PCSing to Camp Bullis?Where to Live on the North Side
A field training reservation of more than 27,000 acres where San Antonio meets the Hill Country. The Dominion is about 3.5 driving miles from its main gate, and Shavano Park about 6.5.
Let's Talk About Your Next MoveQuestions about Camp Bullis? Call me at (919) 800-9870
JBSA-Camp Bullis is a training reservation of more than 27,000 acres in northern Bexar County. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps combat units use it for maneuvers, and medical units stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center use it for field training. Its main gate is on the south side, at the end of Camp Bullis Road just north of Eisenhower Park, and JBSA lists the post as open 24/7. The Dominion is about 3.5 driving miles away, Shavano Park about 6.5, Helotes and Fair Oaks Ranch about 10, and Boerne about 16. Camp Bullis uses San Antonio's BAH rates, which for 2026 run from $1,728 to $2,490 a month with dependents, depending on pay grade.
Key Takeaways
- It's the maneuvering ground for Army, Air Force and Marine Corps combat units and the field training site for medical units stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center.
- Army Reserve and Texas National Guard personnel train there too.
- JBSA lists Camp Bullis as open 24/7, including federal holidays. Its one public gate sits on the reservation's south side, at the end of Camp Bullis Road just north of Eisenhower Park.
- Fair Oaks Ranch shares a boundary with the reservation, but its City Hall is about 10 driving miles from the main gate because the route goes around the post.
- Camp Bullis's ZIP code (78257) falls in the same San Antonio military housing area as the rest of JBSA, so the 2026 BAH table on this page applies. Rates reset each January.
- The reservation began in 1906, when the military bought more than 17,000 acres from all or parts of six ranches. It now covers more than 27,000 acres.
Data current as of October 2026 · Sources: JBSA | JBSA Gate Hours | Military OneSource | DTMO BAH
I've Been Where You Are.
I've researched a new duty station from another state, so I know how thin the search results can get. Camp Bullis makes it harder: it isn't a name most people know, and most of what you'll find online is written for Fort Sam or Lackland, which leaves you guessing about the north side.
I'm Tiffany Reed, an Army wife, REALTOR® and Military Relocation Professional (MRP). I work with buyers headed to every part of JBSA, Camp Bullis included. For a north-side search, I'll ask how you feel about septic systems, HOAs and acreage, since the answers narrow the map fast between Stone Oak, Helotes and Boerne.
Reach out when your orders come in, even if your dates are still moving. I can start showing you homes on video right away.
Let's Talk About Your Next MoveWhat Is JBSA-Camp Bullis and Who Trains There?
Camp Bullis covers the northern edge of Bexar County, where San Antonio gives way to the Hill Country, about 18 driving miles north of downtown by I-10. It's a field training reservation, mostly ranges, training areas and open land. It operates as part of Joint Base San Antonio.
- Maneuver training for Army, Air Force and Marine Corps combat units
- Field training for the medical units stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center on Fort Sam Houston
- Ranges and training areas shared by units across Joint Base San Antonio
How far is Camp Bullis from the neighborhoods around it? Here are approximate driving miles to the main gate:
| Area | Miles to the main gate | Main route |
|---|---|---|
| The Dominion | ~3.5 | I-10 and Camp Bullis Road |
| Shavano Park | ~6.5 | NW Military Highway, Loop 1604 and I-10 |
| Helotes | ~10 | Loop 1604 and I-10 |
| Fair Oaks Ranch | ~10 | Ralph Fair Road and I-10 |
| Leon Valley | ~12 | Huebner Road and I-10 |
| Stone Oak | ~14 | Loop 1604 and I-10 |
| Alamo Ranch | ~16 | Loop 1604 and I-10 |
| Boerne | ~16 | I-10 and Camp Bullis Road |
| Timberwood Park | ~17 | Blanco Road, Loop 1604 and I-10 |
For Fort Sam Houston, Lackland and Randolph, see my military relocation to San Antonio page.
How Much Is 2026 BAH for a Camp Bullis Assignment?
BAH follows the duty station ZIP code on your orders. Camp Bullis (78257) and the other JBSA locations all sit in the San Antonio military housing area, so this 2026 table applies whichever one your orders name. New rates take effect every January.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,728 | $1,359 |
| E-2 | $1,728 | $1,359 |
| E-3 | $1,728 | $1,359 |
| E-4 | $1,728 | $1,359 |
| E-5 | $1,869 | $1,500 |
| E-6 | $2,094 | $1,596 |
| E-7 | $2,112 | $1,731 |
| E-8 | $2,121 | $1,920 |
| E-9 | $2,157 | $1,977 |
| W-1 | $2,109 | $1,692 |
| W-2 | $2,118 | $1,917 |
| W-3 | $2,130 | $1,986 |
| W-4 | $2,178 | $2,085 |
| W-5 | $2,280 | $2,097 |
| O-1E | $2,115 | $1,866 |
| O-2E | $2,124 | $1,965 |
| O-3E | $2,196 | $2,082 |
| O-1 | $1,905 | $1,584 |
| O-2 | $2,091 | $1,827 |
| O-3 | $2,127 | $2,007 |
| O-4 | $2,307 | $2,088 |
| O-5 | $2,457 | $2,100 |
| O-6 | $2,475 | $2,103 |
| O-7 | $2,490 | $2,112 |
Where Should I Live Near Camp Bullis? Neighborhoods by Distance
The Dominion
2026 combined tax rate: $2.36 per $100
A guard-gated community of about 1,600 acres inside San Antonio, along I-10 just west of Loop 1604. Its three gates are staffed around the clock, homes run from garden homes to custom estates, and country club membership isn't included in the HOA dues.
Helotes
2026 avg. homestead taxable value: $512,208
A city of about 10,400 along Bandera Road, with a history going back to the 1850s and a dance hall where Willie Nelson played. About a third of the homes inside the city sit on an acre or more. Sonoma Ranch and The Sanctuary carry Helotes addresses but are outside the city limits.
Leon Valley
2026 avg. homestead taxable value: $229,768
An independent city of about 11,500 that incorporated in 1952, with its own police and fire departments. Most houses date from the 1960s and 1970s. The South Texas Medical Center is about 3.5 miles away, and Lackland is about 9.
Stone Oak
2026 combined tax rate: $2.30 per $100
Bexar County's first master-planned community, its plan filed with the county in 1985, north of Loop 1604 and west of US-281. Homes date from the late-1980s golf-course streets of Sonterra onward, and since little land is left, most sales are resales.
Alamo Ranch
2026 combined tax rate inside the city: $2.36 per $100
A master-planned area around Alamo Ranch Parkway near Loop 1604 and Culebra Road, with homes from many builders and new construction still going up. Part of it is inside San Antonio and part is unincorporated, so the tax bill depends on the street. Considering a new build? See how I handle new construction.
Boerne
2026 avg. homestead taxable value (in city): $495,167
The Kendall County seat, about 31 miles up I-10 from downtown San Antonio, with a walkable historic Main Street and German-Texan roots from the 1850s. Housing runs from historic homes near Main Street to newer subdivisions and, outside the city, acreage and golf communities.
Taxable values are 2026 city averages for homesteads, not sale prices. For today's prices, run a home search on my site. Neighborhood guides: The Dominion, Shavano Park, Stone Oak, Helotes, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Fair Oaks Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Boerne. Data current as of October 2026 · Sources: city 2026 tax notices, Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector, Stone Oak Property Owners Association, The Dominion HOA.
Should You Buy or Rent When You PCS to Camp Bullis?
First, confirm with your unit how long you'll actually be stationed in San Antonio. Much of the activity at Camp Bullis is temporary training, so make sure your orders are a permanent change of station assignment before you buy. If they are, look for a house you'd be glad to keep: at your next PCS you could rent it out and, with entitlement left, still use a VA loan at the next duty station. A VA loan lets eligible buyers with full entitlement buy without a down payment or private mortgage insurance, though closing costs, inspections and the move still add up. If your timeline is short or unsettled, renting first is a smart way to learn the north side.
Which School Districts Serve the Camp Bullis Area?
The district depends on the address, and four districts meet around the reservation. Northside ISD, with 97,597 students in 133 schools, serves The Dominion, Helotes, Leon Valley and Alamo Ranch. North East ISD serves more than 51,000 students on 67 campuses, including Stone Oak and the southern part of Timberwood Park. Boerne ISD has 14 campuses and more than 11,200 students and covers Boerne and most of Fair Oaks Ranch. Comal ISD, with roughly 30,000 students on 36 campuses, covers most of Timberwood Park.
Ask the district to confirm the elementary, middle and high school for the address, then look each campus up at tea.texas.gov, where the state publishes accountability ratings and campus data. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, call the district's special education office early, and request the JBSA School Liaison Office's newcomer packet.
Data current as of October 2026 · Sources: Texas Education Agency, each district, Military OneSource.How Does a VA Loan Work Near Camp Bullis?
I've used the VA loan benefit personally, and I work with VA loan buyers across the north side, from Stone Oak to Boerne. I connect buyers with VA lenders, and the lender pulls the Certificate of Eligibility, so you don't request it yourself. I write and negotiate the offer once you've picked the house.
- Eligible buyers with full entitlement pay nothing down
- No private mortgage insurance
- The VA funding fee is waived for veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability; your lender confirms it
- Texas grants disabled veterans property tax exemptions, from partial at a 10% rating to a full homestead exemption at 100%
- The benefit isn't one-time; you can use it again
For eligibility, the funding fee and assumable VA loans, go to my VA loans in San Antonio page. A VA-approved lender confirms the details for your loan.
Data current as of October 2026 · Sources: VA.gov, Texas Comptroller.Camp Bullis PCS Questions
What happens at Camp Bullis?
Camp Bullis is a training reservation. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps combat units use it as maneuvering grounds, and the medical units stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center use it for field training. Much of that training is temporary, so confirm the length of your assignment before you make a housing decision.
What neighborhoods are closest to Camp Bullis?
The Dominion is closest, about 3.5 driving miles from the main gate, then Shavano Park at about 6.5. Helotes and Fair Oaks Ranch are about 10, Leon Valley about 12, Hollywood Park about 13 and Stone Oak about 14. Alamo Ranch and Boerne are about 16, and Timberwood Park about 17. Drive times vary by time of day, traffic, and gate. Check current conditions for your route before deciding.
Is the Camp Bullis gate open 24 hours?
JBSA lists Camp Bullis as open 24/7, including federal holidays. The main gate is on the south side, at the end of Camp Bullis Road just north of Eisenhower Park. Check JBSA's gate hours page for changes before you go.
What is BAH for a Camp Bullis assignment in 2026?
Camp Bullis is in the San Antonio military housing area, so it has the same rates as Fort Sam, Lackland and Randolph. For 2026 that's $1,728 to $2,490 a month with dependents and $1,359 to $2,112 without, depending on pay grade. Every grade is listed on this page; confirm yours at the DTMO BAH lookup with the ZIP code on your orders.
Should I buy or rent near Camp Bullis?
Buy once you've confirmed a permanent assignment, and pick a home you'd want to keep as a rental at your next PCS, since remaining entitlement can still go toward a VA loan at your next base. A VA loan means no down payment for eligible buyers with full entitlement. When your timeline is short or unclear, renting first can be the better fit. Tell me what your orders say and I'll go through it with you.
What school districts serve the area around Camp Bullis?
Northside ISD, North East ISD, Boerne ISD and Comal ISD all serve neighborhoods near the reservation, and the address decides which one. Have the district confirm the campus, then look it up at tea.texas.gov.
Can I handle the home search while I'm in training or OCONUS?
Yes. I've had clients move into their home the same day they got to San Antonio. I show you homes over video, write and negotiate the offer, coordinate inspections as needed and do the final walkthrough.
Ready to Look at Homes Near Camp Bullis?
Send me your report date, your budget and whether you'd rather have acreage or a neighborhood with amenities. I'll set up showings, in person or on video, and write the offer when you're ready.
Tiffany Reed, REALTOR® | MRP | Real Broker LLC
(919) 800-9870 | tiffany@tiffanyreedtx.com | tiffanyreedtx.com