Barksdale Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force base in Bossier City, Louisiana. It is in northwest Louisiana, across the Red River from Shreveport. This guide covers directions, gate hours, housing, schools, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Barksdale Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address Barksdale Air Force Base, LA 71110
Main phone number 318-456-1110
Visitor Center phone 318-456-4984
Official website Barksdale Air Force Base

Location and Directions

Barksdale Air Force Base is in Bossier City, Louisiana. Shreveport Regional Airport is the nearest listed airport. The West Gate Visitor Center is the 24-hour arrival point for newcomers.

Starting point Route
From the east Take I-20 west to Exit 22 for Airline Drive. Turn left, then left onto Old Minden Road, which becomes Northgate Drive and leads to the Bossier North Gate.
From the west Take I-20 east to U.S. 71 South/Barksdale Boulevard Exit 20C. Follow Barksdale Boulevard to the Shreveport West Gate.
From the south From I-49, take the Bert Kouns Industrial Loop east. Cross the Red River on 70th Street, turn left at U.S. Highway 71, and use the Shreveport West Gate.

Visitor Information

Barksdale requires REAL ID for visitor passes. The West Gate is open 24 hours daily. Its visitor center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. The East Gate visitor center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Both visitor centers use 318-456-4984.

When visitor centers are closed, the West Gate can write visitor passes. Gate hours can change for holidays, family days, and training, so confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Barksdale Family Housing is at 201 Langley Drive. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and can be reached at 318-395-6689. Barksdale Inn is open all day, every day. It has a business center with printer and fax service, snack foods, sundry items, and free lobby coffee available 24 hours a day.

Facilities and Services

Base services include a commissary, Base Exchange, military clothing sales, Shoppettes, library, chapel, fitness center, Outdoor Recreation, Information, Tickets and Travel, and the Military and Family Readiness Center. The Welcome Center is on the second floor of the Mission Support Group building at 801 Kenney Avenue. DEERS and military ID card services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 318-456-3710.

Schools and Childcare

There are no Department of Defense schools on base. Families may use Bossier Parish or Caddo Parish schools. The School Liaison Office helps with school changes, referrals, education choices, and support for military-connected students. It is at 801 Kenney Avenue, Building 4400, Suite 2101, and can be reached at 318-456-4098, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Two Child Development Centers serve children from 6 weeks through 5 years old. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families request care through MilitaryChildCare.com. The centers can be reached at 318-456-2735 and 318-456-1081. The Youth Center also offers before- and after-school care, homework help, activities, and transportation for listed local schools.

Medical Services

The 2nd Medical Group handles appointments Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 318-456-6555 for appointments or 888-874-9378 for TRICARE enrollment. Care priority goes to active-duty military members and TRICARE Prime members enrolled with the 2nd Medical Group. The Barksdale medical facility does not provide emergency services.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation choices include Fox Run Golf Course, a library, Outdoor Recreation, a Youth Center, Red Chute Shotgun Sports, a wood shop, an RV lot, and self-storage units. The Barksdale Global Power Museum is also on base. Free base tours are generally offered on Fridays for local civic, school, and youth groups, but mission needs can cause cancellations.

Things to Know

  • Barksdale is in Bossier City, across the Red River from Shreveport.
  • The West Gate Visitor Center is the main 24-hour arrival point for newcomers.
  • Bring an accepted form of identification and check current visitor-center and gate hours before arrival.
  • The on-base medical facility does not provide emergency services.
  • School zoning depends on the family's physical residence. Contact the School Liaison Office before registering children.
  • Child-care openings and wait times can change. Registration is handled through MilitaryChildCare.com.
  • Access details and operating hours can change, so confirm them before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Barksdale Air Force Base?
It is in Bossier City, Louisiana, across the Red River from Shreveport.
What phone number should visitors use?
Call the Visitor Center at 318-456-4984.
Is the West Gate open all day?
Yes. The West Gate is open 24 hours daily.
Are there schools on base?
No. There are no Department of Defense schools on base. Local options include Bossier Parish and Caddo Parish schools.
Does the base clinic handle emergencies?
No. The Barksdale medical facility does not provide emergency services.