6/25/2025

Top 5 Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities Near Camp Lejeune for Military Families

Getting PCS orders to Camp Lejeune brings excitement and questions for military families. Located in eastern North Carolina, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune serves as home to the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast. Beyond duty requirements, families stationed here discover incredible outdoor adventures waiting just outside the gate. Whether you're arriving on PCS orders or considering buying a home near Camp Lejeune, understanding the local recreation opportunities helps military families settle into their new community. The coastal location provides year-round outdoor activities perfect for building family memories between deployments and duty assignments. Why Outdoor Activities Matter for Military Families Military life creates unique stresses that outdoor activities help address. Regular outdoor recreation reduces stress and strengthens family bonds during transitions like PCS moves. For families stationed at Camp Lejeune, the surrounding area offers diverse options from beaches to forests, providing something for every family member. 1. Hammocks Beach State Park: Secluded Beach Paradise Location: Swansboro, NC (30 minutes from Camp Lejeune main gate) Best For: Families with young children, water activities, camping Hammocks Beach State Park offers military families a peaceful escape from base life. Bear Island provides miles of undeveloped beaches perfect for children to explore safely. The shallow waters and gentle waves create an ideal environment for military kids to swim and play. What Makes It Special for Military Families: Ferry access to Bear Island adds adventure without long drives Camping opportunities for families between duty schedules Kayak rentals through calm marshes where dolphins often appear Hiking trails through maritime forests suitable for all fitness levels Less crowded than popular tourist beaches Practical Tips: The North Carolina State Parks system offers military discounts on camping fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally, so check current times before planning your visit. Pack sunscreen and water, as Bear Island has limited facilities. 2. Onslow Pines Park: Community Recreation Hub Location: Jacksonville, NC (15 minutes from Camp Lejeune) Best For: Quick family outings, community events, sports activities Onslow Pines Park serves as a community gathering place where military families connect with local residents. The park hosts regular events that help military families integrate into the Jacksonville community. Family-Friendly Features: Multiple playgrounds for different age groups 18-hole disc golf course perfect for family competitions Walking trails through shaded areas Sports fields and basketball courts Covered picnic shelters for family gatherings Regular community events including outdoor movie nights Military Family Benefits: Located close to base housing areas, Onslow Pines provides an easy after-duty recreation option. The park's community events help military spouses meet local families, building support networks crucial during deployments. 3. Croatan National Forest: Nature Adventure Destination Location: New Bern, NC (45 minutes from Camp Lejeune) Best For: Hiking families, overnight camping, wildlife education Croatan National Forest spans over 160,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. For military families, the forest provides extensive recreation opportunities perfect for weekend adventures or during leave periods. Unique Experiences: Neusiok Trail offers manageable hikes for families with children Designated camping areas for family overnight trips Canoeing and kayaking through calm waterways Wildlife viewing including deer, birds of prey, and unique plant species Educational opportunities about coastal ecosystems Military Family Advantages: The U.S. Forest Service provides free annual passes for military families, making frequent visits affordable. Camping reservations can be made in advance, perfect for planning around duty schedules. Croatan's diverse habitats include rare carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps, creating educational opportunities for military children. The forest's size means families can find solitude even during busy weekends. 4. North Topsail Beach: Peaceful Coastal Retreat Location: North Topsail Beach, NC (30 minutes from Camp Lejeune) Best For: Beach days, fishing families, water sports North Topsail Beach provides military families with a quieter alternative to crowded tourist destinations. The Town of North Topsail Beach maintains family-friendly facilities while preserving the area's natural character. Family Activities: Safe swimming areas with gentle waves Tidal pool exploration during low tide Fishing opportunities from shore or Seaview Fishing Pier Space for kite flying and beach games Paddleboarding and boogie boarding in calm waters Shell collecting along pristine shoreline Practical Considerations: Beach access includes parking areas and restroom facilities. Military families often find North Topsail less expensive than resort beaches while offering the same coastal experience. The area's fishing opportunities provide both recreation and potential dinner options for budget-conscious military families. 5. Fort Macon State Park: History Meets Recreation Location: Atlantic Beach, NC (1 hour from Camp Lejeune) Best For: History-interested families, educational outings, beach access Fort Macon State Park combines historical education with outdoor recreation. For military families, the Civil War-era fort provides context for military history while offering modern recreational opportunities. Educational and Recreation Features: Self-guided tours through restored Civil War fortifications Interactive exhibits about military history Beach access for swimming and picnicking Hiking trails with coastal views Fishing spots along the shoreline Regular guided tours with detailed historical information Military Family Connection: Military children often find special interest in exploring Fort Macon's military history. The park's combination of education and recreation makes it perfect for family outings that serve multiple purposes. North Carolina State Parks offers educational programs specifically designed for families. Making the Most of Your Camp Lejeune Assignment These outdoor destinations represent just part of what makes the Camp Lejeune area attractive for military families. Whether you're living in base housing or considering purchasing a home in the area, proximity to diverse recreational opportunities enhances quality of life during your assignment. Financial Considerations for Military Families: Many military families stationed at Camp Lejeune choose to purchase homes rather than rent, taking advantage of VA Loan benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Loans require no down payment and often offer better interest rates than conventional financing. Planning Your Outdoor Adventures Seasonal Considerations: Spring and Fall: Ideal temperatures for hiking and camping Summer: Perfect for beach activities and water sports Winter: Mild temperatures allow year-round outdoor activities Military Family Budget Tips: Many state parks offer military discounts on fees Annual passes provide savings for frequent visitors Free activities include beach access and most hiking trails Camping offers affordable vacation options for military families Safety and Preparation: Always inform someone of your outdoor plans, especially when camping or hiking. Eastern North Carolina weather can change quickly, so check forecasts before heading out. Pack extra water and snacks, particularly for activities involving children. Finding Your Home Near the Action The Camp Lejeune area offers diverse housing options for military families who want to stay near these outdoor destinations. From Jacksonville neighborhoods to coastal communities, choices range from starter homes for junior enlisted families to larger properties for senior officers. Communities like Swansboro, Emerald Isle, and areas around Jacksonville provide different lifestyle options while maintaining reasonable commutes to base. Understanding these options helps military families make informed decisions about where to live during their assignment. Ready to explore housing options near Camp Lejeune's best outdoor activities? Contact a VeteranPCS agent today for personalized assistance with your military family's needs! Conclusion: Building Memories at Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune's location in eastern North Carolina provides military families with outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities. From peaceful beaches to historic sites, these five destinations offer ways to build family memories, reduce military life stress, and explore your new duty station. Whether you're PCSing to Camp Lejeune or already stationed there, these outdoor activities help create the positive experiences that make a duty assignment memorable. For families considering purchasing a home in the area, proximity to these recreational opportunities adds long-term value to your military housing investment. The combination of coastal beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly activities makes the Camp Lejeune area special for military families. Take advantage of your time here to explore, adventure, and create lasting memories with your family. Share this guide with other military families headed to Camp Lejeune – help them discover the outdoor adventures waiting for them!