Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Location: Oceanside, California
Installation Type: Marine Corps Base
Status: Active

Overview

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, established in 1942, spans approximately 125,000 acres along the Southern California coast between Los Angeles and San Diego, making it the largest Marine Corps base on the West Coast. The installation features diverse terrain — mountains, beaches, rivers, and valleys — that supports a full spectrum of amphibious and ground combat training. Camp Pendleton serves as the primary home of I Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Marine Division.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: To maintain and provide combat-ready forces and installations in support of the National Military Strategy, and to support the deployment of I MEF as a forward-deployed, globally responsive force.
Major Units: I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I MEF Information Group, 1st Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Regiment, 7th Marine Regiment (elements), 11th Marine Regiment
Tenant Units: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (elements), Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Border Patrol tactical units, Special Operations Command elements

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Oceanside, CA (adjacent to base); San Diego, CA (approximately 40 miles south); Los Angeles, CA (approximately 80 miles north)
Nearest Commercial Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 45 miles; John Wayne Airport (SNA), approximately 60 miles north
Gate Access: Multiple access points including the main gate (Vandegrift Boulevard) and the Las Pulgas gate; gates operate on varying schedules. CAC or valid government-issued ID required. Visitors must obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center; vehicle registration and proof of insurance required; REAL ID or equivalent required.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 38,000-42,000
Family Members: Approximately 40,000-50,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 7,000-9,000
Total Installation Population: Approximately 100,000+

Key Facilities

Medical: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton — full-service military hospital offering primary care, specialty care, surgical services, obstetrics, mental health, and emergency care; multiple branch health clinics throughout the installation
Commissary: Yes — main commissary located in the central area of the base; well-stocked with standard commissary inventory
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) main store with full retail, food court, specialty stores, and auto shop; multiple MCX Express locations throughout the installation
Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers across the installation, indoor and outdoor pools, MWR recreation areas, surfing beach access, equestrian center, skeet and trap range, hunting and fishing program, golf course, and outdoor recreation rentals
Schools: Fallbrook Union Elementary School District and Oceanside Unified School District serve most dependent children; DoDEA does not currently operate schools on Camp Pendleton; several private school options in nearby communities
Childcare: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDCs) located throughout the installation; high demand — waitlists are common; early registration upon receipt of PCS orders strongly recommended; Family Child Care (FCC) network available
Veterinary Services: Camp Pendleton Veterinary Treatment Facility — provides pet wellness exams, vaccinations, preventive care, dental, and limited sick call services for active duty members’ pets and military working animals
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Services Support Section, 1st Marine Division — located on base; legal assistance offered by appointment; some walk-in services available for certain matters

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Lincoln Military Housing; multiple neighborhoods across the large installation including San Onofre, San Luis Rey, and Vandegrift areas; mix of townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes; conditions vary by neighborhood and age of construction
Average Wait Time: Varies significantly by grade and family size; senior enlisted and officers may wait weeks to months; junior enlisted with dependents may have shorter waits depending on availability
Off-Base Housing: Oceanside, Vista, San Clemente, Fallbrook, Temecula, and Carlsbad; average rent for a 3-bedroom ranges from approximately $2,500-$3,800/month (2025 estimates); Southern California housing costs are high
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining unit’s S-1 or unit sponsorship coordinator to request a sponsor; I MEF and subordinate commands maintain active sponsorship programs; MCCS also provides newcomer welcome resources
In-Processing: Report to unit S-1 or Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) upon arrival; in-processing includes medical, dental, housing, legal, and ID card appointments; typically 3-5 days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Enrollment through Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton; EFMP office coordinates special needs enrollment and school liaison services; mandatory enrollment for qualifying family members prior to PCS

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Mediterranean — warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters; excellent year-round outdoor weather; minimal humidity; limited rainfall primarily October through March
Cost of Living: High — Southern California is one of the most expensive regions in the country; BAH rates are set to reflect local housing costs but out-of-pocket expenses for utilities, food, and childcare can be significant
Nearby Attractions: Disneyland (approximately 70 miles), San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad), Temecula wine country, numerous beaches along the Pacific Coast, and Palomar Mountain State Park
Spouse Employment: San Diego and greater Southern California metro area provide strong employment opportunities in healthcare, biotech, defense contracting, technology, and education; MSEP resources available through PFR; remote work prevalent

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.pendleton.marines.mil
Main Installation Phone: (760) 725-4111
MWR Website: https://www.mccspendleton.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Marine Corps Family Services: Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Camp Pendleton — Personal and Family Readiness (PFR) Division; contact through MCCS at (760) 725-5893

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: pendleton.marines.mil, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, mccspendleton.com, lincolnmilitary.com, militaryonesource.mil