List of Active Military Bases in South Carolina
South Carolina has several active military and defense installations. This guide covers 5 major installations across Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Joint.
Military Bases in South Carolina
The installations in South Carolina support training, aviation. They are grouped by branch below so readers can find each base quickly.
Army Bases in South Carolina
Army installations in South Carolina support training, readiness, testing, logistics or other land-force missions. The exact role depends on the installation.
Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson is an active army installation in the Columbia area. Its main work includes army training, readiness and installation support, with facilities that support the mission and assigned personnel.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Address | 9810 Liberty Division Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207 |
| Main contact | 803-751-5256 |
| Main operations | Army training, readiness and installation support |
| Key facilities | Training areas, administrative facilities and personnel support services |
| Status | Active |
Air Force Bases in South Carolina
Air Force installations in South Carolina support flying missions, training, maintenance and readiness. Some also handle specialized testing or command work.
Shaw Air Force Base
Shaw Air Force Base is an active air force installation in the Sumter area. Its main work includes fighter operations and combat readiness, with facilities that support the mission and assigned personnel.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Location | Sumter, South Carolina |
| Address | 510 Nelson Avenue, Shaw AFB, SC 29152-5024 |
| Main contact | 803-895-1110 |
| Main operations | Fighter operations and combat readiness |
| Key facilities | Airfield, hangars or maintenance areas, and personnel support services |
| Status | Active |
Marine Corps Bases in South Carolina
Marine Corps installations in South Carolina support Marines through aviation, training, logistics and operational readiness.
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is an active marine corps installation in the Beaufort area. Its main work includes marine aviation and readiness, with facilities that support the mission and assigned personnel.
| Branch | Marine Corps |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaufort, South Carolina |
| Address | Geiger Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29904 |
| Main contact | 843-228-7121 |
| Main operations | Marine aviation and readiness |
| Key facilities | Airfield, hangars or maintenance areas, and personnel support services |
| Status | Active |
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an active marine corps installation in the Parris Island area. Its main work includes marine corps training, readiness and installation support, with facilities that support the mission and assigned personnel.
| Branch | Marine Corps |
|---|---|
| Location | Parris Island, South Carolina |
| Address | 521 Boulevard de France, Building 283, Parris Island, SC 29905 |
| Main contact | 843-228-2371 |
| Main operations | Marine Corps training, readiness and installation support |
| Key facilities | Warehouses, maintenance areas, logistics facilities and base support |
| Status | Active |
Joint Bases in South Carolina
Joint bases in South Carolina support more than one military service from the same installation or closely connected facilities.
Joint Base Lindsey Graham
Joint Base Lindsey Graham is an active joint installation in the Charleston area. Its main work includes joint air, naval and installation support, with facilities that support the mission and assigned personnel.
| Branch | Joint |
|---|---|
| Location | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Address | 104 E. Simpson Street, Building 500, Charleston, SC 29404 |
| Main contact | 843-963-4406 |
| Main operations | Joint air, naval and installation support |
| Key facilities | Piers or waterfront facilities, operations areas and support services |
| Status | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many active military bases are in South Carolina?
Using the major-installation definition used in this guide, South Carolina has 5 active military or defense installations. Recruiting offices and unit-only Guard listings are not counted as separate bases.
Which military branches have bases in South Carolina?
This list includes installations connected with the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. Joint and other defense installations are listed separately when they are present.
Are there army bases in South Carolina?
Yes. This guide lists 1 army bases in South Carolina, including Fort Jackson.
Are there air force bases in South Carolina?
Yes. This guide lists 1 air force bases in South Carolina, including Shaw Air Force Base.
Can civilians visit military bases in South Carolina?
Sometimes, but access rules vary by installation and can change. Visitors may need an approved sponsor, a valid ID or a visitor pass. Check with the installation before traveling.
Does this list include recruiting offices in South Carolina?
No. Recruiting battalions and similar administrative listings are not counted as separate military bases. The list focuses on active installation-type locations.