Camp Pendleton At A Glance

Camp Pendleton is located 38 miles north of San Diego, CA, and borders the southern edge of Orange County, just south of Los Angeles. Military is a major presence in San Diego County, with more than 300,000 military-related residents. Camp Pendleton occupies more than 125,000 acres, and five other main military installations and numerous smaller sites are located throughout the county.

Camp Pendleton's base hotels are located in Fallbrook and in Oceanside. Though Oceanside hotels tend to be preferred more often, Fallbrook hotels can be a better match for those looking for a better deal and a quiter area. The Fallbrook Hillside Inn is only minutes away from the rear Naval Weapons gate, towards the backside of Camp Pendleton. Fallbrook, California is a small military town with a country atmosphere where the weather is great and the breezes are cool. Nearest to the rear Naval Weapons entrance, often referred to as the rear or back gate, is where you'll find the small country town of Fallbrook. The Hillside Inn is less than 10 minutes away from the rear gate on Mission Road (S13). We are newly renovated and are priced just right, 15% military discounts are offered and below Per Diem Rates! Special long term rates are also offered on per situation basis.

Camp Pendleton's base housing came under the management of a private company in 2003, and nearly every unit on base will be renovated in the next few years. There are nearly 6,800 units located in communities across the base. The wait for a two- or three-bedroom unit is less than six months, but expect to wait up to a year for four or five bedrooms. Off-base housing is available, but anywhere in the local area is going to be expensive. Outlying areas may have cheaper rent, but gas adds up fast at $2 per gallon.

The cost of living in southern California is much higher than most other places in the U.S. Gas prices are highest in California, and commutes between 15 and 50 or more minutes are commonly required to get around, just because Pendleton is so vast. Discounted gas is available on base, and use the commissary to help cut food costs.

Living on base attend elementary schools near their housing, some on base and some off. Seventh through twelfth graders typically go to public schools in the nearest community. Preschoolers can choose between private off-base facilities or one of the Child Development Centers on base.

On-base extension classes are offered by various colleges and universities, and the local area is home to an impressive number of educational institutions of all types. More information can be found at the Joint Reception Center on base.