Welcome to Fort Drum! Your Guide to Housing, Base Access, and More

Welcome to Army Base Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division. Fort Drum begins its rich military history with Sackets Harbor and Madison Barracks, which allowed easy trade between Canada and England as early as 1801. Throughout history, the U.S. military used this prime location for shipbuilding and trade. Now home of the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum has a wide range of missions that include full-spectrum training and base operations to support all branches of the U.S. military, 11 states, and parts of Canada.

Located in northern New York State, Fort Drum covers about 107, 265 acres and spans across two counties. More than 15,000 service members and roughly 3,700 civilian personnel work on the installation. And, about 15,000 family members live on or near the installation.

If you are PCSing here, be ready to take in the amazing views of the Great Lakes, the Adirondack mountains, and the Saint Lawrence River. But be prepared for winter. Snow season can begin as early as October and stick around through April. Temperatures can get below zero during these months, so be prepared with heavy clothing, winter jackets, thick gloves, and ice scrapers if you’re arriving during this time.

Continue reading for our guide on Fort Drum and what you can expect as you prepare to make this historically beautiful place your home.

Where Is Fort Drum?

Address: 11042 Mt. Belvedere Blvd. Building P-1780 Fort Drum, NY 13602

The main gate and visitor control center for Fort Drum are located in Bldg. 11008 outside of the Lt. Gen. Paul Cerjan Gate (also known as the Main Gate), off U.S. Route 11.

Base Operator: (315) 772-6011

Base Entry Procedures for Fort Drum

Whether you’re going to Fort Drum for a PCS, TAD/TDY, or just to visit, there is some key information you’ll need to know to ensure a smooth arrival.

Getting to Fort Drum From Nearby Cities

From Watertown, NY

Watertown is the closest city to Fort Drum, located just 13 miles southwest of the installation. The drive is a quick 15 to 20 minutes, making it the primary hub for off-base shopping and dining. If you are flying into Watertown International Airport (ART), it is roughly a 25-minute drive to the base, though direct flights can be limited since it is a smaller regional airport.

From Syracuse, NY

Syracuse is located approximately 84 miles south of Fort Drum, which is about an hour and a half drive straight up the Interstate 81 corridor. Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) serves as the closest major commercial airport to the base. From the airport, service members and families typically utilize rental cars, rideshares, or the Trailways bus service to finish the trip to the installation.

From Utica, NY

Utica is situated about 78 miles southeast of Fort Drum. The drive takes just under two hours, primarily traveling north along Route 12. While it is a bit further than Syracuse, it serves as a key connecting point for those traveling to the base from central or eastern New York.

Gates & Hours of Operation

Fort Drum has multiple access points, but the main ones are Lt. Gen. Paul Cerjan/Main Gate, Oneida “Gas Alley” Gate, and Col. Michael Plummer Gate.

All commercial traffic (big moving trucks included) and anyone needing access to Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield must use the Oneida “Gas Alley” Gate.

Lt. Gen Paul Cerjan/ Main Gate

Lt. Gen. Paul Cerjan is the main gate at Fort Drum. The Visitor Control Center is located just outside this gate.

Address: 11008 Iraqi Freedom Dr, Fort Drum, NY 13603

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Phone: (315) 772-8585

Oneida “Gasoline Alley” Gate

The Oneida Gate is the designated gate for commercial traffic, but is open to anyone with approved access to the installation.

Address: Route 26, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Phone: (315) 772-8585

Col. Michael Plummer Gate

Closest to the town of Black River, this gate provides access to those in the surrounding area with approved access to the installation.

Address: Mount Belvedere Blvd, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Phone: (315) 772-8585

Visiting Fort Drum? Here’s How to Get Base Access

Anyone visiting with a Department of Defense (DoD) Common Access Card and/or retired military ID can access the base through any gate.

If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.

If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate.

Fort Drum Visitor Control Center

The Fort Drum Visitor Control Center can help visitors gain access to the base.

Address: 11008 Iraqi Freedom Dr, Fort Drum, NY 13603 (outside main gate)

Hours: 05:30-22:00

Phone: (315) 772-8585

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

To access the installation as a guest of Valid DoD ID holder, you are required to present one of the following:

• Common Access Card (CAC)
• Real ID-compliant identification
• US Passport
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington

New Arrivals & In-Processing

Fort Drum Reception Activity is open 24/7, including holidays and days of no scheduled activities (DONSAs). All soldiers arriving at Fort Drum must sign in at the Reception Activity.

Address: Bldg. 4412, Camp Swift Road, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Phone: (315) 774-0165

Website: 10th Mountain Reception Company

Base Amenities & Facilities

Below, we are breaking down some of the base amenities and facilities that are available on Fort Drum.

Guthrie Army Health Clinic

Guthrie Army Health Clinic provides primary and urgent care, pharmacy, lab testing and radiology, and preventative services.

Address: 11050A Mount Belvedere Blvd. Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 08:00-17:00

Phone: (888) 838-1303

Housing Office

The Fort Drum Housing Office provides housing counseling and support to soldiers and families moving to and from Fort Drum. Not sure if you want to live on or off base? Need help reviewing a lease? The Housing Office can help!

Address: Room A2-54, Clark Hall, Bldg. 10720, Mount Belvedere Boulevard, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 07:00-15:30

Phone: (315) 772-9397

Fort Drum DEERs Office

The Fort Drum DEERs Office services include the issuance of identification cards for members of the uniformed services, ID tags, and updates to DEERs records. You will need one appointment for each card being issued. Appointments can be made here.

Address: Clark Hall (Bldg. 10720) on the 1st Floor at 10720 Mount Belvedere Boulevard

Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 07:45-11:40 and 12:30-15:30

Wednesday, 09:30-11:40 and 12:30-15:30

Phone: (315) 772-5149

Fort Drum Army Military Pay Office

The Fort Drum Army Military Pay Office offers military pay, travel, and disbursing support to soldiers and families assigned to the installation.

Address: 10720 Mount Belvedere Boulevard, 2nd Floor Room A2-68, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Wednesday & Friday, 09:00-16:00, Thursday, 13:00-16:00

Phone: (315) 772-5421

Fort Drum Commissary

The Fort Drum Commissary provides tax-free grocery shopping right on base.

Address: 10730 Enduring Freedom Dr, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: 07:30-19:00 Daily (Holiday hours may vary)

Phone: (315) 774-9130

Gas Stations

Around Fort Drum, you can find a few gas stations to fuel up for adventures.

• North Shoppette

Address: 11005 Iraqi Freedom Drive, Fort Drum, NY 13603

Hours: Monday-Friday, 06:30-20:00; Saturday-Sunday, 08:00-20:00

• Ontario Express

Address: 1485 Ontario Ave, Fort Drum, NY 13603

Hours: Monday-Friday, 06:30-19:00; Saturday 10:00-17:00, Closed Sundays

• AAFES

Address: 19905 Munns Corner Road, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday-Friday, 06:00-18:00; Closed Saturday and Sunday

Fort Drum Transportation Office

The Fort Drum Transportation Office can help you navigate the base and move your household goods to your new home. Taking advantage of their services can help your PCS go smoothly.

Location: 10720 Mt Belvedere Blvd, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 07:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.

Phone: (315) 772-6384

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation on Fort Drum

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) on Fort Drum offers a multitude of support to families calling Fort Drum home. From Child and Youth Services (CYS), to Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) and everything in between, MWR wants to make sure you thrive at Fort Drum. Check out their website to see all they have to offer.

Fort Drum Dining Facilities

Soldiers have access to many dining options on Fort Drum, ranging from family-style dining to cafeteria-style dining. With such a variety of options, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Click the links below for more information, location, hours, and phone numbers.

• Fort Drum Buster’s Brew Pub
• Mountain Peak Ice Cream
• Fort Drum Winner’s Circle Sports Bar
• Sip of Glory Coffeehouse
• Fort Drum Exchange Food Court
• Ridge Sport’s Bar
• The Peak

Military and Family Support Center

The Military and Family Support Center provides essential programs, partnerships, and services for soldiers and families at Fort Drum. Below are a few main programs. Visit the website linked above for a full list of resources and descriptions.

Exceptional Family Member Program

The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those who are responsible for managing care and services for family members with special needs.

Address: 10250 4th Armored Division Dr. Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600

Phone: (315) 772-5476

Deployment Support

Let the Military and Family Support Center help you and your family navigate upcoming deployments with ease.

Address: 11042 Mt. Belvedere Blvd., Building P-1780 Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600

Phone: (315) 772-0509

New Parent Support

Expecting a baby or trying to navigate life with a toddler? The New Parent Support Program is ready to help you transition into this stage with education and support.

Address: 10250 Mt. Belvedere Blvd. Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600

Phone: (315) 772-0748

The Loan Closet

PCS brought you here, and your household goods haven’t arrived yet? Borrow what you need from the loan closet and return when you get your things.

Address: 11042 Mt. Belvedere Blvd., Building P-1780, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1530

Phone: (315) 772-6566

Pool

Fort Drum has an indoor swimming pool located within the Magrath Sports Complex. Check the website for pool schedules, lessons, and party reservations.

Address: 10050 Tigris River Valley Rd, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Phone: (315) 772-9670

Website: Fort Drum Aquatics

Pine Plains Bowling Center

You will not strike out at Pine Plains Bowling Center. Located on the installation, you will find bowling, golf simulation, and indoor dining.

Address: 4320 Conway Road, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours:

Wednesday, 1100-140

Thursday, 1100-2100

Friday, 1100-2200

Saturday, 1600-2100

Phone: (315) 772-6601

Gyms

Fort Drum offers three fitness centers with equipment, classes, and expert staff waiting to help you with your fitness routine. Unless specified hours for active-duty soldiers, all fitness centers are open to service members and their families.

Some fitness centers allow 24-hour access with prior registration. See Fitness Center Website for more details and registration instructions.

Atkins Functional Fitness Facility

Address: 4325 Conway Road, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours:

Monday through Thursday, 0600-0830 (ACTIVE-DUTY SOLDIERS ONLY)

Friday, 0600-0830

Saturday and Sunday, 24 Hour Access Card Required

Phone: (315) 772-3377

Magrath Sports Complex

Address: 10050 Tigris River Valley Rd, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 0600-1000

Saturday, 0800-1600

Phone: (315) 772-9670

Monti Physical Fitness Center

Address: 4325 Conway Road, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours:

Monday through Thursday, 0600-1915

Friday & Saturday, CLOSED

Sunday, 0800-1600

Phone: (315) 772-4936

Library

The Army MWR Library at Fort Drum has everything you need to imagine, discover, and connect.

Address: 4300 Camp Hale Road, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 0900-1700

Tuesday, 1100-1900

Every third Saturday, 0900-1200

Phone: (315) 772-9099

Fort Drum Housing

Fort Drum offers military housing, unaccompanied housing, and privatized housing.

Housing Services Office

Address: 9035 S Riva Ridge Loop, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Phone: (315) 772-3008

Hours: Monday through Friday, 07:00-15:30

Temporary Housing Options

Whether you're visiting or PCSing to Fort Drum, you can find plenty of hotels nearby for a temporary place to stay.

IHG Army Hotel-Fort Drum

Address: 9090 Mount Belvedere Boulevard, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Phone: (315) 773-7777

Hampton Inn Watertown

Address: 155 Commerce Park Drive, Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: (315) 782-2222

Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousand Islands

Address: 1290 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: (315) 788-1234

Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown

Address: 100 Commerce Park Drive, Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: (315) 965-1747

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watertown/Thousand Island

Address: 1290 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: (315) 799-1234

Unaccompanied Housing Options

Unaccompanied housing options are for service members without dependents. Soldiers E-5 and below are required to live in the barracks. Officers and soldiers E-6 and above are permitted to live in unaccompanied housing.

Address: 10720 Mount Belvedere Blvd., Room A2-54, Fort Drum, NY 13603

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0700-1530

Phone: (315) 772-0532

Family Housing

Fort Drum Housing Services can help families navigate housing challenges and make decisions about where to live.

Address: 10720 Mount Belvedere Blvd., Room A2-54, Fort Drum, NY 13603

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0700-1530

Phone: (315) 772-9397

On-Base Housing

Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes (FDMCH), a privatized partnership between the US Army and Lendlease, provides 3,793 homes across 4 neighborhoods, with walking trails and playgrounds. Apply early to grab your spot on base.

• Address: 10720 Mount Belvedere Boulevard, Building P-10720 Clark Hall, 2nd Floor Room A2-54, Fort Drum, NY 13602
• Phone: (315) 955-6644

For families seeking on-base housing, Fort Drum has 4 neighborhoods with houses containing 2-5 bedrooms available:

• Adirondack Creek
• Crescent Woods
• Monument Ridge
• Ricard Hills

On-Base Housing Pet Policy

Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes recognizes the joy pet ownership can bring to families living on base. In an effort to protect community members, there are a few rules for owning a pet if you live on base. Check out the website linked above for more information.

Off-Base Housing & Military Preferred Living Areas

Fort Drum is in Jefferson County, the North Country of New York, between the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. The area is considered rural and remote. North Country winters can be harsh, so many families prefer to stay closer to base, limiting long commutes during snowstorms.

Below are a few of the communities close to the base.

Watertown

Watertown is the largest city in the North Country region. The population is about 24,600 people. Spanning both sides of the Black River, and gateway to the Thousand Islands and Adirondack Mountains, beauty abounds in this town. Watertown also has the closest airport, Watertown International Airport, with two daily flights to the Philadelphia International Airport. Jefferson Community College also calls Watertown home, making education opportunities affordable.

• Travel Time to Fort Drum: 15-25 minutes
• Median Home Value: $195,000-$225,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in Watertown, NY, are part of the Watertown City School District, which receives a C rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Evans Mills

Evan Mills is a historic village in Jefferson County. The population is about 600 people. Home of Evans Mills Raceway Park, you will surely find entertainment.

• Travel Time to Fort Drum: 3-10 minutes
• Median Home Value: $250,000-$305,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in Evans Mills, NY, are part of the Indian River Central School District, which receives a B+ rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Carthage

The village of Carthage is at the foothills of Adirondack Park. The population is about 3500 people. It’s a small town community known for vibrant seasons and enjoying the outdoors.

• Travel Time to Fort Drum: 15 minutes
• Median Home Value: $184,000-$203,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in Carthage, NY, are part of the Carthage Central School District, which receives a B rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Black River

The Black River Village in Jefferson County borders Le Ray and Rutland, east of Watertown. The population is about 1200 people. The Black River is a 125-mile-long blackwater river that empties into Lake Ontario, so whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular adventures here.

• Travel Time to Fort Drum: 10-15 minutes
• Median Home Value: $230,000-$273,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in Black River, NY, are part of the Carthage Central School District, which receives a B rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Sackets Harbor

Sackets Harbor is a village in Jefferson County on Lake Ontario. The population is around 1300 people. Overlooking Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor offers year-round activities ranging from water sports to historical sites and attractions.

• Travel Time to Fort Drum: 25 minutes
• Median Home Value: $285,000-$320,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in Sackets Harbor, NY, are part of the Sackets Harbor Central School District, which receives a C+ rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Schools Near Fort Drum

Fort Drum does not have its own school district. Students living on base are directed to public school systems depending on their housing location. Students in the Richard Hills Housing Community attend Carthage District schools, while students in the Adirondack Creek, Crescent Woods, or Mountain Ridge Housing Communities attend Indian River District schools. You can contact the Fort Drum School Support Services at (315) 772-3214.

Carthage School District (K-12)

Carthage School District serves about 3,150 students across five schools with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Understanding the importance of its military children, the Carthage School District proudly supports military families with a wide variety of special resources.

• Black River Elementary School Grades Pre-K through 4
• Carthage Elementary School Grades Pre-K through 4
• West Carthage Elementary School Grades Pre-K through 4
• Carthage Middle School Grades 5 through 8
• Carthage High School Grades 9 through 12

Indian River School District (K-12)

Indian River School District serves about 3,600 students across five schools with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Military-affiliated children in the Indian River School District make up 54% of the student population, leading to extracurricular activities and an enriching experience to support Fort Drum families.

• Calcium Primary School Grades Pre-K through 3
• Evans Mills Primary School Grades Pre-K through 3
• Indian River Intermediate School Grades 4 through 5
• Indian River Middle School Grades 6 through 8
• Indian River High School Grades 9 through 12

Local Employment Assistance & Resources

Below is a collection of resources that provide career guidance, job search assistance, and referrals to local employment resources for service members and their families.

Employment Readiness Program-Army Community Service

The Employment Readiness Program provides job search and career coaching services as well as hiring programs for military spouses, home business education, and networking events. Stop by their office or give them a call to start your next chapter today.

Address: 11042 MT Belvedere Boulevard, Fort Drum, NY 13602

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600

Phone: (315)772-9611

Local Employment Resources

You can find local employment resources for Jefferson County in nearby Watertown, NY.

The Work Place

The Work Place aims to provide training and employment services, opportunities for education and training, and work skills to the community. Understanding the challenges of military-affiliated customers, you will be served first and given priority for eligible jobs and training.

Address: 1000 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY 13601

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0830-1630

Phone: (315) 786-3651

Email: theworkplace@jeffersoncountyny.gov

City of Watertown, NY

The City of Watertown, NY, has civil-service opportunities for residents wishing to serve their communities.

Address: Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: (315) 785-7755

Human Resources Email: eleclerc@watertown-ny.gov

Fort Drum Civilian Opportunities

There are a multitude of federal employment opportunities right on base at Fort Drum. You will find everything from food service and child care to specialized positions such as healthcare and training. You can view all open positions and apply through USAJOBS.

Make the Most of Your Time at Fort Drum

Fort Drum is a naturally beautiful location in the North Country of New York State. With rivers, lakes, and mountains, if you enjoy outdoor activities, you will not be disappointed. Surrounding areas are filled with rich history and close-knit communities where you’re sure to feel at home.

Beyond the installation, access to Watertown and other surrounding areas gives Soldiers and their families even more to explore and enjoy. Check out our things to do article for ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live on Fort Drum without children?

Yes, housing options on base are determined by rank and marital status.

Can I live on Fort Drum if I'm not married?

Yes, Soldiers E-5 and below are required to live in the barracks. Soldiers E-6 and above are eligible for The Timbers, an apartment community for single soldiers on base.

What are the PT hours for Fort Drum?

Fort Drum enforces a base-wide PT window from 06:30-08:30 daily.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes. As part of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the Fort Drum Commissary will accept manufacturer paper coupons, print-at-home coupons, and digital coupons.

Is Fort Drum hands-free?

Yes. Fort Drum and New York State laws prohibit holding and using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.