Tennessee State Parks will honor U.S. military Veterans with Salute to Service days, offering complimentary camping and golf on the birthdays of each military branch. The initiative begins on Sunday, August 4, in celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard’s birthday, established in 1790.
Veterans can enjoy a complimentary one-night camping stay and waived golf fees on the designated branch birthdays and on Veterans Day, November 11. This series of events leads up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
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Here are the specific dates for free camping and golf:
– Sunday, August 4, 2024 (Coast Guard)
– Wednesday, September 18, 2024 (Air Force)
– Sunday, October 13, 2024 (Navy)
– Sunday, November 10, 2024 (Marines)
– Monday, November 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)
– Friday, December 13, 2024 (National Guard)
– Friday, December 20, 2024 (Space Force)
– Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Army)
– Monday, August 4, 2025 (Coast Guard)
– Thursday, September 18, 2025 (Air Force)
– Monday, October 13, 2025 (Navy)
– Monday, November 10, 2025 (Marines)
– Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day)
– Saturday, December 13, 2025 (National Guard)
– Saturday, December 20, 2025 (Space Force)
– Sunday, June 14, 2026 (Army)
Governor Bill Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Tennesseans who have bravely served our state and nation deserve our highest honor and respect. These free activities are one small way we can honor these remarkable individuals and show our appreciation. We hope Veterans will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy our state parks, and we thank them for their unwavering dedication to our country.”
Commissioner David Salyers from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation added, “We are always eager to honor our Veterans, and we hope they will take advantage of these special benefits at Tennessee State Parks. Our Veterans protect our way of life in the United States, and the parks are just one example of our freedom. We welcome our Veterans and pledge to continue to honor their service.”
Commissioner Tommy Baker of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services also praised the initiative, saying, “The expansion of benefits for the Veterans of Tennessee is a fantastic development! Our state parks are unrivaled, and our Veterans truly enjoy being outdoors. We are grateful to Commissioner Salyers and his team for their dedication to making Tennessee the top choice for Veterans to live and prosper!”
Veterans can claim a free stay on these commemorative dates by calling the Tennessee State Parks reservation line at 888-867-2757. Reservations for one-night camping can be made at any time, with the exception of premium campsites. Official ID and proof of Veteran status are required at check-in.
For a free round of golf, Veterans must contact the course directly and book tee times within the course’s booking window. More information about golf at Tennessee State Parks can be found here.
Additional details about the Salute to Service program for Veterans are available at this link.
Source: Read Original Release
Adult-Sized Changing Tables in Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee State Parks have installed adult-sized changing tables at five additional parks to enhance accessibility, coinciding with the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This initiative, supported by various organizations, aims to provide a dignified and convenient way for adults with disabilities, as well as children and teens, to handle toileting needs, thereby promoting greater inclusivity and enjoyment of the parks.