RV travel is no longer just for baby boomers, as young people are also choosing life on the open road. How do veterans run RV travel services.

How Veterans Run RV Travel Services

Veterans have become a significant force in the RV travel industry, leveraging their military-acquired skills, leadership, and community spirit to operate a range of RV travel services. Their involvement spans from managing campgrounds and RV parks to running rental platforms and social clubs, often with a focus on serving both the veteran community and the broader public.

Campground and RV Park Management

Many veterans own and operate campgrounds and RV resorts across the U.S., offering a variety of accommodations such as rustic tent sites, riverside cabins, RV hookups, and glamping areas. For example, James Cook, Jr., an Air Force veteran, and his wife Sheila run Gasconade Hills Resort in the Ozarks. Their military background equips them with skills in critical thinking, equipment operation, and multitasking—qualities essential for managing diverse campground operations. These veteran-run sites often provide special discounts for military members, veterans, and first responders, fostering a welcoming environment for those who have served.

Peer-to-Peer RV Rental Marketplaces

Veterans have also pioneered RV rental marketplaces tailored to military and veteran communities.

RVbyMilitary.com, for instance, is a veteran-owned platform that connects RV owners—many of whom are veterans or active-duty military—with renters. This service not only helps veterans monetize their RVs but also builds a supportive community by giving back a portion of revenue to veteran organizations. The platform handles all logistics, including bookings, payments, insurance, and support, making it easy for veterans to participate and benefit financially while serving fellow veterans and civilians.

Military Campgrounds and Recreation Facilities

Some RV parks are owned and managed by branches of the military, typically through their Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) departments. These parks offer affordable rates, extended stays, and access to base amenities, but are generally restricted to those with military affiliations (active duty, retirees, certain veterans, and their families). Veterans working in these facilities often manage operations and provide support for a diverse group of RVers, including those seeking temporary housing, vacationers, and those undergoing medical treatment at nearby facilities.

Veteran RV Clubs and Social Organizations

Veterans have established RV travel clubs such as SMART (Special Military Active Recreational Travelers), open to all honorably discharged veterans and their spouses. These clubs organize caravans, social gatherings, and volunteer activities, fostering camaraderie reminiscent of military life. Members participate in community service projects, support veteran causes, and enjoy exclusive travel opportunities at competitive rates. These clubs extend the sense of fellowship and mutual support that many veterans value.

Additional Services and Support

Veteran-owned businesses also offer a range of RV-related services, including inspections, education for new RV owners, and travel planning. Some organizations and online communities provide resources for veterans living a nomadic lifestyle, including mail forwarding and access to long-term visitor areas on public lands.

Key Strengths Veterans Bring to RV Services

– Leadership and Problem-Solving: Military experience fosters adaptability and the ability to manage complex, dynamic situations—key for running campgrounds and RV businesses.
– Community Focus: Many veteran-run services prioritize giving back, offering discounts, support, and programs specifically for veterans and their families.
– Operational Excellence: Veterans often excel in logistics, maintenance, and customer service, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality experiences for travelers.
– Network Building: Through clubs and platforms, veterans create supportive networks that help bridge the civilian-military gap and promote shared adventure.

Conclusion

Veterans are not only embracing RV travel themselves but are actively shaping the industry by running campgrounds, launching rental platforms, and building community-focused organizations. Their unique backgrounds enable them to deliver reliable, inclusive, and mission-driven RV travel services that appeal to all generations of travelers, from baby boomers to young adventurers.