Fort Hamilton is an active U.S. Army installation in southern Brooklyn, New York. It is near Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst. This guide covers the location, gate rules, housing, services, childcare, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Street address 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11252
Visitor Center phone 718-630-4848
Official website U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton

Location and Directions

Fort Hamilton is in southern Brooklyn beside the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The primary entrance is the 101st Street Gate at 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway. The Visitor Control Center is in Building 118 on John Warren Avenue.

Visitor Information

The 101st Street Gate is open 24 hours. The 7th Avenue Gate is closed to vehicles but has pedestrian turnstile access for registered users. The Poly Place Gate is closed.

The Visitor Control Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends. Visitors age 18 and older need a valid purpose and government- or state-issued photo ID. Drivers need valid registration and insurance. Fort Hamilton requires a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card; digital IDs are not accepted.

Housing and Lodging

Fort Hamilton has privatized military housing. Balfour Beatty Communities is the housing partner listed for the installation. The housing office is in Building 128 on Wainwright Drive and can be reached at 718-630-4203. Temporary lodging details were not identified in the verified information.

Facilities and Services

Installation services include Army Community Service, Child and Youth Services, ID cards and DEERS, legal help, family and morale services, public works, religious support, emergency services, and workforce development. The Sports and Fitness Center is also available. The USO is in Building 237 on Grimes Road at 718-630-1023.

Schools and Childcare

Child and Youth Services is available on the installation, and the childcare phone number is 718-630-4518. No DoDEA-operated school on Fort Hamilton was identified in the verified information.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation choices include a Bowling Center, Community Club, pool and restaurant, Outdoor Recreation, and the Sports and Fitness Center. The Harbor Defense Museum is also listed as a recreation site.

The Harbor Defense Museum is temporarily closed, and there are no walk-in tours. The Bowling Center can be reached at 718-630-4440, Sports and Fitness at 718-630-4793, and Outdoor Recreation at 718-630-4772.

Things to Know

  • Fort Hamilton is an active-duty military installation in New York City.
  • Visitors seeking unescorted access may need an NCIC-III background check. The required form must be printed, signed by hand, and brought to or faxed to the Visitor Control Center 24 to 48 hours before the visit.
  • Access cards from other Department of Defense installations do not replace Fort Hamilton's access process.
  • Access rules, gate conditions, and operating hours can change. Confirm current details with the Visitor Control Center before traveling.
  • Call 911 for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fort Hamilton?

It is in southern Brooklyn near Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Which gate is open 24 hours?

The 101st Street Gate operates 24 hours.

What phone number should visitors call?

Call the Visitor Control Center at 718-630-4848.

Do visitors need a REAL ID?

Yes. Fort Hamilton requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. Digital IDs are not accepted.

Is the Harbor Defense Museum open?

No. The museum is temporarily closed, and there are no walk-in tours.