Overview
Kings Bay Base is a small unincorporated community in Camden County, Georgia, centered almost entirely around Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (SUBASE Kings Bay). With a population of roughly 1,800, it is not a conventional tourist destination but rather a working military installation and the surrounding residential and service community that supports it.
The base is the home port of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet Ohio-class submarines, both ballistic missile (SSBN) and guided missile (SSGN) variants. It is one of only two strategic submarine bases in the country, making it a significant piece of American defense infrastructure.
Civilians visiting this area are generally guests or family members of active-duty personnel, contractors with base access, or travelers passing through Camden County on their way to the nearby Georgia coast or northern Florida. The wider Camden County area offers genuine natural appeal, including salt marshes, coastal waterways, and proximity to Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Before You Go
Base Access
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is an active military installation. Civilian access is strictly controlled and requires either a valid military ID, a base visitor pass sponsored by an authorized service member, or documented contractor/official business credentials. Do not plan to enter the base without confirmed authorization in advance. Verify current access procedures directly with the base's Pass and ID office before your visit.
Visas
Kings Bay Base is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov). Entry requirements for the base itself are separate from and in addition to standard U.S. immigration requirements.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID at all times
- Any sponsorship documentation or visitor pass paperwork provided by your host
- Proof of vehicle registration and insurance if driving onto the installation
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing; coastal Georgia can be hot and humid from June through August
Getting There
By Air
The nearest commercial airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Jacksonville, Florida, approximately 40–50 miles south of Kings Bay Base. This is the most practical air gateway for most visitors. Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) in Brunswick, Georgia, offers limited regional service and is roughly 30 miles north.
By Car
Driving is the primary mode of arrival. The base is accessible via Georgia State Route 40 (Gilman Road) and U.S. Route 17. From Jacksonville, take I-95 north to the Kingsland/St. Marys exit area and follow local signage. From Brunswick or the north, travel south on I-95 and exit toward Kingsland or St. Marys. Verify exact gate directions with your sponsor or the base, as entry points and traffic patterns can change.
By Bus
Greyhound service operates to and from the broader Camden County region; the nearest stops are in Kingsland or Folkston. Verify current schedules at greyhound.com before travel, as rural routes can change.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially necessary in and around Kings Bay Base. The community has no meaningful public transit, and ride-share availability (Uber, Lyft) in this rural area can be inconsistent—verify current coverage before relying on it.
Within the base, authorized visitors follow standard military installation traffic rules, which include posted speed limits strictly enforced, random vehicle inspections, and designated parking areas. If you are not familiar with military base driving protocols, ask your sponsor for guidance before entering.
The nearby towns of St. Marys and Kingsland are the practical off-base centers for dining, shopping, and services, both within a short drive.
Things to See & Do
On-Base (Authorized Personnel and Guests)
The base has standard morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities typical of a large Naval installation, which may include fitness centers, a bowling alley, a marina, recreational fields, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals. Access and availability for guests should be confirmed with your sponsor. The Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay also hosts an annual public appreciation event periodically; check the base's official communications for any scheduled community days.
Off-Base: St. Marys and Cumberland Island
The historic waterfront town of St. Marys, just a few miles from the base, is the departure point for the Cumberland Island National Seashore ferry. Cumberland Island is one of Georgia's barrier islands, largely undeveloped, and home to wild horses, maritime forest, pristine beaches, and the ruins of the Carnegie family's Dungeness estate. Ferry reservations are required and should be booked well in advance through the National Park Service (nps.gov/cuis).
St. Marys itself has a small historic downtown with a waterfront park, local restaurants, and the St. Marys Submarine Museum, which is open to the general public and provides civilian visitors a rare and genuine look at submarine history and culture without requiring base access.
Nature and Outdoors
Camden County's coastal plain offers fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching in the surrounding salt marshes and tidal creeks. The Crooked River State Park, located nearby, has trails, camping, and water access. Verify current hours and fees at gastateparks.org.
Food & Drink
Dining options within the Kings Bay Base community itself are limited to on-base facilities (for authorized personnel). The nearby towns of St. Marys and Kingsland are where most people eat and drink off-base.
St. Marys has a modest but genuine waterfront dining scene, with seafood being the local specialty given the town's maritime character. Shrimp, crab, and fresh fish are commonly available at local restaurants. Kingsland, just inland along I-95, has a broader strip of chain restaurants and fast-food options that serve the traveling and commuter population.
Alcohol is available throughout Camden County at restaurants and retail stores; Georgia's alcohol laws apply. Confirm current on-base policies for alcohol purchases (commissary, package stores) with your sponsor if applicable.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- U.S. emergency services: 911
- On-base emergencies: contact your military sponsor for the correct installation emergency line
Medical
Camden County has limited hospital infrastructure. The nearest major hospital facilities are in Brunswick, Georgia, or Jacksonville, Florida. Verify the location of the nearest urgent care and emergency room before you need it. The base has its own medical treatment facility, but access is restricted to eligible beneficiaries.
Connectivity
Cell service is generally available in the St. Marys and Kingsland areas with major U.S. carriers. Coverage can become patchy in more rural or forested areas of Camden County. Electronic devices on military installations may be subject to restrictions; ask your sponsor about policies before bringing cameras or recording equipment onto the base.
Money
ATMs are available in St. Marys and Kingsland. On-base facilities may operate through a separate military banking system (USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union are common among service members). Standard U.S. debit and credit cards are widely accepted off-base.
Safety
Kings Bay Base and the surrounding Camden County area are generally considered safe. Standard travel precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle, and follow all posted rules on the military installation.
The coastal Georgia environment carries some natural hazards worth noting. In summer, heat and humidity are significant—stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat. The area lies within a hurricane-risk zone; if traveling June through November, monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) for any active storm activity. Alligators are present in freshwater and brackish water bodies throughout the region; maintain distance and never feed them.
On the military installation, security personnel are armed and protocols are strictly enforced. Always follow instructions from base security immediately and without argument. Unauthorized photography of base facilities, vessels, or equipment is prohibited and can result in serious consequences.
