Shaw Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation near Sumter, South Carolina. This guide covers directions, base access, housing, lodging, services, schools, medical care, and recreation. Phone numbers and hours can change, so check with the right office before traveling.

Base Overview

Official name Shaw Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 510 Nelson Ave., Shaw AFB, SC 29152-5024
Main phone number 803-895-1110
Visitor Center phone 803-895-5050 option 5
Official website Shaw Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Shaw Air Force Base is about 10 miles west of Sumter and about 40 miles east of Columbia. The base is north of U.S. Highway 378 and is outside the Sumter city limits.

Travel detail Verified information
From the east Take I-26 west, I-95 north, and U.S. Highway 378 west.
Nearby city Sumter is about 10 miles east.
Major roads The installation is accessible from I-20, I-26, I-77, I-95, and major South Carolina highways.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is outside the Main Gate near Broad Street and Shaw Drive. Visitors without a Department of War identification card must get a visitor pass there before entering. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends; outside those hours, passes may be available from Security Forces at the Main Gate.

The Main Gate and Sumter Gate are temporarily open 24 hours. The 441 Gate is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. All passengers may be checked under the installation's 100-percent identification-check policy. A driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance are required to drive on base. The Trusted Traveler Program has been suspended since March 1, 2026, until further notice. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Government housing is available, but eligibility and availability depend on service member status, family size, and installation conditions. The housing office can be reached at 803-895-2421. Carolina Pines Inn provides temporary housing at 464 Myers Street, Shaw AFB, SC 29152. Members on orders may make reservations through the lodging office at 803-895-3803 or 803-895-3805.

Facilities and Services

Shaw AFB has a commissary, an exchange with a food court, and a shoppette. Support services include military and family readiness, employment help, financial help, legal services, education resources, morale and welfare programs, and relocation support.

Service Contact Location or hours
Military and Family Readiness Center 803-895-1253 524 Stuart Ave., Building 1127
Education office 803-895-1838 Contact the office for current information
McElveen Resource Center Library 803-895-4518 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Schools and Childcare

Housing at Shaw AFB is served by Sumter School District. The School Liaison Program can help families with school questions at 803-895-3398 or 803-840-0938. Its office is at 524 Stuart Ave., Building 1127.

School Grades or level
Oakland Primary School PreK-1st grade
Shaw Heights Elementary School 2nd-3rd grade
High Hills Elementary School 4th-5th grade
Hillcrest Middle School Middle school
Crestwood High School High school

The Child Development Center offers full-day and hourly care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Call 803-895-2247. Air Force-certified family child care providers may offer different care schedules based on availability. The Youth Center also provides before- and after-school care, school-break care, and summer camps.

Medical Services

The 20th Medical Group is at 420 Polifka Drive and can be reached at 803-895-2273. Shaw provides a medical clinic, pediatric clinic, dental clinic, and immunization support. The dental clinic phone numbers are 803-895-6988 and 803-895-6989. Medical support and services can change, so contact the clinic for current appointments and care information.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation options at Shaw include arts and crafts, bowling, a recreation center, golf, a gym, tennis, swimming, outdoor activities, camping, fishing, and stables. Outdoor Recreation, recreation supplies, and FamCamp can be reached at 803-895-0450. Youth programs include sports, educational activities, leadership and career development, summer camps, school-break programs, and teen activities. Call 803-895-2251 or 803-895-2252.

Things to Know

  • Bring a current driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when driving on base.
  • Visitors without a Department of War identification card need a pass before entering.
  • The Trusted Traveler Program is suspended until further notice.
  • For an emergency call from a cellphone, say that you are at Shaw AFB so the call can be transferred to Shaw AFB emergency services.
  • Access rules, hours, eligibility, and service availability can change. Contact the responsible office before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shaw Air Force Base?

It is about 10 miles west of Sumter, South Carolina, and about 40 miles east of Columbia.

What phone number reaches the base operator?

Call 803-895-1110. The DSN number is 965-1110.

Do visitors need a pass?

Yes. Visitors without a Department of War identification card must get a pass at the Visitor Control Center before entering.

Is housing available at Shaw AFB?

Government housing is available, but eligibility and availability vary. Call the housing office at 803-895-2421.

Does Shaw AFB provide child care?

Yes. The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, and other child-care programs may be available.