Naval Support Activity Bethesda is an active U.S. Navy installation in Bethesda, Maryland. It is home to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other military organizations. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, childcare, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Naval Support Activity Bethesda
Military branch U.S. Navy
Base status Active
Street address 102 Wood Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20889
Main phone number 301-295-6246
Visitor Center phone 301-295-4607
Official website NSA Bethesda

Location and Directions

NSA Bethesda is in Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland, just north of Washington, D.C. Use 102 Wood Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20889, for GPS navigation. The installation’s mailing address is 4655 Taylor Road. Baltimore-Washington International, Dulles International, and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports serve the Washington, D.C., area, but no base shuttle runs from these airports.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is just outside Gate 1 at 102 Wood Road. It provides first-time visitor information, escort information, pre-vetted access information, and access passes. Its phone number is 301-295-4607, and hours are Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The gates include Gate 1 North Gate, Gate 2 South Gate, Gate 3 NEX Gate, Gate 4 Navy Lodge Gate, and Gate 5 University Gate. Gate 4 is closed according to the official installation map. People using automated pedestrian turnstiles may need an eligible identification card and a separate five- to eight-digit PIN. Confirm access rules and gate operations before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

The Housing Referral Office helps with on-base housing assignments, off-base rentals and home sales, and housing and utility information. It is at 4650 Taylor Road, Building 17B, 3rd Floor, Suite 3D. Call 301-295-6564 or email bethesda_housing@navy.mil.

Lodging Information
Navy Lodge Bethesda 8855 Stokes Road, Building 52; 301-654-1795 or 1-800-628-9466. Available to military members and families from all branches, DoD civilians, National Guard and reserve members, international military personnel, and retirees.
Fisher Houses For wounded, ill, and injured service members and their family members.
Tranquility Hall Building 62 accommodations for wounded, ill, and injured personnel.

Facilities and Services

NSA Bethesda provides installation security, public works, emergency management, base operating support, and military and family support services. Major organizations and services on the installation include Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Navy Exchange, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Fisher House Bethesda, and the USO Bethesda Warrior and Family Center.

The Navy Exchange phone number is 240-743-4200. The Quick Mart is at 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Building 31, and its phone number is 301-295-6129. Military and family support can be reached at 301-319-4087.

Schools and Childcare

NSA Bethesda is zoned for Montgomery County Public Schools. The School Liaison Program helps with school transitions, home-school support, special education system navigation, post-secondary preparation, and education partnerships. Call 301-319-4087. No DoDEA school was identified for this installation in the official sources reviewed.

The two Child Development Centers serve children from six weeks through five years. Full-time care is available for eligible active-duty military personnel assigned to the local area. DoD civilians and tenant-command personnel may be eligible when space is available. Requests are submitted through MilitaryChildCare.com.

Medical Services

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is at 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20889. Services include primary care, pediatric care, preventive care and immunizations, hospital care and surgery, behavioral health, radiology, rehabilitation, specialty care, and pharmacy services.

Contact Phone
Walter Reed switchboard 301-295-4000
Walter’s Way primary-care call center 301-295-8901
General appointments 855-227-6331
Pharmacy 301-295-2123; refills: 301-760-2967

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS lists the Walter Reed emergency room as open 24 hours. Access, eligibility, clinic hours, and appointment steps vary by service, so confirm details with Walter Reed before traveling.

Recreation and Amenities

Morale, Welfare and Recreation provides fitness and recreation programs at NSA Bethesda. Call 301-295-2450 to check current facility hours and programs.

Other listed amenities include the Navy Exchange, Quick Mart, Navy Federal Credit Union, USO Bethesda Warrior and Family Center, Fisher House Bethesda, and the Child Development Centers.

Things to Know

  • Use 102 Wood Road for GPS navigation and 4655 Taylor Road for mailing.
  • Gate 4, the Navy Lodge Gate, is closed according to the official installation map.
  • Pedestrian turnstiles may require an eligible ID card and a separate PIN.
  • Medical care, lodging, childcare, and visitor access have separate eligibility rules.
  • For emergencies, call 911. From an NSA Bethesda landline, call 777. From a cell phone, call 301-295-0999.
  • Gate status, access rules, hours, and other operating details can change. Confirm them before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch operates NSA Bethesda?
It is a U.S. Navy installation.
Where is the Visitor Control Center?
It is just outside Gate 1 at 102 Wood Road.
Is Walter Reed located at NSA Bethesda?
Yes. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is on the installation.
What school district serves NSA Bethesda?
Montgomery County Public Schools serves the installation.
Does NSA Bethesda have child development centers?
Yes. Two centers provide care for children from six weeks through five years.