JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
With sandy beaches to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west, opportunities abound for adventurists who yearn for mountain biking, camping, fishing and other activities we look forward to during the summer.
Service members at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., can find everything required to hit the trails or the boat ramp at the 633rd Force Support Squadron and the 733rd Force Support Division's Outdoor Recreation facilities.
"I've had more than one customer say they think our services are better than what they received off the installation," said Rafael Liranzo, Fort Eustis Outdoor Recreation supervisor. "We love to provide people with everything they need."
Between Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis Outdoor Recreation facilities, JBLE personnel should take full advantage of the installation's services and facilities for their recreational needs, said Liranzo.
With a small campground, lake and rental equipment, anyone can enjoy a little time outdoors right at Fort Eustis.
The campground boasts nine stationary trailers for rent, ten camp sites with water and electricity hook-ups and five cabins. The campground also features trails, a playground and waste disposal facilities for those with RVs.
Fort Eustis Lake also sits right beside the campground so campers can enjoy activities such as boating and fishing. For those without boating equipment, the campground is located right beside the Outdoor Recreation facility, so campers can rent equipment by the hour, day or weekend to include small jon boats and fishing poles. A license isn't required to fish in the catch-and-release lake.
If choosing not to stay overnight, visitors can enjoy all the same trails, amenities and equipment as campers.
For those wishing to take a trip, Outdoor Recreation has something different to offer. Liranzo said Fort Eustis owns 14 pop-up campers, two pull-behind campers, 12 RVs, seven fishing boats and numerous kayaks and canoes plus their carrying trailers for rent. Potential renters can reserve the equipment for as long as desired and don't have to call ahead to rent any of the equipment, although Liranzo recommends doing so, especially if planning a long trip.
Langley Air Force Base has many of the same opportunities, with a few different choices as well. With Fort Eustis providing heavy-hitters in the camping department, Langley offers something a little lighter. Customers can rent tents, ranging from small two-person shelters, to massive eight-person canvas mansions with dividers. Camping equipment such as utensils and mess kits are available as well.
For those who enjoy whizzing through trails, Langley Outdoor Recreation offers mountain bikes rental, plus a removable bicycle carrier for both hatchback and sedan-style cars and SUVs.
Not all the equipment is made for outdoors adventures, however. Units who wish to hold commander's calls or similar events can rent tables and chairs for the occasion. If the event in question involves children, Langley also offers a bouncy house to keep them entertained.
Like Eustis, Langley also rents out kayaks and canoes, and both installations offer large charcoal or propane grills for the big Independence Day barbeque coming up.
The bottom line is simple; no matter what you want to do, JBLE Outdoor Recreation has the means to make this summer one to remember.