Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Come walk in the footsteps of early natives, explorers, and wealthy industrialists. Enjoy ranger guided tours or explore in quiet solitude.
The Basics
Hours:
Visitor Center is open daily 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday - Sunday. Park facilities are closed on December 25.
Cumberland Island is located seven miles east of St. Marys, Georgia, and is only accessible by water. A concession operated passenger ferry departs from St. Marys. The ferry boat schedule follows: (Reservations Recommended)
Spring/Summer/Fall (March 1st to November 30th) – The ferry departs St. Marys at 9:00am and 11:45am, and departs from Cumberland Island at 10:15am and 4:45pm. (March 1 to September 30 - Wednesday through Saturday there is also a 2:45 p.m. departure from the island.)
Winter (December 1st to February 28th) - The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and there is no 2:45pm departure from the island. However, the two departure times from St. Marys and Cumberland Island remain the same.
The ferry does not transport pets, bicycles, kayaks, or cars. Charter services are available through NPS concessionaire.
Address:
PO Box 806
St. Marys, GA 31558
Phone:
912-882-4336
Fax:
912-882-6284
Directions
Follow Hwy 40 East off Interstate 95 to St. Marys. The visitor center and ferry dock are located at the waterfront.
Climate
Mild climate. Average temperature during the summer is 80° F and the average temperature during the winter is 60° F. The most precipitation is between the months of June-September. There is a consistent 90% humidity yearly average in the morning and 60% humidity yearly average in the afternoon.
For a safe enjoyable journey prepare yourself by wearing comfortable shoes, packing a lunch, snacks, and drinking water, using bug repellent, wearing sunscreen and/or hat protection, and finally pacing yourself, especially in summer heat. Beach accessible wheelchairs are available. Please advise at check-in that if you would like to request a chair.
Island transportation is not provided, so please plan on walking for all activities. Bicycles are available for rent at Sea Camp. You must check with the Ferry deck hands to rent bicycles, Park Service staff does not handle bike rentals.
Outdoor Camping
Both developed and wilderness camping is available. Reservations are encouraged and may be made up to six months in advance. All camping is limited to seven days. Spring and late fall are peak seasons. Entrance fees, camping fees and ferry fees are additional.
Backcountry Camping Observe and practice LEAVE NO TRACE principles.
NO FIRES, TREAT WATER, PACK OUT TRASH.
Camping is limited to seven days. Back country sites are $2.00 per person per night. There are no facilities at the backcountry sites and water must be treated. Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry and portable stoves are suggested. The four backcountry sites range from 3.5 to 10.5 miles from the Sea Camp ferry dock. Sites are assigned upon arrival.
Hickory Hill: 5.5 miles from Sea Camp, in the heart of the island, offers a fascinating close encounter with an intriguing interior freshwater wetland and its wildlife. Due to being located in a wetland area, bugs are often prevalent.
Yankee Paradise: 7.5 miles from Sea Camp, also in the center of the island and a half days walk to and from the Plum Orchard Mansion.
Brickhill Bluff: 10.5 miles from Sea Camp, located on the Brickhill River. A favorite place for seeing dolphins and manatees.
Sea Camp Sea Camp Campground is $4.00 per person per night. The campground at Sea Camp has restroom facilities with cold water showers, a small amphitheater for ranger programs, and boardwalk access to the beach. This campground consists of 16 individual camp sites and two group sites. Group sites can accommodate 10-20 people. Each campsite has a grill, fire ring, food cage, and picnic table. Sites are assigned upon arrival.
Stafford Campground Stafford camp sites are $2.00 per person per night. (Fees are scheduled to increase to $4.00 per person per night beginning January 1, 2007.). Stafford campground is 3.5 miles from the ferry dock. Rest rooms and showers are available at the site.
A total of 50 miles of hiking trails meander through maritime forests, interior wetlands, historic districts, marsh ecosystems, and the beautiful beaches. Trails are accessible only by foot. The roadways allow vehicle and bicycle use.
Trails at the south end include Dungeness Trail, a ranger led or self-guided walk through the Dungeness Historic District, River Trail(a short walk from Dungeness Dock to Sea Camp), Nightingale Trail offers another view of a maritime forest, while the South End trail is an interesting collision of ecosystems. Traveling north on the dirt shell road, Grande Avenue takes you through the heart of the island under a draping canopy of live oaks, forest floors packed with palmetto, tall stands of stately pines, open fields, tidal creeks, fresh water wetlands and lakes, Plum Orchard Mansion, and culminating at the site of the First African Baptist Church located in the Settlement at the north end of Cumberland Island.
For a true backcountry experience, consider taking trails and staying off the main road.
Anyone 16 or older must possess a Georgia Fishing License to fish. These can be obtained at over 1,000 locations in Georgia. Anglers enjoy numerous fishing opportunities including stream fishing for trout, bobbing for Blue Gill and Bass in freshwater lakes, shore and deep sea fishing, and gathering shrimp and crabs from the marshes.
Private Boating
Visitors may charter a boat or bring personal boats. Day use docking is available at the north end of both Dungeness and Sea Camp docks but only a limited amount of space is available and the slips are on a first come first served basis. Visitors are asked to deposit $4 per person in the entrance fee box upon arrival. No overnight docking is permitted. Shore tying is acceptable, however be aware of oyster beds and tidal changes.
Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the marsh. Kayakers or other private boaters interested in camping will still need reservations for camping and are required to pick up their camping permit at the mainland visitor center.
Be prepared; always check tides and weather before disembarking. A compass or GPS unit can be very helpful and make a difference in your journey.
As a favorite stopping point on the transatlantic migratory flyway, over 335 species of birds have been recorded on Cumberland Island, including threatened and endangered species such as the Least Tern, Wilson’s Plover and American Oystercatcher. Pelican Banks, the southernmost point of the island is a favorite place for Black Skimmers, oystercatchers, pelicans, and numerous ducks and other shore birds. The fresh water pond areas provide excellent rookeries for Wood Storks, White Ibis, herons and egrets. In the forest canopy, you can also see warblers, buntings, wrens, and woodpeckers. On the shores, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, and occasionally Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles are often spotted. Bring your binoculars and a field guide for a glimpse of some of these beautiful island inhabitants.
Wildlife Viewing
Numerous species call Cumberland Island home. From threatened and endangered manatees and sea turtles to over 300 species of birds, the sights are endless on Cumberland Island. Often on a single trip, visitors may see Wild Turkeys, armadillos, feral horses, vultures, dolphins, and lizards all in the same day. To experience the more elusive white tail deer, bobcats, and otters one should consider camping. Animal activity is often greater at dawn and dusk and camping allows you to be “on location” during these hours. Birding is often good at the south end at Pelican Banks, as well as on the marsh edge in the interior wetlands. Often visitors can simply find a spot to sit quietly and before long one of the islands creatures will surely be viewed.
Biking
Bikes are available for rental at the Sea Camp Dock for a fee of $16 per day for adult bikes, $10 a day for youth bikes, and $20 overnight for campers. See the ferry deck hands about bike rentals. You may also bring your own bikes to the island on a private or charter boat but they are not permitted on the ferry. Rented bikes are not allowed on the beach and all bikes must stay on designated roads. Trails are for pedestrian traffic only. As with all of your outings on Cumberland Island, be prepared, have a map, and know the distances of your destinations. Respect private property and keep hydrated.
Six hunts, open to the public, are held during Georgia's hunting seasons. A lottery drawing is held to select participants. Contact the visitor center for lottery dates.
