Indian Island Recreation Area

T.H. left this review using the Directory software: - Restricted access to base. Requires purchase of an MWR pass.

We didn't stay here, but drove over for a look. Here's what we learned at the gate. First admission to Indian Island is very controlled, but if you arrive between 8-5 on M-F and you have a DOD sticker, you can go through without any hassle. You have to go through the inspection of course, but it only takes about 5-10 minutes. The guards were very professional and courteous. On a weekend, the situation is very different, so try and arrive during the week. You must get a Recreation Pass ($40 a year) from the gym folks and after that, entry/re-entry is much easier regardless of day. The campground has 5 sites right on a small bluff (10' or so high) overlooking the water. They are next to a large recreation area with covered picnic tables and water access. W/E, with a dump station located in the main compound about 2 miles away. Indian Island is known for it's crabbing, clamming and sea run trout fishing. There is a small county park across from the main gate used by the locals, but you have access to a lot more beach on base. You have to notify the guards if you are going down to the crabbing beach, but it's going to be worth the hassle if they are in season. The crab/clam beach is on the opposite side of the island from the campground. We will be heading there to camp next summer when we are back in the area.

D.K. left this review using the Directory software: We stayed here in a travel trailer. You do have to get on the access list in advance for the main gate. At first the Guards at the main gate could not find our access letter but once they did we had no issues with them at all. We also had non military friends come as well and although we had to meet them at the gate to escort them, there was no issue. Had a GREAT Time! Each site has a fire pit, is level, and right on the water. Will go back.

Civilian gate guards are uninformed and NOT help full. The guard from the small vehicle entrance (we were driving the Jeep towed) directed me to a 360 turn and go into the commercial entrapment area. Where I was informed by that guard that NO entrance was permitted with out prior reservations. I then had to ask him to lower the barrier so we could do a 180 and depart. The distance between the two guards was about 25'. I feel that with this experience I must request that a 0 rating be added to this evaluation in all areas. This is the MOST UNFRIENDLY, UNINVITING EXCUSE FOR A MILITARY RV CAMP I HAVE HAD THE MISFORTUNE TO ATTEMPT TO VISIT. Please feel free to forward this evaluation to the headquarters for this installation. James S. Nolan USAF ret.

There is a lack of communication between MWR Director Jeff Campbell and the gate guards. According to the guards, all sites require reservations, not just W&E as stated on the information sheet. We did not have reservations, we were going for a tent site and were turned away until we could reach Mr Campbell via phone. We called the listed number and the cell number given to us by the guards, five times between 0830 and 1330 with each call going to voicemail box. Note: when you see the sign for Indian Island, if you turn too early you will end up at a marina instead.