Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is an active United States Marine Corps installation in Oceanside, California. It also hosts Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and other tenant commands. This guide covers access, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Military branch United States Marine Corps
Base status Active
Street address 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Camp Pendleton South, CA 92058
Main phone number 760-725-5061
Visitor Center phone 760-763-8435
Official website Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Location and Directions

Camp Pendleton is in the Oceanside area of California. San Diego International Airport is 42 miles north, and Los Angeles International Airport is 88 miles south. The installation has several gates, including Main Gate, San Luis Rey, Del Mar, Las Pulgas, San Onofre, and Cristianitos. Gate hours and arrival rules can change, so check current base access information before traveling.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Center is in Building 20255T next to the Main Gate. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors need authorized access and valid identification. Temporary passes may be issued for up to 60 days to eligible visitors age 18 and older.

Visitors under 18 must be with a parent or guardian who is at least 18. Foreign national visitors must follow special access procedures. The current base information says Force Protection Condition is Bravo+ and the Trusted Traveler Program is suspended. Confirm current rules, identification needs, sponsorship steps, and gate access before leaving home.

Housing and Lodging

Military personnel assigned to Camp Pendleton who have bona fide dependents living with them on a permanent basis may apply for on-base family housing. The Family Housing Office is at 98 San Jacinto Road. It can also help with off-base housing referrals, counseling, and advocacy. Call 760-725-1656 or email pndlfamilyhousing@usmc.mil. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Lodging or housing office Location Phone
Pacific Views Lodge Building 202870, near the Main Gate and South Mesa Club 760-763-7805
Ward Lodge Building 1310, near Mainside Center and the 13 Area Pool 760-725-5304
Unaccompanied housing office Building 1341 760-763-5953

Pacific Views Lodge also takes reservation calls at 760-763-7806, 760-763-7807, and 760-763-7809. Lodging availability and housing wait times can change.

Facilities and Services

Camp Pendleton has a Marine Corps Exchange, commissary, post offices, chapels, fitness centers, mess halls, family support services, and a Veterinary Treatment Facility. The installation also has provost marshal and emergency services. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency dispatch, call 760-725-3888.

Schools and Childcare

The School Liaison Office helps military families with pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education, school changes, local school referrals, and academic support. It is in Building 1160, Room 281. Call 760-763-7385 or 760-763-7386. School districts listed by the installation include Oceanside, Vista, Bonsall, Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Capistrano, Menifee, Murrieta Valley, and Temecula Valley.

Family Child Care serves children from 6 weeks through 12 years. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents can look for providers and request care through MilitaryChildCare.com or the local Family Child Care and Resource and Referral office. MCCS also provides youth and teen programs.

Medical Services

Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is at 200 Mercy Circle and is a Defense Health Agency military treatment facility for eligible beneficiaries. It provides outpatient, inpatient, specialty, emergency-related, and branch-clinic services. Service availability, eligibility, referrals, and appointments should be confirmed with the hospital or TRICARE.

Contact Phone
Appointments and referrals 760-725-HELP (4357)
Quarterdeck or officer of the day 760-725-1288, 760-725-1289, or 760-725-1290
Emergency care Call 911 for emergencies

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation choices include Del Mar Beach and Marina, San Onofre Beach, Lake O'Neill, campgrounds and RV facilities, Marine Memorial Golf Course, Stepp Stables, recreation centers, swimming pools, and outdoor equipment checkout.

Lake O'Neill has fishing, hiking, rowboats, camping, cabanas, playgrounds, basketball, softball, horseshoe pits, and miniature golf. Active-duty recreation centers in several areas have internet access, movie theaters, billiards, table tennis, video games, televisions, and outdoor patios.

Things to Know

  • Camp Pendleton is a secure installation. Civilian visitors need authorized access.
  • The current base information lists Force Protection Condition Bravo+.
  • The Trusted Traveler Program is suspended until further notice.
  • Bring acceptable identification and follow both base-access and hospital instructions.
  • Gate hours, access rules, housing, lodging, childcare spaces, and recreation hours can change. Confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Camp Pendleton?

Camp Pendleton is in the Oceanside area of California.

What is the Visitor Center phone number?

Call 760-763-8435.

Can visitors enter without a pass?

No. Visitors need authorized access and valid identification. Requirements depend on the visit, sponsorship, and credentials.

Does Camp Pendleton have a hospital?

Yes. Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton provides care for eligible beneficiaries.

What childcare is available?

Family Child Care serves children from 6 weeks through 12 years, and MCCS provides youth and teen programs.