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campground

Malmstrom Air Force Base Annex FamCamp

7521 4th Ave N, Malmstrom AFB, MT 59402, USA

Introduce

Introduction / Overview: A Functional Stay on Base in Big Sky Country

For authorized military personnel, retirees, and Department of Defense affiliates traveling through Central Montana, the Malmstrom Air Force Base Annex FamCamp in Great Falls offers a practical, no-frills, and highly convenient RV stopover. Situated on the secure confines of Malmstrom Air Force Base, this facility is designed to meet the immediate needs of military travelers, providing essential hookups for RVs in a quiet environment. As a component of Malmstrom's FamCamp offerings (which also includes the newer "Gateway FamCamp" located just off base), the Annex is the older, more utilitarian option, valued for its immediate proximity to core base services.

The atmosphere at the Annex is generally quiet and relaxed, appealing to those who need a reliable place to park for a few nights while passing through or accessing base facilities. The park's purpose is simple: to offer authorized users a safe, reliable, and cost-effective place to stay. While the sites are described as basic—gravel, closely spaced, and not recently updated—the trade-off is the significant convenience of being directly on the installation. Montana locals familiar with military installations understand this focus on function over elaborate recreational amenities, appreciating the secure setting and the easy access to the Commissary, Base Exchange (BX), and other morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities. It serves as a necessary and important piece of the infrastructure supporting military families traveling across Montana's vast landscape.

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Location and Accessibility: On-Base Convenience in Great Falls

The Annex FamCamp is located within the gates of Malmstrom Air Force Base, which is situated near the city of Great Falls, Montana. The official address is 7521 4th Ave N, Malmstrom AFB, MT 59402, USA.

Accessibility is contingent upon military affiliation. Only authorized personnel—Active Duty, Retirees, Reserves, DoD Civilians, and in some cases, 100% DAV/VHIC veterans—are eligible to stay and must possess the proper credentials for base entry. The campground is located in a corner or "annex" area of the base, offering a degree of separation and quiet despite being on the installation. Its location within the base perimeter is its key advantage, as it places guests just a short walk or drive from essential facilities like the BX, Commissary, and Fitness Center. For those traveling through Montana, the base is easily accessed from major highways in the Great Falls area. Important Montana Traveler Note: Guests must ensure they enter through the correct gate and follow all base security and entry procedures before arrival. The proximity to Great Falls also provides easy access to off-base services and local Montana attractions like the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

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Services Offered

The Annex FamCamp provides essential services crucial for self-contained RV travelers, though it is more rustic compared to the newer off-base location (Gateway FamCamp).

  • RV Sites: Approximately 30 sites are generally available, mostly back-in configuration.
  • Partial Hookups: Most sites offer Water and Electric hookups (typically 30-amp service, though some older sources suggest the Annex may have water/electric only, or limited sewer access; travelers should confirm full hookup availability upon booking). Note: The full-hookup sites, including sewer, are more commonly associated with the newer Gateway FamCamp off-base.
  • Electric Hookups: Available at sites to power RV systems.
  • Water Hookups: Available at sites (availability may be limited or shut off during winter months due to freezing temperatures).
  • Restroom Facilities: A basic bathroom facility is available on-site, typically housing one toilet per gender. Note: Reviews consistently confirm no showers at the Annex facility itself.
  • Shower Access: Guests staying at the Annex typically gain access to shower facilities at the nearby Base Fitness Center (Gym), requiring a short commute.
  • Laundry Access: Laundry facilities are not available on-site at the Annex; guests must use the facilities located at the newer Gateway FamCamp (approximately half a mile away, off base).
  • Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome but must be leashed and controlled in accordance with base and park regulations.

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Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of the Annex FamCamp are its secure, on-base status and its utility as a convenient, basic stopover.

  • On-Base Convenience: Its location is arguably the greatest feature, providing immediate and easy access to the Commissary, Base Exchange (BX), MWR facilities, and the Base Library.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Travelers note that the campground is quiet, providing a peaceful place to rest after travel. The base does not have an active runway, minimizing aircraft noise (though occasional helicopter activity may occur).
  • Affordable Pricing: FamCamps are typically offered at highly competitive rates for authorized users, offering exceptional value compared to civilian RV parks in the Great Falls area.
  • Proximity to Fitness Center: Access to the base gym/Fitness Center for showers and recreation is a major bonus for guests.
  • Easy Check-In: Check-in procedures are typically handled remotely via phone or through the Outdoor Recreation staff, simplifying arrival.
  • Secure Environment: Being located within the confines of an active military installation provides a high level of security and peace of mind for traveling military families and retirees.
  • Gateway to Montana: A convenient base camp for accessing Northern Montana attractions, including Glacier National Park (approx. 2.5 hours away), and the scenic beauty surrounding Great Falls.

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Contact Information

Authorized personnel should use the following contact information for inquiries and check-in procedures:

Address: 7521 4th Ave N, Malmstrom AFB, MT 59402, USA

Phone (Outdoor Recreation/FamCamp Office): (406) 731-2224

Mobile Phone: +1 406-731-2224

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What is Worth Choosing: Maximum Convenience and Security

For authorized personnel, choosing the Malmstrom Air Force Base Annex FamCamp is a clear decision in favor of maximum security, on-base convenience, and affordability. While the Annex is older and offers a more basic facility—lacking on-site showers and laundry—its value proposition is solid. It is the ideal stop for military travelers who require full hookups (or near full hookups), a safe place to park their rig, and immediate, unrestricted access to the Commissary and BX for resupply.

Montana locals who rely on the FamCamp system for travel will find that this park serves its purpose as an essential logistical hub. The quiet environment and the ease of accessing base amenities—especially the gym for showering—make the minor inconvenience of the rustic sites well worth the excellent nightly rate and the peace of mind that comes with staying on a military installation. For a few nights' stay while passing through Great Falls or before heading to other Montana destinations, the Annex remains a highly functional and practical option.

Gallery

Service options

Onsite services

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings

RV camping

RV electric hookup

RV sewer hookup

RV water hookup

Amenities

Public restroom

Public shower

Restroom

Running water

Tent sites

Wi-Fi

Payments

Camping fee

Children

Good for kids

Playground

Parking

On-site parking

Pets

Dogs allowed

Nancy Needham Aug 04
★★★★☆4

Fine campground for a few nights stay. Has a bathroom with one toilet per gender but no showers or facilities at the annex. Gravel spots, fairly level, no wifi. There were several spots open the few days we were there. Quiet. Close to the amenities on base though, hence the 4 stars. New famcamp 1/2 mile off base has showers and laundry.

Robert Mclaughlin Jun 27
★★★★☆4

We stayed in the RV park, pretty basic, you call to check in. All base stuff is here of course. Really a place to stay if you are passing through. No bathrooms and no showers.

Doug Hayhurst Nov 28
★★★★☆4

We stayed for a few day, and it was great location. Rode bicycles around the back side of the base with very little traffic on the roads. Would stay here again.

Jonathan Tringali Oct 06
★★★☆☆3

We stayed here for one night. Very nice grassy area to pitch a tent. Male and female restrooms with a toilet and sink with cold running water. Very (very) well lit area. Nowhere to hide from the wind if you are in a tent. Noise was an issue for us during our stay. It sounded like there was a motocross track nearby because we heard dirt bikes racing around for a few hours at night. After that racket stopped around 2200 there were helicopters sometime after midnight. The best part was the muffled gunfire at around 0600. Apparently there is an indoor firing range close to the campground. Hey, mission comes first and camping second! Do yourself a favor and stay at the new Gateway FamCamp just outside the gate instead of the annex!

Jim D Jul 23
★★☆☆☆2

Of all the military campgrounds we have been this was the worst experience. We wanted to stay in the campground with full hookups. We were told by the campground host (Bill) that thay had no openings and he would let.us know when something came open . He stated that liked to keep 30amp units in the campground on base with no with first, laundry, and no showers. After a week my wife went to family camp off base to use the laundry and was told that we could not. We were there for over two weeks and when we were leaving the host showed up and offered us a space in the campground we came for. The office staff was good