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Things to do, places to go, people to see. Alone, in couples or entire families, there is never a shortage of activities in Camden County and the surrounding countryside. Travel back in time almost 200 years or just enjoy the sun, the surf, the clean air and mother nature in all her splendor. |
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History of Camden County The history of Camden County is both long and rich. Including the 2nd oldest town in the US (St Marys), the heritage of Camden County spans almost 5 centuries. Consisting of five towns; Kingsland, St Marys, Waverly, White Oak, & Woodbine, plus three unincorporated areas and the Kingsbay Naval Base (look [here] for a complete list including zip codes), the county covers the farthest Southeastern corner of Georgia. The link below lead to an impressive labor of love by Tara Fields. She has done an exhaustive amount of research on the subject and presents her findings for all to enjoy.  The Crypt - Genealogy & History of Camden and Charlton Counties, Georgia. Includes information on many historic locations, local ghost stories, pictures, and lots more. Its not just just an online history lesson, it is a massive collection of maps, stories and genealogical data that appeals to locals as well as visitors. |
Saint Marys [Official Website] - Take a leisurely stroll down tree lined streets through beautiful and historic Old Saint Marys. First settled in the mid-1500's, it was officially established as a town by the English in 1787. Saint Marys was voted the Number 1 Small Town in America by Money Magazine in 1996! A fascinating collection of homes, buildings and churches ranging from the Christ Episcopal Church (1800) to the Captain Robison-Mock House (1918). Flower lined walkways call invitingly for a relaxing sit on a sea breeze cooled veranda. Spend a few nights in a turn-of-the-century Bed&Breakfast like the Spencer House Inn, or a lovingly restored historic hotel. First stop for maps and information at the Welcome Center, located in Orange Hall or the St Marys Welcome website for a detailed walking map of the historic district. For more history and pictures of Saint Marys don't forget Tara Field's "History of Camden and Charlton Counties". |
Kingsland [Official Website] - "The City of Royal Treatment" - In 1788, the King family bought large amounts of land west of St. Marys and named the plantation Woodlawn. William Henry King later built a home on "King's Land." In 1893 the first passenger train rolled into Camden and right across King property. As Mr.William King's house was the only one in site, the railroad company gave the area the name Kings Land." (Quoted from "The Crypt - Kingsland History"). For tourism info check the Hometown Locator or the Kingsland Convention and Visitors Bureau websites. |
Woodbine - County Seat "Owned by Mr. Bedell, Woodbine plantation was originally named for a red flowering vine (trumpet honeysuckle) which was plentiful in this area. Nestled on the banks of the St. Illa River (now known as the Satilla), the town of Woodbine has been around since the 1880s or 90s. The rice plantation was originally granted to Elijah Clarke by the state of Georgia in 1808"... (Quoted from "The Crypt - Woodbine History"). The Hometown Locator has more info on Woodbine. |
Other Local Historic Sights & Museums |
Saint Marys Submarine Museum - A fascinating walk through the history of submarines and the men who operated them. Try out a working periscope, view models of torpedoes and numerous displays from authentic submarines. Uniforms from WWII, command plaques, photographs and strikingly detailed models, an area for viewing movies, a working sonar panel, plus a gift shop and an area dedicated to 8 brave submariners who were awarded the Medal of Honor. A must see for anyone visiting Camden County. Located on Saint Marys St., across from the scenic Saint Marys Waterfront between Trolley's and the historic Riverview Hotel [photos].Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 1000 till 1600 (4:00pm) and Sunday, 1300 (1:00pm) till 1700 (5:00pm). For more information, call (912) 882-ASUB or check out their web site. And don't forget to swing by the USS George Bancroft exhibit outside the main gate of the Naval Submarine Base, Kingsbay. Oak Grove Cemetery -  Established in 1788, it is the largest of many old cemeteries in Camden County.With graves dating back to 1801, Oak Grove is almost a "Who's who" of history in Camden County. Located in downtown Saint Marys, early settlers, victims of Yellow Fever, Acadians and at least one brave soldier from every war (except the Persian Gulf) have been laid to rest here. Each year, a solemn Memorial Day ceremony is held here, including 21-gun salute and taps.[MORE] (Courtesy of Tara Fields and the Camden/Charlton Co. Genealogy Project)
McIntosh Sugar Works (1825) - Originally a successful family enterprise, it was later used as a starch factory during the Civil War.  Only a few ruins remain today but the story is another fascinating part of Camden County's rich history. Located on Charlie Smith Sr Hwy (was Spur 40), just 100 hundred yards from the main gate of US Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay. For a detailed history, click [HERE] (Click picture for a closer view)
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Family Fun and Recreation |
| St Marys Aquatic Center - Georgia summers are always hot and humid. Escape from the swelter and cool the whole family off at St. Marys' Newest Water Play Adventure! Drift lazily down the "Continous River" on your innertube, swim a few laps, or ride the twister slide "The Orange Crush" and explore the thousand ways to get wet. The big attraction for the little ones is the play pool at "Splash Mountain" with dozens of ways to squirt, spray and splatter your friends with gallons of water. Soak up the sun or lounge under the huge umbrellas while munching on treats from the concession stand. Open May through September, season passes available. Check their website or call 912-673-8118 for more information and pricing.
Kingsbay Golf Club - [Website] - This is a challenging course. With the winds and the water coming into play on ten holes, it becomes difficult at times for even the scratch golfer. For those in the military, this course is one of the best-kept secrets among military courses. The finishing hole is typical of the challenge of the course. The 544-yard, par 5, features a dogleg left fairway with water running the entire length of the right side. The design is absolutely beautiful and the course set in perfect balance with the wildlife around it. When you mix it in with some exceptional golf, you get quite an experience. Tee times are only reserved on weekends and holidays. (Info courtesy Golfable.com) Laurel Island Links - [Website] - This long course is unlike others in the area because it was designed on rolling terrain. The greens are large and undulating, and the fairways are tree lined. By combining affordable rates and easy public access with a challenging golf layout, and in country club condition, this Davis Love III designed course promises to become one of the most popular golf courses in coastal Georgia. It was nominated by "Golf Digest" as one of the "Best New Courses in America" for 1997. The course design takes advantage of heavy woodland tracts, stretches of salt marsh and natural wetlands. For tee time reservations call (912) 729-7277. Walking is permitted when the course is not too busy. (Info courtesy Golfable.com) Osprey Cove Golf & Country Club - [Website] - This course has received praise as a very user-friendly course, offering a variety of tee boxes to accommodate virtually all ranges of golf skill. The greens are relatively small and surrounded by small bunkers. It is likely that golfers will stray into sand bunkers rather than water hazards on this course. Overall the course is very fair. The fairways are tree lined, but not tight. The signature hole is #18, a 500-yard, par 5, which requires carrying a marsh area in front of the green. The hole shares a green with #9. "Golf Digest" rated this as the 2nd "Best Public Course" in the state for 1996, and the 14th "Best in State" course for 1995-96. "GOLFWEEK" ranked it 75th among "America's 100 Best Modern Courses" for 1997, 90th in 1998 and 99th in 1999. (Info courtesy Golfable.com) Pro 3's at St. Marys - [Website] - This nine hole par 3 course offers a very distinctive look with each of its holes inspired by famous golf holes from across the United States. Water hazards come into play on four holes. Includes a driving range, instructors and a Minature Golf course for the whole family. |
State and National Parks
Crooked River State Park - 500 acres located on the south bank of the Crooked River. The park offers a wide range of excellent facilities including a boat launch ramp, 60 tent, trailer & RV sites, an Olympic size pool and bathhouse, 11 cottages, 5 large picnic shelters and more. Located 10 miles north of Saint Marys on Ga Spur 40* or 12 miles east of Kingsland off U.S. Hwy 17 and 8 miles off I-95. Download a map of the park (PDF), or click here for directions. The park is open from 7am to 10pm. Call 912-882-5256 for more information or visit their website.*NOTE: The highway previously known as "Spur 40" has been renamed "Charlie Smith Sr. Highway". 
Cumberland Island National Seashore - "The largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia offering guests over 17 miles of secluded white, sandy beaches. Visit the Greyfield Inn, built in 1901 for the Carnegie family. Converted in the 1960's to an inn it retains the turn of the century furnishings. Have a gourmet picnic under the oaks or enjoy fine dining as you watch the sun set." A short ferry ride from Saint Marys transports you to this unspoiled National Seashore. Walk along pristine white sand beaches or inland through live oak and palmetto forests. Deer, mink, turkey, wild horses and more roam freely throughout the area. No license fishing, hiking, swimming and more. Overnight camping available, call for reservations well in advance. Also make sure to visit Tara Reynold's History of Cumberland Island web site. For more information call toll free 877-860-6787 or local 882-4335. Click on the title link above to see the official web site.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge - "The Land of the Trembling Earth" A scenic 45 minute drive from Saint Marys. Covering nearly 500,000 acres, the swamp offers a rare glimpse into pre-historic times. Walk through an authentic pioneer settlement from the 1800's. Interpretative exhibits, lectures, wildlife shows, boat tours, canoe rentals, wilderness walkways and much more. See how nature still controls an environment both breathtaking and unforgiving. A memorable outing for the entire family. Click here for additional information, download the "New-Comer's Guide to the Okefenokee" (in PDF format) or check out The Crypt for historical pictures and stories about the great swamp.
Other nearby parks and islands (Click the titles for more info)
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Other Points of Interest
Jacksonville Zoological Park - Alive with over 800 animals from around the world, breathtaking natural exhibits re-create some of the world's most exotic habitats. New animals are arriving throughout the year. Fun and educational for the entire family. Located about 35 minutes south of Camden County at 8605 Zoo Road in Jacksonville, Florida. Take I-95 to Exit 124-A (Heckscher Drive) and follow the signs. Open Monday through Sunday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call 904-757-4462 for 24 hour information.
Welcome To: Jacksonville! - An online guide to many of the sites and attractions found in Jacksonville, Florida. Most are only a 30-45 minute drive from Camden County. Jacksonville Chamber Of Commerce - Links to tons of info on Jacksonville including attractions and the beaches. When you drop by their website, tell them we sent you! |
Tourist Bureau Numbers
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