MCB CAMP PENDLETON
MARINES
Oceanside, CA
United States
MCB CAMP PENDLETON
MARINES
Oceanside, CA
United States
MCB Camp Pendleton
Base Essentials
The sight of artillery projectiles exploding midair is such an awe-inspiring, unforgettable sight is it any wonder it’s a component of some of America’s most iconic imagery: “… by the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air…” But it’s not exactly something you want to see happening over, say, a highway with a bunch of police officers and their vehicles parked on it. Which is, unfortunately, what happened during a much-hyped live fire exercise by United States Marines at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, October 18th. Luckily, no one was hurt, and the damage done was negligible. But the inciden...
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
125,000
Active Duty
38,000
Civilian
8,000
Population
3,300,000
Economic Impact
$5.5 billion
MCB Camp Pendleton History
Named AfterMajor General Joseph Henry Pendleton (USMC)
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, was established in 1942 as the major West Coast amphibious training base for the Marine Corps. Spanning 125,000 acres along 17 miles of Southern California coastline, it is home to I Marine Expeditionary Force and is the only remaining undeveloped stretch of coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. Camp Pendleton supports the full range of Marine Corps training from amphibious assaults to live-fire combined arms exercises. The base's irreplaceable coastal training areas make it one of the most strategically valuable military properties in the country.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
I Marine Expeditionary Force
—
—
1st Marine Division
—
—
School of Infantry West
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Camp Pendleton Activated on Rancho Santa Margarita Land
1944
Base Declared Permanent; Wartime Population Peaks at 86,000
1950
1st Marine Division Reactivated at Pendleton for Korea
1991
I MEF Leads Marine Ground Assault in Desert Storm
2003
1st Marine Division Leads I MEF Invasion of Iraq
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1942
Camp Pendleton Activated on Rancho Santa Margarita Land
On September 25, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially dedicated Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on 122,798 acres of the historic Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, acquired by federal condemnation at a cost of approximately $4.2 million. Named for Major General Joseph Henry Pendleton, it was designed as the primary large-scale amphibious training facility for Marines deploying to the Pacific.
1944
Base Declared Permanent; Wartime Population Peaks at 86,000
By October 1944, Camp Pendleton was declared a permanent installation and its wartime training population peaked at 86,749 Marines, sailors, and civilians — making it one of the largest military concentrations in the country. Specialized schools for landing craft, amphibious tractors, beach battalions, and naval construction battalions trained tens of thousands of troops for Pacific island-hopping campaigns.
1950
1st Marine Division Reactivated at Pendleton for Korea
With the outbreak of the Korean War, the 1st Marine Division was reactivated on August 4, 1950 at Camp Pendleton, rapidly assembled with regulars, reservists, and newly trained Marines before deploying to Kobe, Japan and then into combat. The division fought in the Inchon Landing and the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir in November–December 1950, fighting through ten Chinese divisions in temperatures as low as -36°F.
1991
I MEF Leads Marine Ground Assault in Desert Storm
Camp Pendleton's I Marine Expeditionary Force, under Lieutenant General Walter Boomer, deployed over 84,000 Marines to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and led the Marine ground assault into Kuwait on February 24, 1991. The 1st Marine Division helped liberate Kuwait City within four days of the ground offensive's launch.
2003
1st Marine Division Leads I MEF Invasion of Iraq
In March 2003, the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Division and I MEF crossed into Iraq as the eastern axis of the coalition invasion, fighting through An-Nasiriyah and advancing to Baghdad alongside Army forces. The division was awarded its ninth Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the campaign.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCB Camp Pendleton.
MCB Camp Pendleton Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCB Camp Pendleton.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCB Camp Pendleton.
Operations
Artillery Shell Explodes Over I-5 During Marines’ Celebration in California
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Information
25+ of the Best Things to Do at Camp Pendleton Near Oceanside, Fallbrook & More
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Information
Camp Pendleton: Essential Guide for Newcomers
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Operations
Pentagon Weighs Leasing Camp Pendleton for Commercial Use
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Health & Fitness
What Causes Mental Health Issues?
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCB Camp Pendleton.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Information, Referral & Relocation (IR&R) Office
Phone
(760) 725-6090Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
In-Processing
Marines report to the IPAC Inbound Center at Building 13107 in Service "A" uniform, Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. A duty is on post 24 hours daily for after-hours arrivals at (760) 725-6271. Required documents include web orders with endorsements, commercial receipts with non-availability statements, and all PCS expense receipts.
Contact the Housing Office within 72 hours of arrival. Navy personnel assigned to Naval Hospital report to Building H-100 quarterdeck; other Navy personnel report to Building 1223. Reserve Marines on mobilized orders report to S-3 Processing Section, Building 64434.
The Welcome Aboard Brief is held twice monthly at the Unit Event Center (Building 1795, West Barnett Circle), 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM, with occasional evening online sessions. Attendance is required within 90 days of reporting. Spouses are encouraged to attend. The IR&R office at (760) 725-6090 provides relocation counseling and welcome packets.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCB Camp Pendleton.
On-post housing at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, which operates extensive communities across this large coastal installation in Southern California, including neighborhoods such as Las Flores, San Onofre, and Stuart Mesa offering 2- to 5-bedroom homes. Lincoln provides an online portal for applications and maintenance, alon…
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Cost of Living Around MCB Camp Pendleton
160
60% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCB Camp Pendleton.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
8
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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3
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Oceanside
Suburban
Oceanside is the primary off-base community for Camp Pendleton Marines and home to a massive military family population. It sits directly adjacent to the base's main gate with beach access, a growing downtown, and a wide range of housing options. It's one of the most affordable coastal cities in Southern California, which is exactly why it's the default choice for most families.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (I-5 / Las Pulgas)
Schools: Oceanside Unified School District
Families with kids
Single service members
Dual military
Outdoorsy types
Pacific beach access right in town. The Oceanside Harbor and Pier are local landmarks. Growing restaurant and brewery scene downtown. One of the best surf spots in SoCal is minutes from the gate.
Fallbrook
Small Town
Fallbrook is an inland community in northern San Diego County that's become popular with Marine families who want more space and a slower pace at a lower price point than coastal Oceanside. It's a semi-rural agricultural area known for avocado farms and a laid-back lifestyle. The commute to Pendleton is manageable via I-15 or back roads.
Commute: 20–30 min
Gate: Main Gate (I-15 / Fallbrook)
Schools: Fallbrook Union Elementary / High School District
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Avocado orchards, hiking trails, and a genuinely rural character set Fallbrook apart from typical military communities. Lower housing costs for much more space. Santa Margarita River trail system is accessible from the neighborhood.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCB Camp Pendleton.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty pay of California residents stationed within California at rates up to 13.3% — the highest…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in California, who share the same domicile and move…
Vehicle Registration
California does not exempt active duty military from vehicle sales tax or registration fees. Veterans with a 100% VA dis…
Property Tax
Veterans' Exemption: up to $4,000 assessed value reduction for qualifying veterans with limited property. Disabled Veter…
Pet Policies at MCB Camp Pendleton
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCB Camp Pendleton.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Camp Pendleton Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(760) 725-3439Hours
Mon–Fri 0800–1600 (Thu closes 1200)
View services
Restricted Breeds
4
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCB Camp Pendleton.
Commissary
1
Camp Pendleton Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Medical
1
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCB Camp Pendleton.
01
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Camp Pendleton Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (760) 430-1701 for current hours.
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02
Is there a MCX on base?
Yes, MCB Camp Pendleton has a MCX (Marine Corps Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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03
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is the primary military treatment hospital serving MCB Camp Pendleton. Call (760) 725-1277 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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04
Is there an on-base vet clinic?
Yes, Camp Pendleton Veterinary Treatment Facility provides veterinary care for pets of active-duty and retired military members. Call (760) 725-3439 to schedule.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, MCB Camp Pendleton has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, MCB Camp Pendleton has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (rated B (Niche)) serves most military families at MCB Camp Pendleton. Visit fuesd.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at MCB Camp Pendleton restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Wolf Hybrid. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Del Mar Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at MCB Camp Pendleton.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, MCB Camp Pendleton has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
How is military pay taxed in California?
Partially exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of California's tax rules for military members.
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12
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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13
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCB Camp Pendleton.
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14
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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15
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCB Camp Pendleton.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.