CAMP LEJEUNE
MARINES
Jacksonville, NC
United States
CAMP LEJEUNE
MARINES
Jacksonville, NC
United States
Camp Lejeune
Base Essentials
Hello and welcome to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina! Home to II Marine Expeditionary Force , the 2nd Marine Division , Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) , and more, Lejeune is the primary East Coast base for Marine Corps operations and training. Taking up 246 square miles of North Carolina, including 14 miles of beaches and 80 live fire ranges, it’s the ideal place for the men and women of the world’s finest amphibious forces to live and train. And, when you’re stationed here, you’ll belong to our proud community of over 130,000 Marines, Sailors, DoD civilians, and their fa...
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
156,000
Active Duty
47,000
Civilian
6,000
Population
200,000
Economic Impact
$5.5 billion
Camp Lejeune History
Named AfterMajor General John Archer Lejeune (USMC)
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was established in 1941 as a major amphibious training base. Named after Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, it is one of the largest Marine installations in the world. The base is home to II Marine Expeditionary Force and multiple infantry, artillery, and combat support units. Camp Lejeune has been in the national spotlight due to water contamination issues from the 1950s through the 1980s, leading to major federal legislation in 2022. The base continues to serve as the primary East Coast expeditionary staging area for the Marine Corps.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
II Marine Expeditionary Force
—
—
2nd Marine Division
—
—
Combat Logistics Group 2
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Marine Barracks New River Established in North Carolina
1942
Montford Point Camp Opens for First Black Marine Recruits
1942
Base Renamed Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
1984
Toxic Water Contamination Discovered at Hadnot Point
1991
2nd Marine Division Deploys to Desert Storm from Lejeune
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1941
Marine Barracks New River Established in North Carolina
On May 1, 1941, Congress authorized over $14 million for construction of a major Marine Corps base at New River, North Carolina. The base was created to provide large-scale amphibious training facilities on the East Coast as the U.S. prepared for potential involvement in World War II.
1942
Montford Point Camp Opens for First Black Marine Recruits
Beginning August 26, 1942, a segregated training facility called Montford Point Camp opened to train the first African American Marines in the Corps' history, following President Roosevelt's executive order barring racial exclusion in defense industries and the armed forces. Over the course of World War II, approximately 20,000 Black Marines trained at Montford Point, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater at battles including Peleliu and Iwo Jima.
1942
Base Renamed Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Near the end of 1942, the installation was renamed Marine Barracks Camp Lejeune in honor of Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps; it was further redesignated Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 1944. Lejeune became the primary East Coast hub for Marine amphibious training, eventually encompassing 233 square miles.
1984
Toxic Water Contamination Discovered at Hadnot Point
Beginning around 1980, routine tests revealed that drinking-water systems at Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point housing areas had been contaminated with volatile organic compounds at concentrations up to 3,400 times permissible regulatory limits. Wells were shut down between November 1984 and early 1985; it is estimated that up to one million Marines, family members, and civilian workers were exposed to the contaminated water between the 1950s and 1985.
1991
2nd Marine Division Deploys to Desert Storm from Lejeune
Camp Lejeune's 2nd Marine Division deployed to Saudi Arabia in August 1990 as part of Operation Desert Shield, and fought through Operation Desert Storm beginning in January 1991, participating in the liberation of Kuwait including the Battle of Khafji. The division crossed into Kuwait on February 23, 1991, as part of a coordinated Marine ground offensive.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Camp Lejeune.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Camp Lejeune.
Information
Affected by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination? Learn Your Options
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Information
Camp Lejeune Housing: 12 On Base Options
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Information
30 Of the Best Things to Do Near Camp Lejeune
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Information
25 of the Best Camp Lejeune Restaurants
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Information
The Best Camp Lejeune Schools: Daycare - High School
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Camp Lejeune.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Joseph "Randy" Reichler Reception Center (JRRRC)
Phone
(910) 451-2197Hours
Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (after-hours duty NCO available in Building 59, Room 212)
In-Processing
Marines report to Building 59 (JRRRC) on Molly Pitcher Road with original orders, SRB/OQR, health and dental records, and active duty ID. After initial check-in, proceed to Building 60, Room 138 (RPAC Inbound Section) for record audit processing, then report to your gaining command in the appropriate uniform.
After hours, weekends, and holidays, report to Building 59, Room 212 (2nd deck) to obtain a Duty Officer endorsement from the JRRRC Duty NCO Troop Handlers.
The Commanding General's Welcome Aboard Brief must be attended within 90 days of reporting. It is held quarterly at the Tun Alley Event Center (Building 84, Holcomb Boulevard), 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Spouses are encouraged to attend. The Information, Referral & Relocation (IRR) office at Building 60, Room 150 ((910) 451-4101) provides relocation assistance and welcome packets.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Camp Lejeune.
On-post housing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, which operates thousands of family homes across communities including Berkeley Manor, Tarawa Terrace, Watkins Village, and Stone Bay on this large coastal North Carolina installation. Homes are assigned by rank and family size, ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms, and Lincoln provides…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around Camp Lejeune
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Camp Lejeune.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
5
Elementary Schools
View schools
3
Middle Schools
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3
High Schools
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3
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Jacksonville
Suburban
Jacksonville is the primary off-base city for Camp Lejeune Marines and hosts the largest concentration of military families in eastern North Carolina. It's a working military town — lots of chain restaurants, auto dealers, and supporting services. The neighborhoods closest to the New River Gate and Western Blvd corridor are most convenient. It's affordable, accessible, and familiar.
Commute: 10–20 min
Gate: New River Gate / Main Gate
Schools: Onslow County Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Hammocks Beach State Park and access to the Crystal Coast beaches (Emerald Isle is 40 min) give the area unexpected outdoor appeal. The city has a large and active veterans' community.
Sneads Ferry
Small Town
Sneads Ferry is a small waterfront community just south of Camp Lejeune that's become increasingly popular with Marine families who want a more relaxed, coastal lifestyle. It sits along the New River with quick access to Topsail Island beaches and a quieter rural character. Especially popular with families who want more space and a slower pace than Jacksonville.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: Courthouse Bay Gate
Schools: Onslow County Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Waterfront access on the New River and Intracoastal Waterway, plus Topsail Island beaches 20 min away. Fresh seafood, slower pace, and lower density are consistent draws for outdoor-oriented families.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Camp Lejeune.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
North Carolina taxes active duty pay of NC residents (home of record = NC) at a flat 4.25% rate, regardless of where sta…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in NC are exempt from North Carolina income tax on…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident active duty service members stationed in NC are exempt from personal property taxes on their vehicles under…
Property Tax
North Carolina counties offer homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans. 100% permanently and totally disab…
Resources
Pet Policies at Camp Lejeune
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Camp Lejeune.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Camp Lejeune Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(910) 450-1607Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
3
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
1
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Camp Lejeune.
Commissary
1
Camp Lejeune Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Medical
1
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Camp Lejeune.
01
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Camp Lejeune Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
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02
Is there a MCX on base?
Yes, Camp Lejeune has a MCX (Marine Corps Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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03
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune is the primary military treatment hospital serving Camp Lejeune. Call (910) 450-4300 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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04
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Camp Lejeune has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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05
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Camp Lejeune has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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06
What school district serves the base?
Onslow County Schools (rated B- (Niche)) serves most military families at Camp Lejeune. Visit onslow.k12.nc.us for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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07
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Camp Lejeune restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Wolf Hybrid. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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08
Is there on-base pet boarding?
Yes, Paws & Claws Kennel offers on-base boarding and daycare for military families at Camp Lejeune.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Camp Lejeune has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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11
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Camp Lejeune.
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12
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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13
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Camp Lejeune.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.