Don't forget that military lodging is also available coast to coast and border to border through the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation (MWR) offers a wide range of lodging choices.
The Coast Guard MWR Recreational Lodging Facilities Guide provides information for military personnel and their families to choose a facility without having to call or write first. However, it probably does not contain all the information you may want concerning a particular facility and it is therefore recommended that you ask for additional information when you make reservations. For instance, if you plan to use furnished lodging facilities, you need to know whether you should bring your own cooking and eating utensils, towels, and bed linens.
Active duty military members and their dependents have first priority to use the facilities, but a full listing of eligible patrons authorized to use these facilities is contained in the Coast Guard Morale, Well-Being and Recreation Manual, COMDINST M1710.13.
We cannot overemphasize that you plan well in advance and ask additional questions when you make reservations. This will help ensure the accommodations you desire are available, and prevent any surprises when you get there.
There are 24 separate recreation areas located in 13 states, including:
- 1st Coast Guard District - Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York
- 5th Coast Guard District - Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia
- 7th Coast Guard District - Florida, Puerto Rico
- 8th Coast Guard District - Alabama
- 9th Coast Guard District - Michigan and Wisconsin
- 11th Coast Guard District - California
- 13th Coast Guard District - Northwest
- 14th Coast Guard District - Hawaii/South Pacific
- 17th Coast Guard District - Alaska
For easy reference, the online Coast Guard Guide mentioned above is organized alphabetically by state. It contains basic information about each of these facilities, plus contact information so you can get more details. An easy to use image map of lodging locations is included on this site to help you plan your trip.
There is no central reservations office for these facilities. Contact information for each recreation area is listed in their Guide. When you call, remember the time zone of your destination may be different than your local time. Some Coast Guard facilities allow reservations as early as 3 months in advance, while others require as little as 7 days notice.
