and 6 yurts. Prices range from $25 to $150 depending on the sleep site. The recreation center is closed November through April and pets are allowed on the campground. There is also a cottage with its associated lighthouses at Gull Harbor in Maine that make for a picturesque New England stay.

There are no military campgrounds in Connecticut or Delaware. There is an Air Force Inn at Dover Air Force Base, but make sure to check if there are restrictions on Space Available (recreational) travel.

Maryland is home to multiple military bases of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Andrews Air Force Base, and Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and each base has a recreation or camping ground. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy, and Annapolis NS Campground with concrete sites for camping is nearby. There is also Camp Meade RV Park and Solomons Island Navy Recreation Center.

Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts has two campgrounds associated with it – Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area and FAM camp with both RV sites and tent sites. The New Boast Air Force Station  Area Campground in New Hampshire has seasonal RV and tent sites.

New Jersey’s year-round campground at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has Willow Pond RV campground with RV sites.

West Point located in New York has two campground areas – Lake Frederick Recreation Area and Round Pond Campground – both offering season RV sites, Adirondacks, and tent sites. Fort Drum’s Remington Park also offers cabins in addition to the RV sites, Adirondacks, and tent sites

In Pennsylvania, the Tobyhanna Army Depot has Vacation and Business Villas year-round in the Coolbaugh Township.

Newport, Rhode Island is host to the Carr Point Campground with RV sites.

Stay in the South

Alabama has six campgrounds between Fort Rucker, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Coast Guard Group Mobile, and two other recreation areas. Because these campgrounds are in the south, they are open year-round and offer RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.

Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas has RV sites with hooks ups and tenting sites for rent – including monthly rentals for those on TDY orders. If you are driving through, Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center has an RV park.

Florida is another state with a bevy of military bases and campgrounds. The Keys have Sigsbee RV park with vocational rentals along with the RV and tent sites. Staying in the panhandle? The Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area has hook-ups at grass/dirt and concrete spaces in addition to tent platform, tent, and cabin spaces. Heading to Miami? Check out Marathon Recreation Cottages and RV Park with 4 cottages and 4 RV sites.

Georgia has 9 campgrounds with two in Lake Allatoona, as far south as Moody Air Force Bases’ Grassy Pond Recreation Area, as far east as Lotts Island Travel Camp at Hunter Army Airfield, and as far west at Fort Benning’s Uchee Creek Army Campground. No matter which roadway you are traveling through in Georgia, you can find a campground. Even better to have a variety of options if stationed locally and wanted to do a little local exploration.

Louisiana has five military campgrounds – two at Fort Polk, one at Barksdale Air Force Base, one at Belle Chasse, New Orleans, and Twin Lakes Recreation area at Beauregard, Louisiana. Fort Polk Toledo Bend Recreation Center and Twin Lakes Recreation area have mobile homes on-site in addition to tent sites.

Mississippi’s home to Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulport and Keesler Air Force Base which both have campgrounds. Lake Walker Campground has RV sites but no tent camping.

North Carolina has five military bases, and each has a campground. Fort Bragg has Smith Lake Army Travel Camp. MCAS Cherry Point has MWR Family Camping. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has Fit. Fisher Air Force Recreation Area and FAM camp. Camp Lejeune has Onslow Beach Recreation Area. USCG Support Center, Elizabeth City has Weeksville campsites.

Charleston AFB and NWS have two campgrounds – Shady Oaks FAM Camp and Short Stay. Shaw AFB has two campgrounds with Wateree Recreation Area and Falcons Nest FAM Camp. Fort Jackson has Weston Lake Campground in their recreation area with RV, tent sites, and cabins.

Tennessee is home to Arnold AFB and its FAM Camp and NSA Mid-South’s Navy Lake Recreation Area. Between them, there are RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.

Virginia is no strange to camping options – from Fort A.P. Hill Recreation Facility and Fort Belvoir Travel Camp in the north to FCTCLANT Dam Neck in the southern portion of the state. In total, there are 11 campgrounds and RV parks.

MidWest

The U.S. Air Force Academy has two campgrounds – the Farish Recreation Campground and Peregrine Pines Family Camping. Also in Colorado, the Buckley Air Force Base has 40 RV sites with hookups and a laundry facility.

The Yellowstone Country Trailers at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho offers 10 RV site hookups and there are hardstand and tent sites at the Mountain Home Air Force Base Campground.

Illinois has campgrounds at Scott Air Force Base and at Naval Station Great Lakes. Indiana also has two military campgrounds- Camp Atterbury Campgrounds and Crane MWR campgrounds and cabins.  McConnell Air Force Base FAM camp in Kansas has RV sites with hook-ups. All year-camping is available at Fort Campbell Campground and Fort Knox-Camp Carlson Army Travel Campgrounds in Kentucky with family cabins, youth cabins, tent sites, RV sites, and picnic areas.

Camp Grayling Trailer Park at Camp Grayling, Michigan has over 50 RV sites and 10 tent sites for camping with boat launches, rentals, and access points.

Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground in Minnesota is open for service members and their families with RV and tent sites.

Fort Leonard Wood’s Lake of the Ozarks Campground has fully furnished duplexes, cabins, and mobile homes for glamping to the max as well as RV and tent sites.

Malmstrom Air Force Base Campground and Timber Wolf Resort at Malmstrom AFB are open seasonally with RV and tent sites in Montana.

Offutt Air Force Base FAM Camp in Nebraska has RV sites with hookups.

North Dakota’s Grand Forks Air Force Base has RV and tent sites at their FAM Camp and Minot Air Force Base has RV sites at their FAM Camp.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a FAM Camp on-site with RV and tent sites all year, but there is no available water hook-ups in the winter.

Oklahoma has FAM Camps at Tinker Air Force Base and Altus Air Force Base. McAlester Army Ammo Plant has Murphy’s Meadow Campground and Ft Sill has RV, tent, and cabins at Lake Elmer Thomas Campground. Blackhawk RV Park in the state has 12 RV sites with hook-ups.

South Dakota is home to Ellsworth AFB and their FAM Camp with lodge rooms and RV sites.

Texas is not without a lack of options. There are RV parks and campgrounds at Fort Bliss, Fort Hood, Fort Sam Houston, and Red River Army Depot. There are campgrounds on Brooks AFB, Goodfellow AFB, Lackland AFB, Laughlin AF, Sheppard AFB, and Randolph AFB. Then there are the recreation areas and campgrounds at NAS Corpus Christ and two at NAS Kingsville.

Utah’s Hill Air Force Base has two campgrounds and Dugway Proving Ground has an RV Park and Campground.

Wisconsin is home to Pine View Campground at Fort McCoy with year-round RV site and yurts/cabins/duplexes on offer.

Wyoming’s F.E. Warren AFB is home to FAM Camp with RV sites, tent sites, and one cabin.

Venture Out West

Arizona is home to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Fort Huachuca, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in addition to the Gia Bend Campground. Each location offers varied lodging from hotels to RV sites to tents. On-base lodging has the perks of exchange and commissary for filling up on goodies at affordable prices. The Gila campground is a campground with basketball and tennis courts across from the campground and many amenities within the hotel but it is noteworthy to share that there are no showers on the campground itself.

California is a large state with a varied climate and has lodging available to military families as far south as El Centro Naval Air Facility Camp Ground and as far north as Beale Air Force Base campground. There are cabins on the ocean at Camp Pendleton and multiple hotel options in Monterey. If you are looking for a sunny spot in California to stay at for an affordable price, there are multiple options ranging from campground to RV sites to cabins to hotels.

Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base is home to Desert Eagle RV Park with year-round RV sites and tent sites, and RV sites are available at NAS Fallon Campground, but their restrooms are closed in the winter months.

New Mexico is home to Holloman Air Force Base and Kirtland Air Force base which both have FAM campgrounds. White Sands Missile Range -Volunteer Park Travel Campsite has year-round RV sites.

Oregon’s National Guard and Air National Guard have Camp Rilea Campground and Kingsley Field Campground respectively offering RV sites and tent sites year-round.

Washington has campgrounds at Fairchild AFB, McChord ABD, and Fairchild AFB. NAS Whidbey Island has Cliffside RV park with RV sites. NS Everett has Pacific Beach Resort, Grays Harbor CGS has Westport Recreation Park and Jim Cheek Naval Ration Station has Jim Creek Wilderness Recreation Area.

Beyond the Great 48

Seward Resort in Alaska is just that – a resort. Lodging facilities are open year-round while camping is weather permitting based on the season. The resort offers townhouses, a log cabin, and motel rooms for lodging in addition to RV pads, tent sites, and yurts. For those stationed or visiting Anchorage, For Richardson offers RV and camper sites in addition to cabins at the Black Spruce Travel Camp and the Upper Otter Lake Campgrounds has a log cabin in addition! Fort Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base, and Elmendorf Air Force base have seasonal and self-contained camping throughout the year. At the base of the Chugach Mountains, Valdez Glacier campground has 94 standard campsites and 14 pull-through sites for the ultimate Alaska camping experience.

Going to Hawaii? There is military lodging in Honolulu at the Hale Koa. If camping is more your jam, then check out Kilauea Military Camp, the cottages and campsites at Kaneohe Bay, the recreation area at Hickam Air Force Base or Bellows Air Force base, or the beach cottages at Barking Sands. There are two more Recreation Areas – the Waianae Army Recreation Center and Barbers Point Recreation Area. The cottages at Kaneohe Bay offer coastal views along the beach, with the convenience of base comforts nearby but they do offer an isolated feeling of being on the other side of the airstrip.

Supplies

Don’t forget to check out what your military installation has to offer in way of renting or buying camping equipment. Renting equipment helps you try out bigger items like tents and coolers to see what will work well for your family and if it is worth the investment. Check with your Family Services per your military branch to see what they have to offer. When you are ready to buy, don’t forget about the military exchange system – both online and in-person – offering a variety of gear and when you buy on base there is the added savings of no tax!

Camping is a budget-friendly way to travel and explore your local area or save money while executing a military move.

Financial Planning When You’re Expecting a Baby in the Military

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While nursery decorating and clothes shopping may be more enjoyable tasks for first-time parents, there are many other aspects of child-rearing that need to be discussed as a family prior to welcoming a new family member into the home. Financial readiness is probably the biggest building block.

Budget

The immediate expenses like diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and clothes make sense, but what about planning for child care costs or schooling? Making a budget even without including children is not an easy task. Check out your Family and Fleet Services or Community Services to see if they offer a budgeting class. Being prepared for the usual costs can prepare you for the unusual. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers a Budget for Baby class that reviews not just budgeting in general, including helping your family to make a personalized budget for all expenses, and cover what expenses and what amounts to expect for Marine Corps and Navy families.

Medical

With TRICARE coverage, the labor, delivery, and any newborn screenings or treatments like circumcision and immunizations are covered. There may be a copay for certain hospitals or based on the TRICARE coverage plan you have, but these are typically very clear in regards to what to expect in regards to cost. For the last several years, TRICARE has also begun to cover breast pumps and all required supplies.  This means tubing, bottles, bottle caps, and storage bags are even covered. If you need a converter to use a breast pump overseas, that is covered. One breast pump is covered per birth.

If you received a referral to an in-network provider for breastfeeding counseling, the provider can bill TRICARE for services. Even non-network providers can submit for coverage. Starting January 1, 2022, TRICARE covers breastfeeding counseling from lactation consultants and counselors as part of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) program that will run until December 31, 2026 at this time. The CBSD program will begin in overseas locations beginning January 1, 2025. No referrals are needed for services unless in TRICARE Prime and a referral is needed from the primary care provider. In fact, under the new program, non-medical support doulas will also be covered for those enrolled in the TRICARE Prime and Select programs.

Don’t forget the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line can also provide medical assistance via phone 24/7.

Wills and Power of Attorneys

Planning ahead with power of attorneys is a familiar dilemma for military families. When children are added to the military family, you also need to consider care plans for children. Head to the legal assistance office on your installation, and get wills completed and notarized without legal fees. If you have more complex family concerns, they can also refer you to a legal team that may provide legal advice for a discounted rate.

On Base Programming

Programming through your bases’ Family and Fleet Services or Community Services like New Parent Support programs can also help you navigate the world of child-rearing through free programming. Some groups offer visiting nurses without incurring a cost to help navigate feeding or diapering questions. If your local military installation has a USO, check to see if they are hosting a USO Baby Shower – these events offer parental advice books and workshops, and some people even get goodies that can help offset the cost in the short term.

Adding a family member to your family takes planning beyond the short-term, and there are many ways to get ahead financially thanks to these military resources. Is there a resource you have used on your base? Let us know!