After months of sheltering in place, you are no doubt eager to get out and about. So, what are some safe vacation options if you’re still concerned about COVID-19?
Choose destinations with limited crowds, where families can have a self-contained space and primary activities outdoors. Your base or post MWR office has recreational facilities all over the country that fit the bill and are budget friendly.
Here are five ideas to get you started:
This MWR facility, located 50 miles north of Acadia National Park, is an activity of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and offers year-round fun. During warmer months, enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and a range of water sports. In the winter, explore the area on snowshoes or cross-country skis, and try your hand at ice-fishing. Any equipment you need is available to rent.
Lodging options include fully-furnished cabins that sleep up to six guests, two lodges for eight+ guests, RV sites, and yurts.
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Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area (North Carolina)
If you want an oceanfront getaway without the crowds of public beaches, look no further than this amazing MWR facility in Kure Beach, North Carolina. Located on a strip of land between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Fisher is the perfect place for a family vacation full of sand and surf.
Rent any type of equipment you could possibly need, including kayaks, surfboards, bicycles, fishing and camping gear, plus many recreation games.
Accommodations include 1-, 3- and 4-bedroom cottages, two hotel-style lodges, and an RV park/Famcamp.
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Farish Recreation Area (Colorado)
This beautiful mountain recreation area is only a 30-minute drive from Colorado Springs. Part of the U.S. Air Force Academy, it offers members of the military community a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Hike or bike the mountain trails, fish, or enjoy canoeing and paddle boating on the lake. Farish Recreation Area has a wide range of lodging options. They offer 2-bedroom cottages, 1- and 2-bedroom duplexes, a small lodge, camper cabins, and RV/camping sites.
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FamCamp at Davis-Monthan AFB (Arizona)
This FamCamp in Tucson, Arizona is a favorite among military RVers, and for good reason. The facilities are top notch, and you have the security of staying on a base. But the big draw is the many incredible outdoor recreation options in the area.
“The Loop” in metropolitan Tucson offers more than 100 miles of paved recreation trails. Davis-Monthan is also a short drive from tons of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, including Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains. And the Tucson area is a golfer’s paradise, with numerous courses within a short drive from the base.
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Navy Getaways Pacific Beach (Washington)
A great option for anyone stationed in the Pacific Northwest, this MWR facility is on the beautiful, rugged Washington coast. While you’re there, enjoy the beach, the nearby Olympic National Forest, and the charming coastal town of Ocean Shores. Also, keep your eye out for whales from their Whale Watch Tower.
Pacific Beach rents any equipment you need to take advantage of the area’s activities, including tents, bikes, wake boards, and clamming gear.
They offer 3-, 4-, and 5- bedroom cottages, a hotel-style lodge, and RV/camping sites. If you’re there during peak season (1 April – 30 September), you can stay in a deluxe one-bedroom camper.
Visit www.poppinsmoke.com/mwrlodging for more ideas on planning a trip to a military recreation facility.
