Youth Group Camping
The U.S. Air Force Academy is proud to host local youth organizations on base for camping. Our designated campground for overnight stays is conveniently located near the North Gate. Nestled along the base of the Front Range, the Academy preserves over 18,500 acres of forests and mountain terrain, ideal for outdoor activities. We look forward to welcoming your troop or youth group.
Camping
The Academy maintains a primitive campground adjacent to the B-52 static display which is available to reserve year-round. There is no fee to reserve the campground but eligibility is restricted. Contact us at usafa.events@afacademy.af.edu for details and to find out if your group is eligible to reserve the campground.
In order to allow time for processing, please make your reservations at least 45 days in advance.
Due to base regulations, groups camping overnight must have a designated sponsor with a valid Department of Defense/military ID card.
To reserve the campground area for an overnight stay:
- The sponsor should fill out the Request Form (USAFA Form 29) and the Facility Use (USAFA Form 117), sections 1 and 4 only.
- The sponsor should email the USAFA Form 117 and the USAFA Form 29 to: usafa.events@afacademy.af.edu. Please call (719) 333-4148 or (719) 333-6724 with any questions.
- Sponsors hosting overnight groups of 10 adult guests or more who do not hold valid military/DOD ID cards must file for a base pass. To obtain a pass, please fill out the provided EAL (Entry Access List) template and send via an encrypted email to: 10SFS.SB@us.af.mil, no later than 6 business days prior to your event. If the sponsor is unable to send an encrypted email, they must hand carry the EAL to the Pass & ID Office outside the South Gate.
- Sponsors hosting less than 10 adult guests without valid military/DOD ID cards must accompany their guests to the Pass & ID office at the South Gate to obtain individual passes. Please call (719) 333-0443 with any questions.
Hiking Trails & Fishing
Many of the Academy’s single-track trails are open to scouting groups and the general public for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding during normal visitor hours. Prior coordination is not required for use of the trails. For more information and to plan your trip, visit our Hiking & Trails page.
The Academy has five lakes in the main area that can be used for recreational fishing. Guests without a DOD/military ID must be accompanied by a sponsor with a valid DOD/military ID. For information on seasonal availability, permits, lake access and regulations, visit our Fishing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do in an emergency?
For emergencies, please dial 911. For any suspicious activity, please contact 10th Security Forces at 719-333-2000.
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Is there a trash dumpster at the campground?
Yes. There is a dumpster adjacent to the campground restroom to dispose of waste.
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Is there a source of drinkable water?
Drinkable water is only available during certain months. Adjacent to the campground bathroom is a spigot that provides running water from late spring until early fall, when there is little risk of frost. We recommend bringing plenty of drinking water in the event that the spigot is unavailable.
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Are there bathrooms at the campsite?
Like drinkable water, the Academy only has bathrooms available during certain months, typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Youth leaders will need to provide portable toilets when the bathroom is unavailable. There are no restrictions as to which rental company is used.
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Are there picnic tables at the campsite?
Yes, there are wooden picnic tables with benches.
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Is there a specific time by which civilian visitors need to enter the gate?
The EAL will allow access for non-military or non-DoD ID visitors access to the Academy through either the North or South Gate. Visitors must enter either of the gates by 10 PM.
Entering a military base for the first time might be daunting. See our helpful instructions for getting on base.
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Are there wild animals on base and where should food be stored?
There is a variety of wildlife here at the Academy that we protect and manage in collaboration with federal and state officials. We ask you to be good stewards of the environment by disposing of your waste appropriately and storing unused food safely in your vehicle. For wildlife concerns, please contact Natural Resources at 719-333-3308 or reach 10th Security Forces after-hours at 719-333-2000.
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Is there cell phone service at the campground?
Yes; however, reception varies based on location and carrier.
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Are campfires allowed?
Ground fires are prohibited on base. Groups are allowed to have fires in bowl or barrel and must provide their own. Campers must follow El Paso County Fire restrictions. For the latest restrictions and information, click here. We ask that you burn all fires down to ash before extinguishing the fire. You may use propane camp stoves for cooking.
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Are there any opportunities for groups to do conservation, service or scouting projects?
Contact the Natural Resources Office at 719-333-3308 for any possible opportunities.
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Can youth organizations tour the Academy?
Yes. Much of the Academy is open to the public and we encourage you to enjoy the views, diversity of plants and wildlife, and rich history of our campus. We invite you to visit the Visitor Center for exhibits, help and information and use this self-guided tour to make the most of your trip.
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Does the Academy provide certificates for Boy Scout and Girl Scout achievements?
Yes. We have fillable certificates for both Eagle Scout and Gold Award recipients available that can be filled out and printed for your scout to display.