Camp Lejeune & MCAS New River Guide

Your guide to navigating life at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River

Welcome to Eastern North Carolina

Home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune & Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River

Whether you’re arriving on PCS orders or considering a move to the area, this guide will give you everything you need to get settled, from housing and schools to local attractions and resources on base.

As a Marine veteran and local REALTOR®, I know the ins and outs of the PCS lifestyle and am here to help make your move as seamless as possible.

QUICK LINK ACCESS

PCS Checklist

Housing Guide

Things To-Do Guide

Moving Made Easy

Moving with the military can feel overwhelming — I’ve been through it enough times to know. That’s why I created a PCS Checklist to give you everything you need to stay organized and make the process a little less stressful for you and your family.

Download PCS Checklist

What to Expect

Moving to a new duty station is more than just unpacking boxes — it’s about adjusting to a new lifestyle. Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River offer a strong sense of community, a laid-back coastal pace, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, there are a few realities of coastal Carolina life you’ll want to be ready for.

CONS:

High humidity & bugs
Need a car to get around
Hurricane risks

PROS:

Military-friendly community
Beaches & outdoor recreation
Affortable housing

SUMMERS

85-90° F

Hot & Humid

WINTERS

36-60° F

Mild & Rare Snow

HURRICANE SEASON

Summer - Fall

Tropical Storms

Life on Base

Getting to know the layout of Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River helps make your first few weeks smoother. From training areas to shopping and dining, each part of the base has its own purpose — and its own community. Here’s a look at the major areas and the units you’ll find there.

Mainside

HQ's, housing areas, hospitals, schools, dining & shopping

MCAS New River & Camp Geiger

Aviation units & training schools

Stone Bay

MARSOC HQ, specialized training & ranges

Courthouse Bay

Engineering, reconnaissance, & AAV units

Camp Johnson

SNCO Academy, support & logistics training

Camp Lejeune Units

II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, MARSOC.

Click for Full List

MCAS New River Units

Aviation groups, Headquarters Squadron, Training and support units.

Click for Full List

Let's Talk Housing

Finding the right home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when moving here. Families typically have two main options — living on base for convenience and community, or off base for more space and variety. Each choice has its own benefits depending on your lifestyle and priorities.

Download the Housing Guide

LIVING ON BASE

On-base housing at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River is managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities and Lincoln Military Housing. You’ll find a range of neighborhoods with built-in community and convenience.

What to Expect:

• Townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes
• Playgrounds, parks, and community centers
• Quick access to work, schools, and base amenities
• Strong military community and support system

LIVING OFF BASE

Many families choose to live off base for more flexibility and variety in home styles. Surrounding towns offer coastal living, small-town charm, or bigger city conveniences.

What to Expect:

• Sneads Ferry, Surf City & Hampstead — close to beaches
• Swansboro, Hubert & Emerald Isle — small-town, coastal feel
• Jacksonville & Richlands — city conveniences or slower pace inland
• More space, larger yards, and a mix of school district options

Child Development Centers & Schools

Ages: 6 Weeks - 5 Years

Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River have CDCs offering care from infancy through preschool. Programs focus on social skills, school readiness, and safe, structured play. Options include full-day, part-day, and hourly care, though spots fill quickly—joining the waitlist early is encouraged.

CDC Information

CDCs

Ages: 6 Weeks - 5 Years

Families can also choose off-base daycare centers and preschools. Some are run through local school districts, while many are privately owned. Options vary in cost, curriculum, and availability, so touring facilities and securing a spot early is highly recommended.

Daycare

Ages: Pre-K-12

Students living on base attend DoDEA schools, beginning at Johnson Primary (Pre-K–2) through Lejeune High School. Staff are familiar with military life and transitions, and schools follow a strong, nationally aligned curriculum with sports and extracurriculars available.

DoDEA School Information

Camp Lejeune/New River School Liaison Office

elementary school pic

Ages: K-12

Families off base may attend schools in Onslow, Pender, Carteret, or Duplin counties. Each district offers unique programs, extracurriculars, and opportunities, with placement based on address. Some also provide magnet and early college options for older students.

GreatSchools.Org (Onslow County)

GreatSchools.Org (Carteret County)

GreatSchools.Org (Pender County)

School desks

Things To Do

Beaches - Topsail Island, Emerald Isle, and Surf City — each with its own coastal charm, perfect for beach days, fishing, or just soaking up the sun.

Festivals - From the Seafood Festival to the Swansboro Christmas Flotilla, the area has events that celebrate local food, music, and culture.

Family-Friendly Attractions - Explore the NC Aquarium, Fort Macon, Lynnwood Park Zoo, or splash around at the Salty Pirate Waterpark — plenty of options to keep the kids entertained.

Weekend Getaways - Wilmington, Raleigh, the Outer Banks, and Myrtle Beach are all within a few hours, making them great escapes.

Download To-Do Guide

BREWERY SPOTLIGHT

Salty Turtle

Salty Turtle is a veteran-owned taproom in Surf City that brings local craft beer to the coast with personality and community in every pour. From laid-back weekdays to lively weekend nights—with trivia, live music, and food trucks—they’ve created a spot that’s both welcoming and spirited for families, friends, and service members alike.

103 Triton Ln, Surf City, NC 28445

Explore Camp Lejeune & Surrounding Areas

Interactive Map Coming Soon!