Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Location: Jacksonville, North Carolina
Installation Type: Marine Corps Base
Status: Active

Overview

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was established in 1941 along the coastal lowlands of eastern North Carolina, spanning approximately 246 square miles. It is one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the world and serves as the primary East Coast home of Marine expeditionary forces. The base supports amphibious training, combat readiness, and force projection as a premier power projection platform.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: To provide the facilities, services, and support necessary for training and maintaining combat-ready Marine expeditionary forces capable of rapid deployment worldwide.
Major Units: II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II MEF Information Group, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (elements)
Tenant Units: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), 2nd Radio Battalion, 8th Communication Battalion

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Jacksonville, NC (adjacent to base); Wilmington, NC (approximately 50 miles southeast)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ), Jacksonville, NC (approximately 15 miles); Wilmington International Airport (ILM), approximately 50 miles
Gate Access: Multiple gates operate on varying schedules (24/7 for main gate). CAC or valid government-issued ID required for base access. Visitors must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center; vehicle registration and proof of insurance required.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 40,000-47,000
Family Members: Approximately 50,000-55,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 10,000
Total Installation Population: Approximately 150,000 (including contractors and retirees)

Key Facilities

Medical: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune — a full-service military hospital offering primary care, specialty care, surgical services, mental health, and emergency care; multiple branch health clinics on base
Commissary: Yes — large commissary located in the Tarawa Terrace area; one of the busiest on the East Coast
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) main store plus multiple Express locations throughout the installation; full-service retail, food court, and specialty shops
Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers (main gym at Tarawa Terrace and Courthouse Bay areas), indoor and outdoor pools, MWR recreational areas, bowling center, marina, golf course, and outdoor recreation rentals
Schools: Onslow County Schools serve most dependent children; DoDEA does not operate schools on Camp Lejeune; several private and charter school options nearby
Childcare: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDCs) on base; waitlists are common — early enrollment recommended upon PCS orders receipt; Family Child Care (FCC) providers also available
Veterinary Services: Camp Lejeune Veterinary Treatment Facility — offers pet wellness exams, vaccinations, preventive care, and limited sick call for military working animals and personal pets of active duty members
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Services Support Section, 2nd Marine Division — located on base; offers legal assistance by appointment; some walk-in hours for certain services

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Lincoln Military Housing; includes neighborhoods such as Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, Midway Park, and Stone Bay; mix of townhomes and single-family units in varying conditions; ongoing renovation efforts
Average Wait Time: Varies by rank and family size; E-4 and below with dependents typically face the shortest waits; E-5 to E-7 may wait several weeks to months
Off-Base Housing: Jacksonville and surrounding communities (Richlands, Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, Swansboro); average rent ranges from approximately $1,200-$2,000/month for a 3-bedroom home (2025 estimates)
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining unit’s S-1 or unit sponsorship coordinator to request a sponsor prior to arrival; II MEF and subordinate units maintain active sponsorship programs
In-Processing: Report to Camp Lejeune’s Consolidated Personnel Administration Center (CPAC) or unit S-1 upon arrival; in-processing typically takes 3-5 days and includes medical, dental, legal, housing, and ID card appointments
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Enrollment through Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune; contact the EFMP office for enrollment requirements; enrollment is mandatory for active duty members with family members who have special medical or educational needs prior to PCS

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical; hot and humid summers, mild winters; hurricane season (June-November) is a consideration; moderate rainfall year-round
Cost of Living: Moderate — Jacksonville is generally affordable relative to the national average; housing costs are moderate and rising, especially with military demand
Nearby Attractions: Hammocks Beach State Park, Crystal Coast beaches (Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach), historic downtown Wilmington, Cape Lookout National Seashore, and numerous water sports and fishing opportunities
Spouse Employment: Jacksonville job market is heavily military-influenced; employment opportunities exist in healthcare, retail, education, and government contracting; Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) resources available through PFR; remote work increasingly common

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.lejeune.marines.mil
Main Installation Phone: (910) 451-1113
MWR Website: https://www.mccslejeune.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Marine Corps Family Services: Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) — Personal and Family Readiness (PFR) Division; contact through MCCS Camp Lejeune at (910) 451-2823

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: lejeune.marines.mil, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, mccslejeune.com, lincolnmilitary.com, militaryonesource.mil, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law