Camp Pendleton
Updated: August 31, 2023
Written by Veteran.com Team
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:
- Active-duty service members.
- Family members of active duty in TRICARE Prime.
- Retirees and their families in TRICARE Prime.
- Active-duty families not in TRICARE Prime.
- 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.
