Welcome to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island! Everything You Need to Know About Your New Duty Station

Welcome to Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island - the birthplace of Marines since 1915. Parris Island is deeply embedded in Marine Corps culture — its swamps, sand fleas, and demanding environment are part of every East Coast Marine's shared experience.

Approximately 20,000 recruits joining the Marine Corps from areas east of the Mississippi River train at the Depot every year. Notably, until 2021, all female Marines trained at Parris Island, regardless of their location of origin. About 2,000 permanent Active-duty personnel and 800 more civilian employees support these training efforts.

If you’re about to be one of the few supporting the training of these future Marines, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about your next duty station - MCRD Paris Island.

Where Is Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island?

Address:

283 Blvd De France, Parris Island, SC 29905

Getting to MCRD Parris Island From Nearby Cities

MCRD Parris Island is located in the South Carolina Low-Country, just north of Hilton Head, South Carolina and the Georgia border. It is one of three military installations that makes up the Tri-Command Community, along with Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Navy Hospital Beaufort. Some of the nearest major cities with airports include Savannah, Hilton Head, and Charleston.

Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia, is about an hour’s drive (42 miles) southwest of Parris Island.

Drive time to Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): 60 minutes (46 mi)

Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head, South Carolina is located just south of Parris Island on the South Carolina Coast. Because there is no direct route between the two, it does take about an hour to make the 35-mile drive.

Drive Time to Hilton Head Airport (HHH): 55 minutes (38 mi)

Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, is about an hour and 40 minutes (76 miles) northeast of Parris Island.

Drive Time to Charleston International Airport (CHS): 90 minutes (77 mi)

MCRD Parris Island Gate

MCRD Parris Island has only one gate, located on Malecon Dr. It’s open 24/7.

Want to Visit MCRD Parris Island? Here’s How to Get Base Access for Graduation

Family and friends of graduating Marines make up the vast majority of visitors allowed at MCRD Parris Island, and are only allowed to visit from Wednesday through Friday of graduation week. Families are required to check in at the Douglas Visitor Center upon arrival at the Depot. Recruit families seeking more information about visiting their recruit and attending graduation at Parris Island will want to check out the Marine Corps Community Services resources for recruit families.

Generally, all other civilian visitors will need to have a government sponsor and will need to pre-enroll in the Defense Biometrics ID System and go to the Provost Marshal’s Office (located next to the gate) upon arrival at the Depot to obtain access.

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

A REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant photo identification document is required to access the Depot. See the Base Access web page for a full list of acceptable IDs.

Douglas Visitor Center

Address: 521 Blvd de France, Bldg. 283, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-3650

Hours (During Graduation Weeks Only):

• Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Facilities

As you get settled at MCRD Parris Island, there are a number of key base facilities you should become familiar with.

Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC)

All personnel reporting to the Depot for duty will complete check-in procedures at the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC).

Address: Bldg. 923, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-3992

Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ID Card Center (DEERS/RAPIDS)

The ID Card Center provides enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (for benefits access), issues Common Access Cards (CAC) and ID cards for active, reserve and retired service members, service member families, and civilian and contractor employees.

Address: Bldg. 923, Room 9, MCRD Parris Island

Phone: (843) 228-3396

Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Military Housing Office

The Military Housing Office provides support for service members aboard MCRD Parris Island, whether they are seeking housing on or off base.

Address: 402 Blvd de France, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-2853

Email: parr_smb_mcrdpi_housing@usmc.mil

Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Medical Facility

The primary medical facility serving MCRD Parris Island is Naval Hospital Beaufort. The Naval Hospital operates a clinic on the Depot that provides health services to Active-duty and recruits. Dependents and Active-duty seeking more than primary care services have access to additional services at the Naval Hospital.

MCRD Parris Island Clinic

Address: 670 Boulevard de France, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-4237

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Naval Hospital Beaufort

Address: 1 Pinckney Blvd., Beaufort, SC 29902

Phone: (843) 228-5175

Hours: Varies by specialty.

Legal Assistance and Tax Center

The Legal Support Services Team provides free legal assistance in areas including: wills and estate planning, family law (marital separation, uncontested adoptions, uncontested child custody, uncontested name changes), consumer protection (consumer contracts, credit report issues, debt, and small claims court), immigration and naturalization, landlord/tenant law, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Powers of attorney and notary services are also available. During tax season, tax preparation services are also available.

Address: 27 Atsugi Street, Bldg. 400, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1511

Hours:

• Appointments: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Legal Assistance Walk-Ins: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Defense Services Walk-Ins: Tuesday and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Post Office

Address: 292 Blvd de France, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone (Civilian Post Office): (843) 228-2812

Phone (Military Post Office): (843) 228-2906

Hours:

• Monday - Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Commissary

The MCRD Parris Island Commissary provides grocery shopping with tax-free savings for military families.

Address: Building 407 Wake Blvd., Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 489-3472

Hours:

• Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Exchange and Barber Shop

The MCRD Parris Island Marine Exchange is a one-stop shop for everything you might need from clothing to household goods, electronics, and more.

Address: 2766 Malecon Dr., Bldg. 409, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1673

Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The MCRD Parris Island Barber Shop is also located at the Main Exchange.

Phone: (843) 228-3550

Hours:

• Monday - Tuesday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dining Facilities

In addition to the provided mess halls, MCRD Parris Island has a large variety of additional dining facilities, offering everything from quick service to sit-down meals. There’s also a mix of national chains you’ll recognize and local spots you’ll only find on the Depot. For a full list of dining options, see the MCCS website.

Marine Corps Community Services

Marine Corps Community Services manages a number of recreational facilities and services at MCRD Parris Island. While the Depot does have fewer recreational facilities and services than many other installations, service members stationed at the Depot have access to additional recreational facilities at nearby Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Library

The Base Library at MCRD Parris Island offers much more than just books! With a library card, you can also access digital resources like e-books and audiobooks. Beyond borrowing materials, the library can also provide access to electronics and equipment like computers, 3D printers, and sewing machines, to name a few.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, the library also offers a variety of children’s programs.

Not sure how to get a library card? It’s easy! Just stop by the library with your military or dependent ID.

Address: 521 Blvd. de France, Bldg. 283, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1672

Email: sc.pi.library@usmc-mccs.org

Hours:

• Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fitness Centers

MCRD Parris Island has one fitness center and one outdoor HITT Center. Health and fitness programs are offered at each of these facilities.

MCRD Parris Island HITT Area

Address: 111 Olongapo St., Parris Island, SC 29905

Hours: 24/7

MCRD Parris Island Fitness Center

Address: 111 Panama St., Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1579

Email: sc.fitness@usmc-mccs.org

Hours: Monday - Friday, 4 a.m. to 9:55 p.m. (24/7 Unmanned Access with registered CAC)

Bowling

Knock down some pins at the MCRD Parris Island Bowling Center! The Bowling Center is open on Thursdays during graduation weeks. Permanent duty servicemembers looking to bowl throughout the year can do so at the MCAS Beaufort Bowling Center.

Address: 86 Samoa St., Bldg. 203, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1551

Email: sc.bowling@usmc-mccs.org

Hours: Graduation Week Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Legends Golf Course

MCRD Parris Island is home to the Legends Golf Course. Stop by to play a round, take a lesson, or use the driving range. The course also offers tournaments and leagues.

Address: 2315 Belleau Wood Rd., Bldg. 299, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-2240

Email: sc.thelegends@usmc-mccs.org

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or 6 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time)

Pool and Splash Pad

MCRD Parris Island has one family pool and splash pad where you can go to cool off on a hot summer day.

Address: 704 Cape Gaufert St., Bldg. 165, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1506

Email: sc.aquatics@usmc-mccs.org

Hours: Vary seasonally, see website for details.

Family Support Services

Marine Corps Community Services also offers Marine and Family Services aboard both MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort. Some are highlighted below, but for a full list of available programs and services, see the MCCS website.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Exceptional Family Member Program supports military families with members who have special needs including, but not limited to, requiring any kind of specialty medical care or doctors and/or any type of educational support services for six months or more.

Address: 456 Blvd de France, Bldg 202, 2nd Floor, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-3367

Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family Advocacy Program

The Family Advocacy Program offers classes and workshops to support families and strengthen relationships. This includes New Parent Support programs and support for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Families stationed at MCRD Parris Island have access to the Family Advocacy Program services offered aboard MCAS Beaufort

Address: 40 Elrod St., Bldg 596, Rm 103, MCAS Beaufort, SC 29904

Phone: (843) 228-6126

24/7 Domestic Violence Helpline: (843) 592-0646

Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Personal Financial Management

The Personal Financial Management program provides professional training and guidance to help service members and their families manage money successfully. This includes budgeting support, financial programs for kids, retirement planning, and more.

Address: 521 Boulevard De France, Bldg 283, 2nd Floor, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-2218

Email: pfmp_mcrd_err_parris_island@usmc.mil

Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Housing

Unaccompanied housing and privately managed military housing are available at MCRD Parris Island. Housing options are also available in the surrounding area.

Temporary Housing Options

Individuals and families seeking temporary accommodations during a PCS move can stay at one of two temporary lodging facilities on MCRD Parris Island - either the Osprey Inn or the Parris Island R.V. Park (assuming they own a recreational vehicle). Additional MCCS-managed hotels are available on MCAS Beaufort if necessary.

Osprey Inn

Address: 111 Mexico St., Bldg. 330, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-2744

Email: LodgingReservations.OspreyInn@usmc-mccs.org

Pet-friendly? Unknown

Parris Island R. V. Park

Address: 195 Mihiel Rd., Bldg 1018, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1519

Email: sc.semperfit@usmc-mccs.org

Pet-friendly? Yes

There are also several hotels off-base in nearby Beaufort and Port Royal, some of which offer military discounts. Find out more about hotels that offer military discounts!

Unaccompanied Housing

Barracks are provided for single service members ranked E5 and below. E6 and above have the option of living in the barracks or receiving a housing allowance to live off base.

Family Housing

The Military Housing Office provides support for service members aboard MCRD Parris Island, whether they are seeking housing on or off base.

Address: 402 Blvd de France, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-2853

Email: parr_smb_mcrdpi_housing@usmc.mil

Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On-Base Housing

There are four base housing neighborhoods where families stationed at MCRD Parris Island can live:

• Wake Village (E1-E9)
• Weapons Sound (E6-E9, O4-O6)
• Marsh Landing (O4-O6, WO1-WO3)
• Laurel Bay Circle (O5-O6)

These neighborhoods are managed by Hunt Military Communities.

Address: 640 Laurel Bay Rd., Beaufort, SC 29906

Phone: (843) 738-4511

On-Base Housing Pet Policy

Base housing typically has a limit of 2 pets (cats or dogs) per home subject to breed restrictions. Contact Hunt Military Communities to verify exact policies for Laurel Bay Family Housing.

Off-Base Housing

Housing referral services are available through the Military Housing Office. Housing referral services include providing a list of approved and non-approved apartment complexes and mobile home marks or a list of currently available properties in the local area. Check out our BAH Calculator to see current BAH rates for your duty station, pay grade, and dependency status.

Military Preferred Living Areas

The nearest towns to MCRD Parris Island for a short commute to base are Port Royal and Beaufort. Port Royal and Beaufort are both highly desirable coastal cities with long histories. Bluffton, SC, is another good option worth noting. Though it has a considerably longer commute to the Depot, it has slightly better schools.

Port Royal

Median listing home price: $397,000

Median sold home price: $405,000

Median rental rate: $2,325/mo

Estimated drive time to main gate: 15m

Beaufort

Median listing home price: $489,000

Median sold home price: $451,000

Median rental rate: $2,225/mo

Estimated drive time to main gate: 20m

Bluffton

Median listing home price: $569,000

Median sold home price: $557,500

Median rental rate: $2,450/mo

Estimated drive time to main gate: 45m

Schools and Child Care

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island does not have any on-post DODEA or public schools. However, families do have access to on-post childcare and youth programs on the Depot and on-post schools at MCAS Beaufort.

For support in making the transition to a new school, reach out to the School Liaison at MCAS Beaufort, which also serves the Depot.

Address: 510 Headquarters Loop, Bldg 601 Rm 219, MCAS Beaufort, SC 29904

Phone: (843) 228-6128

Email: bfrt_mccs_schoollia@usmc.mil

Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Base Schools (K-12)

Families stationed at MCRD Parris Island may choose to send their elementary and middle school-aged children to one of two DoWEA schools on base at MCAS Beaufort’s Laurel Bay housing area. Elliot Elementary School serves about 250 students in pre-K through second grade.

Bolden Elementary Middle School serves more than 300 students in grades 3-8. From there, students transfer to local public schools in Beaufort County for high school.

Off-Base Schools (K-12)

Families considering off-base schools will find both public and private school options available.

Beaufort County Schools

Most, if not all, families living within commuting distance of MCRD Parris Island will be within the bounds of the Beaufort County School District. The district serves about 21,000 students across 35 schools. According to Niche, it is a well-rated school district with an overall grade of A- and is the best school district in the greater Savannah area.

However, individual school quality does vary across the county. Service members with school-aged children who choose to live off-base will want to carefully consider the school attendance zone when choosing a home.

Private Schools

There are multiple religious and secular private schools in the area around MCRD Parris Island. Three of the most highly rated with about 45 minutes of base include:

• Beaufort Academy (K-12)
• Agape Christian Academy (K-12)
• John Paul II Catholic School (6-12)

This is by no means an exhaustive list of local private schools. Please reach out to the School Liaison for more information about private schools in the area. You may also wish to refer to the South Carolina Department of Education website for more information on private schools.

Child Care

For families with children that are not yet school-aged, or who require child care for older children outside of school hours, MCRD Parris Island has support options. Information about childcare options on base can be found at MilitaryChildCare.com.

Child Development Centers

MCRD Parris Island has one Child Development Center where you can enroll your child aged 6 weeks to five years old. CDC’s provide a structured curriculum for your child that will support their development from infancy through their toddler years as they grow old enough to begin school.

Address: 838 Wake Blvd., Bldg. 504, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-3514

Hours: Weekdays, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

School Age Care

The School Age Care Center provides before and after-school childcare for children ages 5-12, as well as full day care during school breaks. Services include homework assistance, recreational activities, and social development opportunities to support their growth and well-being.

Address: 684 Wake Blvd., Bldg. 501, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-1669

Email: sc.familyservices@usmc-mccs.org

Hours: Weekdays, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Local Employment Assistance & Resources

Family Member Employment Assistance Program

The Family Member Employment Assistance Program provides support to spouses and dependent family members seeking career development and job search assistance.

Address: 521 Boulevard De France, Bldg. 283, 2nd Floor, Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-3377

Email: bfrt_fmeap@usmc.mil

Hours: Monday - Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local Employment Resources

SC Works

A statewide organization providing robust support services for job seekers.

State of South Carolina

Official site for state government positions.

Beaufort County

Official job listings for the County municipal government.

City of Beaufort

Official job listings for the City of Beaufort.

Town of Port Royal

Official job listings for the Town of Port Royal.

Town of Bluffton

Official job listings for the Town of Bluffton.

Beaufort County Schools

See openings in Beaufort County Schools.

University of South Carolina Beaufort

Jobs at USC Beaufort.

Base Civilian Opportunities

Federal Jobs

Federal employment opportunities are available at Camp Lejeune and are open to both military-affiliated applicants and the public. These positions often provide competitive benefits and long-term stability.

Marine Corps Community Services

There are many opportunities available across the variety of offices and facilities within MCCS, including Marine Corps Exchanges. This includes positions in child and youth programs, food service, lodging, recreation facilities, fitness centers, and much more. Many of these positions offer more flexible employment terms, and spouses may apply for the Spouse Preference Program.

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)

More than just a typical grocery store job, the DeCA offers a variety of possible career paths for its employees. If you are interested in employment opportunities at the Commissary, you must apply through USAJOBS.

Enjoy Your Time at MRC Parris Island!

If you’ve gotten permanent orders to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, you are officially helping build the future of the United States Marine Corps. This is an exceptionally important duty. However, it’s not all about work. When the weekend rolls around, you have the benefit of being in beautiful coastal South Carolina, full of great restaurants and fun things to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live on base without children?

Yes, any military personnel with dependents (including a spouse) are permitted to live in base housing.

Can I live on base if I'm not married?

Yes, if you are a single service member, rank E5 and below, Unaccompanied Housing is available on base. E6 and above may also live in UH as space allows.

Is there a veterinary clinic on base?

Yes, the MCRD Parris Island Veterinary Clinic.

Address: Bldg 517A Alaska Blvd., Parris Island, SC 29905

Phone: (843) 228-3317

Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

I am visiting MCRD Parris Island for a graduation. How do I get on base?

Family and friends of graduating Marines make up the vast majority of visitors allowed at MCRD Parris Island, and are only allowed to visit from Wednesday through Friday of graduation week. Families are required to check in at the Douglas Visitor Center upon arrival at the Depot.

Recruit families seeking more information about visiting their recruit and attending graduation at Parris Island will want to check out the Marine Corps Community Services resources for recruit families.

I am visiting MCRD Parris Island for a graduation; is there a hotel I can stay in on the Depot?

Technically yes, but space at the Osprey Inn is limited, and preference is generally given to service members traveling for official orders. As a civilian, you may also lose a reservation at Osprey Inn if the space is needed for military use. Your best bet is likely to look for a nearby hotel off-base.