WHETHER YOU’RE ACTIVE DUTY, a veteran, a reservist, a National Guard member, or a Gold Star family, here’s everything you need to know about military and veteran discounts that make RV life more affordable in 2026.
Note: Most campgrounds, dealerships, and retailers require proof of service to unlock military discounts. Accepted forms of verification vary, but common options include your DD-214, active-duty military ID (CAC), VA Health ID Card (VHIC), a state-issued veteran designation on your driver’s license, or a Uniformed Services ID Card (USID). Always confirm verification requirements before your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Camping World’s new Hero Program offers up to $2,000 off the advertised price of a new RV for active duty military, veterans, and first responders, plus an ongoing 5% discount on RV accessories and gear.
- Veterans receive a free lifetime pass to national parks and federal recreation areas through the America the Beautiful Interagency Military Lifetime Pass program.
- Military discounts for RVers span the full lifecycle of ownership: buying, insuring, equipping, camping, and even renting. Stacking these savings strategically can add up to thousands of dollars.
Camping World’s Hero Program
Camping World’s commitment to the military community goes well beyond a line-item discount. The new Hero Program is a structured savings program that honors active duty military, veterans, and first responders with exclusive price reductions off the advertised sales price on any new RV.
My parents had a motorhome when I was growing up. Later, when I was in the Army, I loved it when they’d come visit, or I’d meet them halfway, and we’d go camping. When I ETS’d, I thought I’d get an RV of my own. But transitioning back to civilian life was a bit difficult, especially with the costs. Having a discount like this would have started me on my RV journey way sooner.
Here’s how the Hero Discount breaks down by RV type:
| RV Type | Discount Off Advertised Sales Price |
|---|---|
| Class A Diesel | $2,000 |
| Class A Gas | $1,500 |
| Camper Van | $1,000 |
| Class C | $750 |
| Fifth Wheel | $750 |
| Travel Trailer | $500 |
| Pop-Up | $500 |
| Truck Camper | $500 |
| Small Trailer | $300 |
To claim your discount, you’ll request a Hero Discount Certificate online and present it along with one of these accepted forms of ID at any Camping World location at the time of purchase:
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)
- VA Health ID Card (VHIC)
- Active Duty Military ID (CAC)
- State-issued Veteran Designation on Driver’s License
- Uniformed Services ID Card (USID)
- First Responder ID
The Hero Program also includes 5% off select retail items at Camping World locations nationwide. If you’re also a Good Sam member, those savings apply separately, meaning these discounts can be combined.
Beyond the discounts, the Hero Program includes a Hero of the Month initiative: every month, Camping World surprises one nominated hero with a new RV. If you know a fellow veteran, a first responder, or a quietly remarkable person in your community who deserves recognition, submit a Hero Program nominee.
Camping World serves as a proud partner of the USO. At any Camping World retail location, customers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with 100% of that change going directly to the USO — the private nonprofit that has supported service members and their families in active combat zones and around the world for decades.
Military Discounts on Buying an RV
The Hero Program is Camping World’s flagship offer, but it’s not the only place veterans can find savings when buying a rig.
Airstream Salute
Airstream runs one of the most recognized manufacturer discount programs in the industry. Through its Airstream Salute program, eligible participants can receive a factory rebate of $250 to $750 off the purchase of a new Airstream, depending on the model. This includes active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and dependents, and first responders.
To redeem, verify your eligibility on Airstream’s website through SheerID. Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate to present at a participating Airstream dealership, and Airstream processes rebate reimbursements within 30-60 days.
Other Manufacturers and Dealers
Beyond Airstream, many individual RV dealerships across the country offer their own military discounts, independent of any factory-direct discount offered by an RV manufacturer. It’s always worth asking directly. A brief conversation at the lot has saved many veterans real money. Don’t assume the discount isn’t available just because it isn’t advertised.
Military Discounts on RV Gear, Parts, and Accessories
Getting into an RV is one thing. Keeping it stocked, maintained, and comfortable is an ongoing expense, and this is where military discounts can add up quickly.
5% Off Gear and Accessories at Camping World
The Camping World military discount program extends 5% off select retail items at all Camping World locations nationwide. Just show proper ID. There’s no complicated enrollment process.
If you’re a member, Good Sam savings stack on top of your military discount, giving you even deeper discounts. If you aren’t a Good Sam member yet, it costs roughly $30 per year and gets you 10% off most retail items at Camping World locations, plus discounts at thousands of campgrounds across the country.
Garmin Military Discount via GovX
Garmin GPS devices are a staple for serious RVers. Active-duty military, veterans, and their families can access discounted Garmin pricing through GovX, a verified marketplace for government and military discounts. Garmin does not offer a military discount directly on its website, but GovX provides an authorized path to Garmin discounts, including on RV-specific navigation devices. Simply register on GovX, verify your status, and you’re in for life.
10% Off for Veterans at Lowe’s & Home Depot
These aren’t RV-specific retailers, but if you’ve spent any time maintaining an RV, you’ve likely been to both. Lowe’s and The Home Depot each offer a 10% military discount to active-duty service members, veterans, and immediate family members. You can use these discounts on a wide range of RV ownership and maintenance supplies, including sealants, tools, electrical supplies, plumbing parts, cleaning products, and more. Both verify through ID.me or in-store ID.
A Note on Dometic
Dometic frequently appears on lists of brands offering military discounts, and it’s one of the most commonly searched topics for veteran discounts in the RV space. However, according to multiple verified sources, Dometic does not currently offer a verified military discount program. We’re including this note specifically because so many veterans search for it. If Dometic’s policy has changed, feel free to let us know in the comments below after verifying with the manufacturer.
I remember that first trip on my own. My previous experience was with my parents or “army camping” in a tent or bivouac, so I thought I had packed well. Boy, was I wrong. I wasn’t even thinking about sewer, water, leveling, etc. Thank goodness I had the military discount to help me pick up everything I needed because I had budgeted for that trip and didn’t include those supplies. My lesson learned was to listen to the pros BEFORE heading out and not saying “yeah yeah, I got it, I got it.”
Military Discounts on Campgrounds and RV Parks
Finding spots at the best campgrounds in the US is where your military status can open doors that aren’t available to the general public.
Free Lifetime National Parks Pass for Veterans
Through the America the Beautiful Interagency Military Pass Program, US military veterans and Gold Star Families are now eligible for a free lifetime pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas — including all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands. Active duty service members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass (renewable each year).
These passes cover entrance fees and standard day-use fees at all participating federal sites. They do not cover camping fees, transportation, special recreation permits, or reservation fees. But the entrance fee alone at many parks can run $35 per vehicle per visit, making this pass a meaningful annual saver for any RVer who loves exploring national parks.
To claim your pass:
You can claim your pass for free in person at any national park or federal recreation site that issues passes. Just bring proof of veteran or active duty status.
You can also claim your pass by mail through the USGS Store. The pass is still free, but there is a small shipping fee.
On-Base Campgrounds: The Best-Kept Secret in Military RVing
For active-duty and retired military members, campgrounds on US military installations are among the most underutilized perks in the country. Rates are typically a fraction of comparable private campgrounds, the settings are often outstanding, and the amenities have improved dramatically over the past decade.
For a comprehensive, state-by-state directory of military campgrounds and RV parks, here are a few helpful resources:
- Military Campgrounds Directory (operated by Veteran.com)
- Military.com
- Military OneSource Best-Kept Secrets
- Militarycampgrounds.us
20% Off for Active and Retired Military at Encore Resorts & Thousand Trails
Active duty and retired military personnel receive 20% off nightly rates at Encore Resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds. This network offers more than 200 locations across the US and Canada, with amenities such as boat rentals, swimming, hiking trails, and horseback riding.
To redeem: use promo code MILITARY20 at checkout. Proof of military service is required at check-in. The discount is valid for up to 6 nights per stay.
Up to 10–20% Off at Participating KOA Locations
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) offers military discounts at many — though not all — of its properties. With more than 500 locations in the US and Canada, discounts vary by individual campground. The best approach is to look for the “Deals” tab on your target KOA’s location page, or call ahead to ask.
Buy 2 Nights, Get 1 Free at Sun RV Resorts
Sun RV Resorts honors active military and veterans in the US and Canadian Armed Forces with a buy-two-nights-get-one-free deal at participating properties. No blackout dates apply, meaning you can use the discount any time of year, including holidays and special events. Simply present proof of military service at check-in.
State Park Passes: Check Your State
Many states offer free or discounted annual passes to national and state parks for veterans and active duty military. Eligibility, application processes, and discount levels vary significantly by state.
One of the first trips I wanted to take with my motorhome was an Army reunion near the Florida-Georgia line. I found this awesome campground called Eagle Hammock RV Park near a naval base, AND WOW! Not only was the place gorgeous, but thanks to the military discount, I ended up spending about half of what I thought I would. We had a great time, and there was even a fishing tournament going on (didn’t catch anything but a sunburn, though). From the hospitality to the gorgeous park to everything in between, that’s when I became a fan of staying at Military RV parks. That ID comes in super handy!
P.S. If you eat at Finnegan’s Grille, get the Cowboy Loaded Potatoes and thank me later!
Military Discounts on RV Insurance
RV insurance is one of the most overlooked savings opportunities for veteran RVers. The right insurer and coverage can make a significant difference in your annual costs.
Founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers who pooled resources to insure each other’s vehicles, USAA exists specifically to serve active-duty military, veterans, and their families. USAA offers RV insurance in partnership with Progressive, covering travel trailers, and provides referrals to specialized carriers for motorhomes.
The company carries an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and routinely places at or near the top of J.D. Power’s annual insurance satisfaction studies. If you qualify, USAA is worth a quote before you go anywhere else.
Outside of USAA, true nationwide military discounts on RV insurance are limited. Progressive offers a 25% military discount on auto insurance policies, but only in Louisiana (where state law requires it) and only for active-duty personnel. It does not extend this discount to veterans or to RV policies broadly.
For most veteran RVers, USAA’s military-exclusive rates and Good Sam’s multi-carrier approach represent the two strongest paths to competitive RV insurance. Call both, compare quotes with equivalent coverages and deductibles, and choose accordingly.
Personally, I had no clue how different RV insurance was from my auto insurance. It was extremely helpful having the Good Sam folks walk me through not only what was different, but also which coverages I really needed vs which I didn’t.
Military Discounts on RV Rentals
Not every military family is ready to buy an RV outright, and renting is often the smartest way to try out the lifestyle before committing to ownership. Fortunately, there are real options for veterans and service members looking for RV rentals.
- RV By Military is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace built specifically by and for the military community. The platform offers 10% off all RV rentals to verified veterans, retirees, active-duty service members, and first responders through SheerID. The model also allows veteran RV owners to list their rigs, with owners retaining 90-100% commission on rentals.
- Veterans RV Rentals (VRR) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that operates an online platform connecting US veterans, active-duty members, and MWR-eligible members with RV rental partners.
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs at many installations offer RV and camper rentals to active-duty members and military retirees at significantly reduced rates. Availability varies by installation, but rates are typically well below market. Check with your installation’s Outdoor Recreation office for current inventory and pricing.
FAQs
Camping World offers two distinct programs for military members and veterans. The Hero Program provides up to $2,000 off the advertised price of a new RV, with the exact discount determined by RV type (from $300 for a small trailer to $2,000 for a Class A diesel). All active duty, veterans, and first responders also receive 5% off select retail accessories at all Camping World locations nationwide, year-round, with a valid military ID. Good Sam member savings apply on top of the retail discount.
Veterans receive a free lifetime pass that covers entrance fees at more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests. Active-duty service members and their dependents receive a free annual (renewable) pass. Neither pass covers camping fees, which are paid separately. You can get passes for free in person at any federal recreation site that issues them, or order them online from the USGS Store for a small shipping fee.
Most providers accept one or more of the following forms of military ID: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge), Active Duty Military ID (CAC card), VA Health ID Card (VHIC), state-issued veteran designation on a driver’s license, Uniformed Services ID Card (USID), or a military retiree ID. Online platforms like GovX, SheerID, and ID.me handle digital verification and are accepted by a growing number of retailers and campgrounds.
Many do. Camping World’s Hero Program explicitly covers police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, as well as military and veterans. Airstream’s Salute program and several campground networks also extend military-tier discounts to first responders.
Yes. RV By Military (rvbymilitary.com) offers 10% off all rentals to veterans, active-duty, and first responders, verified through SheerID. Veterans RV Rentals (VRR) is an SDVOSB-certified platform serving the military community specifically. Active-duty and retired military members can also access below-market rental rates through on-base MWR outdoor recreation programs at many installations.
More Resources:
- Best National Parks for RV Families
- 10 Tips for RVing the National Parks
- How to Choose the Right RV for Your Lifestyle
- The Good Sam Club: What Members Get
Are we missing a military or veteran discount that’s made a real difference for your RV life? Drop it in the comments below — this list grows with every reader who shares what they know.
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This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://blog.campingworld.com/learn-to-rv/the-complete-rvers-guide-to-military-veteran-discounts/