Fort McCoy is an active U.S. Army installation in western Wisconsin. It is about 6 miles east of Sparta and 7 miles west of Tomah. This guide covers directions, visitor rules, housing, services, childcare, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Street address 100 East Headquarters Road, Fort McCoy, WI 54656-5263
Official website U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy

Location and Directions

Fort McCoy is about 7 miles west of Tomah, 6 miles east of Sparta, 25 miles south of Black River Falls, and 35 miles east of La Crosse. The main gate is reached from Wisconsin Highway 21. The verified information does not list a nearest airport.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center issues visitor passes. After regular hours, visitors may get a pass at the Main Gate or Gate 20.

Drivers must be ready to show a driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance. Check current access rules before traveling because gate procedures and requirements can change.

Housing and Lodging

Fort McCoy provides single-family government housing, and Army housing moved to the Residential Communities Initiative in 2023. The Housing Office is in Building 6158 and provides family housing information, unaccompanied personnel housing information, housing referrals, and relocation help. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; call 502-898-3704.

IHG Army Hotels is in Building 51 and is available to official and unofficial travelers visiting Fort McCoy and the surrounding area. Call 502-898-2107 or 877-711-8326. Pine View Campground also offers RV and tent camping, cabins, yurts, duplexes, and on-site trailers, subject to availability and access rules.

Facilities and Services

Fort McCoy has a Commissary, Exchange, Express shoppette and gas station, Specialty Express Food Court, McCoy's Community Center, and Fabrew Coffee.

Support services include Army Community Service, Army Emergency Relief, financial readiness, relocation readiness, employment readiness, family advocacy, the Exceptional Family Member Program, and the Soldier and Family Assistance Center. The installation also provides transportation, household goods help, military personnel services, official mail services, and emergency services.

Schools and Childcare

The Child Development Center in Building 1796 serves children from 6 weeks through 5 years. It offers full-time care, hourly care, preschool, and Strong Beginnings pre-kindergarten. Parent Central Services in Building 1765 handles registration for Child and Youth Services programs.

Service Location Phone
Child Development Center Building 1796 502-898-2238
Parent Central Services Building 1765 502-898-8956
School Liaison Officer Building 1765 502-898-6814
School-Age Youth Center Building 1792 502-898-4373

The School Liaison Officer helps military-connected children with school and transition issues. The verified information does not name a local school district.

Medical Services

Fort McCoy has no permanent military medical treatment capability. Active-duty and Active Guard/Reserve Soldiers use TRICARE Prime Remote and should contact TRICARE about eligibility and care coordination. For emergency care, Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare in Sparta and Tomah Health are open 24 hours.

Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare is at 310 West Main Street in Sparta and can be reached at 608-269-1770. Tomah Health is at 501 Gopher Drive in Tomah and can be reached at 608-372-2181.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation choices include Pine View Campground and Recreation Area, Rumpel Fitness Center and Pool, McCoy's Community Center, an eight-lane bowling center, Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, Sportsman's Range, the Automotive Skills Center, and outdoor recreation equipment checkout.

Pine View offers camping, cabins, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, miniature golf, disc golf, paintball, and equipment rentals. The Fort McCoy History Center area includes World War II-era buildings, equipment displays, and Veterans Memorial Plaza. Group visits are available by appointment. Call recreation at 502-898-3517 or MWR at 502-898-7400.

Things to Know

  • Fort McCoy supports training for active-component, Reserve, National Guard, and other military personnel from several branches.
  • Drivers entering the installation should have a driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready.
  • There is no permanent military medical treatment facility on the installation.
  • Some services and recreation areas are limited to authorized patrons, while selected facilities such as Pine View Campground may be open to the public.
  • Access details, phone numbers, hours, and operating information can change. Confirm current information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fort McCoy?

Fort McCoy is in western Wisconsin, about 6 miles east of Sparta and 7 miles west of Tomah.

What road leads to the main gate?

The main gate is accessed from Wisconsin Highway 21.

What documents do drivers need to enter?

Drivers need a driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance.

Does Fort McCoy have a military hospital?

No. Fort McCoy has no permanent military medical treatment capability. Local civilian hospitals provide emergency care.

Does Fort McCoy offer childcare?

Yes. The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks through 5 years and offers several types of care.