If you’ve just received orders for the 10th Mountain Division, you’re probably staring at a map of Northern New York wondering where exactly "the middle of nowhere" ends and your new life begins. Most people just Google fort drum ny zip code and expect a single five-digit answer. It’s never that simple with the military, is it?
Honestly, the zip code situation at Drum is a bit of a localized puzzle. You’ve got the main installation, the sprawling training areas, and the residential pockets that technically fall under different jurisdictions. If you get it wrong, your Amazon package might end up in a different county or sitting in a holding bin at Clark Hall for a week.
The Core Numbers: 13602 and 13603
Basically, there are two primary zip codes you need to know for the post itself. The vast majority of the official installation, including the headquarters, the PX, and Guthrie Clinic, uses 13602. If you are sending official mail to a unit or visiting a Garrison office, this is your go-to.
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Then there is 13603. This one is specifically tied to certain housing areas on post. If you’re living in the Timbers or one of the Mountain Community Homes like Rhicard Hills, you might find yourself writing 13603 on your return address. It’s a subtle shift, but it helps the USPS sort through the massive volume of mail that hits the North Country every morning.
Why 13602 Matters for PCSing Soldiers
When you’re "en route" and don’t have a house yet, the Army has a specific way they want you to handle your mail. You can’t just have things floating in the void. For soldiers in transit, the official recommendation is to use the following format:
Rank, First Name, Last Name
c/o OMDC-Pending Gain
10720 Mt. Belvedere Blvd.
Fort Drum, NY 13602
It sounds formal because it is. This address routes your mail to the Clark Hall area, where you’ll likely be doing your in-processing anyway. It's much better than having your stuff sent back to your old duty station.
The Surrounding "Drum" Landscape
A lot of people say they live at Fort Drum, but they actually live in the tiny towns that hug the perimeter fence. If you’re looking for off-post housing, your zip code is going to change the second you drive through the gate.
Evans Mills (13637) is right outside the Main Gate and is a huge hub for rentals. Then you have Black River (13612), which feels a bit more "small-town New York" and is popular with NCOs and officers looking for a quieter vibe. If you head toward the Leray Gate, you’re looking at Calcium (13616).
Watertown is the "big city" nearby. It uses 13601. If you tell a local you're headed to the "city," they know you mean the place with the Target and the Salmon Run Mall. It’s only ten minutes away, but in the middle of a lake-effect snowstorm, it can feel like a different planet.
The Logistics of the North Country
Living in the fort drum ny zip code area means getting used to a few regional quirks. The post office on base is located at 10760 Enduring Freedom Drive. It's usually busy. Like, "line out the door on a Tuesday" busy. If you need to ship something large or get a passport, many people actually find it faster to drive into Evans Mills or even down to the main Watertown branch on Commerce Park Drive.
- 13602: The primary installation and military offices.
- 13603: Specific on-post residential housing (like The Timbers).
- 13612: Black River (just off post).
- 13637: Evans Mills (the most immediate off-post area).
Wait times at the 13602 post office can be brutal during block leave or right before a major deployment. Plan accordingly.
Mailing to the 10th Mountain Division
If you’re a family member trying to send a care package to a soldier who is currently training "in the box" (the local training area), do not just send it to their barracks address. Training cycles often have specific mail drops.
However, for most day-to-day administrative needs, the 13602 zip code is the "front door" to the 10th Mountain Division. Whether it's the 1st Brigade Combat Team or the Sustainment Brigade, their physical offices almost all reside within that 13602 boundary.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think there's a "secret" zip code for the airfield or the deep training woods. There isn't. It's just a lot of empty space that falls under the 13602 umbrella. Also, don't confuse Fort Drum, New York, with the Fort Drum in Florida—which is basically just a rest area and a small community. If you see a zip code starting with 3, you're looking at the wrong state.
Also, be aware that "Fort Drum" isn't a city in the traditional sense. It’s a census-designated place. If you're filling out a form online and it doesn't recognize "Fort Drum" as a city, try "Watertown" with the 13602 zip. Usually, the system will catch it, but the military designation is the most accurate way to ensure delivery.
Final Logistics Tips
Moving here is a transition. The weather is the biggest factor—snow can delay mail delivery by a day or two in the peak of winter. If you're expecting a package in January, give it some grace.
If you’re still confused about where you belong, check your housing paperwork. Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes (FDMCH) is very specific about which zip code applies to which "neighborhood" on post. Most people don't realize that 13603 exists until they see it on their lease.
To get your mail moving correctly, your first step should be to visit the Clark Hall mail room if you're a single soldier, or set up your forwarding address with the USPS online tool the moment you have a house number in 13602 or 13603. It's the only way to make sure your life stays organized while you're busy with the 10th Mountain.
Check your orders one last time. If they say "Fort Drum," use 13602 for everything until you have a physical key in your hand. This prevents your personal records from getting lost in the shuffle of a massive Army installation.