Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base: Your PCS Guide to Coastal Georgia

2026 BAH Rates at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Kings Bay BAH rates for 2026 decreased 2.1 percent from 2025. However, they remain highly favorable relative to local housing costs. In fact, Camden County’s cost of living runs well below the national average. Your BAH typically stretches further here than at most other duty stations.

Additionally, service members with dependents receive 11.7 percent more BAH than those without. Use the DoD BAH Calculator to calculate your exact entitlement. For broader context on how BAH works and how to maximize it, visit our 2026 BAH rates guide.

2026 Enlisted BAH Rates — Kings Bay, GA

Rank	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E1–E4	$2,016/mo	$1,656/mo
E5	$2,133/mo	$1,806/mo
E6	$2,157/mo	$1,905/mo
E7	$2,250/mo	$2,019/mo
E8	$2,352/mo	$2,145/mo
E9	$2,499/mo	$2,151/mo

2026 Officer BAH Rates — Kings Bay, GA

Rank	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O1	$2,145/mo	$1,896/mo
O2	$2,154/mo	$2,097/mo
O3	$2,418/mo	$2,157/mo
O4	$2,706/mo	$2,247/mo
O5	$2,916/mo	$2,304/mo
O6	$2,937/mo	$2,400/mo

Source: KingsBayHousing.com | Rates effective January 1, 2026. Contact the Housing Office at (912) 573-2056 with housing-related BAH questions.

Ready to use your BAH toward a home purchase? Explore your VA Home Loan options before you arrive. Homes in St. Marys and Kingsland move quickly during PCS season, so connecting with a lender early gives you a real advantage.

Housing at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Choosing where to live is usually the biggest decision of any PCS. Fortunately, Kings Bay offers solid on-base housing options and an affordable off-base market with several distinct communities to consider.

On-Base Housing

On-base housing at NSB Kings Bay is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Options include apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes across multiple neighborhoods on the installation. Amenities typically include fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, and community centers.

However, on-base availability can be limited, especially during peak summer PCS season. Therefore, contact the Housing Office as soon as you receive orders — waiting lists exist for some home types. Moreover, single service members at E4 and below are required to live in unaccompanied housing (UH).

Unaccompanied Housing (UH)

The UH complex houses 1,474 rooms and accommodates up to 1,434 individuals. Each room is non-smoking, and Wi-Fi with in-room cable service is included. Additionally, 24/7 laundry facilities are available on site.

• Address: 1083 USS Andre Jackson Blvd, Building 180, Kings Bay, GA 31547
• Phone: (912) 573-3112

Family Housing Office Contact

• Address: 1083 USS Andre Jackson Blvd, Building 180, Kings Bay, GA 31547
• Phone: (912) 573-2056

Off-Base Neighborhoods Near Kings Bay

Most military families at Kings Bay live off base in one of three primary communities. Each offers a different vibe, commute profile, and price point. Notably, all three communities are military-friendly and accustomed to the deployment tempo that comes with submarine duty.

St. Marys, Georgia

St. Marys is the closest community to base, sitting just minutes from the Stimson Gate. It offers a charming small-town atmosphere with waterfront dining, historic streets, and easy access to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Similarly, the ferry to Cumberland Island departs directly from the St. Marys waterfront — an experience unique to this duty station.

• Median home price (2026): approximately $320,000
• Average rent: $1,000–$1,300/month for apartments and townhomes
• Single-family rentals: approximately $1,200–$1,400/month
• Commute to base: 5–10 minutes

Kingsland, Georgia

Kingsland is the county seat of Camden County and offers a wider variety of shopping, dining, and newer subdivisions. Furthermore, it sits directly off I-95, making it convenient for families who frequently travel to Jacksonville or Savannah. Many military families prefer Kingsland for its newer construction options and family-friendly neighborhoods.

• Commute to base: 10–20 minutes
• Best for: Families wanting newer homes and suburban amenities

Woodbine, Georgia

Woodbine is a quieter, more rural option north of Kingsland. Consequently, it offers lower housing costs and a slower pace of life. It works well for families who don’t mind a longer commute in exchange for more space and privacy.

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fernandina Beach sits across the state line in Nassau County, Florida. Although the commute adds time, many service members choose it for the beaches and the Florida lifestyle. Moreover, Florida has no state income tax — a financial advantage worth factoring into your overall budget.

Real talk: On-base housing has a wait list. Start the process early. Additionally, off-base rental inventory near Kings Bay is tighter than it looks online. Many landlords list through local property managers, not public platforms. The Kings Bay PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group is your best source for rental leads that never hit Zillow.

Before signing a lease, also review our DITY/PPM move guide and PCS tax write-offs. Understanding your full financial picture matters before you commit to any housing decision.

Schools Near Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

There are no DoDEA schools on base at Kings Bay. Instead, all military children attend the Camden County School District. Overall, it is a highly rated district with 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 regional high school. Approximately 9,649 students attend Camden County Schools, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1.

Notably, four Camden County schools have earned Georgia’s Military Flagship School Award, which recognizes schools that go above and beyond for military families. Specifically, those schools are Crooked River Elementary, St. Marys Elementary, Camden Middle School, and Mary Lee Clark Elementary.

School Contact Directory

School	Grades	Phone	Notable
St. Marys Elementary	PK–5	(912) 882-4839	Military Flagship Award; visual arts & tech program
Mary Lee Clark Elementary	K–5	(912) 882-4373	Military Flagship Award; Governor’s achievement award
Sugarmill Elementary	K–5	(912) 882-8191	Named one of Georgia’s top 100 schools
David L. Rainer Elementary	PK–5	(912) 729-9071	Lifelong learning focus; strong parent involvement
Camden Middle School	6–8	(912) 729-3113	Military Flagship Award; STEM, visual arts, agriculture
St. Marys Middle School	6–8	(912) 882-8626	One of four Georgia state-certified STEM schools
Camden County High School	9–12	(912) 729-7318	2,500+ students; college prep and career tech academies

Address for Camden County High: 6300 Laurel Island Pkwy, Kingsland, GA 31548

School Enrollment Requirements

To enroll children in Camden County Schools, bring the following documents to your neighborhood school:

• Birth certificate
• Certificate of immunization
• Dental and eye exam record
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence

School placement is based on your home address. However, some areas near base are experiencing residential growth, so zoning capacity may shift. Contact the NSB Kings Bay School Liaison Officer at (912) 573-8986 before committing to a neighborhood. They can confirm exactly which school your children will attend from any given address — and that’s a conversation worth having before you sign a lease.

For families with children needing special services, contact the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) coordinator before your move. DoDEA also offers transition resources for military students changing schools mid-year.

Medical and Dental Services at Kings Bay

Primary medical care at Kings Bay is provided through the Kings Bay Branch Health Clinic, which operates as a branch of Naval Hospital Jacksonville. Services include primary care, dental, and mental health support. For specialized care beyond the clinic’s scope, Naval Hospital Jacksonville is approximately 38 miles south on I-95.

Medical Contacts

Service	Phone
Kings Bay Branch Health Clinic	(912) 573-4251
TRICARE (general questions)	1-800-444-5445
Nurse Advice Line (24/7)	1-800-874-2273
Southeast Georgia Health System (off-base)	(912) 576-6200

For TRICARE enrollment, coverage options, and finding civilian providers in the area, visit TRICARE.mil.

In-Processing at Kings Bay

Arriving at Kings Bay with a clear in-processing plan saves hours on your first week. Here’s what to expect and where to go.

Gate Hours and Base Access

NSB Kings Bay has two entry gates, each with different operating hours. Plan your arrival route accordingly to avoid arriving at a closed gate.

Gate	Days Open	Hours
Stimson Avenue Gate	Monday–Sunday	Open 24 hours
Stimson Pass & ID Office	Monday–Friday	7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Franklin Avenue Gate	Monday–Friday	5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Franklin Avenue Gate	Weekends	Closed
Franklin Pass & ID Office	Monday–Friday	6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Directions to Base

From I-95, incoming personnel have three exit options. Exit 1 (St. Marys Road) leads directly to the Franklin Gate. Exit 3 connects to Georgia State Route 40 East and ends at the Stimson Gate. Additionally, Exit 6 also routes to Kings Bay Road and the Stimson Gate.

Jacksonville International Airport is approximately 35 miles south via I-95 — roughly 35–40 minutes without traffic. The city’s airport serves as your closest major hub for travel. Contact your Command Sponsor to arrange transportation from the airport on arrival day.

Key In-Processing Contacts

Office	Phone
Base Quarterdeck (main)	(912) 573-2020
Housing Office	(912) 573-2056
Family Support Office (FFSC)	(912) 573-4512
Legal Office	(912) 573-3935
School Liaison Officer	(912) 573-8986
Child Development Center	(912) 573-3888

Before you arrive, review our military moving tips and download our PCS binder checklist. Moreover, if you’re doing a partial DITY, visit our DITY/PPM move guide to understand your weight allowances and reimbursement options.

Base Amenities and MWR at Kings Bay

NSB Kings Bay earned the Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award — recognition that reflects the quality of its on-base services. In fact, it was also recognized in 2016 as the best installation in the Southeast region. As a result, the installation offers a strong quality-of-life package relative to its size.

On-Base Facilities

• Commissary — full-service grocery with military pricing
• Navy Exchange (NEX) — retail, clothing, electronics, and services
• Fitness Center — cardio equipment, weightlifting, group fitness classes
• Kings Bay Galley — main dining facility on base
• Child Development Center (CDC) — hours 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; contact (912) 573-3888 for enrollment
• Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Museum — showcases the submarine history of the base and surrounding community
• Library — on-base library with digital resources and community events
• Outdoor recreation — parks, fishing spots, picnic areas, and boat storage

Deployment Support at Kings Bay

Submarine deployment tempo at Kings Bay is real — and spouses here understand it firsthand. Consequently, the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is one of the most actively used programs on the installation.

The FFSC provides deployment readiness support, financial counseling, family advocacy, and relocation assistance. Additionally, it offers a new parent support program for growing families. Furthermore, the base maintains a robust FRG (Family Readiness Group) network through each submarine command. Connect with your command’s FRG as early as possible — those relationships carry families through deployment cycles. Reach the FFSC at (912) 573-4512.

Additionally, the base Legal Office handles wills, powers of attorney, and legal matters related to deployment preparation. Contact them at (912) 573-3935 — especially before a deployment cycle begins.

Things to Do Near Kings Bay

Life near Kings Bay is genuinely enjoyable. Coastal Georgia offers outdoor recreation, history, and beach access that many duty stations simply can’t match. Moreover, Jacksonville’s urban amenities are less than 40 minutes away. Consequently, families get access to a major city without paying big-city housing prices.

Local Highlights

• Cumberland Island National Seashore — accessible only by ferry from St. Marys; offers hiking, camping, wild horses, and pristine beaches with no cars allowed
• Crooked River State Park — fishing, hiking, kayaking, and picnicking minutes from base
• St. Marys Submarine Museum — free admission; a fascinating tribute to the submarine force and local naval history
• St. Marys Waterfront Park — watch shrimp boats come in, catch live music, and enjoy the river views
• Fernandina Beach, FL — approximately 30 miles south; beautiful Atlantic beaches, historic downtown, and seafood restaurants
• Jacksonville, FL — major city with the Jacksonville Zoo, NFL Jaguars games, world-class dining, theme park access, and a large military community
• Savannah, GA — approximately 2 hours north; a stunning historic city worth a weekend visit

Honest Real Talk About Kings Bay

The submarine community here is tight. People tend to look out for each other — especially during patrol cycles. However, be prepared for limited nightlife and a slower pace of life compared to larger duty stations. Nevertheless, many service members choose to return to Kings Bay for follow-on tours or retire in the area. The weather is warm year-round, the cost of living is low, and the natural beauty of coastal Georgia is genuinely hard to leave.

Internet connectivity can vary in more rural areas outside Kingsland and St. Marys. Therefore, if remote work or reliable high-speed service is important to your family, verify provider coverage for any specific address before signing a lease.

Frequently Asked Questions — PCS to Kings Bay

What is the 2026 BAH rate at Kings Bay for an E5 with dependents?

The 2026 BAH rate for an E5 with dependents at NSB Kings Bay is $2,133 per month. Without dependents, an E5 receives $1,806 per month. Overall, 2026 rates decreased 2.1 percent from 2025. However, they remain well-matched to the local rental market.

Who manages on-base housing at NSB Kings Bay?

On-base family housing at Kings Bay is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Additionally, the Navy Housing Office at (912) 573-2056 handles inquiries, wait lists, and housing counseling for both on-base and off-base situations.

What schools will my kids attend near Kings Bay?

Children at Kings Bay attend Camden County School District schools, which include 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and Camden County High School. Specifically, four schools hold Georgia’s Military Flagship School Award. Moreover, St. Marys Middle School is one of only four Georgia state-certified STEM schools. Contact the School Liaison at (912) 573-8986 to confirm which school your address feeds into.

Is there a wait list for on-base housing at Kings Bay?

Yes, on-base housing often has a wait list — particularly for larger homes during peak PCS season. Therefore, contact the Housing Office at (912) 573-2056 as soon as you receive orders. Many families start the process 3–6 months before their report date.

How far is Kings Bay from Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville International Airport is approximately 35 miles south of base via I-95, roughly a 35–40 minute drive. Furthermore, the city offers shopping, dining, healthcare specialists, and major airport access that nicely supplement the smaller communities surrounding Kings Bay.

What gate should I use when arriving at Kings Bay?

Stimson Avenue Gate is your best option for initial arrival — it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Franklin Avenue Gate is only open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on weekends.

Does Kings Bay have on-base childcare?

Yes. The Child Development Center at NSB Kings Bay offers daycare, preschool programs, and after-school care. Hours run from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Contact the CDC at (912) 573-3888 to inquire about enrollment and current availability — spots fill fast during summer PCS season.

What is the cost of living like near Kings Bay?

Cost of living near Kings Bay runs significantly below the national average. Notably, rental rates range from roughly $1,000 to $1,400 per month for most single-family homes. Moreover, the median home price in St. Marys is approximately $320,000 as of 2026, making homeownership realistic for many military families using a VA loan.

What submarine commands are based at Kings Bay?

Kings Bay is home to Submarine Group 10, Submarine Squadrons 16 and 20, the Trident Training Facility (TTF), the Trident Refit Facility (TRF), and Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic (SWFLANT). Additionally, six Ohio-class SSBN submarines and two guided missile submarines — USS Florida and USS Georgia — are homeported here.

Is buying a home near Kings Bay a good idea?

Many military families buy in Kingsland or St. Marys because values remain affordable and the VA loan benefit is a strong fit for this market. However, talk to a lender early — especially if you’re considering a shorter tour length. Our VA Home Loan guide covers what to consider before committing to a purchase at any duty station.

Connect With the Kings Bay Military Community

The Kings Bay PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group is the best first step for any family heading to this duty station. You’ll find real answers from families currently stationed here, rental leads that never hit public listings, and an honest community that knows what submarine life actually looks like. Additionally, our PCS Toolkit and base directory can help you research every aspect of your upcoming move.

For pay information, visit our 2026 military pay charts to understand your full compensation package at your new rank. Furthermore, if you’re weighing a home purchase against renting, our VA Home Loan guide breaks down the full benefit. Specifically, it covers zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates — making buying near Kings Bay genuinely attainable for most service members.