About Camp Lejenue
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is one of the largest Marine Corps bases on the East Coast. It plays a critical role in supporting amphibious and expeditionary operations.
The base is home to numerous units and facilities, including the 2nd Marine Division and the Marine Special Operations Command. Camp Lejeune is known for its extensive training areas and its role in preparing Marines for rapid deployment.
If you’re stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or planning a move here, our comprehensive guide has everything you need. From housing options both on and off base, to the best things to do in the area, financial resources, and local businesses offering military discounts, this guide is your one-stop resource for everything.
Camp Lejeune Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (910) 451-1113
- Housing Office: +1 (910) 451-9753
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (910) 451-3090
- Family Support Office: +1 (910) 451-1055
- Legal Office: +1 (910) 451-1903
- Address: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, 40 Brewster Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547, United States
Mission
Camp Lejeune serves as a major training hub for the U.S. Marine Corps, supporting amphibious assault operations and expeditionary warfare readiness. It is home to II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), critical to the Marine Corps’ rapid response capabilities. The base also facilitates joint training exercises with other branches of the military to ensure operational excellence.
History
- Established: 1941
- Initially built as an amphibious training base during World War II.
- Named after Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
- Played key roles in preparing Marines for missions in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.
Key milestones include:
- Development of advanced amphibious training facilities.
- Support for disaster relief operations and global conflicts.
- Ongoing modernization to meet 21st-century defense requirements.
Location
- Address: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, 40 Brewster Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547
- Coordinates: 34.6842° N, 77.3244° W
- Website: Camp Lejeune Official Website
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; Closed weekends and holidays
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
- Driving Directions:
- From Wilmington International Airport: Take I-40 West to US-17 North, then NC-24 East toward Jacksonville. Follow signs to Camp Lejeune Main Gate. Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.
- From Raleigh-Durham International Airport: Take I-40 East to NC-24 East via US-17 South. Follow signs to the base. Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes.
- From Downtown Jacksonville, NC: Drive east on NC-24. The base is about 10 minutes from downtown.
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 38,000
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 14,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 49,000
- Total Population Served: Over 100,000
Housing Options:
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune provides on-base housing managed by the Marine Corps. Housing options include single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes, designed to accommodate military families of various ranks. For detailed information and to apply for housing, visit the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Camp Lejeune Housing page or contact them directly at 1 (910) 451-3091. The housing office is located at 1300 Lawrence Road, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Amenities and Services:
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Commissary and Exchange: Camp Lejeune features a commissary and Exchange for grocery shopping and retail needs. The commissary is located at 932 B Street, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. The Exchange, located at 1280 G Street, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547, operates Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays.
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Medical Facilities: Camp Lejeune includes the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, which provides comprehensive healthcare services such as primary care, dental care, and specialty services for active-duty members, retirees, and their families. The medical center is located at 100 Brewster Boulevard, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For appointments, call 1 (910) 451-1186.
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Recreational Facilities: The base offers a fitness center, swimming pool, and various outdoor areas for sports and fitness activities. The fitness center is located at 2561 G Street, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547. It is open Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The swimming pool is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Education:
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On-Base Schools: There are several on-base schools at Camp Lejeune, including elementary and middle schools, managed by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). For more information, visit the DoDEA website or contact the schools directly.
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Off-Base Schools: Military families living off base can enroll their children in public schools within the Onslow County School District. For information on school enrollment and resources, contact the Onslow County School District at 1 (910) 455-2211.
Things to Do:
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Outdoor Activities: Nearby attractions include Hammocks Beach State Park, offering hiking, fishing, and beach activities. Jacksonville also provides additional parks and recreational opportunities.
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Shopping and Dining: The city of Jacksonville offers a range of shopping and dining options. For shopping, visit the Jacksonville Mall, and for dining, explore local favorites like The Kettle Diner and El Cerro Grande.
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Cultural Attractions: Jacksonville features several cultural attractions such as the Lejeune Memorial Gardens and the Coastal Carolina Museum, offering insights into local heritage.
Local Support and Resources:
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Military and Family Support Center: The Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Camp Lejeune offers financial counseling, deployment support, and family advocacy services. It is located at 2070 McHugh Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547. For more information, call 1 (910) 451-6004.
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Legal Services: The base legal office provides legal assistance, including wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning. Contact the legal office at 1 (910) 451-2079. It is located at 826 McHugh Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547.
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Veteran Services: Camp Lejeune is close to several VA facilities offering benefits assistance, healthcare, and veteran resources. Visit the VA North Carolina Health Care System for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the mission of Camp Lejeune? | Camp Lejeune trains Marines for amphibious warfare and rapid deployment missions, supporting II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). |
| What units are stationed at Camp Lejeune? | Key units include II MEF, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Corps Installations East Command. |
| Does Camp Lejeune have on-base housing? | Yes, Camp Lejeune offers family housing through Atlantic Marine Corps Communities, as well as single Marine barracks. |
| What medical services are available at Camp Lejeune? | Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune provides comprehensive healthcare, including primary care, emergency services, and specialty clinics. |
| Are there schools on Camp Lejeune? | Yes, DoDEA schools are available for children of military families, offering K-12 education. |
| Can civilians visit Camp Lejeune? | Civilians may access the base with proper identification and approval from the Visitor Control Center. Special events may also allow public entry. |
| What recreational facilities are available? | The base features gyms, pools, trails, shooting ranges, and MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) activities for Marines and families. |
| What family support services are offered? | The Family Support Office provides counseling, financial assistance, and relocation services for military families. |
| What environmental initiatives are at Camp Lejeune? | The base focuses on conservation, renewable energy projects, and maintaining its training lands. |
| What is Camp Lejeune known for historically? | Camp Lejeune played a critical role in amphibious training during WWII and continues to support global Marine Corps missions. |
