Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an active United States Marine Corps installation in South Carolina. It is on Parris Island, about 4 miles south of Beaufort. This guide covers directions, visitor rules, housing, schools, medical care, and services.

Base Overview

Official name Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Military branch United States Marine Corps
Base status Active
Street address 521 Blvd de France, Building 283, Parris Island, SC 29905
Main phone number 843-228-2371
Visitor Center phone 843-228-3650
Official website Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

Location and Directions

MCRD Parris Island is on Parris Island and nearby smaller islands, about 4 miles south of Beaufort. From I-95, northbound drivers can use Exit 33 toward Route 17, then Route 21 South and Route 280 toward Route 802. Southbound drivers can use Exit 8 toward US-278 East, then SC-141, SC-170 North, and SC-802. Follow signs to Parris Island and the front gate.

Visitor Information

During graduation week, family and friends may visit from Wednesday through Friday. Visitors should check in at the Douglas Visitors' Center. Bring a government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Rental-car users should also bring a copy of the rental agreement. Non-REAL-ID-compliant identification requires an approved identity document or document combination.

Pre-registration is available for groups of eight or fewer. Larger groups should use the group visit request process. Graduation ceremonies generally begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday mornings, but schedules can change. Confirm access rules and hours before traveling by calling the Provost Marshal's Office at 843-228-3444 or 843-228-2995.

Housing and Lodging

Tri-Command Family Housing provides privatized housing services for Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and the Naval Hospital. The Military Housing Office is at 402 Blvd de France and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 843-228-2244 or 843-228-2853.

Lodging option Details
Osprey Inn On MCRD Parris Island; nonmilitary visitors may stay when space is available. Call 843-228-2744.
Inns of the Corps At MCAS Beaufort, 1108 Delalio Avenue. Open 24 hours. Call 843-522-1663.
MCCS RV park Located on Parris Island. Contact the installation's MCCS program for reservations and policy information.

Facilities and Services

The installation has a commissary, Marine Corps Exchange, Exchange food court, Sand Trap Grill, Subway, and Traditions Restaurant. Other services include legal assistance, a Tax Center, vehicle registration, veterinary services, postal services, transition assistance, and a transportation and household-goods office.

Schools and Childcare

Students who live on Parris Island are zoned for Battery Creek High School. The School Liaison office helps with school information, registration, credit transfers, tutoring referrals, transitions, and youth sponsorship. Call 843-228-6128, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It offers full-day programs and hourly care when space permits. The Youth Center offers before- and after-school care, school-age care, sports, recreation programs, and summer day camps. Family Child Care homes are currently unavailable on Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort.

Medical Services

Service Contact
Branch medical clinic 843-228-4237
Parris Island Branch Dental Clinic Building 674; active-duty personnel. Call 843-228-3500.
Naval Hospital Beaufort 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort. Call 843-228-5600 or 843-228-5200.

Naval Hospital Beaufort does not have an emergency room. For a life-threatening illness or injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The TRICARE managed-care number is 800-444-5445, and the nurse advice line is 800-874-2273.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation options include the Semper Fit Center, intramural sports, youth sports, the Single Marine Program, and Marine Corps Community Services programs. Free tram service runs between major locations and parking areas during peak hours on graduation weeks.

The Parris Island Museum is at 676 Panama Street, Building 111. Civilians who are not connected to the military may visit, but all visitors must meet installation access rules. Call 843-228-2951 before visiting.

Things to Know

  • Parris Island is an active recruit-training installation with controlled access.
  • Traffic may be heavier on Family Day and graduation Friday. The island has one main road on and off the installation.
  • Bring valid identification, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when driving onto the installation.
  • Parris Island is about 45 miles from Savannah, Georgia, and about 90 miles from Charleston, South Carolina.
  • Extreme heat and humidity can occur from April through September.
  • Visitor rules, ceremony times, hours, and access procedures can change. Confirm current details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is MCRD Parris Island?

It is on Parris Island, about 4 miles south of Beaufort, South Carolina.

What phone number can visitors call?

The Visitor Center phone number is 843-228-3650. Visitors can also call the Provost Marshal's Office at 843-228-3444 or 843-228-2995.

What documents are needed to enter?

Bring a government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance. Rental-car users should bring the rental agreement.

Can nonmilitary visitors stay at the Osprey Inn?

Yes. Nonmilitary visitors may stay at the Osprey Inn when space is available.

Does Naval Hospital Beaufort have an emergency room?

No. For a life-threatening illness or injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.