DM,
The only time I've been to what I believe is the GL lot was when I was looking at some of the Katrina campers there. Ft. Pickett (at least in 2007) held literally a few thousand pull-behind campers that FEMA bought for Katrina refugees. Many refugees were hooched up on Pickett, and I believe it became a staging point for selling the campers.
When I dropped by to check on the campers (during basic SWAT school, Sep 2007 IIRC) the folks there were helpful, they let me walk around and look all I wanted. I didn't end up doing much, and they hadn't even hit auction yet so all you were allowed to do was look. But I got a good impression from them and they seemed very organized. They had fliers printed up with all the instructions on how to bid on the campers and terms of pickup/delivery.
The gate at the main entrance is a small hut with civilian contractor guards. I've never had any problem getting on base, though I haven't had much need lately. I would imagine that if you're going to pick up something from GL then it's pretty simple. The base is laid out very easy to understand, if the GL lot is where I'm thinking it's only 1 turn from the main road. Blackstone has plenty of food (try Brother's Pizza for the best in town) and a few good parts stores. Of course, being in the Bible Belt (as you fellow Virginians well know) no non-chain parts stores will be open past 6pm and everything pretty much shuts down on Sundays. I don't believe there are any Advanced/AutoZone's in Blackstone, but I'm a CarQuest/NAPA kind of guy myself. Walmart isn't far from post, and it's 24/7/365. West gate onto post isn't open 24/7, I believe it closes at 10p and reopens at 7a.
If anyone is headed this way and I am free, I'd love to lend a hand. I'm new to the whole MV thing (as a collector, not as a user) and I'd love to meet and greet with some local folks and try to help out and learn. Feel free to PM me and I'll give you contact info if you're headed this way.
If anyone near there ends up needing a tow, I'd highly recommend the following local tow services - I've used both extensively as a police officer and the light towing service personally. They will both treat you right, no doubt-
Light service (roll backs and one small wheel lift)-
Third Street Wrecker
East Third St
Farmville VA 23901
434-392-9772
Heavy wrecker - (Peterbuilt semi tandem axle wrecker)
Watt's Towing
Crewe VA 23930
434-298-7871