May 19, 2011
‘Tents for Troops’ is a non-profit organization that provides FREE RV and camping sites to all active military and their families.
The organization was started by Charlie Curry about 3 years ago in Castle Rock, WA. Curry soon realized that the program had become so popular and appreciated that he decided, with the help from a few volunteers, to take this program to a nationwide level.
“It is a very small way of saying ‘Thank You’ for all of the hard work and sacrifices men and women in the military make”, said the Toutle River RV Resort owner. “I personally encourage all RV Parks and Campgrounds in America to consider offering free camping for active military!”
“The program is solely ran by volunteer staffing with little to no donations which leaves very little spending money to get the word out to others,” says Curry.
Tents for Troops now has RV Parks and Campgrounds across the US that provide 100% FREE RV and Camping sites to all Active Military and their Families. This goes for all Active and all Active Reserve.
Its a program and is very popular with those who use it. “A couple weeks ago Willie Nelson said a few words about tents for Troops on his flickr and facebook page making the number of facebook followers that we have increase several hundred percent in just a few hours. If we get a few more plugs like this we will be in luck!.”
‘Tents for Troops’ currently has Parks in 32 States and have been extremely lucky to attract many of the highest rated Parks in the Country. “We solicit Parks that have a great deal of Family activities or are close to attractions that will really add to a family vacation”, says Curry.
To become a member park you need only to donate two sites for two nights. You may black out any special events or festival times but may not exclude weekends other than holiday weekends. Blacking out holiday weekends is allowed.
“At our resort, the park has never had more than two campsites occupied by active military personnel at any one time,”says Curry. “The park has chosen to include all of our sites in this program. However, experience has pointed out that just having two of your sites in the Tents for Troops program is adequate.”
“Additionally, all of those who have used the RV Park for the free military camping have become repeat customers, and they bring paying family members and friends.”
This program is intended for Active Military Personnel
Active military will be required to present active military I.D. at the time of check in. The offer is for active military and members of their immediate family only.
Please call the park directly for reservations. Reservations are required. Parks may be full and are not obligated to provide free sites in this case. Please be courteous to our member parks. If you enjoy your stay, consider blogging about it, posting an online review, and telling friends or family members about the program. And remember to tell the staff at the campground that you appreciate your stay!
Click here to see Camp locations in your state.
Camps: Want to join Tents For Troops? It’s simple! Just click on their “Recruitment” page about contacting the organization. They simply request that every campground offers at least two days of free camping for active military wishing to use your facilities.
In 2011 Tents for Troops volunteers will be scouring the country for new parks. They will be attempting to call, mail or personally visit as many parks as possible in hopes of having these parks join their efforts.
Fall Tour: In October 2011 volunteers will hit the highways and are planning to personally visit over 500 parks in 35 states as part of a national recruitment drive.
Social networking is a big way to promote their organization, so for more information, please visit and like their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TentsForTroops, or visit their website at http://tentsfortroops.org/, Or to volunteer your services, contact Charlie Curry at 360-274-7915.