NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, is encouraging veterans to take advantage of complimentary ‘Stay & Play’ deals at Tennessee State Parks.
Tennessee State Parks is honoring resident veterans with complimentary camping and golf on each service branch birthday and Veterans Day leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“As a retired fighter pilot, I know how important it is to keep our bodies moving and get outside as much as possible,” Ragan said. “We’re blessed to have some of the most beautiful state parks in the nation, and I hope my fellow veterans are able to use these discounts to enjoy them.”
All veterans of any service branch are eligible for a complimentary one-night camping stay and waived green fees on the following dates:
- Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 // Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 [Coast Guard]
- Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 // Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 [Air Force]
- Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 // Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 [Navy]
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 // Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 [Marines]
- Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 // Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 [Veteran’s Day]
- Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 // Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 [National Guard]
- Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 // Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 [Space Force]
- Saturday, June 14, 2025 // Sunday, June 14, 2026 [Army]
Veterans can claim their free night of camping by calling the reservation line at 1-888-867-2757. Premier campsites are excluded. For a list of campgrounds, visit the Tennessee State Parks website here.
For golf reservations, veterans should call the course they would like to play to claim their free round. A list of golf courses and booking windows can be found here.
In 2019, the General Assembly approved a year-round 50% discount on camping and cabin fees for veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability. Reservations must be made less than 30 days before arrival.
All Tennessee resident veterans receive 50% off on standard nightly rates for camping from December through February. Premium sites are excluded. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance, or 30 days in advance on holiday weeks.
Both discounts can be applied when booking online here using the discounts button.
Veterans must show a valid ID, proof of veteran status and/or their percentage of service-connected disability upon request when they check-in to the campsite or golf course.
Examples of identification include driver’s license, voter registration or other valid identification with address. Proof of veteran status includes a certificate of discharge (DD214), Veterans Benefits Administration benefit card, retired military card or similar.
John Ragan represents District 33 which includes part of Anderson County.