Getting Here is Half the Fun
Interstate 95 is the most direct route to this area and you can reach the base by taking Exits 1, 3 or 6. Exit 1 takes you down St. Marys Road and ends at the Franklin Gate. From Exit 3, take Georgia State Highway 40 east toward St. Marys and turn left onto Kings Bay Road, which will take you to the Stimson Gate. Exit 6, Laurel Island Parkway, also leads to Kings Bay Road and to the Stimson Gate.

For those who choose to fly, Jacksonville International Airport is approximately 30 miles south of the base off Interstate 95.

Vehicle Registration
Motor vehicles, privately owned and operated on the base by military and civilian personnel, or their family members, must be registered at the Stimson Gate Pass and ID office. Valid decals from other military activities will be honored for 30 days with PCS orders. After that, a Kings Bay decal must be affixed to the vehicle.

The Stimson Gate Pass and ID office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Franklin Gate Pass and ID office hours are Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Car owners must meet the following minimum requirements to be issued a base decal:
1) Possess a current vehicle registration.
2) Possess a valid state driver's license.
3) Provide proof of liability insurance.

Motorcycle operators must meet the same minimum requirements as stated above. In addition, motorcyclists must provide proof of attendance of classroom training and road phase of the Basic Riders Course before being issued a base decal.

A 2005 Department of Defense regulation restricts the use of cell phones while driving on all military installations. If taking a call, it is recommended safely pulling off to the side of the road or use authorized hands free equipment. Seatbelt use is required on and off base and as always keep safety in mind and practice sound risk management whenever driving or traveling in motor vehicles. Georgia state law requires headlights on for safety whenever it rains. Never drink and drive. If you do drink, use a designated driver or call a taxi or friend.

Sponsor Program
So, you have orders to Kings Bay and the big question is what to do to prepare for the move? NSB Kings Bay has a great program to aid you with all the necessities of your move. The key to your smooth transition is your sponsor. Once your orders are received by your prospective command, a welcome aboard package will be sent to you and a sponsor assigned. In the welcome aboard package your sponsor will enclose a personal letter in the package to welcome you and offer help in your needs. Your sponsor will also contact you to make arrangements in order to make your transition as trouble-free as possible.

Whatever questions you have—big or small— your sponsor will assist you in finding answers. For additional information about the sponsor program, please call your receiving command or the base sponsor coordinator at (912) 573-9620.

Temporary Lodging
It is advisable to locate temporary lodging in advance. Your sponsor can help you with making local arrangements.

The Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, located on base, provides temporary lodging for military members and their families transferring to and from the area. Incoming personnel are authorized a ten-day stay at the inn. The inn offers free laundry facilities and in-room kitchens. Call (912) 573-4871 for more information or to make reservations.

Navy Lodge
The Navy Lodge has 26 rooms. Two of the rooms are configured for handicapped occupants and 13 are designated as non-smoking rooms. Call (800) NAVY-INN to make reservations at the Kings Bay lodge.

Hotels
There are several local hotels in the Camden County - Kings Bay area. Accommodations are usually plentiful year-round and your sponsor can provide a list of the hotels in the area.

Weather
The climate in Southeast Georgia is generally temperate. Summers are long and warm with an average relative humidity of about 75 percent. Winters, although punctuated with periodic invasions of cool to occasionally cold air from the north, are mild because of the southern latitude and the proximity to the warm Atlantic Ocean waters.

The annual average temperature for the Kings Bay area is 68. June, July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures averaging above 90 degrees. December, January and February are the coolest months, with temperatures near the mid 50s. Temperatures exceed 95 degrees during the summer months and evening temperatures are usually comfortable, rarely falling below 75 degrees. The greatest rainfall, mostly in the form of local thunderstorms, occurs during the summer months when a measurable amount can be expected one day in two. Summer thunderstorms usually occur before the noon hour along the beaches, while afternoon thunderstorms are the rule inland.