Sitting just across the dunes from the Atlantic on Camp Lejeune's Onslow Beach, this military-managed campground in Sneads Ferry gives authorized visitors direct access to a stretch of North Carolina coast where campers have reported finding shark teeth in the sand. Access requires a DOD ID or guest pass at the gate, which can take extra time depending on the hour. The campground is open year-round and accepts reservations, with off-season availability generally easier to secure than peak summer slots.
Sites are level and include electric, water, sewer, and cable hookups, though campers should bring their own cable. The layout is compact. Sites sit close together, and the small RV and tent circle is prone to standing water after heavy rain. Center-section sites have little tree coverage, which makes summer stays noticeably hot without shade structures. One reviewer who visited during Labor Day weekend noted the site was manageable with a tarp and awning, but recommends cooler months for that section. Noise is a consistent factor: low-flying aircraft and artillery fire are part of daily life on an active military installation, and any active construction nearby can add to the ambient sound starting before 0700.
"Easy access to beach and waterway," notes Joy B., who also describes the bathhouse and laundry as "clean and adequate," though cleanliness reports vary across visits and seasons. A well-stocked MCX Mini Mart sits beside the campground. Cell signal is described as decent by most reviewers, while the WiFi is inconsistent. The waterway alongside the campground draws anglers, and the beach itself is within easy walking distance over the dunes.
The campground is roughly 20 to 25 minutes by road from civilian services, so arriving well-provisioned makes a difference. Campers exploring the broader coastal area can also look at Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites -- Hammocks Beach State Park or Fulchers Landing Campground as alternatives without base access requirements. Onslow Beach works best for military-affiliated campers and their families who want a beachfront base, can tolerate base noise, and plan to spend most of their time on the water or shore.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOnslow Beach Campsites is located in North Carolina near Hubert
Public CampgroundDirections
FROM SOUTH - ONLY if vehicle(s) have DOD registration, otherwise follow directions below to the main gate. If registered, exit US-17 onto NC-172 and enter the base. At the third traffic light after entering the base (Brown sign for Onslow Beach Rec. Area) turn right and follow the road to the campground. After crossing a small bridge you will see the camp on your left. Turn left at end of the road. -- FROM NORTH: Take NC-24 to main gate on Holcomb Blvd. Stay on the main road. When the speed limit changes from 55mph to 45mph get in left hand turn lane to turn onto Sneeds Ferry Rd. Take this road about 6 miles to Beach Road (campground sign on the left). Beach road will take you right to the C/G area..
Coordinates
34.57182014 N
77.26837075 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/16/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 29 usersLast on 12/11/25
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/16/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 29 usersLast on 12/11/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 28 min from Jacksonville, NC
- 1 hr 9 min from Wilmington, NC
- 1 hr 41 min from Goldsboro, NC
- 1 hr 47 min from Greenville, NC
