Naval Support Facility Indian Head is an active United States Navy installation in Indian Head, Maryland. It is less than 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Naval Support Facility Indian Head
Military branch United States Navy
Base status Active
Street address 3838 Strauss Avenue, Indian Head, MD 20640-5133
Main phone number 301-744-4379 / 301-744-4311
Visitor Center phone 301-744-4379 / 301-744-4311
Official website Naval Support Facility Indian Head

Location and Directions

The installation is in Charles County, Maryland, near the Potomac River, Mattawoman Creek, and Chicamuxen Creek. It is less than 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. There is no on-base transportation, and public transportation is extremely limited, so private transportation is strongly advisable.

Starting point Route
Washington, D.C., and points north Take I-495 to MD-210/Indian Head Highway. Continue south about 20 miles to the main gate.
Dulles Airport Take I-495 south toward Richmond/Alexandria to MD-210/Indian Head Highway. Continue south about 20 miles to the main gate.
Southern Maryland Take MD-5 north to Waldorf, then MD-228 west. After about 6.9 miles, bear left onto MD-210 south and continue about 10 miles to the main gate.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is in Building 1779 at 4150 Greenhouse Circle. It is open Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1500 and is closed on weekends and holidays. New arrivals should report to their commands.

Contact the Visitor Control Center before arrival for current access and identification requirements. Pass and ID Office staff and gate security personnel can provide base maps and installation-specific directions.

Housing and Lodging

On-base housing includes 136 enlisted single-family quarters and 15 officer housing quarters. Waitlists may apply based on demand, family size, rank, and available housing. Off-base housing near the installation is limited and expensive, and personnel must report to the housing referral office before signing an agreement. Temporary lodging is limited to off-base motels and hotels. The Navy Housing Service Center is at 3946 Welsh Street, Building 1659, and can be reached at 301-744-4433 or 301-744-4317, Monday through Friday from 0730 to 1630.

Facilities and Services

Service Location and contact Hours
Child Development Center Building 1901; 301-744-4458 Monday-Friday, 0600-1800
Auto Hobby Shop Building 1420; 301-744-6314 Tuesday-Friday, 1300-1800; Saturday, 0900-1500
Navy Exchange Barber Shop Building 323; 301-743-7532 / 301-743-5415 Contact the shop for current hours

The Fleet and Family Outreach Center at Indian Head is open Wednesdays from 1000 to 1500. Appointments can be arranged through the Fleet and Family Support Center at NSF Dahlgren at 540-653-1839 or 800-500-4947.

Schools and Childcare

No DoDEA school was identified in the official installation sources. The School Liaison Program helps with local school support. The Indian Head office is at the Child Development Center in Building 1901 and is open Thursdays from 0900 to 1500. Call 540-653-2070, 540-413-7287, or 540-653-1839.

The installation operates a Child Development Center in Building 1901. Contact the center for current enrollment, eligibility, and space information.

Medical Services

Branch Health Clinic Indian Head is at 4141 W. Wilson Road, Building 1600. It offers family and primary care, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, occupational health, active-duty dental care, immunizations, health promotion, and non-emergency behavioral health services. Call 301-744-4601 or use the appointment line at 855-227-6331. The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 0730 to 1600 and Wednesday from 0730 to 1200. Pharmacy hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 0800 to 1600 and Wednesday from 0800 to 1200.

Recreation and Amenities

Navy MWR programs include auto skills, bowling, community recreation trips, a Liberty Center for single Sailors, a library, a movie theater, outdoor recreation equipment rentals, and Tickets and Travel. The MWR General Library is in Building 620 at 4163 N. Jackson Road. It offers books, children's materials, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, computers, Wi-Fi, printers, a scanner, a copier, and a fax machine. Call 301-744-4850; hours are Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1730.

Things to Know

  • Private transportation is strongly advisable because there is no on-base transportation and public transportation is extremely limited.
  • Contact the Visitor Control Center before traveling to confirm current access and identification rules.
  • Housing near the installation is limited and expensive, so contact the housing office before making an off-base agreement.
  • Hours, access rules, service availability, and eligibility requirements can change. Check with the relevant official office before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch is Naval Support Facility Indian Head part of?
It is a United States Navy installation.
Where is the Visitor Control Center?
It is in Building 1779 at 4150 Greenhouse Circle in Indian Head.
When is the Visitor Control Center open?
It is open Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1500 and closed on weekends and holidays.
Does the installation have a medical clinic?
Yes. Branch Health Clinic Indian Head provides primary care and several other medical services.
Is childcare available?
Yes. The installation has a Child Development Center in Building 1901. Contact it for current enrollment and eligibility information.