The complete guide to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Jessica Evans
Aug 24, 2022 6:49 AM PDT
5 minute read
camp lejeune

The sun reflects onto building one during morning colors on Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2016. Morning and evening colors refer to the raising and lowering of our national flag. Morning colors is the traditional flag raising ceremony that occurs every morning at 0800 as per U.S. Navy Regulations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Austin M. Livingston, MCIEAST Combat Camera/Released)

SUMMARY

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has a strategic location which makes it a major installation for amphibious assault training.

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.

U.S. Marines Corps Capt. Edison Feisal, commanding officer of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, gives commands during live-fire assault rehearsals on range Golf-36 (G-36). (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacqueline Parsons)

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Casey Jenkins, outline officer in charge for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) teaches Midshipmen about the EA6-B Prowler at Cherry Point, N.C., July 18, 2013. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Dakis, Combat Camera, MCI-East, Camp Lejeune/Released)

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

U.S. Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct Amphibious Engineer Reconnaissance on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 2, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cheyenne Stillion)

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.

Hiring our Heroes hosted a career seminar at Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 21, 2022. This seminar was hosted to help veterans, transferring service members and military spouses find employment opportunities. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Trey Q. Michael)

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. 

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller speaks to Marines on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 22, 2019. Gen. Neller reinforced his expectations prior to their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia G. Ortiz)

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

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