St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and
southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped
beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives,
missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked
here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally
designated Wilderness.

St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here.  Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.

## Overview

Whether you are looking to spend a night with family and friends around a
campfire under the moss covered branches of the live oak trees, or looking for
the rugged challenges and solitude of the wilderness, you will find it on
Cumberland Island National Seashore. The park includes a designated Wilderness
area, undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat
and nesting areas, as well as numerous plant and animal communities. The
national seashore also offers a wide variety of camping opportunities.

**Watch the****"Camping on Cumberland Island" video****for information to help
you plan an d prepare for your trip.**

**Campgrounds**

Cumberland Island offers five campgrounds , which include designated campsites
at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach; and Wilderness campsites at: Hickory Hill,
Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff. Camping is only permitted in these five
campgrounds. A permit is required to camp in any of these five camping areas.  
  
**Getting There**

Visitors must take a boat to the island. Most visitors arrive via the
Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia (see Park Concessioner
Services below).

  * The ferry does not transport automobiles or RVs.
  * Check the ferry schedule prior to reserving your Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permit unless you are traveling by private boat.
  * The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February.

**Island Information**

  * Cumberland Island is 18 miles (29 km) long and .5 miles (.8 km) to 3 miles (5 km) wide.
  * Bring your cell phone if possible. Use airplane mode to reserve battery power. There is electricity at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp Campground, and Stafford Beach Campground for recharging devices.
  * Dial 911 to report emergencies and disturbances. 
  * There are no stores, restaurants or other amenities on the island.
  * After arriving on the island, campers must hike, walk or bike from the dock to the campgrounds and transport all gear. There is no transporation service. The distance ranges from .5 miles (.8 km) to Sea Camp to 10.5 miles (17 km) to Brickhill Bluff. 
  * Carts of any kind and wheeled coolers are not allowed north of Sea Camp Campground. 
  * Hammocks permitted only with hammock stands. New for 2021. See Superintendent's Compendium
  * Be prepared for extreme weather, sun exposure, and a variety of insects. Ticks, no see-ums, and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months; protect yourself accordingly.
  * Understand your limitations; the island has no conveniences; be prepared for a remote setting and a harsh environment.

**Bicycle and Carts**

For information on using carts and camping with bicycles visit the Cumberland
Island Camping Page

For information on bicycle and cart rentals, as well as transporting your bike
to the island visit Cumberland Island Ferry webpage .

**Ferry Reservations, Bicycle and Cart Rental, and Tour Reservations** \-
Contact: Cumberland Island Ferry at www.cumberlandislandferry.com or call
(877) 860-6787.

Cumberland Island Ferry passengers must check-in at the Cumberland Island
Mainland Visitor Center in Saint Marys at least 30 minutes prior to their
ferry departure time: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm

Campers must deboard the ferry at the Sea Camp Dock (not at the Dungeness
Dock).

## Recreation

There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach.
Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities
on the island.

## Facilities

There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach.
Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities
on the island.

## Natural Features

The island is home to more than 17 miles of undeveloped beach, a maritime
forest of oak hammock and long leaf pine, tidal creeks, and marshland.
Visitors can see an abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, alligators, and
bobcats, to snakes, tortoises, lizards, and hundreds of migratory birds.

## Nearby Attractions

**City of St. Marys, GA** \- St. Marys, Georgia, the gateway to Cumberland
Island National Seashore, a small coastal village located in southeast Georgia
remains one of Georgia's best kept secrets, a place rich in history, natural
beauty and Southern hospitality. St. Marys and Cumberland Island National
Seashore provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge****** \- In southern Georgia and
northern Florida there is a very special place, one of the oldest and best
preserved freshwater systems in America. Native Americans called it Okefenoka,
meaning “Land of the Trembling Earth”. Now this place, where earth, air, fire
and water continuously reform the landscape, is preserved within the
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937 to protect wildlife and
for you to explore.

**St. Marys Submarine Museum** \- This museum is a great place to learn about
the "Silent Service". A wide variety of Submarine artifacts, memorabilia and
information are available for viewing, and you can view the beautiful St Marys
waterfront through a real periscope.

**Crooked River State Park** \- Located on Georgia's Colonial Coast, this park
offers cozy facilities in a beautiful setting. Campsites are surrounded by
Spanish moss-draped oaks, while most cottages overlook the river. Hikers can
explore the nature trail, which winds through a maritime forest and salt
marsh. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before
sunrise.

**Fort Frederica National Monument**  
  
**Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve**  
  
**City of Jacksonville, FL**

## Charges & Cancellations

**Refund and Cancellation Policy**

  * Cancellations 10 days or more before the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 25% cancellation fee.
  * Cancellations less than 10 days from the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 50% cancellation fee.
  * No refunds will be granted for cancellations one day prior to the start date of the reservation.
  * When a reservation is cancelled, those dates will be made available for other campers at a random time within 24 hours.

**Changes Before Permit is Printed:**

  * The Refund and Cancellation Policy will be applied to all changes to the reservation.
  * The start date of the reservation cannot be changed without cancelling the reservation. A new reservation must be made. Cancellation fees apply and fees associated with making a new reservation apply.
  * Changes may be made to the number of people (maximum 6 per site) with the same dates and trip itinerary. Changes can be made by logging accessing your reservation on recreation.gov or by contacting the Call Center.
  * Reservations are non-transferable.

**After Permit is Printed:**

  * Changes cannot be made to permit once it is printed.
  * Changes will require a cancellation of the permit and reserving a new permit, if space is available. All cancellation fees and new reservation fees apply. 
  * Permits can only be printed within 10 days of the arrival date.
  * You cannot change your site assignment. All permits must be honored as they are.

**Ensure every person on the camping permit has****reserved a round-trip ferry
ticket****or has transportation via private boat.**

**No-Show Policy**

If you do not cancel and decide not to use your reservation, no fees will be
refunded. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it as this
opens space for others.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Whether you are looking to spend a night with family and friends around a campfire under the moss covered branches of the live oak trees, or looking for the rugged challenges and solitude of the wilderness, you will find it on Cumberland Island National Seashore. The park includes a designated Wilderness area, undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat and nesting areas, as well as numerous plant and animal communities. The national seashore also offers a wide variety of camping opportunities.    
Watch the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=32A656A4-CF0F-4C24-C248354AA37220FA" rel="nofollow">"Camping on Cumberland Island" video</a> for information to help you plan an d prepare for your trip. 
Campgrounds 
Cumberland Island offers five campgrounds , which include designated campsites at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach; and Wilderness campsites at: Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff. Camping is only permitted in these five campgrounds. A permit is required to camp in any of these five camping areas. Getting There  
Visitors must take a boat to the island. Most visitors arrive via the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia (see Park Concessioner Services below). 
<ul>
<li>The ferry does not transport automobiles or RVs.</li>
<li>Check the ferry schedule prior to reserving your Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permit unless you are traveling by private boat.</li>
<li>The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February.</li>
</ul>
Island Information 
<ul>
<li>Cumberland Island is 18 miles (29 km) long and .5 miles (.8 km) to 3 miles (5 km) wide.</li>
<li>Bring your cell phone if possible. Use airplane mode to reserve battery power. There is electricity at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp Campground, and Stafford Beach Campground for recharging devices.</li>
<li>Dial 911 to report emergencies and disturbances. </li>
<li>There are no stores, restaurants or other amenities on the island.</li>
<li>After arriving on the island, campers must hike, walk or bike from the dock to the campgrounds and transport all gear. There is no transporation service. The distance ranges from .5 miles (.8 km) to Sea Camp to 10.5 miles (17 km) to Brickhill Bluff.  </li>
<li>Carts of any kind and wheeled coolers are not allowed north of Sea Camp Campground. </li>
<li>Hammocks permitted only with hammock stands. New for 2021. See <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuis/upload/CUIS-Supt-Compendium-2021-Final-Draft-with-new-vaccinated-mask-info_508.pdf" rel="nofollow">Superintendent's Compendium</a> </li>
<li>Be prepared for extreme weather, sun exposure, and a variety of insects. Ticks, no see-ums, and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months; protect yourself accordingly.</li>
<li>Understand your limitations; the island has no conveniences; be prepared for a remote setting and a harsh environment.</li>
</ul>
Bicycle and Carts 
For information on using carts and camping with bicycles visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/camping.htm" rel="nofollow">Cumberland Island Camping Page</a> 
For information on bicycle and cart rentals, as well as transporting your bike to the island visit <a href="https://www.cumberlandislandferry.com" rel="nofollow">Cumberland Island Ferry webpage</a> .  
Ferry Reservations, Bicycle and Cart Rental, and Tour Reservations - Contact: Cumberland Island Ferry at <a href="http://www.cumberlandislandferry.com" rel="nofollow">www.cumberlandislandferry.com</a> or call (877) 860-6787.     
Cumberland Island Ferry passengers must check-in at the Cumberland Island Mainland Visitor Center in Saint Marys at least 30 minutes prior to their ferry departure time: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm" rel="nofollow">https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm</a> 
Campers must deboard the ferry at the Sea Camp Dock (not at the Dungeness Dock).  
<h2>Recreation</h2>
 There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach. Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities on the island.<h2>Facilities</h2>
 There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach. Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities on the island.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The island is home to more than 17 miles of undeveloped beach, a maritime forest of oak hammock and long leaf pine, tidal creeks, and marshland. Visitors can see an abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, alligators, and bobcats, to snakes, tortoises, lizards, and hundreds of migratory birds.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
City of St. Marys, GA - St. Marys, Georgia, the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a small coastal village located in southeast Georgia remains one of Georgia's best kept secrets, a place rich in history, natural beauty and Southern hospitality. St. Marys and Cumberland Island National Seashore provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 
<a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee/" rel="nofollow">Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge</a> - In southern Georgia and northern Florida there is a very special place, one of the oldest and best preserved freshwater systems in America. Native Americans called it Okefenoka, meaning “Land of the Trembling Earth”. Now this place, where earth, air, fire and water continuously reform the landscape, is preserved within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937 to protect wildlife and for you to explore. 
St. Marys Submarine Museum - This museum is a great place to learn about the "Silent Service". A wide variety of Submarine artifacts, memorabilia and information are available for viewing, and you can view the beautiful St Marys waterfront through a real periscope. 
Crooked River State Park - Located on Georgia's Colonial Coast, this park offers cozy facilities in a beautiful setting. Campsites are surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oaks, while most cottages overlook the river. Hikers can explore the nature trail, which winds through a maritime forest and salt marsh. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before sunrise. 
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/fofr/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Fort Frederica National Monument</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/timu/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve</a> City of Jacksonville, FL 
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
Refund and Cancellation Policy
<ul>
<li>Cancellations 10 days or more before the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 25% cancellation fee.</li>
<li>Cancellations less than 10 days from the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 50% cancellation fee.</li>
<li>No refunds will be granted for cancellations one day prior to the start date of the reservation.</li>
<li>When a reservation is cancelled, those dates will be made available for other campers at a random time within 24 hours.</li>
</ul>
Changes Before Permit is Printed:
<ul>
<li>The Refund and Cancellation Policy will be applied to all changes to the reservation.</li>
<li>The start date of the reservation cannot be changed without cancelling the reservation. A new reservation must be made. Cancellation fees apply and fees associated with making a new reservation apply.</li>
<li>Changes may be made to the number of people (maximum 6 per site) with the same dates and trip itinerary. Changes can be made by logging accessing your reservation on recreation.gov or by contacting the Call Center.</li>
<li>Reservations are non-transferable.</li>
</ul>
After Permit is Printed:
<ul>
<li>Changes cannot be made to permit once it is printed.</li>
<li>Changes will require a cancellation of the permit and reserving a new permit, if space is available. All cancellation fees and new reservation fees apply. </li>
<li>Permits can only be printed within 10 days of the arrival date.</li>
<li>You cannot change your site assignment. All permits must be honored as they are.</li>
</ul>
Ensure every person on the camping permit has <a href="https://www.cumberlandislandferry.com/" rel="nofollow">reserved a round-trip ferry ticket</a> or has transportation via private boat.

No-Show Policy
If you do not cancel and decide not to use your reservation, no fees will be refunded. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it as this opens space for others.

Nightly Camping Use Fees apply (see Facility Rates below)

The ruins of the Dungeness mansion are a popular destination on the Southend of the island.

dungeness ruins under pink clouds

Cumberland Island is home to 17 miles of undeveloped beach offering excellent opportunities for beach combing, swimming, photography, and solitude.

undeveloped beach complete with sea oat covered dunes, light sands, blue sky, and crashing waves

The Mainland Visitor Center is the starting point for a visit to the island. Here you can find out information and check in the morning of your visit.

two story blue building along the waterfront with American flag flying

Live Oak Maritime forest at the Sea Camp Campground.

trail leading through palmettos and live oak canopy

The main road extends the length of the island and offers visitors an opportunity to bike to locations from the Dungeness ruins to the Plum Orchard Mansion. The road surface is sand and can be challenging depending on conditions.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Nearby Parks

Fort Clinch State Park