Malmstrom Air Force Base Gateway Fam Camp

A Local's Guide to Malmstrom Air Force Base Gateway Fam Camp for Authorized Users

### 🇺🇸 Introduction / Overview

For our valued community of authorized users—including Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities, and DoD Civilians—the Malmstrom Air Force Base Gateway Fam Camp offers a clean, convenient, and affordable home base in Great Falls, Montana. This is not a typical public campground; it is a dedicated military recreation facility managed by the 341st Force Support Squadron (FSS) Outdoor Recreation. Located just outside the main gate of Malmstrom Air Force Base, the Gateway Fam Camp is the newest and preferred of the two FamCamp locations here, known for its superior paved sites and comprehensive full hookups.

Montana locals who are eligible for use find this to be an exceptional stopover or a temporary residence, providing easy access to both base amenities and the attractions of Great Falls. The campground features a total of 25 dedicated RV sites, designed to accommodate big rigs and various recreational vehicles. It operates seasonally, with full services available from approximately April 15th to October 15th (weather permitting), and a limited 'winter camping' option for RVs only outside of those dates. Visitors consistently praise the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, often calling out the host for their dedication to maintaining a peaceful and clean environment.

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### 📍 Location and Accessibility

The Gateway Fam Camp is strategically located at the address 6300 3rd Ave S, placing it immediately adjacent to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. This off-base location provides the maximum convenience for RV travelers, allowing easy access without the need to enter the main installation, although the base's full support facilities are only a short distance away.

Great Falls is situated in the central region of Montana, a hub for travelers exploring the state's natural wonders. The camp’s location is ideal for day trips to Montana landmarks like Giant Springs State Park, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and the scenic Missouri River corridor. For local military members and retirees, the convenience of proximity to Great Falls’ shopping (including Walmart), restaurants, and medical facilities is a significant benefit. Access is straightforward from the major highways that converge in Great Falls, though visitors should note that an active military ID or approved credentials are required for check-in and access to any on-base amenities.

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### 🛠️ Services Offered

The Gateway Fam Camp focuses on providing modern, high-quality services, particularly for RV travelers. Full-service amenities are standard during the peak season (typically May to October):

• Full Hookups (FHU): All primary RV sites are equipped with water, sewer, and electric service (30-amp and 50-amp options).
• Paved Sites: The sites are paved and generously sized, making leveling and setup simple for all types of rigs.
• Restrooms and Hot Showers: A dedicated facility provides clean restrooms and hot showers for campers (Note: these are typically closed during the winter season, October through April).
• Laundry Facility: Coin-operated laundry machines are available on-site (Note: this facility is also closed during the winter season).
• Camp Host and Management: A helpful and professional camp host is on-site to assist with check-in and maintenance, ensuring a positive stay.
• Free Wi-Fi: Wireless internet access is provided, with reports indicating it is often reliable for mobile devices and streaming.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, subject to standard leash and clean-up rules, and there is ample open space nearby for walking.
• Full Base Access: Authorized guests have convenient access to Malmstrom AFB support facilities, including the Commissary, Base Exchange (BX), Fitness Center, and Movie Theater.

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### ✨ Features / Highlights

The unique appeal of the Gateway Fam Camp lies in its commitment to a comfortable RV experience and its integration with the Malmstrom AFB community. Here are the stand-out features local campers appreciate:

• High-Quality Paved Sites: The sites are described as generous, level, and paved, offering a much more stable and aesthetically pleasing experience compared to many gravel-based campgrounds.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being located near a city and a military base, the campground is notably quiet. Being a missile support base, there is no noisy air traffic, making for a very peaceful night’s sleep.
• Exercise Trail Overlook: On the far end of the campground, there are benches that overlook a great trail, perfect for dog walking, running, or an evening stroll after a long drive.
• Access to Affordable Base Services: The ability to easily use the Commissary and Base Exchange (BX) for groceries, fuel, and supplies represents a significant financial benefit and convenience for authorized users.
• Helpful Management: The camp host and MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) staff are consistently commended for being welcoming, helpful, and professional, going the extra mile to assist campers.
• Seasonal Beauty and Concerns: During the summer, the area can be beautiful, with expansive Montana skies and vibrant sunsets. However, visitors should be aware that ground squirrels are everywhere, and in-season mosquito populations can be significant, which is common for the region.

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### 📞 Contact Information

All reservations and inquiries for the Gateway Fam Camp are managed through Malmstrom Outdoor Recreation (ODR). It is crucial to call the ODR office, especially when planning a stay during the transition periods between seasons, to confirm the operational status of amenities and current rates.

Address: 6300 3rd Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA

Phone (Reservations/Inquiries): (406) 731-2224

Mobile Phone: +1 406-731-2224

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### ⭐ What is Worth Choosing This Campground

The Malmstrom AFB Gateway Fam Camp is unequivocally worth choosing for eligible Montana residents and travelers because it delivers exceptional value for a full-hookup RV site in a secure, central location. For a reasonable nightly or weekly fee, you receive a top-tier paved site with reliable water, sewer, and 50-amp electric—a combination often costing significantly more at a civilian RV park. The peaceful, clean, and well-maintained environment is a standout feature, a direct reflection of the pride the camp host takes in the facility.

However, local users must exercise caution and diligence, especially when booking during the shoulder seasons (October and April). It is imperative to call ahead and confirm the status of the shower and laundry facilities, as they are closed for the entire winter period (October through April). The official policy states that no refunds are given for early departure or for inconvenience due to closures, so paying for only one day in advance during this period is a prudent step to protect yourself if unannounced closures force a relocation.

In the main season, this is a five-star stopover for its convenience to base amenities, its clean facilities, and the high quality of the RV pads. The Gateway Fam Camp provides a consistent, professional, and full-service stop that leverages your military affiliation for a comfortable and budget-friendly Montana camping adventure. For an authorized user, it’s the smart choice for exploring the Great Falls area and the surrounding Montana wilderness.