AR 215-1 - Soldier Support Institute - U.S. Army

8–25. Outdoor recreation
a. Description. The outdoor recreation program provides structured and recreation activities and instruction. It offers
diverse, healthful, vigorous, and comprehensive outdoor recreation programs while conserving and protecting wildlife,
forests, wetlands, and other natural resources.
b. Guidelines.
(1) The installation outdoor recreation director will plan, develop, coordinate, and direct all outdoor recreation
programs and facilities of the installation and provide technical expertise and advice to the garrison commander.
(2) High priority will be given to challenge-type activities that contribute to physical fitness and military skills.
Examples are mountain climbing, rappelling, kayaking, skiing, and swimming.
(3) An installation outdoor recreation plan will be developed in accordance with chapter 15 and TM–5–803–12.
(4) Installations with land and water areas suitable for public recreational use and enjoyment have controlled public
access in accordance with AR 200–3. Access will be subject to safety and military security requirements and will not
impair the military mission or recreational use by military community members.
(5) Fees may be charged to recoup all or part of any NAF costs associated with providing “checkout” of APF
outdoor equipment and for all category B outdoor recreation programs and activities, to include those used by units,
youth programs, and all other installation activities (see chapter 12 and subparagraph g, below). Fees may be charged
for participating in or use of any category C outdoor recreation program and activity; and for rental of equipment used
in these programs, such as trailers for overnight use; and rental of non-program related equipment, such as lawn
mowers.
(6) The America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass is Congressionally authorized
and provides access to and fee discounts at parks and recreational areas managed by the Federal Government. This pass
replaces the Golden Age and Golden Access passports; however, these passports may be honored until the expiration
date on the passports. Associated fees may include, but are not limited, to boat launching, camping, and parking.
Commanders are encouraged to honor provisions of this pass when presented by MWR patrons. Information on and
provisions of the pass can be found at http://www.npsgov/fees_passes.htm.
(7) Outdoor recreation directors will coordinate directly with installation safety directors to establish safety education
and training programs appropriate to the type and level of programs offered.
(8) Outdoor recreation directors will ensure that all activity leaders hold the appropriate national instructors certification
for the activity they are conducting.
(9) Recreation vehicle (RV) storage, to include boats, trailers, motor homes, and similar outdoor recreation vehicles/
equipment, is authorized. A fee is authorized for this service.
(10) The paragraphs that follow provide an explanation of the programs, activities, operations, and facilities
representative of the outdoor recreation programs.
c. Boating. Boating includes watercraft powered either manually or mechanically for both fresh and salt water areas
(examples of the range of boats include semivee, jon, bass, sailboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, Boston whalers,
paddleboats, and powerboats). Before participating, patrons are required to meet applicable local, national, Federal,
and/or State requirements, safety standards, licensing, and/or course certification.
d. Cabins/cottages/cabanas/trailers, plus tent camping. All these may be offered at Army recreational vehicle parks
and recreation campgrounds (RV/CG).
(1) Buildings, land, water areas, and equipment maintained with APFs or NAFs will not be continually reserved for
exclusive or priority use by individuals or groups. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless
of rank or grade.
(2) Homesteading is strictly prohibited. Installations may establish daily, weekly, or monthly reservation/contract
periods, at the conclusion of which the next eligible patron on a waiting list must be accommodated. Commanders may
authorize a length of stay up to 60 consecutive days during peak season and 90 days during nonpeak season.
Commanders may authorize renewals of these reservations/contracts, on the day of expiration, as long as existing
reservations/waiting lists will be accommodated by future departures. Personnel on extended stays must comply with
local and State law relative to taxation, vehicle registry, and other residence issues.
(3) Outdoor recreation staff may reside onsite when required for security or program management reasons. Permanent,
onsite housing for military managers/staff is considered on-post housing, and Family housing or barracks
furnishings are authorized. Civilian employees and military personnel drawing quarters allowance will be charged rent
comparable to similar housing in the civilian community.
e. RV/CG. RV/CG operations are categorized as either small or large.
(1) Small RV/CG primarily support camping or participation in other outdoor recreation programs. They have
minimum or intermediate levels of campground development (gravel or stabilized surface roads, single or multiple
potable water outlets, electrical hookups, and optional showers and wash house). These RV/CGs are defined as pads,
designated campsites, and “Kamp” cabins/cabanas with limited utilities.
(2) Large RV/CG are primarily stand-alone operations with staff dedicated to RV/CG operations. They have
maximum levels of development (paved surface roads, individual potable water sites, individual electrical hookups,
AR 215–1 • 31 July 2007/RAR 6 October 2008
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