Camden County - 13 Attractions You Must Visit

Crooked River State Park is a great place for visitors to explore. Nature lovers can find plenty of activities ranging from hiking trails through lush forests to kayaking along the impressive marshlands. There are also several picnic spots located throughout the park and a fishing dock so visitors can take in some breathtaking sunset views over the river. The campgrounds are a great option for those looking to spend extended time here but there are also convenient cabins available.

The Cumberland Island National Seashore is a stunning destination located along the coast of Georgia. It is a place rich in history, culture and beauty, offering breathtaking views of unique wildlife, sandy beaches and grand marshes. There are over 40 miles of trails winding through pristine maritime forests, meandering along wide stretches of tidal creeks and salt marsh wetlands that are home to an abundance of estuarine wildlife.

Dungeness Beach is an exquisite location for a day of relaxation. The beachfront is expansive, giving visitors plenty of space to soak up some sun and catch a few waves in the ocean. Those looking for a bit of adventure can search through the tidepools for exciting sea creatures and bask in the area's unparalleled views of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Nearby restaurants and amenities will satisfy visitors' cravings while their toes sink into the enjoyable sand.

Dungeness Ruins is a unique landmark that is steeped in vibrant history. It was built by Nathanael Greene--a former Revolutionary War Major General--in 1784 as his retirement home. The structure combines neoclassical and Greek architectural styles with Palladian influences, featuring columned porticos, stunning gardens and specimen trees thought to have been transported from Greene's Virginia estate.

John Houstoun McIntosh Sugarhouse was built in 1855 by General John Houstoun MacIntosh and his family, a successful family of planters. The two-story building is substantial in size and has a beautiful white portico that welcomes visitors as they arrive. Inside the main house is filled with authentic furnishings that give it that old plantation feel and it houses artifacts from the era. Outback lies acres of cotton fields, where the genus grew one of the most profitable crops of its day.

Little Cumberland Island, located off the coast of Camden County, is an idyllic paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This undeveloped island is 16 miles long and protected by a buoy-marked safe harbor. The pristine coastline has many opportunities for beach-combing and fishing, with activities that range from kayaking to birding to sunning on wide swaths of sandy shores. The interior of Little Cumberland Island is teeming with wildlife and nature.

Little Cumberland Island Lighthouse is a memorable example of an early-20th-century maritime beacon. Built in 1901, the lighthouse stands 75 feet tall and overlooks Cumberland Sound. While its focal plane was 100 ft when built, erosion has caused beach sections to become more shallow over time and the focal plane has been lowered to 70 ft. The lighthouse still functions primarily as a navigational tool for mariners who rely upon its light to guide them through this historically significant area.

McIntosh Sugarmill Park, is a beautiful outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by lush foliage, the park offers peaceful nature trails weaving through the surrounding maritime forest and freshwater streams connected to the nearby Satilla River. As one of Georgia's 3-Star Parks, McIntosh Sugarmill Park’s amenities include picnicking facilities, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, sporting fields and courts, a dog park, playgrounds, an amphitheater and more.

The Orange Hall Gilman Cultural Center is an institution dedicated to the conservation of the African-American heritage. Located on Hwy 40, just outside of Kingsland, the museum houses artifacts and artwork spanning millennia. It contains a powerful history of the region and its impact on civil rights movements over time. Visitors are invited to explore four main areas: library and archives, interactive displays, galleries featuring exhibitions and a variety of workshops open to all.

The St Marys Railroad was built in the late 1840s to provide an east-west connection for logging and cotton operations. It was the first line of a larger system that eventually stretched from St Marys, through Darien to Savannah. In 1948, the Eastern Railway of Georgia acquired the railroad and after several upgrades, provided passenger service until 1966. Although its original purpose was to transport lumber and cotton, much freight also ran along this route at one time or another.

St. Marys Railroad Express, is an incredible organization that has been around for over 165 years. It began as a school-sponsored program in 1854 and has since lent itself to be a key feature of the local economy in the town of St. Marys. Initially, the express ran along 19 miles of rail lines to supply goods such as lumber and naval stores between St. Marys and Darien, Georgia as well as hauling passengers until 1959 when passenger service was discontinued.

St. Marys Waterfront Park – Howard Gilman Memorial Park is a peaceful outdoor destination. This scenic park offers visitors the opportunity to experience nature in a beautiful and tranquil setting with plenty of amenities for everyone to enjoy. Stroll along the boardwalks that take you past gorgeous live oak trees and panoramic marsh views. Take a dip in the salt or freshwater swimming areas or enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s many pavilions.

Stafford Plantation, Founded in 1786 by Samuel Stafford and his brother John, the land was developed for farming that provided coastal-salt marsh hay to meet the demands of soldiers in fort McAllister. The plantation went through many owners over most of the 19th century until eventually it fell into disuse. In 1972, Carol Gartrell-Stafford purchased the property and began renovating it. Today it is used as an event venue space for weddings, receptions, and corporate events.