Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/826576/camp-dix-95-years-of-army-heritage/

"...Originally named Camp 13, Camp Dix was one of 13 camps established to train soldiers for World War One.

The name changed to Camp Dix on July 18, 1917, to honor of the Civil War Veteran, Maj. Gen. John Adams Dix. It has been said that he, while in the position of Secretary of the Treasury, issued the famous order at New Orleans: "If anyone attempts to pull down the American Flag, shoot him on the spot." Dix was a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Civil War. He was a United States Senator, Secretary of the Treasury and Governor of New York. He was born in New Hampshire and studied law. He died in 1879.

Camp Dix consisted of 1665 buildings composed of 143 different types, including barracks, tool houses, lavatories, officer quarters, store house, barns, medical building, guard houses, a refrigerating plant, bakery, cooking school, a building to house public utilities and a theater..."

“Today, JB MDL is the only tri-service joint base in the Department of Defense, and it is one of the largest military installations in the country, with more than 42,000 active-duty service members, civilians, and family members.” [Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst > Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst > Display (jb.mil)].

As of July 2024, the New Jersey population estimate is 9,500,851 - (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: New Jersey).

“Today, JB MDL is the only tri-service joint base in the Department of Defense, and it is one of the largest military installations in the country, with more than 42,000 active-duty service members, civilians, and family members.” [Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst > Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst > Display (jb.mil)]. (Website reviewed 12 March 2025).

McGuire and Dix are located in Burlington County, New Jersey. Lakehurst is located on the eastern portion of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. - formerly known as Naval Air Engineering Station (NAES) Lakehurst.

Surrounding areas include the Delaware River Region, Philadelphia, New York City, Atlantic City and the famous New Jersey Shore. The base is located in a rural/agricultural area. This area is not only rich in the history of the American Revolution but offers a wealth of natural open space, rural farms, and minimal traffic.

Arrival by Air

The two main airports surrounding JB MDL are, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Newark International Airport (EWR).

If flying into Philadelphia, ground transportation is available through Rapid Rover and the New Jersey Transit bus line. For Rapid Rover service, call (856) 428-1500 or (609) 344-0100. For New Jersey Transit buses, visit the ticket booth located in the Greyhound Terminal of the airport or call (973) 275-5555. Additionally, the USO is located in Terminal D.

If flying into Newark, ground transportation is available through the New Jersey Transit bus line. For schedules, call (973) 275-5555.

As always, it is best to ­pre-coordinate transportation and ask your sponsor for help.

Driving to McGuire and Dix

• From New Jersey Turnpike: Exit 7 or I-295 McGuire/Dix exit: Take U.S. Route 206 south for approximately 1/2 a mile. Stay in the left lane to the "Y" intersection of Routes 206 and 68. Turn left on Route 68 and go approximately 4 miles. Look for a sign pointing left to "McGuire/Deborah Hospital." Turn left at the sign across the opposite lanes of Route 68. At the immediate "T" intersection, turn right on Burlington County Route 545 and head south for approximately two miles (crossing Burlington County Route 537 at the one-and one-half-mile point). At the intersection of Route 537, continue straight ahead, as the road becomes a four-lane divided highway. Follow the four-lane highway (which eventually becomes Burlington County Route 680) straight into the Main Gate.
• From the north: Travel south on the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95 in northern New Jersey) to Exit 7. Follow directions from turnpike.
• From the west: Travel east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 becomes I-276: do not take I-76 into Philadelphia.) to the New Jersey Turnpike. Go north on the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 7. Follow directions from turnpike.
• From the south: Travel north on I-95 though Delaware to just south of Wilmington, Del. Follow the signs for I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike across the Delaware Memorial Bridge into New Jersey. Take the New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7 or I-295 north to the McGuire/Dix exit and follow directions.

Driving to Lakehurst

• From Philadelphia International Airport: Take I-95 north to exit for Walt Whitman Bridge (toll). After the bridge, follow the signs to I-295 north. Take I-295 north to exit 34 (Marlton, 70 east) and stay on Route 70 east for approximately 40 miles. Turn left at Route 547. Bear left on 547 and proceed about quarter mile to main gate (second gate after the industrial gate).
• From Newark Airport: Take New Jersey Turnpike to Garden State Parkway south. Get on Parkway South to Exit 88 (Route 70 West). Follow signs on Route 70 west to Route 547 and turn right (Gulf station on right, McDonald's on left). Bear left on 547 and proceed about quarter mile to main gate (second gate after the industrial gate).
• From the Garden State Parkway: Take exit 81A (Lakehurst/Toms River) to Highway 37 west (landmark: Community Medical Center). At the traffic circle, follow sign to Route 70 west. Take a right on Route 547 (Gulf station on right, McDonalds on left). Entrance to the base will be on the left." [https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/About-Us/Newcomers-Welcome/] (Website reviewed 16 Sept 2024).

What to do when You Arrive at the Front Gate

When you arrive at the front gate, show proper ID and seek guidance from the installation sentry. You may be expected to detour to the Pass & ID office during working hours to produce appropriate paperwork for the vehicle that you are driving (registration, insurance, etc.)

AGAIN, COORDINATE YOUR ARRIVAL WITH YOUR SPONSOR AND/OR GAINING COMMAND!!

McGuire:  609-754-1110 or DSN 312-650-1110

Dix:  609-562-1011 or DSN 312-562-1011

Lakehurst:  732-323-2011 or DSN 312-624-2011