Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in San Clemente, California. Covering over 200 square miles in San Clemente in northwestern San Diego County of Southern California, Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton is the nation's busiest military base. The 17.5-mile stretch of pristine shoreline along the base is the largest undeveloped portion of coast left in Southern California. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreational facilities and activities on the base, as well as unlimited local points of interest that make your visit memorable. [Top]

Training at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Camp Pendleton provides training facilities for many active-duty and reserve Marines, Army and Navy units, as well as national, state and local agencies. The base is the home of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and many tenant units, including elements of Marine Aircraft Group 39 and Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity.

Over 60,000 military and civilian personnel work aboard the base every day. Situated on largely undeveloped land and miles of pristine coastline, Camp Pendleton is the Marine Corps' premier amphibious training base and the West Coast’s only amphibious assault training center that promotes the combat readiness of Marines and sailors. Pendleton Marines are environmentally conscientious as they share the land with 400 species of mammals and birds. The protection of several endangered species is carefully considered when planning for marine training. [Top]

History of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Of all the Marine Corps bases throughout the world, Camp Pendleton has one of the most intriguing pasts, filled with historical charm and vibrancy. Spanish explorers, colorful politicians, herds of thundering cattle, skillful vaqueros and tough Marines have contributed to the history of this land. In 1769, Capt. Gaspar de Portola led a Spanish expedition from lower California and arrived at the now Camp Pendleton. During the next 30 years, 21 Franciscan missions were established in Southern California.

From a thriving cattle ranch in the late 1800s, the land was transformed into the largest Marine Corps base in the country in 1942 - named for Major General Joseph H. Pendleton. On Sept. 25, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedication the base. Proud of its colorful heritage, Camp Pendleton has preserved its storied past, as reflected in the home of the I Marine Expeditionary Force’s commanding general, which is a National Historic Site. For additional information, visit www.cpp.usmc.mil. [Top]