Blastcamp Paintball & Airsoft

Blastcamp Paintball & Airsoft is located in Hobart, Indiana, just south of the Chicago metro area, on the grounds of a historic Cold War-era Nike Missile Base (C-47).

Where History Meets the Battlefield

Blastcamp isn’t just a paintball field — it’s a piece of American history. The facility sits on a decommissioned Nike Missile Base that served as a “last ditch” line of air defense for Chicago during the Cold War. Construction began in 1954 and was completed in 1956, and the site remained active until 1972. Today, it is one of only three such missile bases listed on the Department of Interior’s Register of Historic Places. The playing area spans over 20 acres and includes 13 original military buildings — barracks, a mess hall, a generator room, five radar towers, administrative buildings, and even a fallout shelter with solid poured concrete walls. The original cyclone fencing, guard shack, and underground missile magazines with blast doors remain intact. This authentic Cold War setting gives every match a level of realism that purpose-built fields simply cannot replicate.

Fields Built for Adventure

Blastcamp offers ten unique playing fields spread across the historic grounds, including two world-class turf fields for speedball enthusiasts. The terrain is remarkably varied — players can navigate close-quarters battles inside the original military structures, move through wooded areas, or fight across open zones dotted with bunkers and obstacles. The mix of original buildings, radar towers, and purpose-built cover creates a dynamic environment where no two games feel the same. For airsoft players, the entire 23-acre site opens up on event days, offering mission-based gameplay that takes full advantage of the base’s layout. The combination of authentic Cold War architecture and thoughtfully placed modern barriers makes this one of the most visually immersive playing environments in the Midwest.

Games for Every Style of Play

Blastcamp runs paintball every Saturday and Sunday, and airsoft on Sundays, with weekday availability by appointment for private groups. Walk-on players can join open play that rotates across all the fields, with referees matching games to the skill levels and preferences of the group. For those looking for something a bit gentler, low-impact paintball is available — the same experience with less sting, making it a great option for younger players ages 8 and up. Airsoft walk-on sessions feature mission-based objectives with props and hundreds of different game modes. Themed full-day “ops” events, produced by Cobra Airsoft Legion, draw hundreds of players and run on a monthly schedule. Paintball big games like “Mad Max” and “The Purge” are annual highlights, and the Mid-American Xball League brings competitive tournament play to the turf fields. Private groups get their own dedicated referee who tailors the game selection and pace to the group’s preferences.

More Than Just a Game Day

Blastcamp is designed to host celebrations of all kinds — birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, family reunions, youth groups, and team-building events. Private group packages include a dedicated referee, reserved play time, and all necessary equipment. The Boot Camp Special is particularly popular for birthdays, offering a two-hour session with 500 paintballs per player for groups as small as eight. The on-site pro shop carries a wide selection of paintball and airsoft gear, and rental equipment is available for those who don’t have their own. A concession stand offers hot food, snacks, and drinks, and there is a recreation area where players can relax between matches. The facility also provides refrigerator space, electricity, and a grill for groups that want to bring their own food. Lockers are available for storing personal belongings during play.

A Crew That Cares About Your Experience

The staff at Blastcamp has been running games for over three decades — the facility opened in 1988 and has been a destination for players from all over the world ever since. The referees are experienced paintballers themselves who know the fields and games inside and out. They are trained to customize each experience to the group they are working with, keeping the action moving while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Blastcamp was one of the first fields in the country to implement specific “kids rules” for players ages 10 to 13, including reduced velocity limits, a 10-foot surrender rule, and semi-auto only firing modes. All referees participate in regular training sessions, and head referees attend CPR and safety courses through the American Red Cross. The philosophy here is simple: different games for different groups, with an emphasis on fair play, respect, and making sure everyone leaves with a smile.