Camp Mabry

The soldiers and staff here are straight professionals when you need to update DEERS, Tricare, get an ID card, or get any other business done.
The PX has its limited items, but it is mostly there for soldier support and pure needs for the «small» things.
They have Class VI products, electronics, basic clothing, and some military wares for your needs.

I love going around this place. Traffic was terrible on MOPAC due to a wreck, so I dodged into here for a bit. I have been to the museum and different buildings many times, but I also like driving around (SLOW SPEEDs) here and looking at some of the older buildings from the glory days. Of course the planes are always cool, but just wandering around the roads (careful of pictures since it is still a military base) and looking. Highly recommend.

I used to drill here a million years ago and it was simply beautiful.
Currently I go here for occasional training, seminars and ceremonies. They have moved the entrance down the street from the main entrance and gated up the former main entrance significantly. This was done some time ago post September 11^th.
The buildings are well maintained, as always and the track has improved a great deal. They have newer outdoor workout equipment next to the track that is more suitable for the environment.
If you are a Museum fan or interested in Military history you may enjoy the Texas Military Forces Museum. This is one of the few if not only places a civilian can visit. If you are active duty/​retired you can use the PX which is smaller than most but useful if you are in the area and need to grab a few items.

When I made a turn and ended up at the front gate with a guard speaking to me I wondered what I was getting into. The guard asked for ID and if I had any weapons. I said I was not much of a Texan as all I had was a pocket knife. Without a blink the guard said that the museum was closed on Mondays and I could view the tanks and the planes. He said right at the first stop sign, right at the next stop and I would find things. The plane and chopper collection is small, only a few of each. but when I got the the tanks, WOW! more tanks here than at the Patton Museum in the Mojave. Tanks and launchers and troop carriers and more. An impressive collection. Now I have to come back and see what is in the museum. Next time in Austin, it will be a stop.

Huah.
I do my Navy drilling here some months which is helpful. So to my Sailor brethren, there is a NOSC here.
The parking is awful here, and half the time I’ll be parked on grass or down some dirt creek. Ha!
Apparently the Army as raises the Ensign at sunrise NOT 0800 like you’re supposed to. ;)

This is a review here just for the Texas Military Forces Museum. Go their website for directions, cuz they’re kind of tricky.
It’s on Camp Mabry, which is home to the Texas Army and Air National Guards; there is a checkpoint to access the property, at which they will ask for your ID, and check your trunk.
After the checkpoint, there is a coupla miles drive until you get to the actual museum building. This is a hidden jewel, with old military tanks and vehicles on permanent display.
There is a combination of exhibits of different items that range from the Civil War to present-​day. There are some uniforms, a few firearms, some international flags, and there is also an exhibit on the armed forces in current times. My favorite exhibit was the room that honed in on the battles related to the TX Republic.
Also, my most FAVORITE items on display were the number of giant dioramas (with thousands of little army men) meant to replicate how actual battles took place. When you see something of such magnitude scaled down to such a small size, it is then in which you can see the true impact if you weren’t actually there to witness, or fight it.
Great for little kids; especially great for little kids accompanied by some of the older generation.
Considering the fact that they take donations rather than directly charge for admission, this is a great service that they provide.

Checked out Camp Mabry this weekend for Crossfit Sectionals. Had to cheer on Walker F. as she DOMINATED.
I had no idea that Camp Mabry was open to the public. There is not a lot here to speak of — just some big fields, a lot of random buildings, some old tanks, helicopters, jets, etc.
It’s a bit of a maze in there, so be forewarned. Nothing too terrible, but the first time you go, you’re taken aback at how big the Camp actually is. There are a lot of deer as well.
I believe that there is even a museum on property that I’ll have to come check out at some point.

I attended an event here this past weekend and wanted to give a shout out to the peeps of Camp Mabry. The fine folks there accommodated the Central Texas Crossfit Sectionals and allowed the event to take over building 39 and the parade deck.
It was a gorgeous weekend weather-​wise and I cannot think of a more perfect place to hold an event showcasing some of the finest athletes Central Texas has to offer. It was totally bad ass warming up while cadets were doing their morning jog, and doing the workouts on a field dotted with old military aircraft.
I didn’t realize until I read Errol’s review that this was open to the public. Awesome! I will totally come back for a loop or two, if for no other reason to get a pic with the helicopter.
As he mentioned, be prepared to show ID and be searched. Two other notes: 1) it is a federal offense to walk on or pick the bluebonnets, and 2) you cannot carry a firearm onto the the, even if you have a license. (dunno how many Unilocalers are packin heat, but just in case)

For cardio, I walk, not run, only because I’ve never heard of anyone keeling over from cardiac arrest during a walking workout. I also don’t like being distracted or bothered when I do my daily miles. For me, the very best place in Austin to do serious walking is the Camp Mabry track.
You can see the track from Mopac by glancing west between the 35^th and 45^th St. exits; it’s that expanse of area with planes and helicopters all neatly lined up and lit up at night. It’s exactly one-​mile of light gravel and cinder with quarter-​mile posts – I know the distances are accurate because I measured them. There are also exercise-​stations all around the track with incline benches and bars and instructions on how to use them, if that interests you. The track has a large parking lot and a small bathroom where you can change.
Camp Mabry is a military post, but normal people can use the track – just tell the guards at the 35^th St. entrance why you’re there, show some id, and be prepared to open your trunk. You’ll get a yellow temporary permit for your car.
I don’t know what the deal is on the property here, but it sure doesn’t feel like being in the middle of Austin: You must drive slowly and carefully, especially during dusk and dawn, to accommodate all the does and fawns and raccoons and coyotes that will cross your path. It’s actually pretty cool. At twilight, there’s usually a herd of deer grazing as I’m driving out.
I’ve noticed Army people do early morning workouts, so if I’m there when they are, I just stay on the right-​hand side of the track and they’ll zip past me on the left – just like driving. On weekend mornings, I see Navy people. From 6:00pm on, I rarely see more than two people using the place at all. Incidentally, it’s worth bringing your own water and not rely on the water fountains at the two gazebos.
One last thing – every once in a while when I’m there, a helicopter will swoop down and land in the middle of the track and after a short while take off again. For some reason, that just fascinates me.
It occurs to me this place is some kind of hidden gem that I shouldn’t be talking about, and those in the know probably want it sequestered; if that’s the case, I’ll consider deleting this review. Then again, maybe not.
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January 2015 Update — «The new track is here! The new track is here!»