 |
| Typical FHU Site |
This is one of those military campgrounds that seems to receive mixed reviews. Some people love it, some will never return. However, most people are happy with this campground and the Lackland AFB FamCamp has a higher than average user rating. We've stayed at Lackland AFB FamCamp a few times over the years, but on this visit in February 2007, we were staying at another local military campground. We visted here specifically to write this review. Therefore, we didn't have the "full" experience of living in the campground for a few days (or more).
Probably one of the most confusing aspects of visiting this famcamp, especially in a RV, is getting there. Due to barriers at the various base gates, you MUST use the Gowden Gate, which is located off US-90 near the intersection of US-151. It's 4.3 miles from I-90 to the famcamp and can get a little confusing. Correct directions have been updated and are posted here: From US-90, take the Acme Street exit and turn South at the red light and then right at the stop sign onto Gowden Dr. (N29.40631 W098.58794). Follow Gowden Dr. South/West for a couple miles. Enter the Gowden Gate (24/7 - NOT the truck inspection) and bear right at the Y onto Andrews Rd. Andrews Road changes names to Kelly Dr, (total about 1.75 miles). Turn right (North) on Kenly Ave. Turn right on Luke Blvd. Near the end of road, turn left on Foster Ave. Campground is on your right.
This is a busy and popular campground. Not only is it located near Wilford Hall, the USAF's premiere medical center, Lackland AFB is the ONLY basic training (boot camp) for all enlisted personnel entering the Air Force. You can imagine how many proud parents want to stay at this famcamp for their son or daughter's graduation. Lackland AFB FamCamp is one of the few military campgrounds that does allow "sponsored guests". Established procedures are in place for Lackland students to "sponsor" their parents to stay at the famcamp for graduation ceremonies.
During our visit, they had recently completed and opened 12 additional RV sites. Due to budget restraints, these new sites don't have sewer connections. They do have water and 20/30amp electric hook-ups, and cable TV was planned to also be installed. A RV dump is available in the campground, making these additoinal sites perfect for short-term stays. These sites are paved, with grass between sites. At the time, there were no tables or BBQ's at these sites. Another controversial topic is these no sewer RV sites are charged the same as the FHU sites - $17 for military and $22 for civilians. In addition to these 12 new sites, there are also 29 full hook-up sites with water, sewer, 30/50A electric, and cable TV. These original RV sites also have paved RV pads with grass between sites, but are wider pads and has large trees around the sites. These sites also have a picnic table and BBQ. All roads in the campground are paved. Weekly and monthly rates are available on all RV sites. In addition to the sites with hook-ups, there's three overflow or "dry" RV sites available for $7 a night with no weekly or monthly rate. There is a 30 day stay limit for any site in the famcamp.
 |
 |
| Partial Hook-up Sites |
Newly Built Partial Hook-up Sites |
 |
|
| The Tent Area |
|
The campground does have Wi-Fi Internet access, but is only available at or near the office. Another nice amenity are the FREE washers and dryers. Lackland AFB is a huge training base. The commissary and base exchange are large and well stocked. You'll also find officers and enlisted clubs, a library, gas stations, fast-foood, outdoor recreation rentals, movie theater, and all other facilities you would find on a large installation. Of course, Wilford Hall located at Lackland AFB is a full featured hospital. Lackland AFB is located in San Antonio, Texas. This large city has plenty to offer the tourist or traveler, with The Alamo and River Walk being a couple of the most popular destinations.
Being retired USAF, it always brings back memories when visiting Lackland AFB. Seeing the recruits marching around the base or visiting the facilities is always fun. Lackland AFB is also the location for various other USAF schools and part of the Defense Language Institute. You'll find many foreign country students on base as well. Lackland AFB FamCamp is one of three military campgrounds available in the San Antonio area. You can also read in-depth reviews on Brooks City-Base USAF FamCamp and Fort Sam Houston Army RV Park. To us, each had their own pros and cons. Of these three military campgrounds, Fort Sam Houston is the only one that accepts reservations.