These are the military resorts and military MWR lodging options that are the must-see, can’t-miss, bucket-list destinations.
There’s a travel network hiding in plain sight — a collection of beachfront resorts, alpine lodges, lakeside cabins, and international hotels reserved for the U.S. military community. They’re not a secret. They’re known as MWR lodging (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation), and they exist on bases and military recreation areas around the world to give service members, Veterans, and their families affordable vacations in extraordinary places. From a beachfront hotel in Waikiki to a Bavarian resort in the Alps and cabins overlooking Alaska’s glaciers, these properties were built so active-duty troops, retirees, eligible veterans, and Department of Defense civilians can travel without paying typical resort prices. Many rival commercial resorts in location and amenities — the only difference is that access is limited to the military community. Below are 26 of the best military recreation resorts and MWR lodging destinations around the world, the places seasoned military travelers consider the best of the best.
Catch a hop and check them out!
1. Hale Koa Hotel — Waikiki, Hawaii
“Hale Koa” means House of the Warrior, and the name feels appropriate. The hotel sits on 72 acres of beachfront property in Waikiki, surrounded by palm trees and the Pacific Ocean.
There are two large pools, multiple restaurants, a beachfront luau, and an oceanfront bar where the Mai Tais arrive with alarming speed.
2. Shades of Green — Walt Disney World, Florida
Imagine staying inside Disney World — but at a military-owned resort.
That’s Shades of Green.
The resort sits in the Magic Kingdom resort area and offers massive rooms, golf course views, and transportation to Disney parks.
For military families visiting Disney, it’s one of the best deals in Florida.
3. Edelweiss Lodge and Military Resort — Garmisch, Germany
https://www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com
If Disney built a resort in the Alps, it might look like Edelweiss.
The property sits in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in southern Germany, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and Bavarian villages.
Guests ski in winter, hike in summer, and take day trips to castles that look suspiciously like the inspiration for Cinderella’s.
4. Dragon Hill Lodge — Seoul, South Korea
https://www.dragonhilllodge.com
A luxury hotel overlooking the skyline of Seoul.
Dragon Hill Lodge sits inside the Yongsan Garrison and offers Western-style accommodations in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
For military travelers exploring South Korea, it’s a beautiful and comfortable home base.
5. New Sanno Hotel — Tokyo, Japan
Hidden in Tokyo’s upscale Hiroo district in Minami-Azabu, the U.S. Navy-operated MWR facility, New Sanno Hotel, feels like a private international club. Inside are restaurants, pools, recreation facilities, and American-style comforts in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. It offers 149 rooms, dining, a NEX, and more to authorized military personnel, DOD civilians, and families with rates based on rank.
6. Destin Army Recreation Area — Florida
White sand. Emerald water. Villas overlooking the Gulf.
The Destin Army Recreation Area sits along Florida’s Emerald Coast — one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
7. Key West — Florida
https://www.navymwrkeywest.com
Military MWR lodging Cottages and vacation rentals on an island where hotel rooms regularly exceed $500 per night.
Sunsets in Key West remain spectacular regardless of rank.
8. Fort Fisher / Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area (BAFRA) — North Carolina
Perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, this quiet coastal resort offers cabins, RV sites, and beach access on Pleasure Island – home to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.
It’s peaceful — and blissfully uncrowded.
9. Onslow Beach — Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
https://lejeunenewriver.usmc-mccs.org/recreation-fitness/recreation/onslow-beach
Marine Corps beachfront cottages overlooking a long stretch of Carolina coastline.
Guests come here to fish, surf, and search for shark teeth.
10. Pililaʻau Army Recreation Center — Oahu Hawaii
https://hawaii.armymwr.com/programs/pillar-army-recreation-center-parc
Located on Pokai Bay on Oahu’s west side, this beach resort offers cabins directly on the water.
The vistas alone are worth the trip.
11. Seward Military Resort — Alaska
https://www.sewardmilitaryresort.com
Located on Resurrection Bay in Alaska, this resort offers cabins, townhouses, RV sites, and yurts.
Guests come for glacier cruises, whale watching, fishing charters, and the kind of wilderness adventure that you’ll never forget.
12. Big Bear Recreation Facility — California
https://miramar.usmc-mccs.org/lodging/big-bear-recreation-facility
Cabins near Big Bear Lake with skiing in winter and boating in summer.
California mountain air included, no charge.
13. Lake Tholocco Lodging — Fort Novosel, Alabama
https://rucker.armymwr.com/programs/lake-tholocco-lodging
Quiet lakeside cabins surrounded by pine forests in sweet home, Alabama.
Perfect for fishing, kayaking, and doing absolutely nothing if that’s your vibe.
14. Okuma Recreation Facility — Okinawa
A 135-acre U.S. military tropical beach resort on Okinawa’s northwestern coast, operated by the 18th Force Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base.
Cabins sit just steps from turquoise water and coral reefs.
15. Kilauea Military Camp — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
https://www.kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Where else can you stay inside a national park next to an active volcano?
This historic lodge sits within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering cabins and historic cottages.
16. Solomons Island — Maryland
https://www.navymwrsolomons.com
Waterfront cottages overlooking the Chesapeake Bay with a fun water slide for the kids.
Popular for boating, sailing, and weekend getaways.
17. Pacific Beach Navy Getaways — Washington
https://pacbeach.navylifepnw.com
Rustic cabins along Washington’s rugged Pacific coast.
Storm watching here is practically a sport.
18. Carney Park — Naples, Italy
A campground and recreation area located inside of a dormant volcano near Naples, Italy.
Yes — an actual volcano.
19. Panama City — Florida
https://www.navymwrpanamacity.com
Waterfront cabins on St. Andrews Bay, minutes from the white-sand beaches of Panama City Beach. Plus shopping, hiking, biking, fishing, waterparks, and golf — should you ever feel the need to leave the beach.
20. Cheatham Annex Lodging — Virginia
https://get.dodlodging.net/propertys/Cheatham-Annex-Outdoors-and-Cottages
Historic waterfront cottages near Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia’s famous Historic Triangle.
Where the America started… and your vacation begins.
21. Barking Sands Beach Cottages — Kauai
https://get.dodlodging.net/propertys/Navy-Getaways-Barking-Sands
Beach cottages on Kauai’s remote western coast near Polihale and the towering cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast.
Nature showing off again.
22. Bellows Air Force Station — Oahu
Cabins and campsites along Waimanalo Beach, one of Oahu’s most breathtaking shorelines, where miles of soft white sand meet calm turquoise water beneath the dramatic Koʻolau cliffs.
Mahalo, Mother Nature.
23. Barber’s Point Beach Cottages — Oahu
https://get.dodlodging.net/propertys/barbers-point-beach-cottages
Oceanfront cottages near White Plains Beach, a favorite local surf break on Oahu’s sunny leeward shore.
Surf’s up, dude.
24. Navy Lake Site — Georgia
https://get.dodlodging.net/propertys/navy-lake-site-allatoona
A lakeside resort near Atlanta with cabins, campsites, boat rentals, fishing docks, and wooded trails surrounding a quiet stretch of Lake Allatoona.
Peace and quiet, with a side of sweet tea.
25. Glacier Campground — Fort Greely, Alaska
https://greely.armymwr.com/programs/valdez-campground
A no-frills campground near Fort Greely set in Alaska’s rugged interior, where wide skies and untouched wilderness stretch for miles.
Signal weak. Scenery strong.
26. Cottages at Dam Neck — Virginia Beach, Virginia
https://get.dodlodging.net/propertys/cottages-at-dam-neck
These oceanfront cottages sit directly along the Virginia Beach shoreline inside NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex. The location is also perfect for exploring the area — Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Virginia Beach boardwalk are all within driving distance.
Why Military MWR Lodging Is Such an Incredible Travel Hack
These military resorts exist because the military recognized something important after World War II: service members needed places to rest and reconnect with their families. So the Department of Defense created a network of recreation facilities around the world — many in locations where vacation prices would otherwise be out of reach. The result is a travel system unlike anything else.
How to Book Military MWR Lodging and Military Resorts
If you’re eligible — active duty, retired military, certain Veterans, or DoD civilians — reservations are typically made directly through each resort’s website.
A few tips from those who know the system best:
- Book early for high-demand spots like Hale Koa and Shades of Green. The best locations can fill up a year in advance.
- Look beyond traditional hotel rooms. The real magic is often in the cottages, cabins, and tucked-away waterfront stays.
- Don’t sleep on overseas properties. Some of the most spectacular locations in the entire system are outside the U.S.
Once you start exploring military recreation lodging, something funny happens. Your vacation wish list starts to look a little different. Instead of typical hotel chains, you’re eyeing a beachfront cottage on Oahu, an alpine resort in Bavaria, or a cozy cabin overlooking a shimmering lake. Military MWR lodging opens the door to some remarkable places, and these 26 crown jewels of military MWR lodging are just the beginning.
