Welcome to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California - the West Coast’s premier Fleet Marine Force Training Base! Moving is never easy, but when you are PCSing to an area known for its sunny weather, that is near the ocean, and has plenty to do, it doesn’t seem so bad at all.
Camp Pendleton spans more than 125,000 acres, making it the Marine Corps’ largest West Coast training facility. The base supports nearly 70,000 active and reserve Marine, Army, and Navy units, as well as some national, state, and local agencies. So it’s no surprise that Camp Pendleton is one of the Department of Defense’s busiest installations.
The base is home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and numerous tenant units, including Marine Corps Installations-West, Wounded Warrior Battalion-West, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Marine Aircraft Group 39, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego's Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps and Army Reserve Forces, and a Naval Hospital.
Camp Pendleton’s mix of coastal and mountainous terrain is ideal for a variety of military training exercises. That same terrain makes the surrounding area perfect for hiking, birding, and surfing. It’s no wonder that people are clamoring to be stationed there.
Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Camp Pendleton to help aid you in your transition to your new base home.
Where Is Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton?
Camp Pendleton is located in northern San Diego County. It sits beside Oceanside, Fallbrook, and San Clemente, and spans over 125,000 acres.
Address: Camp Pendleton Visitor Center Building 20255T Oceanside, CA 92058
Official Website: https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/
Visitor Center Phone Number: +1 (760) 763-8435
The installation is roughly 40 miles north of downtown San Diego, in San Diego County’s North County, and 82 miles south of Los Angeles. Camp Pendleton has been the largest employer in North County for the last 60-plus years.
Procedures for Entering the Base
Entering Camp Pendleton requires adherence to specific procedures and protocols. Here’s a guide to make sure you have everything before entering the base.
Average Drive Times to Base Gates from Popular Cities
If it’s your first time at the base, there are a lot of cities that are about 30 minutes to 3 hours away.
Listed below are some popular attractions and cities within close proximity to the base.
Oceanside to Main Gate: 5 to 15 minutes
Carlsbad to Main Gate or San Luis Rey Gate: 15 to 25 minutes
Vista to San Luis Rey Gate: 20 to 30 minutes
San Marcos to San Luis Rey Gate: 25 to 35 minutes
Temecula to Las Pulgas Gate: 35 to 45 minutes
San Clemente to Las Pulgas Gate or Cristianitos Gate: 15 to 20 minutes
Irvine to Las Pulgas Gate: 45 to 60 minutes
San Diego (Downtown) to Main Gate: 50 to 65 minutes
Chula Vista to Main Gate: 60 to 75 minutes
Los Angeles (Downtown) to Las Pulgas Gate: 90 to 120 minutes
Need Base Access? Here's What to Do
Having the correct information for base access and procedures to follow is highly recommended; therefore, ensure you have that information in hand. Most importantly, you must have a credible reason for accessing the base.
It’s important to note that all visitors must have authorized access and valid identification, and access requirements vary depending on your purpose for visiting and sponsorship status.
Here’s a list of visitor access categories if you plan to access the base:
- Trusted Traveler Program: Department of Defense (DOD) affiliates who have a common access card (CAC) for co-travelers
- Unescorted U.S. Citizen Request: DOD affiliates who have a CAC to sponsor a U.S. citizen for unescorted base access
- Foreign National Base Access: For individuals who are not U.S. citizens
- Command Sponsored Events: For events such as change of command, relief and appointment, retirement, or professional military education (PME) graduation
- Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Patrons: For U.S. citizens who are non-DOD affiliated to use recreation facilities such as the golf course, bowling alley, and stables
- Recreational Cycling: For U.S. citizens who are non-DOD affiliated to transit the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCB CPEN) bike route
For more information, you can explore Camp Pendleton’s Base Access Guide or contact the visitor center through the following phone number: 760-763-8435.
Location: Building 20255T, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055
Gates & Hours of Operation
Camp Pendleton has six gate accesses. As follows are their gate access hours:
Main Gate on Vandegrift Boulevard: 24 hours
San Luis Rey Gate: 24 hours
Del Mar Gate: Open: 0600 to 2000, Closed: 2000 to 0600
San Onofre Gate: 24 Hours
Cristianitos Gate: 24 Hours
Las Pulgas Gate: 24 Hours (Outbound traffic closed Monday-Friday 0600 to 0800)
Note: Commercial vehicles must enter Camp Pendleton via the Las Pulgas Gate only.
What ID Do You Need For Base Access?
To access the base, you need to have an ID. Listed below are the IDs accepted for base access.
- Common Access Card
- Uniformed Services ID (Family or Retiree)
- Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV)
- Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) visitor pass or credential
If not available, the following credentials are acceptable for visitors:
- Valid (unexpired) REAL ID Compliant Driver's License
- Valid (unexpired) Enhanced Driver's License
- Valid (unexpired) U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Combination of Documents
Dos and Don’ts When You’re at the Camp Pendleton Base
Make sure to keep these best practices in mind so you can enter the base successfully:
DOs
- Pre-enroll guests at least 96 hours ahead
- Bring photo ID, vehicle insurance, and registration
- Know your sponsor’s details
DON’Ts
- Arrive without approved DBIDS credentials
- Attempt entry without a stated reason
- Assume you can access all areas — DBIDS limits are strictly enforced
Base Amenities & Facilities
Each base has its own amenities and facilities, and at Camp Pendleton, there are a few things that are necessary for your needs and some that you can also enjoy.
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton has a Naval Hospital, a large facility that was completed in 2012. If you have any medical concerns, you can visit them at:
Address: 200 Mercy Circle, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5191
Phone: 760-725-1288
Housing Office
The housing office assists families to enhance the quality of life while at the base. You can contact them by email at pndlfamilyhousing@usmc.mil.
You can also visit them during their office hours at:
Address: 98 San Jacinto Road, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055
Phone: 760-725-1656
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) Office
Camp Pendleton has two separate DEERS offices if you’re looking for a new CAC card or ID.
Mainside DEERS Office
Address: Building 130132 Camp Pendleton, CA 92058
Phone: 1 (760) 725-2442/2106
Wire Mountain DEERS Office
Address: Building 201017 Camp Pendleton, CA 92058
Phone: 1 (760) 725-2768/6424
Pendleton Post Exchange (PX)
They also have a Post Exchange, which is located near Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP), along with smaller shops.
Address: 1103 Building 1103 Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-0006
Phone: (760) 763-6979
Marine Memorial Golf Course
The golf course is located near the paintball park, which opens from 0600 to 1800 during the summer.
Address: 18415 Mainside, Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055.
Phone: (760) 725-4653
Commissary
Camp Pendleton also features a commissary, allowing you to keep your kitchen and pantry stocked at affordable prices.
Phone: 1 (760) 430-1701
Address: Building 20850, Vandegrift Blvd, Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055
Camp Pendleton Barber Shops
Need a haircut? There are numerous barber shops to choose from in Camp Pendleton. Just choose wherever you like.
Mainside Barbershop, Building #15102
Contact Number: (1 (760) 725-5773)
Chappo Barbershop, Building # 22196
Contact Number: (1 (760) 725-4495)
Edson Range Barbershop, Building #31604
Contact Number: (1 (760) 725-2161)
Margarita Barbershop, Building # 330360
Contact Number: (1 (760) 725-4435)
Pendleton Gyms
Pendleton has about 13 fitness centers. They are located in areas 14, 21, 22, 23, 31, 33, 41, 44, 52, 53, and 62, as well as the O’Neill Fitness Center and Paige Fieldhouse, which are situated on the main side.
Dining Facilities
Camp Pendleton has mess halls by area, as well as primary dining facilities and restaurants.
The Edson Range Dining Facility serves 3,374 meals per day, and the Chappo Dining Facility serves 2,294 meals per day.
Camp Pendleton Legal Office
Paralegals and attorneys are available to help with whatever needs you have at the Camp Pendleton Legal Assistance Office. From consumer problems to immigration paperwork, they can lend a hand.
Camp Pendleton Legal Office
Bldg. 22161 Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055
Phone: 1 (760) 725-6558/6172
Camp Pendleton Legal Office Hours: Monday through Friday 0730-1500
Camp Pendleton Library
With three separate libraries spread out across Camp Pendleton, you’re never far from a great book worth borrowing. And digital resources like research databases and standardized test prep classes are available 24/7 through them.
Patrick J. Carney Library
Address: Bldg 1146 E Street and 14th Street Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055
Phone: 1 (760) 763-4256
Hours:
- Monday through Thursday -0800-2000
- Friday -0800-1630
- Saturday and Sunday -0900-1700
Pacific Views Library
Address: Bldg 202860 Jacinto Rd Oceanside, CA 92058
Phone: 1 (760) 725-2032
Hours:
- Monday through Friday 0900-1700
Camp Pendleton Housing
Main Housing Office
Camp Pendleton offers family housing and unaccompanied housing. Their Main Housing Office is located at 98 San Jacinto Road, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055.
It is open Monday through Friday from 0730 to 1730.
Unaccompanied Housing Office
For unaccompanied housing or bachelor housing, their office is located at Building 1341, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA.
You can also contact them by phone at 760-763-5953.
On-Base Housing
Nearly 6,880 on-base housing units are available for Camp Pendleton personnel.
Waiting periods for housing range from one to 6 months, and vary depending on rank, family size, and area requirements. You can contact them at: 800-843-2182 or 760-725-1656.
Off-Base Housing
If you prefer to live off-base, you can also do that. Military personnel have the choice to live off-base in nearby towns and cities.
These are the following main cities and access to the gates at the base:
Oceanside: 5 to 15 minutes
Carlsbad: 15 to 25 minutes
Vista: 20 to 30 minutes
San Marcos: 25 to 35 minutes
Temecula: 35 to 45 minutes
San Clemente: 15 to 20 minutes
Temporary Housing Options
Temporary housing is also available if you choose to opt for it. You have to arrange for temporary quarters as soon as you receive your permanent change of station. Check availability and room rates online at the following location:
Pacific Views Lodge
Address: 202870 Jacinto Rd, Room 141, Oceanside, CA 92058
Military Preferred Living Areas
Camp Pendleton spans over 125,000 acres across San Diego and Orange counties, so it’s definitely up to you where you want to live.
Here are some popular areas for military families:
Oceanside
It’s closer to the front gate, and there’s a wide range of apartments you can choose from.
Median Home Value: $849,779
Median Rental Rate: $2,180/month
Fallbrook
Rural and quiet, so it’s ideal for your family if you want to have a small-town feel.
Median Home Value: $888,500
Median Rental Rate: $3,595/month
Vista
This area is suburban and family-friendly and, surprisingly, a bit more affordable if you’re looking for budget options. Single-family homes around Camp Pendleton, or specifically in San Diego, can range from $600,000 to $850,000.
Median Home Value: $856,651
Median Rental Rate: $2,218/month
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) vs. Cost of Housing
The BAH in Camp Pendleton is calculated by the main gate's zip code, which is in Oceanside. It also depends on your rank and whether you have dependents.
Currently, the BAH with and without dependents is as follows:
- O07 with dependents: $5,370
- O07 without dependents: $4,620
Still, you can rent off base within your BAH if you wish to, but buying may require supplementing your income or using Veterans Affairs (VA) loan benefits.
Schools Around Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton has several elementary schools on base that are operated by the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District and the Oceanside Unified School District.
For middle and high school students, transportation is typically provided by bus to nearby off-base locations.
Base Schools (K-12)
- Oceanside Unified School District
- Fallbrook Union School District
- North Terrace Elementary
- Mary Fay Elementary
- San Onofre School
- Santa Margarita Elementary
- Stuart Mesa Elementary
- Courteau Child Development Center
- Deluz Child Development Center
- Fisher Child Development Center
- San Luis Rey Child Development Center
- San Onofre Child Development Center
- Browne Child Development Center
- Stuart Mesa Child Development Center
- Potter Jr. High School
- Oceanside High School
- Fallbrook High School
- San Clemente High School
Off-Base Schools
- Carlsbad Unified
- San Marcos Unified
- Fallbrook Union High School District
Local Employment Assistance and Resources
Camp Pendleton offers excellent support if you’re looking for work or transitioning.
The Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) supports military spouses and family members with career resources. Simply check their website for more resources.
Location: Building 13150 Camp Pendleton, CA
Phone: (760) 829-0305
Email: cpfmeap@usmc.mil
FAQs
We understand that sometimes you still have more questions, so we're here to help. Here are some frequently asked questions about Camp Pendleton.
Can anyone get on Camp Pendleton?
Any person who has provided acceptable credentials and identification, command or representative sponsorship, an escort, or a DBIDS pass.
How many people are on the Camp Pendleton base?
Nearly 70,000 active-duty personnel and more than 38,000 military family members occupy base housing complexes.
What’s the best gate for daily commuting?
The main gate (Gate 1) in Oceanside is the busiest. San Luis Rey and Las Pulgas gates are better for Fallbrook or northern access.
Are there good daycare options on base?
Yes, a ton of them. However, waitlists can be long. They also have Child Development Centers (CDCs) that you can look into. Off-base centers may also be used with childcare subsidies.
Can I get a VA loan for a home near the base?
Yes, you can get a VA loan. Many local lenders specialize in VA loans for military buyers, as long as the property meets the requirements.
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