I retired from Barksdale AFB in 1997, after being assigned there for 5 years. It was interesting to return in early 2010 to see what had changed on the base and the FamCamp. A couple years ago, the famcamp had some improvements done to it that I wanted to see. If you've never been here before, finding the famcamp could seem a bit challenging. But it's not that hard. The driving directions posted here take you through the industrial gate, which is easily maneavered by RV's. Don't attempt to take any other gate, as you'll have difficulties getting through and you'll be on the other side of the base from the famcamp. The Barksdale AFB FamCamp is located in a wooded area of the base, with the operational portin of the base a few miles away. The flightline is between the two. You take the perimiter road to get around the flightline. Much of this is eliminated by following the posted driving directions.
In the same area as the famcamp is the day use and picnic areas, hunting area, base housing, the equestrian area, lakes, swamps, and miles of wilderness. Lots of room for bike riding and exploring. There is also a shopette not far from the famcamp in the base housing area. Driving through the area and main base brought back many memories.
Barksdale AFB FamCamp doesn't accept reservations for the RV and camp sites. But you can call ahead to see if they have room. We arrived without calling and they had a few sites available. If you happen to arrive when they are full, they do use the nearby Cullen Park for overflow dry camping. The renovations wer done nicely, but nothing drastic. It appeared the drainage problem they once had with heavy rains may have been eliminated. Many of the RV sites that were previosuly dirt are now paved. They've added new sites, added rental campers and mobile homes, and built a nice community room and office. The FHU sites are apsced apart so you don't feel crowded together. They all have water, sewer and 20/30/50 amp electric. There's a gravel road, but the RV parking pads are paved. Almost all of the RV sites are back-in, with about 6 being pull-thru. It's mostly grass and trees between the sites. There are shared BBQ's and picninc tables spread out among the park. There's also plenty of room for tents, without any hookups.
The new community room is nice, but not overly large. This building has a cozy area to watch TV, work on the computer, sit by the fireplace, play games, or just chat. The office, restooms, and showers are also in this buliding. WiFi Internet is also available. The rental campers and mobile homes are fully equipped and sticked with linens and kitchenware. The 30-day stay limit prevents "homesteaders", keeping the famcamp strictly for recreational use. Their rates are fair and are in-line with what they should be for a MWR benefit. Barksdale AFB is a large base and you'll find all of the amenities and facilities you would expect to find. Watching the B-52's (Buff's) is also entertaining. These large flying beasts are getting old, but they still serve their purpose well. Also be sure to visit the interesting 8th Air Force Museum.
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We enjoyed our stay at Barksdale AFB FamCamp. We like the location, the amenities, the local area, the base, the hospitality, and the rates. While not a fancy RV Park, it's a very nice FamCamp. We'll always stop by here when in the area.
