Fort Irwin in Barstow, CA
National Training Center and Fort Irwin is an active U.S. Army installation in San Bernardino County, north of Barstow, California. It is home to the National Training Center. This guide covers directions, visitor rules, housing, schools, medical care, services, and recreation.
Base Overview
| Official name | National Training Center and Fort Irwin |
|---|---|
| Military branch | U.S. Army |
| Base status | Active |
| Street address | Reception Campus, Bldg 109, Langford Lake Rd, Fort Irwin, CA 92310-1420 |
| Main phone number | 760-380-4747 |
| Visitor Center phone | 760-380-6750 / 4905 |
| Official website | Fort Irwin official website |
Location and Directions
Fort Irwin is in San Bernardino County in Southern California, about 35 miles north of Barstow. From Interstate 15, take the Fort Irwin Road exit just north of Barstow. Follow Fort Irwin Road north for about 31 miles to the NTC Visitor Center.
Visitor Information
The Visitor Control Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 760-380-6750 or 760-380-4905. Visitors go through access screening and a background check. Short-term visitors generally do not need a government sponsor, but installation badges are issued through the Visitor Control Center.
If you drive onto the installation, bring picture identification, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Access processing can take time. Confirm current rules and hours before traveling. The Main Gate phone numbers are 760-380-2255 and 760-380-7541.
Housing and Lodging
The Army Housing Office is in Building 111 on Langford Lake Road. Call 760-380-6824. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it closes after 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays for training. The Villages at Fort Irwin provides privatized family housing. The office is at 4553 Tippecanoe St. and can be reached at 760-386-4663. The Landmark Inn provides on-post lodging at 760-386-4040. Personnel on official TDY orders should check current lodging rules and availability. Other lodging choices are available in Barstow.
Facilities and Services
Fort Irwin has Army Community Service, Child and Youth Services, housing and housing counseling, legal and installation support, commissary and Exchange services, postal services, veterinary services, and religious support.
Army Community Service is in Building 109 on Langford Lake Road. Call 760-380-4991. Army Continuing Education Services is in Building 1020 on 3rd Street and can be reached at 760-380-4218.
Schools and Childcare
Silver Valley Unified School District serves schools in the Fort Irwin area. The School Liaison Officer is in Building 21 on Langford Lake Road and can be reached at 760-380-6880.
| Support or program | Location or contact |
|---|---|
| Child and Youth Services registration | Parent Central Services, Building 21; 760-380-2270 / 2257 |
| Childcare and youth programs | Child Development Center, School Age Center, and youth and teen programs |
| Special education support | Families with an IEP, IFSP, 504 plan, or behavior support plan should contact the Fort Irwin Exceptional Family Member Program before arrival |
Medical Services
Army Community Hospital Weed-Irwin provides Army Health System support and beneficiary care for Fort Irwin and supported populations. Newcomers should confirm enrollment and primary-care-manager information through TRICARE before seeking routine care. Call 911 for emergencies. The emergency room phone number is 760-380-3114.
Recreation and Amenities
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation offers family support, fitness, recreation, wellness, and community programs. Confirm current hours and availability before using these facilities.
| Type | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Fitness and water | Fitness centers and Oasis Pool |
| Family and community | Library, post theater, bowling, food facilities, parks, and playgrounds |
| Outdoor and pet services | Outdoor Recreation, dog park, RV park, Heritage Center, and Paws and Claws kennel |
Call Paws and Claws at 760-380-7387 for current boarding information.
Things to Know
- Fort Irwin is an active Army installation, not a closed or historical-only site.
- The installation is often linked with Barstow, but it is about 35 miles north of the city in San Bernardino County.
- Bring identification, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when driving to the installation.
- Access applications and background checks may take time.
- Plan housing, lodging, medical enrollment, school registration, and transportation before arrival.
- People who live on Fort Irwin must follow installation rules for registering privately owned weapons.
- Phone numbers, hours, access rules, and service availability can change. Confirm details with the responsible office before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fort Irwin?
Fort Irwin is in San Bernardino County, about 35 miles north of Barstow, California.
What documents are needed to drive onto Fort Irwin?
Bring picture identification, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
Does Fort Irwin have visitor screening?
Yes. Visitors must complete access screening and a background check.
Does Fort Irwin offer on-post lodging?
Yes. The Landmark Inn provides on-post lodging. Check current rules and availability before traveling.
What school district serves Fort Irwin?
Silver Valley Unified School District serves Fort Irwin-area schools.