About Camden County
Camden County is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the state of Florida to the south. Camden County Seat is Woodbine, a small city that is the administrative center for this coastal Georgia jurisdiction. Camden County includes approximately 782 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in Georgia by land area. As of recent census estimates, the population is approximately 54,000 residents.
Camden County is home to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, one of the largest employers in Camden County and a critical strategic asset for the United States Navy. Major communities include St. Marys, a historic port city that is a path to Cumberland Island National Seashore, and Kingsland, a growing commercial center along Interstate 95.
Camden County Courthouse is located at 200 East 4th Street in Woodbine, where the Superior Court Clerk maintains vital court records. Camden County Tax Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations and assessments, operates from the County Administration Building at 200 East 4th Street. Camden County Board of Tax Assessors maintains property tax records and conducts assessments throughout Camden County.
Historical significance includes its role as one of Georgia's original counties, established in 1777 and named after Charles Pratt, the Earl of Camden. Camden County's economy has been shaped by its maritime location, timber industry, and military presence. Cumberland Island, accessible by ferry from St.
Marys, features pristine beaches, wild horses, and the ruins of Carnegie family mansions, making it a unique natural and historical treasure within Camden County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Camden County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Camden County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Camden County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also has specialized divisions such as narcotics enforcement and a K-9 unit, which are integral to its operations in combating crime and making sure of public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to Camden County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Camden County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Kingsland Police Department and the St. Marys Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its respective city limits. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and joint operations, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Camden County. The city departments focus on local ordinances and community policing, while the Sheriff's Office handles broader countywide issues.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Camden County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Camden County and operates Camden County Detention Center. Boulevard in Woodbine, Georgia 31569, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The official website is camdencountysheriff.org, where citizens can access information about law enforcement services.
- Marys Police Department, which provides law enforcement within the city limits of St.
- Mugshots and booking photos are maintained by Camden County Detention Center and can often be accessed through the online inmate database or by submitting a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
Camden County Detention Center houses inmates arrested within Camden County, and the Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool accessible through their website, allowing the public to look up current inmates by name or booking number. Municipal police departments serving Camden County include the St. Marys, and the Kingsland Police Department, serving the city of Kingsland.
Under Georgia's Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information, and citizens may submit written requests to the custodian of records at the respective law enforcement agency. Arrest records typically include booking information, charges filed, arrest date, and arresting agency. The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) also maintains statewide criminal history information, though access to certain records may be restricted under state and federal law.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay maintains its own federal law enforcement jurisdiction on base property through the Naval Security Forces, which operates independently of county law enforcement but may coordinate with local agencies on matters affecting the surrounding community.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Camden County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The GBI's online portal allows Camden residents to request and review criminal records, following state laws and regulations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Camden County are maintained by Camden County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Georgia Open Records Act. A Camden County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Camden County Detention Facility is the main jail facility in Camden County. It handles the booking process for people arrested in Camden County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Georgia state laws, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Camden County are taken and retained by Camden County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Georgia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading.
Courts & Case Records
The Superior Court of Camden County is the general jurisdiction trial court, handling felony criminal cases, civil actions exceeding certain dollar amounts, divorce and family law matters, and real property disputes. The Superior Court Clerk's Office is located at Camden County Courthouse, 200 East 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Clerk maintains an index of court records including case filings, judgments, orders, and related documents.
- Camden County Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest and search warrants.
- The Superior Court Clerk's Office provides public access to court records during normal business hours, and researchers may examine case files by providing the case number or party names.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained for a fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Researchers should contact the Clerk's Office directly to determine what online access options are available for Camden County court records.
Camden County also has a Probate Court, which handles estate administration, guardianships, name changes, weapons carry licenses, and traffic citations in some instances. The Probate Court is located at 200 East 4th Street in Woodbine and maintains separate records from Superior Court. Municipal courts in St.
Marys and Kingsland handle traffic violations and municipal ordinance violations within their respective city limits. Under Georgia law, court records are generally public pursuant to § 50-18-70, with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile proceedings, and adoption records. Some Georgia counties participate in the statewide eFileGA system and online case access portals, though availability varies by county.
Property & Public Records
Camden County Clerk of Superior Court is the primary recorder of land records and maintains the official registry of deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, easements, and other instruments affecting real property within Camden County. The Clerk's Office is located at Camden County Courthouse, 200 East 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Real property records dating back to Camden County's founding are maintained and indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description.
- Camden County also maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal that provides aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, zoning information, and other spatial data layers.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court by providing adequate identifying information and paying applicable fees.
The Clerk's recording division accepts documents for recording during regular business hours, with fees established by Georgia statute (typically $11.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page for most instruments). Camden County Board of Tax Assessors, located at 200 East 4th Street in Woodbine, maintains property tax assessment records including ownership information, assessed values, property characteristics, and exemption applications. The Tax Assessor's office can be contacted through the office’s website. Camden County Tax Commissioner's Office collects property taxes and motor vehicle taxes and is responsible for billing and collection functions.
Camden County provides online access to property tax records and parcel information through the Qpublic.net platform, which offers a free searchable database of property records including owner names, parcel numbers, tax values, sales history, and property characteristics. Users can search by owner name, address, or parcel identification number. UCC financing statements and federal tax liens are also recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court.
Vital Records
Vital records for Camden County, Georgia, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are maintained at both Camden County and state level. Camden County Probate Court, located at 200 East 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569, phone, issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Georgia.
- While the original certificates are filed with the state, certified copies can be requested through Camden County Health Department at 202 Laurel Island Parkway, Kingsland, GA 31548
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $25.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for walk-in requests.
- Online ordering of Georgia vital records is available through the VitalChek service at georgia.gov/vital records, which offers expedited processing for an additional fee.
Marriage license applicants must appear in person, provide valid identification, pay the required fee (typically $56.00, with a reduction available if couples complete a premarital education program), and meet Georgia's marriage eligibility requirements under § 19-3-1 et seq. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court as part of the court case filing system, since divorces are judicial proceedings. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, which is the state registrar.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by § 31-10-1 et seq. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 25 years under Georgia law, meaning only authorized individuals may obtain certified copies during these periods. After the restriction period, records become public.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration records in Camden County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Businesses operating in unincorporated Camden County or within municipal jurisdictions may need to obtain local business licenses from Camden County Planning and Development Department or from the respective city government (St. Marys or Kingsland). Camden County Planning and Development office, located at 200 East 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569, phone, handles zoning compliance, building permits, and business occupational tax certificates.
- Businesses must register with the local jurisdiction and pay an annual occupational tax based on the business category and gross receipts or number of employees, as authorized under § 48-13-6.
- Camden County Chamber of Commerce, located in Kingsland, provides business support services and economic development information at camdenchamber.com.
Trade names and fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse. For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, registration is handled by the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at ecorp.sos.ga.gov where the public can look up registered business entities, view annual registration status, registered agent information, and formation documents.
Professional and occupational licenses (such as contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents) are typically issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Building permits for construction projects are obtained from Camden County Building Inspection Department, which enforces the International Building Code and local construction ordinances.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Camden County, Georgia are administered by Camden County Board of Elections and Registration, located at 200 East 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569. The Elections Office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at camdencountyelections.com. Voter registration in Georgia can be completed online through the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov, by mail using a paper voter registration application, or in person at Camden County Elections Office.
- Voters can check their registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and request absentee ballots through the My Voter Page.
- Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter in Georgia upon request, without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the My Voter Page, by mail, by fax, or in person at the Elections Office.
- Citizens may request copies of election related records by submitting written requests to the Board of Elections and Registration.
Under Georgia law (§ 21-2-224), the voter registration deadline is 28 days prior to an election, meaning applications must be submitted and received by that date. Georgia offers online voter registration for people with a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card. Camden County operates multiple polling locations on Election Day, with assigned precincts based on residential address.
Early voting is available at designated locations in Camden County for a period of time before each election, typically beginning three weeks before Election Day and ending on the Friday before the election. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Friday before the election, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Public election records in Camden County include voter registration lists (subject to certain restrictions under § 21-2-225), candidate qualifying documents, campaign disclosure reports filed with the Georgia Ethics Commission, and precinct-level election results.
Camden County Elections Office publishes unofficial election results on election night and certifies official results after canvassing. In the November 2024 general election, Camden County reported voter turnout of approximately 67%, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of presidential election years. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives elections for Georgia's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate elections depending on the cycle, and state-level races including Georgia Governor, Lieutenant Governor, other constitutional officers, and General Assembly seats. Transparency in Camden County elections is maintained through public observation of polling places, public testing of voting equipment before elections, and availability of election records for public inspection under Georgia's Open Records Act.
Economy & Demographics
Camden County's economy is heavily influenced by the presence of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, which is the East Coast home port for the Navy's fleet of Ohio-class nuclear submarines carrying Trident ballistic missiles. Kings Bay is the largest employer in Camden County, with thousands of active-duty military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors contributing significantly to the local economy. The base generates substantial economic activity through payroll, procurement, and indirect spending by military families.
- The median household income in Camden County is approximately $62,000, which is influenced by military pay scales and civilian employment at the naval base.
Beyond the military sector, Camden County's economy includes tourism, logistics, retail, and manufacturing. Camden County's location along Interstate 95 makes it an attractive corridor for distribution and logistics operations. Tourism matters, with visitors traveling to Cumberland Island National Seashore, accessible via ferry from St.
Marys, which brings seasonal economic activity to hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. The timber and forestry industry has historically been important to the local economy, with significant acreage devoted to pine plantations and forest products. Retail and service sectors have expanded in Kingsland along the I-95 corridor, serving both locals and travelers.
The Port of Fernandina in neighboring Nassau County, Florida, and the Port of Brunswick in adjacent Glynn County provide maritime employment opportunities for Camden County residents. Economic development efforts focus on attracting industries that complement the existing military presence and capitalize on Camden County's transportation infrastructure and available workforce. The unemployment rate in Camden County typically tracks close to or slightly below state and national averages, benefiting from the stable employment base provided by the naval installation.
Property values along the coast and near St. Marys have appreciated due to Camden County's natural amenities and proximity to Cumberland Island.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available In-Person | Property: Yes: Free Online Search (Qpublic) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7/10, Camden County provides good digital access to property and jail records, though court records require in-person research and vital records lack online ordering at the county level.