Cumberland Island National Seashore

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101 Wheeler St
St. Marys, GA 31558

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.

Directions

Cumberland Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat. These directions are to the mainland visitor center in St. Marys, GA. Driving Directions To reach the visitor center from Interstate 95: • Take Exit 3 for US 40 • Take US 40 East toward “Historic Downtown St. Marys” • US 40 becomes Osborne Rd. Continue on until you reach the waterfront • Turn right on St. Marys Rd • The visitor center will be two blocks down on your left (113 St. Marys St W, St Marys GA 31558)

Reviews

Cumberland Island National Seashore is widely appreciated for its beautiful, peaceful natural setting featuring pristine beaches, abundant wildlife including wild horses, and well-maintained campsites often shaded by live oaks. Visitors value the helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable staff and rangers, along with opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring historic sites. Facilities include potable water, restrooms, showers, and bear-proof food storage, though availability and maintenance can vary. Challenges noted include insects like ticks and mosquitoes, occasional water issues and boil advisories, a sometimes difficult reservation system, limited bike rentals and ferry schedules, and trail signage needing improvement. Overall, the island offers a unique, serene outdoor experience with some logistical and environmental considerations.

Beautiful, peaceful natural setting with pristine beaches and abundant wildlife

Well-maintained, spacious campsites with amenities like potable water and bear-proof storage

Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff and rangers

Variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, and historic site exploration

Opportunities to experience solitude and scenic wilderness

Insects including ticks, mosquitoes, sand gnats, and biting flies can be prevalent

Reservation system can be complicated and sometimes frustrating

Limited bike rental availability and restricted bike access on some trails

Occasional water quality issues and boil water advisories

Temporary or limited restroom facilities during maintenance and renovations

711 reviews

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567

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1 stars

Caroline Z

Campground:Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Loop:Sea Camp

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

Staff was very helpful

Melanie B

Campground:Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Loop:Sea Camp

Site:

Reviewed 20 days ago

Great place, lots of mosquitos.

Deborah M

Campground:Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Loop:Sea Camp

Site:

Reviewed 21 days ago

Another wonderful experience on this beautiful, enchanting island!

Christina M

Campground:Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Loop:Brickhill Bluff

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

Stunning views and experience from this site. Very worth the walk. Plan to stop at Plum Orchard on the way, take a tour of the home and get potable water for the night.

Corey W

Campground:Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Loop:Sea Camp

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Cumberland Island-Seacamp was a great campground. Prepare ahead of time, because this is not a place you can just go get supplies or get out of the weather! This is a challenging environment to camp in and takes careful planning of logistics. It’s worth it though.

Larry R

Campground:Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Loop:Sea Camp

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

We have been camping at Cumberland Island for more than 40 years. It is a magical place.

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in November, when about 33% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 1 years of reservations.