Redstone MWR Campground

For those in Alabama with a military affiliation, a unique and highly-rated camping experience awaits right in the heart of Huntsville. Redstone MWR Campground, located at 1312 Hermes Road, Huntsville, AL 35808, offers a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the Rocket City and enjoying the great outdoors. Operated by Redstone Arsenal's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, this campground is a dedicated facility for authorized users, promising a clean, well-managed, and amenity-rich environment.

Camping in Alabama is a beloved tradition, offering diverse landscapes from mountain trails to serene lakes. However, finding a campground that balances natural beauty with modern conveniences, especially for RVers, can be a challenge. Redstone MWR Campground rises to this occasion, providing spacious sites and essential amenities that cater to both short-term travelers and those looking for a longer stay. Its location on a military installation also adds an extra layer of security and access to a wide array of on-post facilities.

The MWR program at Redstone Arsenal is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its authorized patrons, and the campground is a prime example of this dedication. Unlike public campgrounds, Redstone MWR Campground is specifically designed with the needs of military personnel, DoD civilians, and other eligible users in mind, ensuring a community-focused and secure environment. This exclusivity can often translate to a more peaceful and well-maintained camping experience.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, a veteran, a DoD civilian, or a NASA employee, if you have access to Redstone Arsenal, this campground offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the vibrant Huntsville area. From its proximity to major attractions like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to its thoughtful on-site amenities, Redstone MWR Campground is designed to make your visit as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. It’s an ideal spot for those passing through or looking for an extended stay in North Alabama.

This article will provide a detailed look into what makes Redstone MWR Campground a standout option for its authorized users in Alabama. We’ll cover its prime location and accessibility, the extensive services and features it offers, important contact information, and why it's particularly suitable for local military-affiliated individuals and families seeking a top-tier camping experience.

Redstone MWR Campground is uniquely situated on Redstone Arsenal, a vital military installation located in Huntsville, Alabama, at 1312 Hermes Rd, Huntsville, AL 35808. This strategic location offers a secure and convenient base for authorized users exploring the dynamic Huntsville area.

Huntsville, known as the "Rocket City," is a major hub for aerospace, technology, and defense industries. It boasts a thriving economy, world-class attractions, and a growing population, making it a desirable destination for many Alabamians. The campground's location within Redstone Arsenal means residents have direct access to numerous on-post facilities and a secure environment.

Access to Redstone Arsenal is restricted to authorized users (Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, DoD civilians, NASA employees). Visitors typically enter through specific gates, with Gate 9 being a common entry point, and some advise using Gate 8 for easier RV access to the campground. Clear directions are usually provided for navigating the base to reach the campground, which is located near the PX/Commissary and other MWR facilities.

Once on base, the campground's proximity to essential services is a major advantage. Residents are just a short drive or even walking distance from the Commissary, PX (Post Exchange), Class Six (liquor store), and gas pumps, simplifying daily errands. Beyond the base, Huntsville offers an abundance of attractions, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Monte Sano State Park, and various museums, dining, and shopping options. The campground's location allows for easy exploration of both on-post amenities and the wider Huntsville community, offering a blend of convenience and recreational opportunities for eligible Alabamians.

Redstone MWR Campground provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its authorized users. These services, gleaned from public information and typical MWR campground offerings, include:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground features a significant number of full hookup sites (around 42-90 sites reported, with 90 full hookups confirmed by some sources), equipped with 30 and 50 Amp electricity, water, and sewer connections. This convenience is highly valued by RVers.
• Spacious Concrete Pads: Many sites boast "HUGE concrete pads," often 25x65 feet, with numerous pull-through options, making it easy for "Big Rigs" and larger vehicles to maneuver and park.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The bathhouse facilities are consistently praised for their cleanliness and are available for campers' convenience.
• Laundry Facilities: A modern laundromat with multiple washers and dryers (often noted at $1.00 per load) is available on-site, a significant amenity for longer stays.
• Fenced Dog Run/Play Park: A dedicated, fenced area for pets allows furry companions to exercise safely, demonstrating the campground's pet-friendly nature (with usual leash and clean-up rules).
• Limited Free Wi-Fi: Wireless internet access is available, usually with directions and passwords provided within the laundry facility, supporting basic connectivity.
• Cable TV: Some sites offer limited cable TV access for entertainment.
• Picnic Area and Pavilion: A large, brand-new pavilion and picnic areas provide communal spaces for relaxation and gatherings.
• Access to On-Post MWR Facilities: Campers have access to a wider array of MWR facilities on Redstone Arsenal, including Outdoor Recreation (for equipment rental), bowling, bingo, golf, fitness centers, swimming pools, a library, movie theater, museum, hospital/clinic, and post office.
• RV Storage Lot: An RV storage lot is available for residents who need to store their vehicles.
• Reservation System: Reservations are highly recommended, often accepted 60-90 days in advance, with specific phone numbers provided for booking.
• Mail Handling: While direct mail forwarding is not typically offered, guidance is provided to use local General Delivery or open a private P.O. Box.

Redstone MWR Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience for its authorized users:

• Military Exclusive Access: The campground is only available to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, DoD civilians, and NASA employees. This exclusivity often contributes to a more secure, respectful, and community-oriented environment, as all users share a common background or affiliation.
• Spacious and Level Concrete Pads: A consistent highlight from reviews is the generosity of the sites, with "huge concrete pads" (up to 25 x 65 feet) that are level and easy to navigate, even for large rigs. This provides ample space for RVs and tow vehicles.
• Clean and Modern Facilities: The bathhouse and laundry facilities receive high praise for being "clean," "well-managed," and "like new," indicating a commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and comfort for campers.
• Pet-Friendly with a Dog Run: The presence of a fenced dog run/play park is a significant convenience for pet owners, allowing their animals to exercise freely within a secure area.
• Proximity to On-Base Amenities: Being on Redstone Arsenal means direct and easy access to a commissary, PX, gas station, and various MWR facilities like golf courses, fitness centers, and recreational equipment rentals. This convenience is a major advantage, reducing the need to leave the base for essentials or leisure.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its location on a military installation, the campground is often described as "quiet" and "peaceful," offering a serene retreat for relaxation.
• Value for Money: Many reviews implicitly or explicitly highlight the "price" as a positive, suggesting that the campground offers excellent value for the quality of facilities and convenience provided, especially compared to off-base options.
• Open Year-Round: The campground is open all year, providing flexibility for travel plans regardless of the season, a key benefit for long-term or repeat visitors.

As a military MWR facility, Redstone MWR Campground typically does not run traditional "promotions" in the same way commercial campgrounds might. Their pricing is generally set to offer an affordable rate for authorized users as part of military benefits.

However, it's always advisable for prospective campers to directly contact the Redstone MWR Outdoor Recreation office to inquire about current rates, reservation policies, and any specific programs or discounts that might be available. While not "promotions" in the typical sense, information they can provide might include:

• Daily, weekly, and monthly rates.
• Any variations in rates during peak vs. non-peak seasons.
• Information on stay limits (e.g., 60 days during peak season, 90 days non-peak, with some sites designated for overnight only).
• Details about reservation windows (e.g., 90 days in advance recommended).

Direct contact with the Outdoor Recreation office (phone numbers provided in the contact section) is the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current offerings or policies that might benefit your stay. They are also the point of contact for any questions regarding base access requirements.

To make reservations or inquire further about Redstone MWR Campground, authorized users can contact the Redstone Arsenal MWR Outdoor Recreation office:

• Address: 1312 Hermes Rd, Huntsville, AL 35808, USA (Campground location)
• Mailing Address for Outdoor Recreation Office: Outdoor Recreation, Bldg 5139, Sportsman's Drive, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35808
• Phone Numbers for Reservations/Inquiries: (256) 876-4868 / (256) 876-6854

It is highly recommended to call in advance to check availability and make reservations, especially given the campground's popularity. Note that the office is often closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your calls accordingly. Always ensure you confirm your eligibility for base access before making reservations.

Redstone MWR Campground is an exceptionally suitable camping destination for authorized local Alabamians, particularly those with a connection to the military, DoD, or NASA, who reside in or around the Huntsville area. Its unique placement on Redstone Arsenal offers a blend of convenience, security, and access to an array of facilities not typically found at public campgrounds.

For eligible locals, the campground provides a highly convenient and cost-effective option for enjoying RV or camping experiences without having to travel far from home. The "huge concrete pads," full hookups, and big-rig friendly design cater to a comfortable and hassle-free setup, whether for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. The consistently praised clean bathhouses and laundry facilities further enhance the convenience, making it feel less like roughing it and more like a comfortable retreat.

The secure environment of Redstone Arsenal provides peace of mind, a significant factor for many families and individuals. Beyond the campground itself, access to the numerous on-post MWR facilities—from the commissary and PX for daily needs to golf courses, fitness centers, and various recreational activities—adds immense value. This means a rich array of activities is literally steps away, allowing for a diverse and engaging leisure experience without leaving the installation.

Furthermore, the location in Huntsville, Alabama's "Rocket City," means campers are only a short drive from major attractions like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, numerous museums, excellent dining, and cultural events. This allows local campers to easily combine their outdoor adventures with urban exploration. The "quiet and peaceful" atmosphere, despite being on a military base, ensures a relaxing environment for unwinding after a day of activities.

In summary, for eligible Alabamians, Redstone MWR Campground is more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it's a secure, amenity-rich, and community-focused hub that offers exceptional value and convenience, making it an ideal choice for connecting with nature and enjoying the vibrant Huntsville area.