Nikole Vermilyea

St. Marys is one of coastal Georgia's best outdoor destinations, with kayak rentals at Howard Gilman Waterfront Park, charter fishing through Fish Master Charters and Lang Charters, biking along the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail, and guided birding and eco-tours. Less than an hour north of Jacksonville, FL.

Kingsland and St. Marys sit at the intersection of the St. Marys River, Crooked River, Satilla River, and the Intracoastal Waterway, making Camden County a fisherman's and paddler's paradise. Speckled trout, tarpon, flounder, and catfish are all on the menu here.

Crooked River State Park sits on 500 acres in St. Marys, adjacent to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and just a short paddle from Cumberland Island National Seashore. Fish for speckled trout, channel bass, and sheepshead from the dock, or launch a kayak right into the coastal wetlands.

A complete map of every public fishing pier and launch in Camden County, including Howard Gilman Park pier in St. Marys, Satilla River Waterfront Park pier in Woodbine, and Dark Entry Creek fishing dock. All free or low-cost access points for local anglers.

The St. Marys River is one of Georgia's most beloved paddling destinations, a Class I flatwater route through backwater oxbows, wildlife corridors, and tidal marshes near Kingsland and St. Marys. Georgia Rivers runs guided multi-day paddle trips here every spring, suitable for novice paddlers.

Cumberland Island is one of America's most extraordinary natural destinations, accessible only by ferry from St. Marys waterfront in Camden County. Wild horses roam the beach, loggerhead turtles nest on the Atlantic shores, and over 300 bird species call the island home year-round.

The Georgia Dream program offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a zero-interest second loan for first-time buyers across Georgia, including Camden County. It works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans and military buyers may qualify for additional assistance.

A comprehensive breakdown of all 46 Georgia homebuyer assistance programs, with 89% still funded as of late 2025. Covers income limits, forgivable loans, and how programs like Georgia Dream work specifically for buyers in Southeast Georgia coastal communities.

Covers the Georgia Dream program, the Peach Plus program for public service workers, and how Camden County buyers can stack state and federal assistance to reduce upfront costs. Median Georgia home price sits at $367,000, well below the national average.

Georgia launched the Peach Advantage Loan Program in July 2025, offering a zero percent down payment option with a reduced first mortgage interest rate. Any borrower who qualifies for Georgia Dream is eligible, making it one of the most accessible programs available for Camden County buyers.

One of the most trusted resources for understanding the homebuying process from start to finish, covering mortgages, pre-approval, negotiations, and closing day. Especially useful for Camden County buyers going through the process for the first time.

A practical breakdown of Georgia Dream, Peach Plus, and national programs like FHA and USDA loans, all of which can be combined for maximum assistance. Includes tips on finding approved lenders in Southeast Georgia and what to expect from the homebuyer education requirement.

A perfect introduction to Camden County's two main towns — historic St. Marys with its oak-lined waterfront streets and Kingsland with its local restaurants and neighborhood character. Great first read for anyone considering a move to coastal Georgia.

Covers everything Camden County has to offer — from the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail in Woodbine to 700+ holes of golf within an hour's drive, 116 local restaurants, and access to Cumberland Island National Seashore just 9 miles away. A comprehensive look at what living here really looks like.

Camden County is home to three incorporated cities — Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine — and covers over 600 square miles of coastal Georgia. It's also home to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and some of Georgia's most pristine natural landscapes.

From the wild horses and loggerhead turtles of Cumberland Island to the Civil War-era ruins near Crooked River State Park, Camden County's natural and historical attractions make it one of coastal Georgia's most compelling places to call home.

St. Marys and Kingsland both make this list of the Southeast's best coastal towns — St. Marys for its historic riverfront charm and Cumberland Island access, Kingsland for its affordable waterfront properties and small-town coastal character. Brunswick GA and Jacksonville FL are just a short drive away.

One of the most vivid and detailed guides to Camden County life — covering Crooked River State Park's palmetto-lined campsites, the Woodbine Opry's free bluegrass nights, Steffens Restaurant (a local legend since 1948), and the Cumberland Island ferry from St. Marys waterfront.