MacDill Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Tampa, Florida. This page gives practical details about how to get on base, where to stay, services you can use, schools and childcare, medical care, and recreation options with contact points.

Base Overview

Official name MacDill Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Main phone number 813-828-1110
Visitor Center phone 813-828-2737
Official website Official website

Location and Directions

MacDill AFB is about eight miles south of downtown Tampa on the southwestern tip of the Interbay Peninsula in Hillsborough County. The Visitor Control Center is at 6901 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33621 for sponsored visitors and ID processing.

Major approach roads include S Dale Mabry Highway and the FL-618/Crosstown (Selmon Expressway). Directions from Ocala, Orlando, and Miami use I-75 and the FL-618/Selmon Expressway with exits toward W Gandy Boulevard and S Dale Mabry Highway toward the main gate.

Visitor Information

MacDill is a closed installation. Visitors need proper ID and access approval; a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable ID is required. The Visitor Control Center issues sponsored passes during posted hours, and after-hours visitor passes are available at the Dale Mabry Gate. Confirm current access rules with the Visitor Control Center before you travel.

Housing and Lodging

On-base family housing is managed by Harbor Bay at MacDill (8414 Fortress Drive, phone 813-840-2600) and the Military Housing Office (phone 813-828-5404). Temporary lodging is available at the MacDill Inn (7637 Bayshore Blvd., phone 813-828-4259); official-travel reservations must use the official travel system.

Facilities and Services

Key on-base services and contacts are listed below.

Commissary 2908 N. Boundary Blvd., phone 813-828-8939
Exchange 3108 N. Boundary Blvd., phone 813-840-0511 — main exchange, specialty shops, shoppette, food court
Military & Family Readiness Center 8105 Condor St., phone 813-828-0145 — relocation, employment, financial, deployment and family support
Education Center & Library 8102 Condor St., phone 813-828-3115
Base taxi / transportation Official base taxi phone 813-828-5282 — for official appointments or official use

Schools and Childcare

Hillsborough County Public Schools serve MacDill residents. The on-base attendance-area school is Tinker K-8 (phone 813-840-2043). There are three child development centers; registration and referrals use phone 813-828-3332. The School Liaison Office can be reached at 813-828-0146.

Medical Services

The 6th Medical Group provides primary care and a range of services for empaneled active-duty members, dependents, and retirees. Some walk-in services are available at posted times; the clinic closes on federal holidays and for training days. Confirm hours and eligibility before you go.

A satellite clinic, Sabal Park Community Clinic, supports care for patients who use that location.

Facility 6th Medical Group, MacDill AFB
Address 3250 Zemke Ave., MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Main phone 813-828-2273
Hours Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (confirm before visiting)
Satellite clinic Sabal Park Community Clinic, 9208 King Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619

Recreation and Amenities

MacDill offers FamCamp, Bay Palms Golf Complex, a base pool, Lewis Lake, a marina, bowling, a library, a theater, skeet and archery ranges, and fitness centers. For activities and bookings call Outdoor Recreation at 813-840-6919 or the marina at 813-828-4983.

Things to Know

  • MacDill AFB is a closed installation; access is not automatic for the general public.
  • A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID is usually required for base access.
  • Sponsored visitors must coordinate with their sponsor and the Visitor Control Center before arrival.
  • Expect higher permanent-change-of-station traffic from May through August; check with traffic management if you are arriving then.
  • Services, hours, gate operations, access rules, and school or childcare availability can change. Confirm current details with the responsible office before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public drive onto MacDill AFB?
No. MacDill is a closed installation; visitors need proper ID and authorization.
How do I get a visitor pass?
Sponsored visitors should get authorization from their sponsor and process at the Visitor Control Center during posted hours.
What ID is accepted for entry?
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification is generally required.
Is there on-base lodging for visitors?
Yes. The MacDill Inn provides temporary lodging; official-travel reservations use the official travel system.
Where do I go for medical care on base?
The 6th Medical Group at MacDill provides primary care for eligible beneficiaries; call the clinic to confirm services and hours.