FamCamp #1

✈️ Introduction / Overview: A Peaceful Oasis for the Military Community

FamCamp #1 (or FamCamp I) at McConnell Air Force Base, located conveniently near Derby and Wichita, Kansas, stands out as a highly valued resource for the military community. This is not a typical public campground; it is a secure, well-maintained facility designated for Active Duty, Reserve, Retired Military, DoD Civilians, and other authorized patrons. Managed by the base's Outdoor Recreation (ODR) team, FamCamp #1 is part of the larger Krueger Recreation Area, an expansive space dedicated to providing quality outdoor leisure opportunities. The campground is particularly noted for its peaceful setting, despite its proximity to the base's flight line, offering a unique blend of convenience, security, and nature.

The campground operates with efficiency, providing 10 specific pull-through, full hookup sites in FamCamp I, with additional partial hookup sites available in the adjacent FamCamp II and primitive tent areas nearby. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and professional maintenance of the facility, which includes essential amenities like a coin-operated laundromat and clean shower facilities. FamCamp #1 serves as an ideal base for military families visiting Wichita, undergoing Permanent Change of Station (PCS), or on Temporary Duty (TDY), providing an exceptionally affordable and secure alternative to off-base lodging. The atmosphere is generally quiet and family-friendly, allowing guests to relax amidst the gentle hum of base activity and the occasional spectacle of large aircraft takeoffs and landings.

Guests appreciate the accessibility to base services—the Commissary, Base Exchange (BX), and Dining Facility are all just a few minutes away—which adds significant value and convenience to the camping experience. The campground embodies the best of military morale, welfare, and recreation efforts, providing a comfortable, safe, and cost-effective stay.

📍 Location and Accessibility: Secure and Convenient Base Access

FamCamp #1 is securely located on the grounds of McConnell Air Force Base in the Wichita area, near Derby, Kansas. As an on-base facility, accessibility requires authorized personnel to follow specific military base entry procedures.

• Address: While on base, the FamCamp is managed by Outdoor Recreation at 53050 Glen Elder, McConnell AFB, KS 67221-5000 (near Derby, KS 67037).
• Entry: Base access is strictly required. Authorized users (Active Duty, Retirees, DoD ID card holders, etc.) must present the appropriate military or DoD ID at the base gate for entry.
• On-Base Convenience: The campground is optimally situated near the Outdoor Recreation Office and is only a short, 3-minute drive from the base's main shopping and dining facilities.
• Off-Base Proximity: Downtown Wichita's attractions, including the Sedgwick County Zoo and the local dining scene, are less than a 10-minute drive from the base exit.
• Site Layout: FamCamp #1 features flat, level pads, most of which are pull-through, ensuring exceptionally easy setup and maneuverability for big rigs and trailers.

The location offers the unique benefit of a highly secure environment combined with the convenience of full base support services, making the logistics of long-term stays or quick transits seamless for eligible patrons.

🏕️ Services Offered: Full Hookups and Essential Comforts

FamCamp #1 is the premium camping section within the Krueger Recreation Area, offering top-tier services for RVers, focusing on utility and comfort.

• Campsite Type: 10 Full Hookup Sites with concrete or asphalt pads in FamCamp I.
• Hookups: Sites include Water, Sewer, and Electric (50/30/20 amp) service.
• Restrooms and Showers: Access to clean, modern restroom and shower facilities (located near the laundromat).
• Laundry: Coin-operated Laundromat on site, with low fees (e.g., $1.50 per wash/dry), a major asset for long-term campers.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for all guests using other sites or just passing through.
• Tornado Shelter: Access to designated tornado shelters, providing peace of mind during typical Kansas weather events.
• Contact/Reservations: Managed by Outdoor Recreation (ODR).
• Base Amenities: Access to the Dining Facility (DFAC), Base Exchange (BX), Commissary, and Fitness Center.

These services collectively ensure that an RV stay at FamCamp #1 is not only affordable but also comfortable and fully supported, addressing all the core needs of a traveling family.

🌟 Features and Highlights: Tranquility and Base Recreation

The unique features of FamCamp #1 revolve around its secure location, its high-quality sites, and the breadth of recreational activities available within the Krueger Recreation Area.

• Full Hookup Pull-Through Sites: The availability of 10 full hookup sites with easy-to-use pull-through access is a significant convenience for large RVs, minimizing setup time.
• Low Noise Level: Despite being on an active Air Force Base, reviewers frequently report a surprisingly low ambient noise level, only occasionally hearing aircraft, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
• Recreation Area Integration: Direct access to the Krueger Recreation Area, featuring multiple fishing ponds, a run/walking path suitable for running/biking, and other facilities like a disc golf course and archery range.
• Affordable Rates: The cost for a full hookup site, typically around $28 per night, represents exceptional value compared to commercial RV parks in the Wichita metro area.
• Security and Maintenance: Being on a military installation ensures a high level of security and consistent, professional site maintenance, including freshly mowed grass and clean facilities.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The presence of amenities like the run/walking path and fishing ponds makes it an excellent, low-cost destination for families.

FamCamp #1 provides an extraordinary level of convenience, security, and recreational access that few public campgrounds can match, making it a highly desirable choice for the authorized community in Kansas.

📞 Contact Information

All reservations and inquiries for FamCamp #1 are handled by the Outdoor Recreation Office at McConnell Air Force Base. It is crucial to use the correct contact information to check eligibility and secure a reservation.

• Address (General): Derby, KS 67037, USA (on McConnell AFB grounds)
• Outdoor Recreation Phone: (316) 759-4432
• Outdoor Recreation Alternative Phone: (316) 759-4435
• After Hours/Weekends Phone (Check-in assistance): (316) 619-1015
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak travel and PCS seasons, and are accepted via phone or in person.

Patrons are strongly encouraged to call ahead to confirm their eligibility and secure a reservation before traveling to the base.

✅ What is Worth Choosing FamCamp #1

For eligible Kansas military and DoD patrons, choosing FamCamp #1 at McConnell AFB is the superior option for numerous compelling reasons. Primarily, it offers full hookup sites at an unbeatable, low nightly rate, making it the most cost-effective and comfortable RV option in the Wichita area for the authorized community. The availability of 10 dedicated pull-through full hookup sites in FamCamp I ensures easy setup and convenience, a major plus for travelers with large RVs or those arriving after a long drive.

Beyond the economic advantage, the facility provides an unmatched level of security and convenience. Being located on-base grants immediate, short-drive access to essential military support services—the Commissary, BX, and Dining Facility—which significantly simplifies the logistics of a longer stay. Furthermore, the extensive Krueger Recreation Area offers free, immediate access to amenities like the running/walking path and multiple fishing ponds, enhancing the quality of life during your stay. The campground is also known for its professional maintenance and the availability of essential services like a low-cost, on-site laundromat and clean shower house.

If you are an authorized patron seeking a peaceful, affordable, secure, and amenity-rich place to stay near Wichita, whether for a quick visit, PCS, or TDY, FamCamp #1 provides an ideal, well-supported, and highly recommended "tucked away oasis" in the heart of Kansas.

(This article contains over 800 words based on the provided information and public data search results.)