Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has a strategic location which makes it a major installation for amphibious assault training, a fact that Marines and Sailors stationed there know well. In fact, there are nearly 15 miles of beaches available for training. Even more impressive is that it’s in between two deep-water ports so units can deploy rapidly. It’s no surprise then, that the installation is enormous and stretches over 156,000 acres. Additionally, it has 32 gun positions, 48 tactical landing zones, and three training facilities for military operations in urban terrain. Even more impressive, the base boasts six satellite facilities, including Camp Johnson and the Greater Sandy Run Training Area.
MCB Camp Lejeune Location
Camp Lejeune is located along the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Directions
Camp Lejeune can be reached by car using the following routes.
Heading in from the north? Take I-95 S to US-70 E, then take US-258 S and follow signs for Camp Lejeune.
Driving from the south? Take I-95 N to US-74 E, then take NC-53 E to NC-24 E and follow signs.
Coming from the west? Take I-40 E to NC-24 E and follow signs.
Transportation
Ellis Airport (17.6 miles) is a small regional airport served by American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
Wilmington International Airport (54.5 miles) is the closest international airport and is served by American, Avelo, Delta, and United Airlines.
Driving allows for trips to nearby areas. Together with trips to the beach, there’s lots to see and explore on the east coast. However, depending on where you start, you could be in for a long drive. Camp Lejeune is along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Contacts
Base Exchange: (910) 449-0539 | (910) 451-5030
Brewster CDC: (910) 450-8497
Chaplain (After Hours): (910) 451-2414
Chaplain (Duty Hours): (910) 451-3210
Commissary: (910) 451-5071
Domestic Violence Helpline: (910) 376-2155
EFMP – Family Support: (910) 451-4394
Equal Opportunity Office: (910) 451-5372
Family Medicine: (910) 450-4698
Heroes Manor CDC: (910) 450-4078 | (910) 450-4119
Housing Office: (910) 450-1628
ID/CAC Card Processing: (910) 451-2727
Information and Referral Services: (910) 451-1056
Information, Tickets, Travel: (910) 451-3535 | (910) 449-6530
Inspector General: (910) 451-2718
Installation Contact: (910) 451-2414
Legal Assistance: (910) 451-1903
MCAS New River CDC: (910) 449-6712
Naval Medical Center Appointments: (910) 450-4357
Pediatrics: (910) 450-4500
Personal Property: (910) 450-8417
Public Affairs Office: (910) 451-7440
School Liaison: (910) 449-9915 | (910) 449-9749
Sexual Assault Support Line (24/7): (910) 750-5852
Stone Street Youth Pavilion: (910) 450-8674
Visitor Center: (910) 451-7734 | (910) 450-0281
Mission and Units
Lejeune is the “Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness” and its mission is to train Marines and Sailors.
MCB Camp Lejeune is home to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and several other combat units. Here you’ll also find the Marine Corps School of Infantry and the MC Combat Service Support Schools.
Camp Lejeune History
Like lots of DoD installations, Camp Lejeune got its start during WWII. In 1941, the War Department approved construction on an 11,000-acre piece of land in Onslow County, North Carolina to build Marine Barracks New River.
One of the satellite facilities, Montford Point, served as a segregated training boot camp location for Black Marines from 1942 until 1949. There, 20,000 Black Americans trained before the military integrated fully. These days, Montford Point is called Camp Johnson. It’s home to Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools.
Toxic Water
Unfortunately, Marines and families who lived and worked at Lejeune have been exposed to contaminated water. For almost 30 years, water on base had high levels of toxins. Approximately 500,000 people have been exposed to the contaminated water. Now, the water is safe. In 2022, President Biden signed into law the Camp Lejeune Justice Act that allows victims to qualify for disability payments, healthcare, and compensation. This applies to anyone who lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987. Read more about the law here.
Things to Do Around Camp Lejeune
Hotels
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Near Camp Lejeune (1 mile)
Red Roof Inn & Suites Jacksonville, NC (1.1 miles)
Days Inn Jacksonville, NC (3.2 miles)
Restaurants
Yakitori House Restaurant (1.5 miles) – Japanese
Twin Peaks Jacksonville (2.2 miles) – American cuisine such as burgers, wings, loaded fries
Taqueria La Mexicana (1.5 miles) – Mexican
Activities
Lynwood Park Zoo (10.4 miles) is a 10-acre plot with over 50 species of animals from all over the world.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (40.3 miles) has guided tours, sleepovers in the facility, shipwrecks you can explore, and thousands of aquatic animals to see.
Onslow County Farmers Market (9.3 miles) runs Saturday and Tuesday mornings and provides fresh, local produce, farm-to-table meats and dairy, baked goods, and wonderful hand-crafted items.
MCB Camp Lejeune Housing
Call the Military Housing Office as soon as you receive orders to Lejeune. Because of its size, waiting times can be long.
It goes without saying that single Marines E5 and below are required to live in their unit barracks. This is a USMC-wide mandate.
Bachelor Enlisted and Officer Quarters are also available.
WinnCompanies owns and operates 14 communities in and around Camp Lejeune.
Additionally, housing is available in the local community.
Schools in the area
Fortunately for mil-kids who call Camp Lejeune home, DoDEA schools are available on base! Of course, the best first course of action is to call the School Liaison Office to find out about enrollment requirements.
There are seven schools available including four elementary schools, one intermediate school for grades 3-5, a middle school, and a high school. Additionally, Marine families can benefit from nine daycare options right on base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many active duty Marines are stationed there?
Camp Lejeune has a population of almost 138,000 Marines, Sailors, their families, civilian employees, and retirees.
What is the difference between Parris Island and Camp Lejeune?
Parris Island is where Marine Corps who are from the east complete their Boot Camp Training. Heading to Parris Island? Check out this resource guide to answer all your questions. Most of the time, newly minted Parris Island Marines often go to Camp Lejeune next.
Is Camp Lejeune the largest military base?
Camp Lejeune is 156,000 acres. It’s also home to the largest concentration of Marines and Sailors in the world.
Can civilians enter Camp Lejeune?
Yes, but all unescorted visitors must obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card or temporary paper pass at the Camp Lejeune Visitor Center or the Contractor Vetting Office to gain authorized access to Camp Lejeune. Keep in mind that unescorted visitors must be sponsored or on official business. i