Camp Lejeune MCB, N.C.

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Onslow County, southeastern North Carolina, is a sprawling military installation that extends its mission beyond training to provide exceptional recreational opportunities for its authorized personnel. Within the expansive domain of Camp Lejeune, particularly at Onslow Beach, you'll find a well-regarded campground and RV park that serves as a vital offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. This facility is specifically designed for active duty military, National Guard, Reservists, retired military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, and DoD Civilians, offering a dedicated and secure environment for leisure and relaxation.

The camping facilities at Camp Lejeune MCB, N.C., most notably at Onslow Beach, boast a truly unique and desirable environment. The base encompasses approximately 153,439 acres with 14 miles of pristine beach on the Atlantic Ocean, making it a significant area for both military training and diverse ecosystems. The campground itself is strategically located between the Inner Coastal Waterway and Onslow Bay, offering campers the choice between beachfront sites and those nestled in wooded areas.

Onslow Beach is characterized by its wide, sandy shores, caressed by clear seas, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and recreation. The natural landscape also includes ecologically diverse embayments and estuaries of the New River, extensive bottomland hardwood forests and swamps, and majestic pine savannahs and uplands. This rich biodiversity means campers can observe a variety of wildlife, from coastal birds to deer, coexisting within the military installation's managed natural resources. The emphasis on environmental stewardship by the Marine Corps ensures that these natural assets remain well-preserved for recreational enjoyment.

As a specialized facility within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, the camping areas at Camp Lejeune MCB, N.C., particularly Onslow Beach Campsites and Recreation Area, provide a robust array of services and amenities tailored for military and DoD-affiliated patrons:

• Campsites:
  • RV Sites: There are 33 RV sites with full hookups (water, 20/30/50 amp electric, and sewer/CATV). These are typically back-in sites, and while some may be tight for larger rigs, they can accommodate a variety of RV sizes.
  • RV/Popup Sites: An additional 2 sites offer water and 20/30 amp electric, sewer/CATV hookups, specifically for RVs and pop-ups.
  • Tent Sites: 6 primitive tent camping spaces are available, with most equipped with a picnic shelter, picnic table, and fire ring, offering a more traditional camping experience. Some tent sites may also have hardstand with electric and water hookups.
  • Overflow Sites: 5 overflow sites are available, offering basic amenities.
• Lodging Options: Beyond traditional camping, Onslow Beach offers various lodging units for those preferring a more comfortable stay, including:
  • Lodges (1 Bedroom/1 Bath, 2 Bedrooms/2 Bath Gold View Suite)
  • Ospreys (3 Bedrooms/2 Bath)
  • E-9 Homes (3 Bedrooms/2 Bath)
  • LtCol House (3 Bedrooms/1 Bath) and Col House (3 Bedrooms/1 Bath)
  • Cabanas (sleeps 4, full kitchen)
• Restroom Facilities: Clean and well-maintained bathhouses are available, providing restrooms and showers for campers.
• Utilities & Connectivity: RV sites offer full hookups. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available, particularly at the Staff NCO and enlisted pavilions, and often at overnight lodging.
• Convenience & Retail: An on-site Marine Mart convenience store is available for basic supplies.
• Laundry: Facilities for laundry are available, though specifics (e.g., coin-operated) are not always detailed.
• Pet Services: Pets are allowed in the RV Park and Campground, and there's a designated dog beach area south of the Staff NCO Pavilion. A pet playground is also available in the RV Park. Specific rules apply regarding leashes (not more than 10 ft), shot records, and not leaving pets unattended. Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and inside most lodging units, though some specific lodges and Ospreys are pet-friendly with associated fees.
• Other Amenities: Picnic tables at campsites, fire rings, covered picnic shelters (reservable for group events), and a boat pump station near the marina. Propane is also available.

The camping experience at Camp Lejeune MCB, N.C., is significantly enhanced by the extensive recreational features and support facilities available across the base, aligning perfectly with the broad offerings of the Campgrounds & RV Parks category:

• Beach and Water Activities: The primary draw is direct access to Onslow Beach, offering swimming (with guarded areas Memorial Day to Labor Day), sunbathing, shelling, and general beach enjoyment. The New River and various ponds also offer opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Gottschalk Marina provides watercraft rentals and boat slips.
• Fishing: Camp Lejeune offers diverse fishing opportunities in oceanfront, inlet, and freshwater areas. The base maintains eight ponds (totaling 46.5 acres) stocked with Bluegill, Bass, and Channel Catfish. Fishing permits and licenses are required.
• Sports & Fitness: The base boasts a wide array of sports and fitness facilities, including basketball courts, volleyball courts, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, golf courses (two 18-hole courses), an inline hockey rink, a skate park, and various fitness centers.
• Outdoor Adventures: The Outdoor Adventures Center offers equipment checkout and rentals for camping gear, party supplies, and more. They also organize activities like mountain biking, archery tag, rock wall climbing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Unit packages are available for group activities.
• Entertainment & Dining: Beyond camping, visitors have access to bowling alleys, movie theaters, community centers, various dining options, and shopping facilities (Commissary, Exchange).
• Historical and Natural Exploration: Camp Lejeune's vast acreage includes significant natural areas and is rich in history. While primarily a military training facility, the natural resources program ensures areas are preserved for ecological function and recreational enjoyment.

Access to Camp Lejeune MCB, N.C., and its camping facilities, including Onslow Beach Campsites, is restricted to authorized patrons (Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, and DoD Civilians) with valid military or DoD ID cards. Visitors must obtain a DBIDS card or temporary paper pass at the Camp Lejeune Visitor Center for unescorted access.

Reservations for Onslow Beach camping and lodging can be made by calling 910.440.7502 or by visiting the on-site Guest Services Office. Electronic reservations are typically not accepted. Payment in full is generally required upon making a reservation. Specific booking windows apply: active duty stationed at Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, and MCAS Cherry Point can reserve 20 weeks in advance, while other authorized patrons have shorter windows (e.g., 18 weeks for retired military). A maximum stay of 7 consecutive days is generally permitted in lodging units during peak season (April 1 - October 31), with longer stays possible during the off-season (November 1 - March 31).

Cancellation policies involve a processing fee (equivalent to one night's stay) for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to check-in. Peak season rates apply from April 1 to October 31, often with minimum stay requirements (e.g., three nights for lodging). Off-season rates are available. Campers should always check the latest fire conditions (e.g., through the NC Forest Service) as ground fires are only permitted in designated fire rings and subject to burn bans or Class V Fire Conditions.

Camp Lejeune MCB offers a comprehensive and welcoming camping environment for its military community, blending essential amenities with extensive recreational opportunities on a beautiful stretch of the North Carolina coast.