New campground planned for Dyess

  • Published
  • By Roy Utley
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Force Support Squadron's Outdoor Recreation broke ground near the base picnic area here for a new campground June 21, 2012.

The campground will have 18 full-hookup camping stations, six dry stations, an area for tent camping, a laundry and bath facility, as well as picnic tables and umbrellas. Two of the campsites will be handicap accessible.

The estimated completion date is in December if everything goes as planned, said Keith Quinn, Outdoor Recreation manager.

"We determined we could support a FamCamp after receiving requests and conducting a survey," Quinn said. According to an independent study done about a year ago, the local area can support two or three more campsites he added.

At this time, Quinn estimates that prices will be comparable to other locales in the area.

"This FamCamp will be great not only for the Dyess community, but the Abilene community as well," Quinn said. While the location allows for easy access from Interstate 20, it also boasts a mechanic in the Auto Hobby Shop who is trained to perform minor repairs on recreational vehicles. The campsite will be open to all active duty, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and their family members.

An online reservation system is being established and campers will have the opportunity to make reservations and pay online. Check the Outdoor Recreation Center's website, www.dyessfss.com/outdoor-rec.html, periodically for updates.

Now that the construction phase of the project has started, Quinn said there is still one more detail that needs to be addressed.

"We don't have a name for the FamCamp and would like to solicit suggestions from the public," Quinn said. Those interested in submitting a recommendation can e-mail Quinn at keith.quinn@dyess.af.mil.