The Ultimate PCS Guide to Fort Campbell, Kentucky & Tennessee

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to Fort Campbell, home of the "Screaming Eagles" and the proud legacy of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Fort Campbell is a premier power projection platform, also hosting the renowned 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), the "Night Stalkers." The post has a high operational tempo and a distinct identity centered around its unique air assault mission. The "Rendezvous with Destiny" motto is more than a slogan; it's a way of life that permeates the community with pride and a sense of purpose.

Location & Climate Fort Campbell uniquely straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. While the official address and main gates are in Kentucky, the majority of the post's land and housing is in Tennessee. The primary support city is Clarksville, Tennessee, located just south of the installation. The major cultural and entertainment hub of Nashville, TN, is only about an hour's drive away. You will experience four distinct seasons:

• Summers: Hot and humid, with temperatures regularly in the 90s (∘F).
• Winters: Moderately cold, with temperatures often hovering around freezing. Occasional light snow and ice are possible.
• Spring & Fall: These seasons are long and generally pleasant, though spring is the peak season for severe weather.
• Tornadoes: The region is in a tornado-prone area. It is critical to have a weather radio and a family safety plan, especially during the spring.

Local Vibe & Culture Clarksville is a rapidly growing city whose identity is deeply intertwined with Fort Campbell. The community is exceptionally military-friendly and patriotic. The culture is a mix of Southern hospitality and the youthful energy of a large military population. A significant benefit of this duty station is the low cost of living, which is well below the national average, making it an economically comfortable place for families.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by Campbell Crossing (Lendlease).
• Reputation & Condition: Campbell Crossing is one of the largest housing communities in the Army. It is known for its walkable neighborhoods, numerous playgrounds, and strong community feel. The housing stock includes many new or recently renovated homes, as well as areas with older, legacy housing.
• Waitlist Times: Waitlists can exist for the most popular and newer neighborhoods, especially during the summer PCS season, but are often more manageable than at other large installations due to the sheer volume of housing available.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Fort Campbell has a very large, modern main Exchange and two large Commissaries to serve the community.
• Healthcare: Blanchfield Army Community Hospital is the on-post medical center providing comprehensive care.
• MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR is outstanding and highly family-focused. It includes numerous state-of-the-art fitness centers, the Gardner Indoor Pool which features a water park, and excellent outdoor recreation programs.
• Museum: The Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum on post chronicles the incredible history of the 101st Airborne Division from WWII to the present.

III. Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods (Off-Base)

Housing Market Overview The Clarksville housing market is booming with new construction but remains very affordable. Your BAH will go very far here. The area is a popular spot for military families to purchase their first home. A typical 3-bedroom rental will range from $1,400 to $2,100 per month.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Clarksville, TN: The vast majority of families live here. Popular areas within the city include:
   • North Clarksville: Closest to the main gates (1-4). Features a lot of new construction and is highly convenient for a short commute.
   • Sango / Rossview (East Clarksville): These are more upscale suburban areas known for having the most highly-rated schools in the county, along with extensive shopping and dining options. The commute to post is longer (30-45 min).
2. Oak Grove, KY:
   • Character: A small town located just outside Gate 7 on the Kentucky side. Offers very affordable housing and an extremely short commute.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.
3. Hopkinsville, KY:
   • Character: A larger city about 30 minutes north of post in Kentucky. It offers a more traditional, non-military town feel with very low housing costs.
   • Commute: 25-40 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low (very affordable).

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools A major advantage of Fort Campbell is its comprehensive DoDEA school system, which serves all students in grades Pre-K through 12 who live on the installation. The on-post system includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and Fort Campbell High School.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: The main off-post district is the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) in Tennessee. It is a large, fast-growing district very accustomed to serving military children. In Kentucky, the primary district is Christian County Public Schools.
• School Ratings: The schools in the Rossview and Sango zones in Clarksville are generally the most sought-after. Data is available from the Tennessee and Kentucky Departments of Education.

Childcare

• On-Post: Fort Campbell has a large network of CDCs and FCC homes, but demand is extremely high. Waitlists are the norm. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com immediately.
• Off-Base: Clarksville offers a wide variety of childcare centers and in-home daycares that are affordable compared to national averages.

V. Things to Do, Pro-Tips & Weekend Trips

Local Must-Dos

1. Explore Nashville: The proximity to "Music City" is a top perk. Go to a concert, see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, or walk the famous honky-tonk strip on Broadway.
2. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area: Less than an hour away, this is a massive outdoor paradise for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
3. Visit a Distillery: You are at the edge of bourbon country. Tour local distilleries like Old Glory in Clarksville or venture onto the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
4. Downtown Clarksville: Stroll through the revitalized downtown, visit the farmers market, or cool off in the fountains at the Downtown Commons.
5. Attend Week of the Eagles: A biennial celebration on post that includes division reviews, air shows, and community events celebrating the 101st.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• TN vs. KY - Know the Difference: Your state of residence has major financial implications. Tennessee has no state income tax; Kentucky does. This, along with vehicle registration taxes (which are higher in TN), is a critical factor when deciding where to live.
• Take Weather Seriously: Pay close attention to weather alerts in the spring. Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning, and have a designated shelter space in your home.
• The "Clarksville Crawl": Wilma Rudolph Blvd. is the main commercial road in Clarksville and is notorious for heavy traffic, especially on weekends. Learn the back roads.
• High OPTEMPO: Fort Campbell is a busy post with frequent training and deployments. Connect with your Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) for support.

Weekend Trips

1. Nashville, TN (1 hour): A world-class destination for music, food, and sports (NFL's Titans, NHL's Predators).
2. Chattanooga, TN (3 hours): A beautiful city famous for outdoor activities. Visit Lookout Mountain, Rock City, and the amazing Tennessee Aquarium.
3. Louisville, KY (2.5 hours): Home of the Kentucky Derby. Visit Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and explore the Urban Bourbon Experience.
4. Memphis, TN (3 hours): Experience the history of American music on Beale Street, visit Graceland (home of Elvis Presley), and enjoy some of the world's best barbecue.