Tori J. Ross 
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s strategic location makes it a major facility for amphibious assault training, a fact the Marines and sailors stationed there know well. In fact, there are almost 15 miles of beaches available for training. Even more impressive is that it sits between two deep water ports, allowing units to deploy quickly. It’s no surprise, then, that the facility is huge and spans 156,000 acres. Additionally, it has 32 firing positions, 48 tactical landing zones and three training facilities for military operations in urban terrain. Even more impressive, the base has six satellite facilities, including Camp Johnson and the Greater Sandy Run training area.
Location of MCB Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is located along the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
directions
Camp Lejeune is accessible by car using the following routes.
Are you from the north? Take I-95 S to US-70 E to US-258 S and follow signs for Camp Lejeune.
Are you from the south? Take I-95 N to US-74 E, then NC-53 E to NC-24 E and follow signs.
Are you from the west? Take I-40 E to NC-24 E and follow the 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 makes it possible to reach neighboring regions. In addition to beach excursions, there is plenty to see and explore on the east coast. However, depending on where you start, it could be a long drive. Camp Lejeune is along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Basic Exchange: (910) 449-0539 | (910) 451-5030
CDC Brewster: (910) 450-8497
Chaplain (after hours): (910) 451-2414
Chaplain (Hours of Service): (910) 451-3210
Commissioner: (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
CDC Mansion of Heroes: (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 Support: (910) 451-1903
MCAS New River CDC: (910) 449-6712
Meet at Naval Medical Center: (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 Hotline (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. You will also find the Marine Corps Infantry School and MC Combat Service Support Schools here.
History of Camp Lejeune
Like many DoD installations, Camp Lejeune got its start during World War II. In 1941, the War Department approved construction on 11,000 acres of land in Onslow County, North Carolina to build Marine Barracks New River.
One of the satellite installations, Montford Point, served as a separate training camp for the Black Marines from 1942 to 1949. There, 20,000 black Americans trained before full army integration. These days, Montford Point is called Camp Johnson. It houses the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools.
Toxic Water
Unfortunately, the Marines and families who lived and worked at Lejeune were exposed to contaminated water. For almost 30 years the base water had high levels of toxins. About 500,000 people were exposed to the contaminated water. Now the water is safe. In 2022, President Biden signed into law the Camp Lejeune Justice Act which provides victims with access to disability benefits, health care and compensation. This applies to anyone who lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987. Learn more about the law here.
Things to do around Camp Lejeune
Hotels
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel near Camp Lejeune (1.6 km)
Red Roof Inn & Suites Jacksonville, NC (1.8 km)
Days Inn Jacksonville, NC (3.2 mi / 5.2 km)
Restaurants
Yakitori House Restaurant (2.5 km) – Japanese
Twin Peaks Jacksonville (2.2 miles) – American food like burgers, wings, loaded fries
Taqueria La Mexicana (1.5 miles) – Mexican
Activities
Lynwood Park Zoo (10.4 miles) is a 10-acre site with over 50 species of animals from around the world.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (40.3 miles) offers tours, on-site sleepovers, shipwrecks you can explore, and thousands of aquatic animals to see.
The Onslow County Farmers’ Market (15km) is held Saturday and Tuesday mornings and offers fresh local produce, farm-to-table meat and dairy, baked goods and wonderful handicrafts .
Accommodation MCB Camp Lejeune
Call the Military Housing Office as soon as you get orders to Lejeune. Due to its size, wait times can be long.
It goes without saying that single Marines E5 and below must live in their unit’s barracks. This is a USMC-wide mandate.
Enlisted bachelors and officers’ quarters are also available.
WinnCompanies owns and operates 14 communities in and around Camp Lejeune.
In addition, accommodations are available in the local community.
Schools near Camp Lejeune
Luckily for the dairy kids who live in Camp Lejeune, DoDEA schools are available on base! Of course, the best first course of action is to call the school liaison office to find out the enrollment requirements.
Seven schools are available, including four elementary schools, a middle school for grades 3-5, a middle school, and a high school. Additionally, Marine families can benefit from nine daycare options right on base.
FFrequently Asked Questions
How many active duty Marines are stationed at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune has a population of nearly 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 coming 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, the newly created Parris Island Marines then often go to Camp Lejeune.
Is Camp Lejeune the largest military base?
Camp Lejeune covers 156,000 acres. It is also home to the largest concentration of marines and sailors in the world.
Can civilians enter Camp Lejeune?
Yes, but all unaccompanied visitors must obtain a Biometric Defense Identification System (DBIDS) card or temporary paper pass at the Camp Lejeune Visitor Center or Contractor Verification Office to obtain authorized access to Camp Lejeune. Keep in mind that unaccompanied visitors must be sponsored or on official business. I
