Luke Air Force Auxiliary Field 9 serves Gila Bend, US.
Luke Air Force Auxiliary Field 9 (US-1342), also known as Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, is primarily a military installation serving as an emergency landing facility for military aircraft. It is not a public commercial airport, and therefore, typical traveler reviews regarding terminal facilities, security wait times, or customs/immigration are not available. However, the facility does host the Gila Bend FamCamp, a campground exclusively for military personnel. Reviews for this FamCamp indicate a generally positive sentiment, highlighting its affordability and basic amenities for RV camping in a remote desert setting.
What Travelers Love
- Low Price: The campground offers full hookup sites at a very affordable daily rate, often around $10-12.
- Full Hookups with Reverse Osmosis Water: Sites provide electric, water, and sewer connections, with some even offering individual reverse osmosis water systems for drinking.
- Free Laundry: A free laundry facility with washers and dryers is available to campers.
- Quiet and Remote Location: Many travelers appreciate the peaceful, remote desert environment, ideal for relaxation.
- Spacious Sites: Campers often find the sites to be roomy, including pull-through options, with some separation between rigs.
Common Complaints
- Lack of Amenities and Services: The auxiliary field itself offers very few services beyond the campground, with no gas station and only a couple of vending machines. Downtown Gila Bend, with limited shopping options, is several miles away.
- No Showers or Restrooms at Campground: There are no restrooms or showers directly within the campground; restrooms are located in a separate lodging facility to the northeast.
- Extreme Summer Heat: The area experiences extremely hot summers, with temperatures reaching 120s Fahrenheit, which can affect RV air conditioning performance.
- Fighter Jet Noise: As a military auxiliary field, early morning noise from fighter jets is a known aspect of the experience.
- Limited Activities: Beyond relaxing, there isn't much to do directly at the campground, and exploring nearby attractions like Organ Pipe National Monument requires significant driving.
- No Wi-Fi at Sites: While a lounge with Wi-Fi is mentioned, individual campsites do not offer Wi-Fi access.
Overall, the Gila Bend FamCamp at Luke Air Force Auxiliary Field 9 is a highly valued, budget-friendly option for authorized military personnel seeking a no-frills RV camping experience in a quiet, remote desert location, provided they are prepared for minimal on-site services and the potential for extreme heat and aircraft noise.
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Where is Luke Air Force Auxiliary Field 9 located?
Luke Air Force Auxiliary Field 9 is located in Gila Bend, US. Its IATA code is β and ICAO code is US-1342.