It occupies about 3,000 acres, roughly 4 to 5 miles from, and 60 to 70 feet above, the Colorado River. Yuma is located in the Sonoran Desert. The environment in the area of MCAS Yuma is dominated by desert plains, with low stands of creosote bush interspersed with bur sage. There is no natural surface water on the station, and the water canals do not traverse the base. Most of the station property has been developed or disturbed.
Little vegetation grows around the buildings and residences, and there are few landscaped areas.
Some residents of the station-owned housing units maintain gardens, although few vegetables are grown. Some residents fish in the water canals, although a permit is necessary to do so. The civilian portion is growing and becoming more developed. The Navy also leases 90 acres of the station's property for agricultural use. This property has always been used for agricultural purposes, and has not been impacted by operations at MCAS Yuma.