Yes, as the family member of a graduating recruit, you CAN stay in Billeting Housing at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego during graduation regardless of whether or not you are former military.

Important: Reservations are NOT guaranteed if the billeting facilities need to be made available for active duty military personnel. The needs of these personnel for any reason will over ride reservations made for graduation. It is strongly advised that you have a back up reservation with a liberal cancellation policy.

It's really easy and convenient to stay on Billeting and it's truly a beautiful area. The prices are very affordable. To be "on the base" really adds to the ambiance of graduation. See photos below.

The down-side to Billeting is, that as the family member of a graduating recruit, you get what is available and your reservation is taken on a space available basis. That may be a room with two twin beds that shares a bathroom with the room next door. I didn't mind "sharing" that space, but it may not work for some folks. There is a private vanity area in each room. They even have a coffee pot, coffee and filters, and ironing board.

I stayed at a hotel off base for my son's graduation in November, 2001. For a graduation I attended in May, 2006, I stayed in Billeting. I liked being right on the depot.

To make reservations:

• Call: 619-524-4401
• Email: reservations@mcrdsd-billeting.org
• Web site: mcrdsd-billeting.com

Address for MCRD San Diego Billeting:

3800 Chosin Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140