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Base Guides

The Ultimate Guide to PCSing to Camp Lejeune, NC

August 7, 2025
3 minute read

PCS, PCS Tips, PCS Travel, PCS Resources

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Welcome to the "Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness." Located on the beautiful North Carolina coast, Camp Lejeune is a cornerstone of the Marine Corps' East Coast presence. A PCS here means coastal living, with a dose of Southern charm and easy access to stunning beaches.

Area Overview:

  • Location & Climate: The base is adjacent to the city of Jacksonville, NC. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricane season (June-November) is a serious consideration here.
  • Local Vibe: This is a Marine Corps town, through and through. The community is young and very family-oriented. The pace of life is slower and revolves around the water.

On-Base Housing & Amenities:

  • Housing: On-base housing is managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities and is widely available across several distinct housing areas, some of which are waterfront.
  • Amenities: The base features multiple exchanges and commissaries, the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, and excellent MWR facilities. The crown jewel is Onslow Beach, a beautiful, undeveloped stretch of coastline for military families.

Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods:

  • Jacksonville: The most convenient city for off-base living, offering the most amenities and affordable housing.
  • Hubert/Swansboro: These smaller coastal towns are about a 20-30 minute drive away and offer a more relaxed, "salt life" pace. Swansboro has a charming, historic waterfront.
  • Sneads Ferry: A popular choice for those working near MARSOC or the southern part of the base, known for its fishing community feel and proximity to North Topsail Beach.

Schools & Childcare:

  • On-Post Schools: Camp Lejeune has its own DoDEA school system for on-post residents.
  • Off-Post Schools: Onslow County Schools serve the surrounding area.
  • Childcare: On-base CDCs and FCC homes are available.

Things to Do & Pro-Tips:

  • Local Must-Dos: Spend as much time as possible at Onslow Beach. Visit the historic coastal towns of Swansboro and Beaufort for boutique shopping and waterfront dining.
  • Insider Info: Be "hurricane aware." Have a plan and a kit ready during hurricane season. Also, the biting gnats and mosquitoes in the summer are no joke; invest in good bug spray.
  • Weekend Trips: The Outer Banks are a few hours north. The city of Wilmington, with its historic riverfront and battleship museum, is an hour south.