Every year our nation takes a federal holiday to honor our military veterans who have fought for peace. Many of our state parks pay tribute to this community with discounts, events, and historic sites. Spend time this year with your family to celebrate our heroes and our American history at these unique destinations across the country.
Eisenhower State Park, Kansas
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Veterans Day bill into law on May 26, 1954. In honor of the holiday make sure to visit this state park in his name, and in his home state of Kansas. This large park has everything you need to entertain the entire family. Melvern Lake offers 16 boat slips, fishing, and beaches. The kids will enjoy the horseshoe pits, basketball court, playground, and 18-hole disc golf course. You’ll also find 20 miles of trails including a 19-target archery trail. Stay for all the fun at any of the 186 overnight accommodations including tent, RV, cabin, yurt, and equestrian sites.
Kansas disabled veterans can apply to receive free Kansas hunting and fishing licenses, as well as a reduced state park admission.
Fort Delaware State Park, Delaware
A Union fortress dating back to 1859, Fort Delaware once housed Confederate prisoners of war. It was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. Visitors can take a 1/2 mile ferry ride to Pea Patch Island to the granite and brick fortress. Here, costumed reenactors take you back to the summer of 1864. Visitors can fill the day with hands-on history. Help the blacksmith hammer out new parts for a cannon or work with the laundress. Be on hand when the 8-inch Columbiad gun fires a live gunpowder charge!
Delaware military personnel, retirees and veterans may purchase a Delaware Military Pass, which reduces the cost of the annual pass by 50% for military members. The annual pass allows members to visit Delaware State Parks as many times as they’d like without paying entrance fees.
Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Georgia
Go back in time to explore the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. Visitors will see historic cannons, furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades, and can spend time in the Civil War museum to view artifacts. There are seven cottages and 58 shaded electric campsites providing plenty of options to extend your stay to take the boat out fishing and spend the afternoon on the nature trails.
Active and retired veterans receive a 25% discount on the daily or Annual ParkPass. Disabled veterans receive a 25% discount on Annual ParkPasses, Friends Memberships, individual accommodations, recreation fees such as mini-golf and boat rental, golf fees and historic site admission. On Veterans Day, all vets can play golf for free at any of the eight Georgia state park golf courses.
Fort Richardson State Park Historic Site and Trailway, Texas
Take a ranger-guided or self-guided tour to visit seven original buildings at Fort Richardson. The historic site is located along Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway providing many miles of trails to hike or bike, and a fishing pier to spend your afternoon trying to catch catfish and trout. The park offers 11 cabins and over 60 campsites near the creek to enjoy.
Disabled Veterans Passes are available and allows free entry to 89 Texas state parks. One additional person may assist the pass holder at a reduced rate of 50% of the standard entry fee.
Recommended for You: The Positive Impact of the Outdoors on Veterans
Lake George Battleground Campground, New York
Spend the afternoon on a self-guided historical interpretive path at Battlefield Park to learn about the military activities that took place during the Colonial period. There are 61 campsites with nearby boating, fishing, and hiking. From the campground, you can also take a short walk to Lake George Beach for a relaxing afternoon of swimming and sunbathing.
Resident active military personnel are eligible for a free Empire Pass Card. Resident veterans with permanent disability are eligible for a Lifetime Liberty Pass granting free access to parks, historic sites and recreational facilities operated by DEC or OPRHP.
Camp Floyd State Park, Utah
Camp Floyd, named in honor of Secretary of War John Floyd, was built by the army with the help of local citizens in 1858 to suppress a supposed Mormon rebellion. The Army remained here for three years provide safety for immigrants moving west to California, Oregon, and Washington. Today, Camp Floyd State Park features three remaining structures and a cemetery. Purchase a day pass to visit the museum and Stagecoach Inn and learn about this nationally important historic site.
Utah State Parks offer a free Honor Pass to qualified veterans who are Utah residents, were honorably discharged, and have a service-related disability rating of 50% or greater. The Honor Pass is valid for day use admittance to all state parks for the qualified veteran; as well as up to 7 guests in the same private vehicle. Disabled Utah veterans are also eligible for a discounted 365-day fishing license.
Boysen State Park, Wyoming
Boysen State Park is one of the largest parks in the Wyoming State Park system. The park is lake-oriented and sits at the south end of the Owl Creek Mountains at the mouth of the Wind River Canyon. It offers a variety of water type recreation including boating and fishing at Brannon Campground. Spotting deer, pronghorn and the occasional Big Horn sheep is also common. The campground features three distinct cabins and 197 campsites to choose from.
Wyoming State Parks offers a Lifetime Veteran’s Permit which allows free day use and camping for life and is available to any Wyoming resident veteran who is 50% or more service-connected disabled.
Brookville Lake, Indiana
Drivers with a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate can purchase a Hoosier Golden Passport. This year-long pass provides unlimited admission to all Indiana State Parks, recreation areas and reserves.
One standout in the state is the Brookville/ Whitewater Complex that has over 13,500 combined acres of land. Located in eastern Indiana near the Ohio border, this land is best known for Brookville Lake, a large body of water that is great for fishing, boating, and swimming. The surrounding lands are perfect for taking in a hike on Veteranโs Day.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.