Nestled on the southeast coast of Georgia, Kingsland is a small-town oozing with natural beauty and Southern hospitality. Serving as the gateway to historic St. Marys, Cumberland Island National Seashore and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Kingsland is the ideal destination to stay, play and explore. With close proximity to the Georgia/Florida border, just 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, and easy access to Interstate 95, Kingsland is the perfect stop over for those traveling to Florida—it’s just under three hours from Disney.
Known for its expansive salt marshes, winding creeks and nearby unspoiled Cumberland Island, Kingsland is a nature lover’s delight. With three freshwater rivers and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, getting out on the water has never been easier. Kayak among the marshes, spot wildlife in their natural habitat or try your hand at fishing with a boat charter.
Discover the wonders of nature. As part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, Kingsland and the surrounding area is also home to many species of birds, over 300 of which have been spotted among the 18 sites along the birding trail.
Hit the links—Kingsland boasts 700+ holes of golf within one hour and the area’s mild temperatures make golf a year-round activity.
Enjoy fresh seafood and other delightful bites at over 100 area restaurants, take in a bit of history at the nearby St. Marys Submarine Museum or find unique treasures along the redbrick sidewalks of Kingsland’s Historic Royal District. No matter the reason for visiting, it’s easy to see that a slower pace of life reigns in Kingsland and the charm and hospitality found in the area is unforgettable.
Fast Facts
- Located on the Georgia Florida border. Exit 1 is Kingsland to the west and St Marys to the east. Kingsland includes Exits 1, 3, 6 and part of 7. The Kingsland Welcome Center is located on Exit 3 at the Interstate.
- Kingsland is situated between historic St Mary’s, Cumberland Island National Seashore Ferry (9 miles) and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which has three entrances: the Folkston entrance (23 miles) along with the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay(6.5 miles). To the north of Kingsland, find Jekyll Island and the Golden Isles (40 miles), to the south find Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island (23 miles) and Jacksonville International Airport (23 miles).
- Birding is popular in Kingsland with over 300 species of birds spanning the marshes, swamps and coast.
- Outdoor activities reign supreme because of the year‐round weather. Bike and hike with the Georgia Coast Rail‐Trail in Woodbine (11 miles), Cumberland Island National Seashore, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Crooked River State Park (9.4 miles), Kingsland and St Marys.
- Fishing, including charter fishing, as well as boating and kayaking are available in St Marys and Crooked River State Park.
- Georgia Coastal Railway is located in historic Downtown Kingsland and offers themed train rides throughout the year, such as Murder Mystery Express, Pizza Train, Wild West Express and holiday themed rides.
- Golf is popular in Kingsland, with over 300 holes within a one hour drive. Camden County Georgia has two public courses: Laurel Island Links in Kingsland and Trident Lakes, located on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Kingsland also offers one semi‐public course, Sanctuary Cove, and one private, Osprey Cove, in St Marys. There is a Disc Golf Course at Gum Branch Nature Preserve in Kingsland. Gum Branch Nature Preserve also offers a pickleball court along with limited biking and hiking trails.
- There are three venues that offer live theater. Camden County High School Fine Arts offers productions throughout the school year. The auditorium seats 1,285 and is located in Kingsland. Theatre by the Trax in St Marys is home to St Marys Little Theatre. Saltwater Performing Arts Children’s Theater is located in St Marys but performances take place in historic Downtown Kingsland.
- Kingsland’s location off of Interstate 95 makes it a popular stopping place for visitors traveling in and out of Florida. Kingsland has 23 hotels, 19 of which are national chain properties, with a total of 1,319 rooms. There are three RV/Campgrounds with a total of 133 sites. There are currently 106 restaurants in Camden County; 58 are located in Kingsland with the majority being national chains. Kingsland Exit 3 from Interstate 95 is easy access and has numerous gas stations.
- St Marys offers historical points of interest including Orange Hall c.1830, the McIntosh Sugarmill Tabby Ruins c.1826 and the Cumberland Island Museum & War of 1812 Exhibit (in downtown St Marys), along with the St Marys Submarine Museum.
- Attractions in Kingsland include the Thiokol Memorial Project Museum memorializing a deadly explosion in the 1960s, a Neutral Zone Studio that has a Star Trek set where a web series is filmed and Unleashed Camden which offers axe throwing, a rage room and a paint splash room.
- Kingsland is developing an event space called “The Lawn” which has hosted a Jeep Jam and Boots and Chutes rodeo.
Annual Events
- Annual Old‐Time Oyster Roast (Kingsland), February
Kingsland Lions Club hosts the Annual Old Time Oyster Roast—B‐Y‐O Oyster Knife the Saturday night of Superbowl Weekend. Located in historic downtown Kingsland, come get you some: All You Can Eat‐ Oysters ‐ while they last, Shrimp – while they last, Brunswick Stew, Homemade Desserts and Hushpuppies. Tickets are limited so get them early. For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/KingslandLions - Mardi Gras Festival (Kingsland), February
The annual Mardi Gras Festival is a 2‐day festival of family fun on the streets of downtown Kingsland. Come on and Let the Good Times Roll! Presented by KBAY 106.3, the festival features national Country Music recording artists both days! There is a beer & wine tent, plus street vendors, food vendors, a parade, free demonstrations, kids zone and a car show. Parking and admission is free. For more information, contact KBAY106.3 at www.facebook.com/KBay1063 or 912‐729‐6000. - Boots and Chutes Rodeo (Kingsland), March
The Camden County FFA is gearing up the Boots and Chutes Rodeo, which will roll into Kingsland in March at ‘The Lawn’ off of Highway 17. This event is two days with gates opening at 6pm each night and the rodeo starting at 7:30pm. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over will be in town to show off their skills and battle for the top spot in each event. There will be a petting zoo and photo booth along with food vendors. Events will include saddle and bareback bronc riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling and bull riding. For more information go to https://www.camdenffa.com/. - Crawfish Festival (Woodbine), April
Located just minutes north of Kingsland, the Annual Woodbine Crawfish Festival sponsored by the Woodbine Citizens Steering Committee is held in Woodbine on the last Friday & Saturday in April each year. The crawfish, sort of a miniature cousin to the lobster, has managed to achieve its own celebration in Woodbine. The two‐day event is held at the Waterfront Park and Riverwalk in Downtown Woodbine. It includes food (with lots of tasty crawfish etouffee!); free all day entertainment, arts & crafts, children’s activities and much more. For more information contact, Royce Proctor with the Woodbine Citizens Steering Committee at proctorroyce61@gmail.com or www.WoodbineCrawfish.com. - Independence Day Festival (St Marys), July
Amid a chorus of “oohs!” and “aahhs!” the highlight of the family‐oriented Annual Independence Day Festival in St Marys is a spectacular colorful display over the St Marys River at dusk. Located just minutes east of Kingsland, this festival is a celebration of our nation’s independence from Great Britain in 1776. Festival also includes: 5K/10K races and a kids fun run, a parade, food concessions and arts & craft booths, entertainment and a breathtaking fireworks display over the St Mary Rivers. For more information, contact the St Marys Kiwanis Club at 912‐882‐4239 or https://www.smkiwanis.com - St Marys Seafood Festival (Downtown St Marys), October
When the weather turns cooler, then it’s time for the St Marys Seafood Festival in St Marys, located just minutes east of Kingsland. The festival is held the first Saturday in October and is hosted by the Kiwanis Club. This festival honoring our coastal delicacies includes 5K/10K races, parade, and entertainment throughout the day, food concessions, arts & craft booths and seafood dinners. Contact the Kiwanis Club at 912‐882‐4239 or https://www.smkiwanis.com - Okefenokee Festival (Folkston), October
Just down the road from Kingsland in Folkston, the second Friday & Saturday in October comes alive with the Okefenokee Festival. Held around the old train depot on Main Street in Folkston, the festival has all the usual aspects including 5K run/walk, parade, entertainment, food concessions and arts & craft booths. For more information, contact the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce at 912‐496‐2536 or https://www.OkefenokeeChamber.com - Kingsland Catfish Festival (Kingsland), November
The fun begins Saturday, November 19th and lasts throughout the day and is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This event will include arts & craft booths, a variety of food booths, beer and wine tent, antiques and collectibles, a children’s amusement area, 5K run and local entertainment! Parking and entry is free! For more information, contact the Kingsland DDA at 912‐729‐5613 or www.KingslandCatfishFestival.org - Kings Bay Submarine Veterans Memorial Week (Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base), November
An annual Memorial service honoring World War II Submarine Veteran’s on eternal patrol is held in conjunction with the weekend long, festive Subvet reunion. Located just minutes from Kingsland, the memorial service is held at the WWII Subvets Pavilion located on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. For more information on the service and the reunion, contact the St Marys Submarine Museum at 912‐882‐2782 or https://www.facebook.com/StMarysSubMuseum - Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony (Kingsland), November
When each Veterans Day rolls around, then it’s time again for the annual Veterans Day Parade held in downtown Kingsland. Sponsored by the VFW Post #8385, the parade honors veterans of wartime and peacetime and is a moving tribute to the heroes of our time. Following the parade there will be a ceremony at the Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park starting at 11 AM. For more information, contact VFW Post #8385 at 912‐729‐7933 or https://www.facebook.com/VFWPost8385JamesJarretBrown - Pioneer Days, (Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge), November
Visit the Chesser Island Homestead to discover how people once lived in Southeast Georgia. Learn how settlers made soap, brooms, butter, quilts, baskets, and other everyday items. Watch a traditional sugar cane boil, and sample the sweet cane juice. Participate in fun for the whole family. For more information, contact the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge at 912‐496‐7836 or https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Okefenokee - Christmas in Kingsland (Kingsland), December
Downtown Kingsland comes together for Christmas in Kingsland. Starting at 5:30 PM, the Historic District offers SNOW in South Georgia with a SNOW play area. This event is presented by City of Kingsland & Kingsland Downtown Development Authority. Activities include: Live Entertainment, Santa Claus and features free holiday refreshments ‐ hot cocoa, wassail, and Christmas cookies! For more information, contact the Kingsland DDA 912‐729‐5613 or https://www.KingslandDDA.com - A Christmas Story at Oakwell (Kingsland), December
Community Event ‐ Live Nativity ‐ beginning with a hayride to the Oakwell farm. As you arrive, will be greeted by your guide. Your guide/narrator will lead you thru the “walk to Bethlehem” where you will see the actual story being told of Jesus’ birth. As you depart the Live Nativity area, you will see various “holiday selfie” stations, holiday decor, and the Santa hospitality barn. You are invited to enjoy hot coffee, hot cocoa, or apple cider. Your children will enjoy the “Kids Craft” making an ornament to take home for their Christmas tree. Then visit with Santa and Ms Claus. You are welcome to take pictures of you and your family in this holiday setting. There’s no charge for this event. We hope to see you! Come join us! For more information contact, (912) 270‐0391 or https://www.facebook.com/OakwellontheSt.MarysRiver
Photo Gallery
The nearby St Marys Submarine Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the South and the fifth largest submarine museum in the country. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
The roseate spoonbill is a gregarious wading bird known for its vibrant pink color and is often spotted in area marshes. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tabby ruins at Cumberland Island. (NOTE: the ruins located on Cumberland Island are the Dungeness Ruins) | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Shrimp and grits, are a local favorite. The Kingsland area offers over 100 dining destinations to choose from southern BBQ to fresh Georgia shrimp. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
From food festivals to small home-town parades, Kingsland plays host to several special events annually. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Bikers along the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail. The Georgia Coast Rail-Trail is comprised of 68 miles stretching from Kingsland to Riceboro, Georgia, with trails along the Satilla River and Highway 17. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Okefenokee swamp gator at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Canal at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Camden County or Southeast Georgia or the Kingsland area is home to Cumberland Island, three freshwater rivers and offers easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Kayaking through Kingsland’s salt marshes is a great way to explore the area’s waterways. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Camden County or Southeast Georgia or the Kingsland area is home to Kings Bay, a Naval Submarine Base. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Shopping in downtown Kingsland offers everything from gifts and collectables to unique vintage finds in eclectic thrift shops. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Laurel Island Links features magnificent marsh views that complement the 18-hole links style course which is a Davis Love III signature design. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Located on the Southeast Georgia Coast, golfing is a year-round sport with over 700 holes within a one-hour radius of Camden County. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wild horses roam freely on Cumberland Island. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nearby Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island offering miles of trails and roads, as well as 18 miles of undeveloped beach. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Crooked River State Park is listed on Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail and boasts 500-acres blanketed with several habitats including pine Flatwoods, salt marsh and maritime forest. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Kingsland and the surrounding area are home to many species of birds including the great blue heron. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau
More than 300 species of birds have been spotted at the 18 sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. | Credit: Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau