FORT MEADE MARYLAND: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Fort George G. Meade army post, the nation’s center for information, intelligence, and cyber operations. Fort Meade, in Maryland, has the second-largest Army installation workforce in the United States. Fort Meade encompasses more than 5,000 acres. The post’s workforce includes approximately 56,000 military and civilian personnel and 20,000 family members. The post is home to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard members. It hosts a diverse group of approximately 120 partner agencies, including the U.S. Cyber Command, National Security Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, Defense Media Activity, Defense Courier Service, Environmental Protection Agency Science Center, Defense Information School, and U.S. Army Field Band. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Fort Meade so you can get to know your new post and its surrounding community.

1. Where Is Fort Meade?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Post
4. Entering Fort Meade and Post Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Fort Meade Visitor Center
   • Fort Meade DEERS Office
   • Fort Meade Gate Hours
   • Fort Meade Commissary
   • Fort Meade Exchange
   • Fort Meade Barber Shops
   • Fort Meade Post Office
   • Fort Meade Finance Office
   • Fort Meade Legal Office
   • Fort Meade Library
   • Fort Meade Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Fort Meade?
6. What Schools are Near Fort Meade?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Fort Meade?
8. Things to Do Near Fort Meade

Where Is Fort Meade?

Demps Visitor Control Center

902 Reece Road Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 677-1064 or 1 (301) 677-1065

Fort Meade Map

Fort Meade Directions

Fort Meade is in the northwest corner of Anne Arundel County in Maryland, near Howard County. The post is halfway between Baltimore in Maryland and Washington, D.C. It is about 20 miles from the Maryland state capital of Annapolis.

From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

1. From the airport, follow signs for Interstate 195 west.
2. Take Exit 2B for MD-295 south/Baltimore-Washington Parkway toward Washington, D.C. Merge onto MD-295 south.
3. Exit onto Annapolis Road/MD-175 east/Odenton Road toward Odenton.
4. Continue to follow Annapolis Road/MD-175 east for 2.5 miles.
5. Turn right at Reece Road into the Fort Meade main gate and visitor control center.

From Washington, D.C.

1. Take Interstate 95 or I-295 north toward Baltimore to MD-175 east.
2. Follow MD-175 east until it turns into Annapolis Road.
3. Follow the signs to the Reece Road main gate.

From Baltimore

1. Take Interstate 95 or I-295 south toward Washington, D.C., to MD-175 east.
2. Follow MD-175 east until it turns into Annapolis Road.
3. Follow the signs to the Reece Road main gate.

From Annapolis

1. Take U.S. Route 50/301 west to Interstate 97 north toward Baltimore.
2. Take MD-32 west toward Odenton/Fort Meade.
3. Take MD-175 west, Annapolis Road.
4. Follow the signs to the Reece Road main gate.

Public Transit Near Fort Meade

The Anne Arundel County’s website for transportation and transit has information on the local bus, train, and light rail service in the county. Additional information on transportation on and around Fort Meade can be found on Fort Meade’s website.

Fort Meade Transportation Office

Getting ready for a PCS move and in need of some help? Call the Fort Meade Transportation Office to get started.

Fort Meade Transportation Office

2234 Pepper Road Fort Meade, MD 20755

Inbound Phone:

1 (800) 762-7186

Outbound Phone:

1 (301) 677-9639

Fort Meade Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Friday 0730-1630

Entering Fort Meade and Post Amenities

If you do not have a valid military ID, you may have to stop at the visitor control center to gain post access. Click here for more information on the visitor control center at Fort Meade.

Check-in Procedures For Incoming Personnel

Incoming military personnel should report to their individual commands and units as well as their sponsor for branch-specific orientation information. Army personnel will attend a mandatory five-day in-processing session upon arrival to the post. This process will address comprehensive soldier fitness training, sponsorship, personnel, finance, transportation, medical, and dental matters. Service members will also attend a Newcomer’s Orientation where they will receive briefings about support services provided by the installation. Spouses are encouraged to attend this orientation. For more information on the orientation, visit Fort Meade’s Army Community Service website.

Fort Meade Visitor Center

The Demps Visitor Control Center issues temporary vehicle passes and can provide directions and information on the post. For more information on post access and the visitor control center, visit the Fort Meade Installation Access website.

Demps Visitor Control Center

902 Reece Rd Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 677-1064 or (301) 677-1065

Demps Visitor Control Center Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1600. Closed on federal holidays and once per quarter (the third Wednesday of January, April, July, and October) until 1300 for training.

Fort Meade DEERS Office

Fort Meade DEERS and ID Card Office

4550 Parade Field Ln Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 677-3342 or 1 (301) 677-2674

Fort Meade Gate Hours

The operating hours of Fort Meade’s access control points have been adjusted to comply with health protection guidelines and the newly opened access control point at Mapes Road and Highway 175. For up-to-date information on gate hours and closures, visit Fort Meade’s Installation Access website.

Fort Meade Commissary

Building 2786, Mapes and MacArthur Road Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 677-

Fort Meade Commissary Hours

• Daily 0900 to 1900

Fort Meade Exchange

Building 2799, Rose Street Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (410) 305-8173

Fort Meade Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900 to 1900

• Sunday -

  1000 to 1800

Fort Meade Barber Shops

Exchange Barber Shop

1 (410) 551-2053

Hours:

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900 to 1800

• Sunday -

  1000 to 1800

NSA Annex Barber Shop

1 (410) 672-0583

Hours:

Currently closed.

Fort Meade Post Office

2789 MacArthur Road Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 621-7071

Fort Meade Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0900 to 1700

• Saturday -

  0900 to 1200

Fort Meade Finance Office

4550 Parade Field Ln Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone

: 1 (301) 677-7781, 1 (301) 677-7775, or 1 (301) 677-4352

Fort Meade Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Friday 0730 to 1330

Fort Meade Legal Office

4217 Morrison St. Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 677-9504 or 1 (301) 677-9536

Fort Meade Legal Office Hours

• The Legal Assistance Office is closed for walk-in service. All services are provided by appointment only.

Fort Meade Library

4418 Llewellyn Ave. Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (301) 677-5522 or 1 (301) 677-4509

Hours:

Tuesday through Friday 1100 to 1730

Fort Meade Hotels

There are many hotels near Fort Meade, so you’re sure to find one to fit your budget. For a full list of IHG Army Hotels and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the IHG Army Hotels website.

Candlewood Suites

4690 Cooper Ave. Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone:

1 (410) 674-7700

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Meade Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels near Fort Meade.

Where Should I Live Near Fort Meade?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Cities Near Fort Meade

While many military family members call post housing their home, others choose to live in nearby communities. The neighboring communities of Odenton, Laurel, Columbia, and Jessup provide housing, employment, and other services for Fort Meade’s military families. The Baltimore-Washington Metro Area’s cost of living is higher than the national average, so housing and utility bills may be expensive.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Meade

Laurel

The city of Laurel is just west of the post in Prince George County. It is home to approximately 25,600 people. The city has more than 200 acres of parkland, trails, and recreational facilities, with playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, pool complexes, and more. The city is also home to Laurel Park horse races; historic sites like the Montpelier mansion; and the National Wildlife Visitor Center, the largest science and environmental education center in the Department of the Interior.

Columbia

Columbia, in Howard County, is northwest of Fort Meade. This unincorporated community has a population of nearly 100,000 people. The region is home to an ideal mix of urban and suburban living, with a bustling downtown and lakefront region and several parks.

Hot Tip: Look for Fort Meade homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Best Schools Near Fort Meade

There are many options for your child’s education near Fort Meade. The state offers traditional public schools, as well as public charter schools and private schools. For younger children, there are a variety of local daycares and pre-K programs on and off post. Fort Meade has four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school on post. They are not DOD schools; they are owned and operated by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district. The Fort Meade School Support Services website has more information on area school districts, home schooling in Maryland, special education resources, and the youth sponsorship program, which matches incoming students with a fellow student who can guide them in their new community. The website also has contact information for the post’s school liaison officer, who can provide information and guidance on area schools as well as educational resources for your children. Find more local school information at The Best Fort Meade Schools: Daycare – High School (2020 Edition).

Fort Meade Weather

You’ll enjoy all four seasons at Fort Meade. Summers are muggy, with high temperatures in the 80s. In the winter, the average highs are in the 40s and average lows are in the 20s and 30s. Fort Meade gets about 49 inches of rain and 22 inches of snow annually.

Things to Do Near Fort Meade

Fort Meade and the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area are home to iconic historical sites, world-famous museums and art galleries, great restaurants and breweries, vibrant shopping districts, and much more. On post, there are a multitude of recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, bowling, and more. Outside the gates, with the state’s capital less than 20 miles away and the nation’s capital less than 25 miles away, there’s no shortage of things to do. Get out and explore!

Suggested Read:

24 Of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Meade and 25 of the Best Restaurants Near Fort Meade

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fort Meade at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Moving to a new post comes with challenges, but Fort Meade is a great place to call home. Enjoy access to some of the country’s most famous sites, a world-class installation, and big-city amenities during your time here.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

9/30/2021