WELCOME TO FORT BRAGG, NC: YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Fort Bragg—known proudly as the “Home of the Airborne”—is one of the most storied and mission-critical Army installations in the world. Home to the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the installation plays a central role in global rapid-deployment missions and national defense.

Formerly renamed Fort Liberty, the post returned to its historical designation in 2025. Today, it honors Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, a decorated World War II hero awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

With over 50,000 troops, 20,000 civilian employees, and a supported population of roughly 282,000, Fort Bragg operates more like a city than a base—complete with schools, medical facilities, housing, recreation, and essential services. The post spans 500 square miles, including 146,000 acres dedicated to training, more than 1,400 miles of paved roads, and 21 miles of railroad.

Whether you're PCS’ing, visiting, or newly assigned, this guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth transition.

Where Is Fort Bragg?

Address: 2843 Normandy Drive, Fort Bragg, NC 28310

Phone Directory: 1 (910) 396-8683

Fort Bragg is located just west of Fayetteville, North Carolina, primarily spanning Cumberland County with additional portions in Hoke County. The base offers easy access to major southeastern U.S. cities:

• Raleigh – ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Atlanta, GA – 5–6 hours
• Washington, D.C. – 5–6 hours

Fort Bragg Base Entry Procedures

Below is a breakdown of the procedures for entering the base.

All visitors must present proper identification at Fort Bragg’s Access Control Points (ACPs).

Accepted IDs Include:

• CAC (Common Access Card)
• Military ID
• Retiree ID
• Veteran Healthcare Identification Card
• Fort Bragg Visitor Pass

Visitor Passes

You may apply:

• Online (for U.S. citizens with REAL ID)
• At the All-American Visitor Center (5:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. daily)

Average Drive Times to Fort Bragg Gates from Popular Cities

• Fayetteville: 20–25 min
• Spring Lake: 15–20 min
• Hope Mills: 30–40 min
• Sanford: 45–55 min
• Raleigh: 1 hr – 1 hr 15 min
• Washington, D.C.: 5–6 hr
• Atlanta, GA: 5–6 hr
• Pinehurst/Southern Pines: 35–40 min

Check-In Procedures & Access Requirements for Incoming Personnel

Incoming military personnel, civilians, and contractors must follow Fort Bragg’s standard access and in-processing steps. At installation gates, you'll present valid government-issued identification—typically a CAC for service members or a visitor/contractor pass issued by the Visitor Control Center.

Those without a DoD ID card must coordinate with their sponsor in advance to be entered into the security system.

Upon arrival, you'll report to the installation reception center, where they complete administrative updates, finance and housing briefings, and required medical readiness checks. Civilians, contractors, and Reserve Component personnel follow similar procedures as directed by their gaining organization.

Gates & Hours of Operation

• Gate 1 – Longstreet: 24/7
• Gate 2 – Chicken Road: 24/7
• Gate 3 – Rock Merritt: 05:00–21:00 (Mon–Fri)
• Gate 4 – Yadkin Rd: 24/7
• Gate 5 – All American: 24/7
• Gate 5A – All American VCC: 05:00–21:00 daily
• Gate 10 – Honeycutt Rd: 24/7
• Gate 11 – R. Miller Rd: 24/7
• Gate 12 – Butner Rd: 05:00–21:00 (Mon–Fri)
• Gate 13 – Simmons: 24/7
• Gate 18 – Manchester Rd: 05:00–21:00 (Mon–Fri)
• Commercial Vehicle Gates: Knox St Truck Plaza, Gate 16 (limited hours)

Fort Bragg Visitor Center

The Fort Bragg Visitor Center grants temporary vehicle passes and can provide directions and information on the base. For more information about the Visitor Center, call (910) 432-8193.

Address: 3550 All American Fwy, Fort Liberty, NC 28310

Fort Bragg Visitor Center Hours:

• Monday - Sunday: 05:00-21:00

Base Amenities & Facilities at Fort Bragg

Womack Army Medical Center

Fort Bragg’s full-service Womack military hospital provides comprehensive healthcare for active duty, families, and retirees.

Address: 2817 Rock Merritt Ave., Fort Bragg, NC 28310

Hours: Medical Center open 24/7

Phone: (910) 907-6000

Fort Bragg Housing Services Office

The Fort Bragg housing office supports on-base and off-base housing, landlord disputes, school info, utility waivers, and more.

Address: Soldier Support Center, Bldg 4-2843 BH2

Hours:

• Monday, Wednesday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Phone: (910) 396-1022

DEERS Office

The DEERS Office is an appointment-only service for CAC, dependent IDs, and personnel record updates.

Address: Bldg 4-2843 Normandy Drive, 1st Floor

ID Card Facility Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8:15-16:30

Closed from 12:00-17:00 on the 3rd Thursday of each month for training.

Phone: (910) 396-9339

Finance Office

The Finance Office provides support for military pay, travel vouchers, and financial inquiries.

Address: Gavin Hall 1 All American Way, Building #7023 Fort Bragg, NC, 28310

Hours:
Mon–Wed & Fri: 0830–1600 (closed 1200–1300)
Thu & Federal Holidays: Closed

Phone: (910) 432-0109

Legal Services

Legal services provides legal advice, notary services, POAs, wills, and family law support.

Address: Soldier Support Center, Normandy Drive, 1st Floor, Wings B/D Fort Bragg, NC, 28310-0000

Phone: 1(910) 396-6113

North Commissary

The North Commissary provides grocery shopping with tax-free savings for military families.

Address: 3571 Butner Rd Fort Bragg, NC 28307-5000

Hours: 07:30–21:00 daily

South Commissary

The South Commissary provides grocery shopping with tax-free savings for military families.

Address: 1017 Canopy Ln Bldg. Z3252, Fort Bragg, NC, 28310

Hours: 0730–2100 daily

Fort Bragg Post Office

See the hours below for the on-base post office.

Address: 1605 Rock Merritt Ave, Fort Bragg, NC 28307-5001

Phone: 910-423-2309

MWR Services at Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg offers a wide range of MWR facilities designed to support service members, families, and the broader military community. From championship golf courses and lively bowling centers to modern fitness facilities and convenient dining options, these amenities help make life on post more enjoyable and accessible.

Stryker Golf Course

Address: 1219 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28307
Phone: (910) 396-3980

Stryker Golf Course offers a beautiful 18-hole layout suitable for golfers of all skill levels. With well-kept greens and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite for leisure rounds, tournaments, and practice sessions.

Hours of Operation:

• Mon: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Tue: Closed
• Wed–Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Sat–Sun & Federal Holidays: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Ryder Golf Course

Address: 5625 Normandy Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28307
Phone: (910) 907-4653

Ryder Golf Course is known for its challenging fairways and scenic views. Whether you want to sharpen your skills or enjoy a relaxing day outdoors, Ryder provides an excellent setting.

Hours of Operation:

• Mon: Closed
• Tue–Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Sat–Sun & Federal Holidays: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Dragon Lanes

Address: 4-2374 Bastogne Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28307
Phone: (910) 907-2695

Dragon Lanes features 24 bowling lanes, arcade games, a snack bar, and a lively atmosphere perfect for families, units, and social gatherings.

Hours of Operation:

• Mon: Closed
• Tue–Thu: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Sat: 1:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Sun: Closed
• Training Holidays: Open at 11:00 a.m.

Fitness Center

Fort Bragg operates 13 fitness centers, including several with 24/7 access. These facilities support a wide range of training needs—from weightlifting and cardio to functional fitness and unit PT.

Callahan Physical Fitness Center

• Address: 2 Woodruff St #1705, Fort Liberty, NC 28310
• Hours:
  • Mon–Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sat–Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ryder Physical Fitness Center

• Address: 1-4930 Normandy Dr, Fort Bragg, NC 28307
• Hours:
  • Mon–Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Sat–Sun: Closed

Dining Option at Fort Bragg

The Divot at Ryder Golf Course

This convenient on-post dining spot serves breakfast, lunch, and quick bites for golfers and non-golfers alike.

• Address: Ryder Golf Course, Normandy Drive, Bldg 1-5625
• Hours:
  • Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Sun: Closed
  • Training Holidays: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Hotels Near Fort Bragg

IHG Army Hotels – Moon Hall

• Address: D-3601 Darby Loop, Fort Bragg, NC 28310

IHG Army Hotels – Normandy House & Carolina Inn

• Address: Check-In at Moon Hall, 1-4428, Totten St Bldg. 3601, Fort Bragg, NC 28310

Embassy Suites by Hilton

• Address: 4760 Lake Valley Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Where Should I Live Near Fort Bragg?

If you’re considering living on-base, check out the available on-base housing options at Fort Bragg.

If you’re living off-base, however, you’ll have plenty of options.

Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville is the largest city in the region, home to more than 200,000 residents and located roughly 12–15 miles from Fort Bragg’s main gates. It offers one of the fastest and most direct commutes to the installation.

Housing options are plentiful and range from established neighborhoods to newer suburban developments.

Home prices vary widely but are generally more affordable than national averages. Apartments and townhomes are also abundant, making Fayetteville a practical option for service members, families, and those on temporary assignments.

Spring Lake, NC

Spring Lake is a smaller community located just minutes from Fort Bragg, offering one of the quickest commutes to several major gates. With a population of about 12,000, it is known for being heavily military-oriented and budget-friendly.

Homes in Spring Lake tend to be more affordable, with a mix of older properties and new construction. Rental options are common, making it attractive for short-term assignments.

Hope Mills, NC

Hope Mills is a mid-sized, family-centered community south of Fayetteville, known for its suburban feel and steady growth. With around 17,000 residents, it offers a quieter pace of life and convenient shopping, parks, and neighborhood amenities.

Homes in the area include spacious single-family options, new subdivisions, and moderately priced rentals.

Sanford, NC

Sanford is located northwest of Fort Bragg and has a population of approximately 31,000. While the commute is longer, the area offers historic districts, a revitalized downtown, and a pleasant arts and dining scene.

Homes in Sanford are competitively priced, with many historic and mid-century options as well as new suburban developments. Rentals are also available at affordable rates.

Southern Pines & Pinehurst, NC

These neighboring towns are two of the most desirable living areas in the region, known for their beautiful landscapes, golf courses, and resort-style amenities. Southern Pines has a population of around 15,000, while Pinehurst is home to about 17,000 residents.

Housing in these areas tends to be more expensive but includes elegant single-family homes, historic cottages, and upscale rentals. The high quality of life, excellent schools, and charming downtown districts attract families and professionals willing to trade a slightly longer commute for premium living.

Fort Bragg Schools

On-Base

Fort Bragg is served by 9 DoDEA schools, including:

• Hampton Primary (PK–1)
• Irwin Intermediate (2–5)
• Bowley Elementary (PK–5)
• Devers Elementary (PK–5)
• Gordon Elementary (PK–5)
• Poole Elementary (PK–5)
• Shughart Elementary (PK–5)
• Albritton Middle (6–8)
• Shughart Middle (6–8)

Off-Base

• Cumberland County Schools
• Harnett County Schools
• Hoke County Schools
• Lee County Schools
• Moore County Schools

FAQs About Fort Bragg

Can single Soldiers live on base?

Yes. Single Soldiers E-5 and below live in barracks; SFC and above may reside in Randolph Point or off-post.

Are commissaries coupon-friendly?

Yes. Commissaries accept most manufacturer and digital coupons.

Is Fort Bragg a hands-free installation?

Yes. Hands-free devices are required when using mobile phones while driving.

Does Fort Bragg have temporary lodging?

Yes—Landmark Inn, IHG Moon Hall, and multiple nearby hotels.

Suggested reads:

• 20+ Things to Do Near Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, and More!
• Welcome to Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island: Your Comprehensive Guide
• 20+ of the Best Things to Do Near North Island NAS, in San Diego, CA