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):
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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:
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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.
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV sewer hookup
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
The sites are paved and generous. Water, elec, and sewer for $30. On the far end, there are 2 benches that overlook a great trail for exercising or walking your dog. The only reason I don't give them a 5 rating, is the grass is dead, and the ground squirrels are everywhere, including their holes. It's peaceful, and the MWR rep we called to reserve the site was so helpful. Dean, I think.
BE AWARE: This RV park does have a shower and laundry facility but they are closed during the winter season October-April. If you call in advance to reserve and pay for a site this information is not communicated and there are no refunds for any reason. We called ahead and arrived October 10th, Temps were in the 40’s we paid for a week at the daily rate (website says there is a weekly rate) only to find a sign on the door of the shower/laundry facility stating it was closed for the season. I am adding a picture from the web describing winter camping. Nowhere does it state that the bathrooms, showers, and laundry are closed half of the year. When we asked about a refund since this information was not communicated we were told we were welcome to go elsewhere but that there would be no refund. When we asked why we were not given the weekly rate we were told that in the winter they only charged the daily rate to offset the higher utility cost. This too was not communicated on the website. When you call to reserve a site at this campground be sure to ask a lot of questions and perhaps only pay for one day in advance so you don’t lose a lot of money when you have to move to another park.
Excellent stop-over RV park for military/retired military members. Full hookups, level cement pads with adequate spacing between RVs. The RV park has a laundry facility but no other significant amenities. The park is local to Great Falls and the local attractions. While the RV park is nice, AF Services could spend some coin on updating the facilities, it’s a bit dated.
This famcamp is very nice. Most sites are roomy with plenty of length. Not many trees. The had nice new picnic tables. First come first serve. When we arrived the sign said “Camp Full” but we drove through anyway and found a site empty. It was a great site, #21. It was on the end. Big space with a tree and nice view. Close to facilities. Well cared for camp. The laundry room had just two washers and four driers. Kind of weird. It needs more washers. We weren’t able to finish our laundry because of that. One washer was free. Someone needs to put change in the change machine. There were never any in there when we stayed so have some quarters! The camp is brightly lit with streetlights at night. Nice and quiet. The host was very nice. You can stay up to 30 days at a time. This site is off base but right next to it.
Military only of course, Nice level sites, somewhat spacious, clean showers and laundry. Good cell signal with Verizon. Only wish there was more shade! $40/night in cash in the drop box. Never saw the camp host