About Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton, located in Southern California, is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States. Covering over 125,000 acres, it serves as a primary training ground for Marine and Navy units, offering state-of-the-art facilities for amphibious assault training.
Positioned between Los Angeles and San Diego, this base also provides housing and resources to military families and personnel. With its critical mission and scenic coastal location, Camp Pendleton remains an essential component of U.S. military operations and readiness.
Camp Pendleton Local Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton or preparing for a move to this coastal Southern California installation, our veterans guide is tailored to assist you. Whether you’re looking for on-base housing or off-base options in nearby Oceanside, Carlsbad, or San Clemente, this guide has all the information you need. Discover the local attractions, military discounts, financial resources, and services available to help you and your family transition smoothly to Camp Pendleton.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (760) 725-0000
- Housing Office: +1 (760) 725-1001
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (760) 725-2002
- Family Support Office: +1 (760) 725-3003
- Legal Office: +1 (760) 725-4004
Address: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Vandegrift Blvd, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055, United States
Mission
Camp Pendleton supports the training and deployment readiness of Marine and Navy units. It serves as a key location for amphibious and expeditionary warfare preparation while providing essential infrastructure for joint military operations.
History
- Established: September 1942
- Named After: Major General Joseph H. Pendleton, a prominent Marine Corps leader.
- Significance:
- Originally created to train Marines during World War II.
- Has evolved into a multi-functional base supporting global military operations.
- Played a vital role in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.
Location
- Coordinates: 33.3042° N, 117.3177° W
- Website: Camp Pendleton Official Website
- Phone: +1 (760) 725-4111
- Hours of Operation:
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
Address:
Camp Pendleton
Oceanside, CA 92058
Driving Directions:
- From San Diego: Take I-5 N and exit at Camp Pendleton/Main Gate. Follow the signs to the Visitor Center (approx. 40 minutes).
- From Los Angeles: Use I-5 S, exit at Harbor Dr., and follow the signs to the base (approx. 1.5 hours).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 42,000
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 4,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 25,000
- Total Population Served: Over 71,000
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: Camp Pendleton offers on-base housing for service members and their families. Housing is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, providing a range of options from single-family homes to apartments. The Housing Office is available to assist with finding on and off-base housing. Contact them at +1 (760) 725-1001.
- Nearby cities like Oceanside, Carlsbad, and San Clemente offer off-base housing options, including rental properties and homes for sale.
- Current median home prices in Oceanside: $750,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Camp Pendleton is accessible via Interstate 5 and California State Route 76. Public transportation is available through North County Transit District services, including buses and trains, connecting the base to nearby communities.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton provides a full range of medical services to service members and their families, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. For more information, contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (760) 725-2002.
- Dining Facilities: Camp Pendleton offers several dining options, including mess halls and fast-food establishments. Off-base, nearby Oceanside and Carlsbad offer a wide variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to fine dining.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: Camp Pendleton has multiple fitness centers offering cardio equipment, weight rooms, group fitness classes, and sports facilities. Outdoor recreational areas for hiking, camping, and beach access are also available on base.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: The base offers several schools on-site for children of military families, operated by the Fallbrook Union Elementary and Fallbrook Union High School Districts.
- Off-Base Schools: Families living off base can access schools in the Oceanside Unified School District, Carlsbad Unified School District, and San Clemente School Districts. Higher education options are available at MiraCosta College and University of California, San Diego.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Camp Pendleton operates Child Development Centers providing daycare and preschool services. For enrollment details, contact the CDC directly.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Camp Pendleton offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The base features several beaches along the Pacific Ocean and is close to popular off-base attractions such as the Oceanside Pier and Legoland in Carlsbad.
- Shopping and Dining: The base has a commissary and exchange for everyday shopping needs. Off-base, the nearby Oceanside and Carlsbad areas provide shopping malls, boutiques, and restaurants to explore.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local veterans organizations such as VFW and American Legion in Oceanside provide services and support for military personnel and veterans.
- Family Support Office: The Family Support Office offers financial counseling, deployment support, and family advocacy services. Contact them at +1 (760) 725-3003.
- Legal Services: The Legal Office provides assistance with legal matters such as wills, powers of attorney, and other services. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (760) 725-4004 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1942, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is one of the largest military training facilities in the United States. The base is critical for amphibious assault training and serves as the West Coast’s principal amphibious training base for the Marine Corps.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the main mission of Camp Pendleton? | The base supports amphibious and expeditionary training for Marine Corps forces. |
| Can civilians visit Camp Pendleton? | Yes, but access is restricted, and visitors must undergo proper clearance and sponsorship. |
| How large is Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton? | The base covers approximately 125,000 acres of Southern California coastline and inland areas. |
| What units are stationed at Camp Pendleton? | The base is home to I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and several other major Marine units. |
| What amenities are available on base? | Camp Pendleton offers housing, medical facilities, schools, shopping centers, and recreational areas. |
| Does Camp Pendleton provide housing for military personnel? | Yes, there are various housing options available for military personnel and their families. |
| What training takes place at Camp Pendleton? | The base specializes in amphibious training, infantry training, and other expeditionary operations. |
| Are there schools for children of military personnel? | Yes, Camp Pendleton has schools and educational resources for children of military families. |
| How do I contact the base for general inquiries? | You can contact Camp Pendleton by phone at (760) 725-4111 or email at [email protected]. |
| Is Camp Pendleton involved in any environmental programs? | Yes, the base is committed to protecting the natural habitat and manages several environmental programs. |
All Military Bases in California
- Beale Air Force Base – Home of Advanced Reconnaissance Aircraft
- Camp Parks – Training Site for Army Reserve Personnel
- Camp Roberts – Comprehensive Training Center for U.S. Armed Forces
- Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach – West Coast Support Hub
- Coast Guard Island – Administrative Hub for Pacific Operations
- Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma – Advanced Technical Training Facility
- Edwards Air Force Base – Air Force Testing and Development Center
- Fort Irwin – Home of the National Training Center
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar – Base of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton – Major Marine Corps Training Facility
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow – Logistics Support Hub for the Corps
- Naval Air Station Lemoore – Navy’s Largest Master Jet Base
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake – Navy’s Weapons Development Center
- Naval Base Coronado – Premier Training Center for Naval Operations
- Naval Base San Diego – Major Navy Operating Base
- Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach – Ordnance Support Facility
- Presidio of Monterey – Defense Language Institute Headquarters
- Travis Air Force Base – Major Airlift and Logistics Hub