Tennessee State Parks is honoring U.S. military Veterans with a special initiative called “Salute to Service” days, offering complimentary camping and golf on the birthdays of each military branch. This program kicked off on Sunday, August 4, commemorating the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard according to an article by NewsTalk 98.7.
The economic impact of such initiatives is significant. Visitor spending at state parks contributes substantially to local and state economies, making this program beneficial not only for Veterans but also for the state’s economic well-being.
Veterans will have the opportunity to enjoy a free one-night camping stay and waived golf fees on these designated dates, as well as on Veterans Day, November 11. This initiative is part of a broader effort leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, showcasing Tennessee’s commitment to honoring those who have served.
To take advantage of this offer, Veterans must call the Tennessee State Parks reservation line at 888-867-2757 for camping reservations. While reservations can be made at any time, premium campsites are excluded from this offer. For golf reservations, Veterans should contact the specific course directly, with tee times to be booked within the listed booking window for each course.
“The Tennesseans who have bravely served our state and nation deserve our highest honor and respect,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “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,” Gov. Bill Lee added.
“We are always eager to honor our Veterans, and we hope they will take advantage of these special benefits at Tennessee State Parks,” said Commissioner David Salyers of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “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,” Salyers added.
“The expansion of benefits for Tennessee’s Veterans has been well-received by state officials. 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,” said Commissioner Tommy Baker of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. “We are grateful to Commissioner Salyers and his team for their dedication to making Tennessee the top choice for Veterans to live and prosper!”
This program not only provides recreational opportunities for Veterans but also aligns with research highlighting the health benefits of outdoor activities for Veterans and their families. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being.
Veterans interested in participating in the Salute to Service program can find more information on the Tennessee State Parks website. This resource provides detailed information about the program, including eligibility requirements and how to make reservations.
