Many campgrounds, RV parks and resorts honor the nation’s veterans with discounts and special events, particularly over Memorial Day weekend and Veterans Day.But many campgrounds also pay tribute not only to veterans, but first responders, healthcare providers and teachers, all of whom they recognize as heroes in their communities.
Some parks even organize special activities, including parades and visits by local fire department personnel, which they schedule throughout the summer months. Here’s a sampling of special events honoring veterans and other community heroes at campgrounds across the country:
— Brackenridge Park and Campground in Edna, Texas: This campground will have a “First Responders and Health Care Heroes Appreciation Weekend” June 2-4. Numerous Jackson County emergency vehicles will be on display, including police cars, firetrucks, ambulances and even a helicopter. First responders and healthcare heroes will receive the second night of camping free.
— Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania: This campground will have a “Heroes Weekend” May 19-21 in which military, police, firefighters and paramedics can camp one night and get the second night free. Activities include an ice cream social to benefit local emergency services and bingo.
— Great Escapes RV Resort in Bryon College Station, Texas: This campground will host a“Hometown Heroes” weekend Sept. 8-10. Activities include making hero crafts. All police, firefighters, emergency service personnel, as well as active duty military and veterans will receive 25% off their stay.
— Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville, Wisconsin: This campground will have an “Armed Forces & Heroes Weekend” May 19-21. Activities include rescue demonstrations, fire trucks, a Flight for Life tour, a parade and a live auction and basket fundraiser for the Pardeeville Fire Department.
— Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Monroe City, Missouri: This park will have its “Hometown Heroes” weekend Sept. 8-10. Activities include making hero crafts. Campers will have a chance to meet their hometown heroes in the activity center. All police, firefighters, emergency service personnel, as well as active duty military and veterans will receive 25% off their stay.
— Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mt. Gilead, Ohio: This park will have its “Hometown Heroes” weekend Sept. 8-10. Activities include making hero crafts and a visit from the Morrow County Sheriffs Office. The Mt. Gilead Fire Department will also bring one of their trucks. The All police, firefighters, emergency service personnel, as well as active duty military and veterans will receive 25% off their stay.
— Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Warrens, Wisconsin: This park will have its “Hometown Heroes” weekend Sept. 8-10. Activities include making hero crafts and a chili cookoff competition. All police, firefighters, emergency service personnel, as well as active duty military and veterans will receive 25% off their stay.
— Medina / Wildwood KOA Holiday in Medina, New York: This campground will have a “First Responders Appreciation Weekend” July 14-16. Activities will include rubby ducky races to benefit first responding agencies. First responders will also receive 15% discounts on camping.
— Nickerson Catskill Mountain Campground in Gilboa, New York: On the weekend of May 5-7 this campground will have a “Hero Weekend” with a parade of lights, a tug of war competition and a free ice cream social.
— Normandy Farms Family Campground in Foxborough, Massachusetts: This campground will have an “EMT, Nurse, Police, Firefighters and Teacher Appreciation Weekend” June 7-9, in which these community heroes will receive a 15% discount on camping as well as RV supplies and gift merchandise. Activities will include a fishing derby, teen and adult pickleball and live entertainment.
— Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground in Rome Township, Pennsylvania: This campground is honoring all police, firefighters, EMTs, nurses and military personnel May 5-7 with 20% discounts on all campsites, cabins and cottages. The campground is also inviting its guests to email the park at [email protected] to honor a heroe with a photo and a brief description of what makes them a heroe. Members of the Rome Volunteer Fire Department will also be at the park with a firetruck and will talk to children about what’s involved in being a firefighter.
— Shelby / Mansfield KOA Resort in Shelby, Ohio: This campground will have a “Firefighter Appreciation Weekend” May 5-7 with a variety of activities on Saturday, including a firefighter obstacle course, a fire truck ride and a scavenger hunt for firemen.
— Spruce Row Campground and RV Park in Ithaca, New York: This campground will have its second annual “Cops and Campers Wellness Retreat” for first responders and their families June 23-25. Activities include socializing, guest speakers, visits from local police agencies, live music by a local band and a bonfire.
—Triple R Camping Resort in Franklinville, New York: This campground will have a “First Responders Weekend” Sept. 8-10 with a visit by members of the Franklinville Fire Department.
