By DEBRA VAUGHN

Cliffside RV Park offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, beach access, beautiful flowers and — yes — some jet noise.

The campground is located at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. It is one of a network of vacation rentals and campgrounds available worldwide to active-duty military personnel and retirees and other eligible federal personnel.

It’s the favorite spot of many RVers, who often make repeat visits.

“It’s a beautiful spot,” said Allen Murray of Hillsboro, Ore., who was returning with his wife, Donna.

The original park was completed in 1977 on 40 acres, according to an August 1977 edition of the Crosswind.

Several years ago the park underwent a renovation, said Dave Myers, park manager. Now 56 RV spots are available that include water, sewer and electric. There are six yurts and 10 campsites. Visitors also can rent one of two RVs available at the park. WiFi is available.

The renovation included new modern shower and laundry facilities. The old ones weren’t heated.

A mix of active duty service members and retirees visit, Myers said. Some families like to stay the maximum 30 days, leave for the required two weeks, and return.

The park is full or mostly full in the summer and about a third full during the off season. The park manager sees a lot of return visitors and even groups that reserve several sites next to each other.

The park is far better cared for than the average campground, with elaborate, lovingly cared for flowers — a passion for the campground host. Guests can even take cut flowers in vases back to their campsite, if they wish. In the spring and summer vases of flowers are all over the campground on picnic tables and in the laundry facilities.

The landscaping, as well as the small touches such as yard games available for checkout, make the camp experience feel more homelike.

For Don and Charlotte Avallon of Camano Island, the park is a home away from home they enjoy visiting in their Winnebago and their dog, Suzi. Don Avallon is a retired Air Force pilot who used to fly B-52s.

“It feels like home,” he said.

Reservations are available at 1-877-NAVY BED. More information, including prices, is available at www.navygetaways.com