Built In Jacksonville, For Camp Lejeune
American Tattoo Society opened on Lejeune Boulevard in 2019 because the Marines and Sailors of Camp Lejeune deserved tattooing as disciplined as they are. We're on the road that runs straight to the main gate — most clients make it from the front gate to our chair in under ten minutes — in a town where tattoos aren't a trend, they're a rite of passage.
Why We Opened Here
Jacksonville is a Marine Corps town through and through. Camp Lejeune is home to II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, and 2nd Marine Logistics Group, with MCAS New River flying helicopters right next door — tens of thousands of Marines and Sailors on a constant rhythm of workups, deployments, and PCS moves. Marines have been getting tattooed since the Corps existed; we came here to make sure they could get it done right, minutes from the gate, by artists who know the difference between an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor done correctly and one done close enough.
Clean, Private, Professional
Every station runs on hospital-grade standards: single-use needles and tubes, autoclave-sterilized equipment, hospital disinfectant between every client, and bloodborne-pathogen-certified artists. Private booths are available for cover-ups, larger placements, and anyone who'd rather keep their session off the main floor. If you've held a field-day standard, you'll recognize ours.
Walk-Ins & Appointments
Walk-ins are welcome every day we're open, first-come first-served — built for the 96 and the short libo window. For bigger custom work, booking ahead locks in your artist and your slot, which matters when you're fitting a piece between a workup and a float. The consultation is always free either way.
Custom Work Is The Standard
Bring a reference, a rough idea, or just the story, and your artist draws something for your body — not off a wall. The Jacksonville crew covers American Traditional, black & grey, realism, color, fine line, lettering, Japanese, cover-ups, and the military and memorial work that carries real weight in a Marine town. Piercings run daily too, from lobes to daith to dermals.
The Atmosphere
Machines buzzing, flash on the walls, and straight answers at the counter. No attitude, no gatekeeping — Jacksonville runs the way a good shop in a Marine town should: professional, fast when you need fast, and unhurried when the piece deserves it. Come see why Lejeune keeps coming back.
The Jacksonville Crew
Meet Your Studio Manager
Originally from Lodi NJ, Isa's favorite tattoo styles are neo-traditional & full-color realism.
Find Your Style
Serving Camp Lejeune & North Carolina
American Tattoo Society Jacksonville sits on Lejeune Boulevard in the heart of Onslow County, the stretch of Coastal Carolina defined by Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, and the beaches Marines and their families call home between deployments. We're minutes from the main gate and squarely on the route everyone already drives. Our clients come from across the Lejeune footprint — base housing, Piney Green, and Richlands to the north, Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge by the back gate, Hubert and Swansboro toward the coast, and the beach communities out to Topsail and Emerald Isle. Wherever you are in Onslow County, you're a short drive from a chair.
- Base
- Camp Lejeune / MCAS New River
- Major Unit
- II Marine Expeditionary Force
- County
- Onslow
- Region
- Coastal Carolina
- Serving Since
- 2019
Studio Photo Gallery
Drive In From Anywhere Near Camp Lejeune
Piney Green and the neighborhoods off Highway 24 are home base for thousands of Lejeune families, and we're a straight shot down Lejeune Boulevard. Most Piney Green clients are in our chair in about ten minutes — easy enough for a walk-in on a Saturday or a consult on the way home from base.
Get Directions →Richlands families make the quick run down 258 for everything from first tattoos to family-name pieces. It's one of Onslow County's fastest-growing communities, and it sends us a steady mix of Marine and civilian clients. Free parking and daily walk-ins make it an easy trip.
Get Directions →Sneads Ferry sits by Camp Lejeune's back gate and the New River inlet, home to fishing families and Marines who chose the water. The drive up 172 and 24 lands you at our Lejeune Blvd door in about twenty-five minutes — worth it for custom work done by artists who know the community.
Get Directions →The Friendly City by the Sea sends us clients up Highway 24 for coastal and nautical work that fits the town — anchors, waves, and fine line alongside full custom pieces. Book ahead for weekend slots; make a day of it with the waterfront on your way back.
Get Directions →The Topsail Island crowd — Surf City, Holly Ridge, and the beach communities down 17 and 210 — treat the drive as a ritual: consultation, session, and salt air on the ride home. Just remember a fresh tattoo stays out of the ocean while it heals; plan the surf around the session.
Get Directions →What Camp Lejeune Says
“Walked in Saturday night with an idea for a tattoo I’d been kicking around for a long time, I sat down with Lee showed him the font I wanted, he put my thoughts on paper and said give me 15min to draw it up. Lee knocked it out of the park! Cheers mate! I couldn’t be happier with my latest tattoo. ATS is very clean and professional all of the staff and the Artist were super professional and friendly, I would recommend 10 out of 10,”
“My husband and I’s experience at ATS was phenomenal. It all started when we walked in and we’re greeted. They spoke with us about our ideas and we’re so nice and accommodating. Chucho tattooed us and made us feel very comfortable the entire time and did amazing line work for us. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience, ATS is our new go to tattoo shop!!!”
“I absolutely love the tattoo that Serg gave me. It is by far one of my favorites and best ones I've ever gotten. I loved the shop vibes and the work from the artists are phenomenal. The staff goes above and beyond. I will definitely suggest this shop and Serg to all of my friends. Pictures do not capture this amazing work of art it is flawless to me.”
Fresh From Jacksonville
Jacksonville Journal
Questions From Camp Lejeune
Walk-ins welcome, consultations always free. Can't find it? Start a Tattoo Talk and a real artist answers.
What's the closest tattoo shop to Camp Lejeune?
American Tattoo Society Jacksonville is one of the closest professional studios to Camp Lejeune — we're at 2219 Lejeune Blvd, the main road running from the front gate through Jacksonville. Most Marines reach us in under ten minutes from the gate.
Do you take walk-ins or do I need an appointment?
Both. Walk-ins are welcome every day we're open, first-come first-served — perfect for a 96 or a short libo window. For larger custom pieces, booking ahead guarantees your artist and time slot. The consultation is free either way.
Can I get tattooed under the current Marine Corps tattoo policy?
Almost certainly — the current policy allows sleeves and most placements, with limits around the head, neck, and hands and standing content rules. Our artists work regulation-aware every day; check our Marine Corps tattoo policy guide and confirm specifics with your command.
Do you offer financing for military?
We offer in-house financing for active-duty military — get the tattoo you want now and pay it off over time. Bring your military ID and ask at the counter.
What ID do I need?
A valid government-issued photo ID proving you're 18 or older — driver's license, state ID, passport, or military CAC. We card everyone, every time.
How old do I have to be?
18 with valid photo ID for any tattoo — North Carolina law doesn't allow tattooing minors even with parental consent. Some piercings have different age rules; call ahead.
Is there parking?
Yes — free parking right at our Lejeune Blvd location, steps from the door. In and out is easy any day of the week.
Can I get tattooed before a deployment or float?
Yes — just build in healing time. A fresh tattoo needs about two weeks of clean healing, and salt water, sweat-soaked gear, and field conditions are its enemies. Tell your artist your timeline and we'll schedule around it.
Can military spouses and dependents get tattooed here?
Of course — spouses and dependents 18+ with valid ID are a huge part of this shop. Matching pieces, family names, and homecoming tattoos come through Jacksonville every week.
Do you do cover-ups and memorial tattoos?
Yes to both. Cover-ups are a specialty — bring the existing tattoo in for a free consultation. Memorial work is sacred in this town, and we take all the time it needs to honor the person you're carrying.
Things To Know
Free parking at our Lejeune Blvd door. No meters, no hassle.
On Lejeune Blvd (Hwy 24 Business), the straight shot from Camp Lejeune's main gate through Jacksonville.
Plenty of spots along Lejeune Blvd and Western Blvd to eat before your session or celebrate after.
Hotels cluster along Western Blvd and Highway 17 for anyone traveling in for a multi-session piece.
Valid government photo ID, 18+. Active-duty military ID also unlocks in-house financing.
Cash and all major cards. Tips appreciated. Gift cards available.
Eat before you come, hydrate, and we'll send you home with full aftercare instructions.
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