Camp Pendleton

Updated: August 31, 2023
In this Article

    Situated on the Southern California coast in San Diego County, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton stands as the primary West Coast installment for the U.S. Marine Corps. It’s also one of the largest in the country.

    Base Operator:
    760-725-8177

    Address:
    20250 Vandegrift Blvd
    Oceanside, CA 92058

    Camp Pendleton Housing

    Camp Pendleton offers on-camp housing. There are roughly 6,800 housing units total. Waiting periods to get on-camp housing span from one month to 16 months. If you’re interested in the Pacific View/Stuart Mesa housing area, call 760-763-1300, for more on San Onofre, call 760-725-7027. For more information on housing, call 800-843-2182.

    Off-camp housing is available as well, with roughly two-thirds of the military families life in nearby communities.

    How to Apply For Housing

    If you’re applying, you’re encouraged to put in an “advanced application”. In the application, you’ll list your preferred housing area. For more information on your PCS, reach out to the Family Housing Office at 760-725-5995.

    PCS and TDY Lodging

    Temporary lodging at Camp Pendleton is an option. Below are two locations:

    South Mesa Lodge:

    Situated in Building 202870, the South Mesa Lodge boasts panoramic ocean views next to the South Mesa Club. All its 69 rooms, consisting of 48 deluxe rooms and 21 suites, offer ocean vistas and come equipped with flat-screen TVs. To book a room, contact 760-763-7805. For directions, enter through Camp Pendleton’s main gate, take a right on Wire Mountain Road, followed by a left on San Jacinto Road. The lodge is positioned at the end, just beyond the South Mesa Club.

    Ward Lodging:

    You can make reservations up to six months ahead of your stay. Ensure your reservation by confirming at least two days before your intended date. Book via phone, fax, or email, ensuring you provide the sponsor’s name, rank, and contact number. For any questions, call 760-725-5194. It’s located in Building 1310 opposite Mainside Center.

    What is the BAH for Camp Pendleton?

    The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Camp Pendleton varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the California state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.

    CAMP PENDLETON, CA BAH Rates

    Military Housing Area: CA024

    Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
    E01 $3,156 $2,403
    E02 $3,156 $2,403
    E03 $3,156 $2,403
    E04 $3,156 $2,403
    E05 $3,408 $2,721
    E06 $3,753 $2,922
    E07 $3,903 $3,162
    E08 $4,062 $3,483
    E09 $4,254 $3,579
    W01 $3,774 $3,075
    W02 $3,969 $3,480
    W03 $4,164 $3,588
    W04 $4,290 $3,786
    W05 $4,437 $3,936
    O01E $3,930 $3,402
    O02E $4,134 $3,558
    O03E $4,308 $3,747
    O01 $3,456 $2,895
    O02 $3,750 $3,324
    O03 $4,161 $3,627
    O04 $4,485 $3,906
    O05 $4,716 $4,002
    O06 $4,761 $4,149
    O07 $4,800 $4,221

    For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.

    Camp Pendleton Surrounding Area

    Camp Pendleton is between Los Angeles and San Diego. Surrounding Camp Pendleton are Oceanside, San Clemente, and Riverside County, offering diverse landscapes, 17 miles of coastline, and a rich ecosystem. Historic sites like the ranch house and Las Flores Adobe are noteworthy attractions.

    The base’s diverse geography, including tidal estuaries, riparian corridors, coastal plains, rolling hills, canyons, and mountains, provides essential habitat for over 1,100 species of flora and fauna. The base also hosts a free-roaming herd of bison, adding a unique regional feature to the area.

    Healthcare

    On-camp healthcare is available through Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. It’s near the main gate.

    The order of priority is:

    1. Active-duty service members.
    2. Family members of active duty in TRICARE Prime.
    3. Retirees and their families in TRICARE Prime.
    4. Active-duty families not in TRICARE Prime.
    5. Retirees and families not in TRICARE Prime.

    All eligible beneficiaries, including active duty, retirees, and their families, receive outpatient and inpatient care. Bring records to the Outpatient Records desk inside the hospital for faster first appointments. There is a pharmacy at the hospital.

    Emergency Services: On-base ambulance service available. Off-base residents call 911. Hospital emergency care is available 24/7.

    Childcare

    Camp Pendleton offers at least five Child Development Centers (CDCs). Aside from those centers there are a range of other programs offering child care on camp. These centers provide full-day and extended care options for infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. Several also offer school year and summer camp options for students.

    Schooling

    Children living on base attend schools in the Oceanside, Fallbrook, or Capistrano Unified School Districts. No DODEA or high schools are located on Camp Pendleton. For busing details, contact the School Liaison Office at 760-763-7385 or 760-763-7386.

    Written by Veteran.com Team