29 Palms Marine Base
Twentynine Palms Relocation Information
Photo by Marines.mil
Welcome to Twentynine Palms (or 29 Palms), the world’s largest Marine Corps base!
This impressive base stretches across the Mojave Desert, offering miles of usable land for the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC)/ Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) to work their magic in enhancing combat readiness through facilitating joint operations.
Photo by MAGTF Training Command/Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms Facebook
At 29 Palms, the combination of air and ground units creates a dynamic environment filled with an array of aircraft, explosives, armored vehicles, and more.
In addition to operational activities, the base offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance families' comfort. While local options may be limited, the amenities available on base often surpass those found at many other Marine Corps installations.
Photo by MAGTF Training Command/Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions About 29 Palms
1) What cities are near 29 Palms?
There are no major cities near 29 Palms. Palm Springs, “The Playground for the Stars,” and home to a little under 50,000 residents, is about an hour’s drive away. But large, heavily populated cities are much further down the road. Los Angeles is just over two hours away, and San Diego is about three.
2) Why is it called 29 Palms?
Legend has it that 29 Palms got its name from gold miners describing the area to stake their claim in the 1800s.
Photo by Glenn Francis of PacificProDigital.com
3) Is 29 Palms a good place to live?
It's often said, “You cry when you get here; you cry when you leave.” The isolated location can make new military families feel overwhelmed and displaced; however, many ultimately come to appreciate the strong sense of community. So, is 29 Palms truly a negative experience? Only individual families can answer that, but the consensus is likely no.
4) Is 29 Palms in the desert?
The Morongo Basin is considered high desert and is known for its moderate weather patterns.
5) What is the zip code for 29 Palms?
The zip code for 29 Palms is 92278. Other nearby zip codes include 92277.
6) What is the BAH for 29 Palms?
BAH for 29 Palms ranges from $1,932 for E-1 to $2,778 E-9 with dependents, and from $2,223 for O-1 to $3,309 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Base Location & Information
Image from MCCS 29 Palms
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center is a census-designated place in southern California, officially known as Twentynine Palms Marine Base or 29 Palms Marine Base. It is located north of the cities of Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley in southern San Bernardino County. This area offers a range of unique attractions and natural beauty that define the region. Activities primarily revolve around the outdoors and the desert environment, including hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and more.
Photo from Austin Forrest on Unsplash
California is home to dozens of military installations. However, there are none near 29 Palms. There are a few lone duty stations located further in the desert, but most other driveable bases lie closer to Los Angeles or San Diego and are about three hours away.
Nearest military installations:
Photo from Jon Grogan on Unsplash
Although the remote location may initially seem quiet, there's a wealth of activities and attractions just a short drive away. Palm Springs is about an hour away, while Las Vegas, a popular weekend destination, is just over three hours northeast. Los Angeles is approximately 2.5 hours away, and Big Bear, offering both winter adventures and summer relaxation, is under two hours. San Diego, with its inviting attractions, sunny weather, and beautiful beaches, is about three hours south.
Twentynine Palms Lodging
Photo by MCCS 29 Palms
Inns of the Corps Mountain View manages lodging for incoming military personnel and their families. It provides single rooms and suites with access to base amenities, serving as an excellent option for rest while searching for a new home to buy or a house to rent.
Inns of the Corps Contact: (760) 830-1054
Twentynine Palms Housing
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Photo from Liberty Military Housing
Liberty Military Housing manages on-base housing at Twentynine Palms. With 1,567 homes in 15 different neighborhoods, creating a tight-knit community for military families relocating to this remote area.
Location:
1003 Cottonwood Road
P.O. Box 6065
Twentynine Palms, CA
92277
Contact: (760) 362-8901
Check in with 29 Palms Family Housing Office for more details. See below for contact numbers:
- Front Desk: (760) 830-6611
- Junior Enlisted Housing Coordinator: (760) 830-1707
- NCO Housing Coordinator: (760) 830-1709
- SNCO/Officer Housing Coordinator: (760) 830-1708
- Housing Referral Specialist: (760) 830-1706
Twentynine Palms Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Twentynine Palms Marine Base – 29 Palms Homes
While many families choose to live in the communities on base here, those who live off base look in the towns of Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree.
Base Search
City Search
View homes for sale and houses for rent near 29 Palms: Homes for Sale, Houses to Rent
29 Palms BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
29 Palms is near the city of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree with many options to buy or rent. Some sample 29 Palms BAH rates for zip code 92278:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,932
- E-1 without dependents: $1,614
- E-9 with dependents: $2,778
- E-9 without dependents: $2,259
- O-1 with dependents: $2,223
- O-1 without dependents: $1,842
- O-7 with dependents: $3,309
- O-7 without dependents: $2,712
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Area Weather & Climate
The Mojave Desert features a distinct climate characterized by high temperatures and low humidity. Summer temperatures frequently exceed one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, while the winter months (November to February) provide some relief, with daytime highs typically in the 60s.
Photo from Anna Goncharova on Unsplash
Beyond the dry heat that may take some adjusting to, earthquakes are the biggest concern when it comes to natural disasters. Though most offer a little rumble, a few create a jolting shake. In 2019, the area experienced a 6.4 earthquake. For more information about earthquake preparedness, visit the Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions.
Twentynine Palms Area Schools
Photo from Jerry Wang on Unsplash
Regardless of whether you choose to live on base or out in town while stationed at Twentynine Palms, your school-age kids fall under the Morongo Unified School District. The school district has 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, one continuation high school, two state preschool programs, and one special education preschool program.
Morongo Unified School District:
Image from VMAX Compass Cloud
For families seeking a private school education for their children, Private School Review is an excellent resource to assist in finding the right fit. Those interested in homeschooling should adhere to the California Department of Education's regulations regarding homeschooling. For any questions or concerns, contact the School Liaison Program for assistance.
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Support for Military and Families
Photo from Adam Winger on Unsplash
Twentynine Palms fosters a unique culture for military families. While its remote desert location presents certain challenges, families often learn to rely on each other in ways that create a strong sense of community.
Maintaining a career while stationed at 29 Palms can be challenging. However, there are many opportunities for volunteering, both individually and as a family, with organizations such as the Twentynine Palms Historical Society, 29 Palms FOOD FOR LIFE, and Reach Out Morongo Basin, all of which welcome additional support.
In terms of lifestyle and family activities, 29 Palms offers a wealth of options. The on-base pool, fitness centers, bowling center, and golf course provide ample opportunities to stay active. Furthermore, the base's intramural sports, libraries with organized events, and hobby shops play a significant role in bringing 29 Palms residents together.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near Twentynine Palms
Photo from nps.gov
Joshua Tree National Park: Where the Mojave and Colorado ecosystems collide, Joshua Tree National Park is overflowing with beauty and opportunities to learn about this unique region.
Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center: Take advantage of the unpolluted night air for unforgettable views of the starry desert night.
Visitor Centers: Joshua Tree National Park features several visitor centers that offer a wealth of information. These centers provide essential amenities such as restrooms, water bottle filling stations, bookstores, EV charging stations, and picnic tables.
Smith’s Ranch Drive-In: A drive-in movie under the gorgeous desert sky is sure to make the favorites list when it comes to family outings.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
Bldg. 1145, MCAGCC
Twentynine Palms
,
92278-8250