Oceanside shares its northern border with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  Located approximately 38 miles from downtown San Diego and 82 miles south of Los Angeles, it’s the Corps’ largest West Coast expeditionary training facility, encompassing more than 125,000 acres of Southern California terrain. 

Camp Pendleton is a training ground for various tactical forces across all the armed forces, with a particular focus on infantry and amphibious sea-to-shore training.

Camp Pendleton is a closed based and only persons who have official business or a sponsor on base will be granted access. Whether you’re visiting Camp Pendleton for a wedding or event, for work as a contractor, for specialized training, or to visit a service member, consider staying in Oceanside as your home base. We would like to extend a special welcome to friends and family traveling to Camp Pendleton for their loved ones homecoming. 

Tips for driving on Camp Pendleton:

• Read the Base Access rules and plan ahead to avoid delays.
• Make sure you have a valid ID and proof of car insurance and registration.
• When approaching the gate, use the visitor lane, roll your window down with ID in hand, and tell the guard specifically where you are headed. Be prepared, to have to pull over and have your information closely reviewed.
• Once on base, FOLLOW ALL TRAFFIC LAWS.  MPs (Military Police) keep a close eye on vehicles and you will get get a ticket for even the slightest infraction.

Lodging and billeting in Oceanside, near Camp Pendleton, gets you closest to Camp Pendleton’s southern entry points including Main Gate, San Luis Rey Gate (back gate), and Las Pulgas Gate. These gates have the best access to Base Headquarters, Mainside, Del Mar Beach and Marina, La Casa Del Mar, Pacific Views Event Center, Naval Hospital, Lake O’Niell, Wounded Warrior Battalion, Tactical Systems Support, Amphibious Assault Craft Unit, and Camp Pendleton Base Air Terminal. Most hotels in Oceanside offer military, veteran, and government discounts, but those offering per diem rates are listed below.

For contractors, military reunions, basic training graduations and groups traveling to Camp Pendleton needing 5 or more rooms, or requiring an extended stay, please contact our Group Travel Department for personal and customized service.

The below vacation rental management companies are pleased to offer a military discount with ID. Vacation homes are perfect for extended stays or large groups that wish to lodge together, including military reunions, gatherings and casual get-togethers.