MCLB BARSTOW
MARINES
Barstow, CA
United States
MCLB BARSTOW
MARINES
Barstow, CA
United States
MCLB Barstow
Base Essentials
The Marine Corps' western logistics hub in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, CA — a small, remote posting for logistics professionals with California's cost of living and a high-desert environment.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MARCORLOGCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
5,400
Active Duty
—
Civilian
1,000
Population
60,000
Economic Impact
—
MCLB Barstow History
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in California's Mojave Desert was established in 1942 and serves as the Marine Corps' West Coast logistics and maintenance depot. It performs depot-level repair and rebuild of ground combat equipment, engineering equipment, and communications-electronics systems. The base's remote desert location provides ample space for storage and testing, and it supports Marine readiness through its sustainment mission.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Marine Corps Depot of Supplies Established
1967
Redesignated Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1942
Marine Corps Depot of Supplies Established
The Marine Corps established a desert supply depot near Barstow, California, in 1942 to support WWII operations in the Pacific. Its Mojave Desert location provided ideal conditions for storage of equipment and prepositioned war stocks.
1967
Redesignated Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
The installation was redesignated Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in 1967, formalizing its identity as a logistics and maintenance hub. MCLB Barstow serves as the primary West Coast logistics base for the Marine Corps and supports units at nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCLB Barstow.
MCLB Barstow Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCLB Barstow.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCLB Barstow.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCLB Barstow.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Marine Corps Family Services (MCFS) — Relocation Assistance
In-Processing
Marines and Sailors arriving at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow report to their gaining unit's administrative section during duty hours. The unit S1 initiates check-in and coordinates in-processing appointments. MCLB Barstow is a remote installation in the Mojave Desert and operates from two sites: Nebo (main post) and Yermo Annex, 7 miles east. Confirm the specific site for your gaining unit before arrival.
In-processing covers Military Personnel, Finance, medical enrollment at the Branch Health Clinic (Nebo), and housing. MCFS at (760) 577-6352 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation and provides welcome packets covering the Barstow/High Desert area — one of the more remote assignments in the Marine Corps.
MCLB Barstow is located in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, California, approximately halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The remote location means on-base amenities and community cohesion are especially important. The installation supports global Marine Corps maintenance, supply, and logistics operations.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCLB Barstow.
On-post family housing at MCLB Barstow is managed by Lincoln Military Housing. The on-post community is the primary housing choice for most families given the installation's remote Mojave Desert location — Barstow, California is a small high-desert city with limited off-post options. MCLB Barstow is located in Barstow, California — a small city of approximately 24,0…
Local Market
$1,200/mo
rent
/
$235,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around MCLB Barstow
90
10% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCLB Barstow.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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3
Other Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow is located in the Mojave Desert of California at the intersection of I-15 and I-40 — the crossroads of the desert Southwest. Barstow is a Route 66 railroad and logistics hub that is very remote from major California metro areas. Most permanent-party Marines live on base or in Barstow itself due to the remoteness.
Barstow
Small Town
The only significant community near MCLB Barstow, Barstow is a small desert city with a Walmart, basic restaurant options, and Barstow Unified School District schools. The Mojave Road, historic Route 66 landmarks, and Calico Ghost Town are nearby recreation. The Mojave Desert's stark beauty and the dark-sky astronomy potential are genuine assets for outdoor-oriented families. Housing is very affordable.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Barstow Unified School District
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Very affordable Mojave Desert housing, Route 66 history, Calico Ghost Town, dark-sky astronomy, remoteness is part of the experience
Apple Valley / Victorville
Suburban
The Victor Valley cities are 60+ miles south of MCLB Barstow via I-15 — a 50-to-60-minute commute each way. For families who need big-box shopping, better schools, or a genuine suburban environment, the commute is manageable on a flexible schedule. Apple Valley Unified and Hesperia USD serve the area, which has significantly better school ratings than Barstow.
Commute: 60 min
Schools: Apple Valley Unified School District
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Retirees
Much better amenities and schools than Barstow, significant Mojave commute, good for non-daily or flexible commute arrangements
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCLB Barstow.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty military pay for California legal residents at rates up to 13.3% — among the highest margin…
Spouse Income Tax
California taxes military pay if stationed in CA. Spouses may claim domicile elsewhere under MSRRA.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military can keep home-state plates but may owe use tax on vehicle purchase.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. Prop 13 limits assessment increases.
Pet Policies at MCLB Barstow
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCLB Barstow.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCLB Barstow.
Commissary
1
MCLB Barstow Commissary
Exchange
MCX
Mon–Thu 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
2
Health Care Overview — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCLB Barstow.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Peggy Sue Gate (Yermo Annex Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCLB Barstow.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCLB Barstow.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.