Sheppard Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Wichita Falls, Texas. It is in North Texas, near the Oklahoma border. This guide covers directions, base entry, housing, lodging, child care, medical services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Sheppard Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Visitor Center phone 940-676-7441
Official website Sheppard Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Sheppard Air Force Base is in Wichita Falls, in North Texas. The base is about 15 miles from the Oklahoma border and the Red River. The main gate is on Texas Highway 240, with access from Interstate 44 and U.S. Highways 287 and 281.

Nearest airport Wichita Falls Municipal Airport, about 2 miles from the base. Commercial taxi service is available.
Major airports Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City are about two hours away by road.
Main driving route Use Texas Highway 240 from Interstate 44 or U.S. Highways 287 and 281.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Center is in Building 1405 at the Missile Road Gate. It is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends, AETC days, federal holidays, and the third Wednesday of each month. Call 940-676-7441 before traveling.

Sheppard checks identification before allowing people onto the installation. Visitors should use the Visitor Center for passes and registration. The main gate and Missile Road Gate are listed as open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the hospital gate is closed. Pass and gate hours can change, so confirm current rules with the Visitor Center.

Housing and Lodging

The Sheppard Inn, in Building 1600, offers temporary lodging for PCS families and other eligible guests. Call 940-676-1844 or 940-676-2707 to check reservations and availability. Privatized housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities at 940-613-0709. Single permanent-party members who are E-4 or below are generally required to live in base dormitories unless they have an approved waiver. The enlisted dorm manager can be reached at 940-676-1674, and the officer dorm manager at 940-676-3417.

Facilities and Services

Base support includes the Exchange, dining facilities, bowling centers, fitness centers, a library, lodging, Outdoor Recreation, Information Tickets and Travel, youth programs, pools, and community programs.

Service Contact
Military and Family Readiness Center 940-676-4358, Building 960
Legal services 940-676-4262
Information, Tickets and Travel 940-676-2302
Law enforcement, non-emergency 940-676-2982

The post office is at 527 Avenue I, Building 551. Its phone number is 940-855-3319; the Postal Service Center number is 940-676-5641.

Schools and Childcare

The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years. It is in Building 195 and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call 940-676-2038. Families request care through MilitaryChildCare.com, and placement, eligibility, and fees depend on child-care rules and patron status.

School-age care serves children ages 5 to 12 in Building 196 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It offers before-school, after-school, hourly, and break care when space is available. The School Liaison Office at Building 960 can help with public, private, charter, virtual, and homeschool choices and military-connected student transitions. Call 940-676-6774.

Medical Services

Sheppard Medical Group is at 527 Tuskegee Airmen Avenue, Building 500. It offers primary care, mental health, pediatrics, women’s health, immunizations, optometry, dental care, pharmacy, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, public health, and flight medicine. The appointment number is 940-676-2273, and Military Health hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Military Health primary care serves active-duty members; other services have their own rules. The clinic is not an emergency department. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for a life, limb, or eyesight emergency.

Recreation and Amenities

Sheppard has the Levitow Fitness Center in Building 384 and the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center in Building 540. Levitow offers 24-hour access for eligible cardholders. Other recreation choices include bowling centers, Outdoor Recreation, a trap and skeet range, a paintball field, a driving range, swimming pools and water-park facilities, a library, youth programs, base clubs, dining facilities, and the Sheppard Annex at Lake Texoma.

Things to Know

  • Sheppard is a major Air Force training installation and hosts the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program.
  • Visitors need identification checks and generally must get a pass through the Visitor Center.
  • Visitor Center and gate schedules may change because of holidays, training days, security conditions, or mission needs.
  • The medical clinic does not provide emergency care.
  • Child-care enrollment is requested through MilitaryChildCare.com and depends on eligibility, space, and fees.
  • Confirm access details and operating hours before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sheppard Air Force Base?
It is in Wichita Falls, Texas, about 15 miles from the Oklahoma border and the Red River.
What is the Visitor Center phone number?
Call 940-676-7441.
Where can visitors get a base pass?
Visitors should go to the Visitor Center in Building 1405 at the Missile Road Gate.
Does Sheppard have temporary lodging?
Yes. The Sheppard Inn offers temporary lodging for PCS families and other eligible guests.
Does the medical clinic handle emergencies?
No. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for a serious emergency.