In GTA 5 and GTA Online, there is a single military base that can be found on the map, serving as headquarters for the US Military, Army, and Air Force. So, where is the GTA 5 military base, what about GTA Online, and why should you be interested?

Let’s take a look.

GTA 5 Military Base Location: Map and Satellite Image

The GTA V military base, called "Fort Zancudo", is marked on the map as "Lago Zancudo", just south of the North Chumash beach and south-west of Mount Josiah, with Lago Zancudo swamps and the town of Harmony nearby.

The easiest way to spot it is to look for the tip of the base that extends to the Northwest shoreline.

military base gta 5 fort zancudo satellite view

That said, Fort Zancudo does not come up on the in-game GTA 5 map. Rather, in its place is just apparent emptiness. But you can see the location below in the satellite version, as we marked it for you in our military base GTA 5 map:

gta 5 military base location map

Reasons to Enter Fort Zancudo in GTA 5

There’s a reason why the Fort Zancudo military base in GTA 5 and GTA Online isn’t so easy for the player to access.

It contains heavily armored and lethal military equipment, such as the P-996 Lazer fighter jet or the Rhino tank.

Naturally, the game won’t just hand these vehicles out to you, but infiltrating the base and hijacking one can be well worth it!

How to Enter Fort Zancudo Military Base GTA 5?

There are a few ways to infiltrate the GTA 5 Military Base in Fort Zancudo.

If you have a fast vehicle, try using the hills around the base to launch yourself over the fence, or just try hopping over the fence.

It’s possible to run through the front gates as well, by using a motorcycle. If you’re fast enough and the guards aren’t looking, you will have an opening. Lastly, you can always jump from a helicopter or plane directly into the base.

In all of these situations, keep in mind that you will have to be quick, as you will instantly be attacked by the guards. So as soon as you’re in, find a vehicle to hijack and make a run for it.

What Happens When You Enter Fort Zancudo Military Base In GTA 5?

Entering Fort Zancudo’s airspace, either by plane or helicopter, will put a 2-star wanted level on the player, and a radio warning will be issued.

Shortly after, the wanted level will increase to 4 and guided missiles will be launched at players if they don't leave the vicinity.

Military Base GTA Online: ‘Smugglers Run’ Update, Perks & Conditions

Since the 2017 update called Smugglers Run, wealthy players have been able to buy hangars within the Fort Zancudo military base in GTA Online.

If they do so, they will be granted access to the base and the military personnel will not be hostile towards the player. Although, should the player attempt to steal a vehicle or fire a weapon, the soldiers will attack.

The 3 Fort Zancudo hangars which can be player-owned property in GTA Online are:

GTA 5 Military Base: FAQ

Where is the Military Base in GTA 5?

The GTA 5 military base location is hidden on the in-game map and shown as an empty space. It’s marked as ‘Lago Zancudo’, located next to Mount Josiah, below the North Chumash beach on the west side of the map. The military base can be seen from a satellite map of Los Santos though.

Can you sneak into the Military Base GTA 5?

Yes, there are a couple of ways you can sneak into the GTA 5 military base in Fort Zancudo. You can sneak into it by jumping over the fence surrounding the base, or by finding a small hill next to the base and using it as a ramp to launch yourself over the fence with a fast vehicle. Another way to enter, through the front gate, is by using a motorcycle and driving past the guards while they’re not looking. Other than that, you can just jump from a plane or helicopter while flying over Fort Zancudo.

How do you get to Fort Zancudo in GTA 5?

The easiest way to get to Fort Zancudo is to look at the west side of the map and locate Lago Zancudo and Mount Josiah. Fort Zancudo is located between these 2 locations, just below the North Chumash beach.

Can you get into Fort Zancudo without a wanted level?

Entering the Fort Zancudo military base in GTA 5 will instantly put a wanted level on the player. However, since the Smugglers Run update, players can buy hangars within the military base in GTA Online. This will grant them access to the base without acquiring a wanted level.


With this guide, we believe you won’t have any trouble finding the GTA 5 military base location. As for getting past its defenses, it might be a bit more challenging, but nothing you can’t beat!

Before you go, check out our quick guides to other GTA 5 popular locations such as police and fire stations - and don’t forget to let us know if we need to add some more.

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