By Becky Morris
Cumberland Island National Seashore, located in Georgia, has been one of our favorite places to camp! From the majestic live oaks to the history to the feral horses, this place has so much to offer, but it does require some extra logistics to explore. In this guide, we’re sharing how to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore.
The United States has ten different national seashores, which are public lands operated by the National Park Service. You may have heard of Gulf Island or Cape Cod, but Cumberland Island is one of the lesser-known national seashores. However, it is well worth the visit.
In fact, Cumberland Island quickly became one of our favorite places in Georgia! We spent one night camping on the island, and between the ferry ride, biking, ocean watching, and wildlife, it was one of the most memorable and unique adventures we have had!
While the island is close to civilization, visiting it requires a bit more planning, so this guide provides some general information about visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore.
ABOUT CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
Cumberland Island is one island off the coast of St. Mary’s in southern Georgia, and it is the largest undeveloped barrier island with over 36,000 acres of protected land.
The island is home to pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, and wide marshes. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans, and wealthy industrialists all walked here, and wild horses with bloodlines that trace to the royal stables of the King of Arabia roam the island.
And it has a rich history.
Indigenous peoples have inhabited the island for thousands of years. Evidence suggests that Native American tribes, including the Timucua and the Guale, lived on the island and utilized its resources for sustenance and trade. In the 16th century, European explorers arrived in the region and quickly became missionaries among the tribes. The Spanish also occupied the land for over a century, when horses were most likely brought to the island.
British occupation of the island began in 1736 when Gen. James E. Oglethorpe, founder of the English colony of Georgia, named the island “Cumberland” after the Duke of Cumberland. Early settlers Phineas Miller and his wife Catherine, widow of Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, constructed a manor house on the island in 1803 and named it “Dungeness”. During this time, the island was known for its plantations.
In the late 19th and 20th century, the Carnegie family developed significant parts of Cumberland Island. Dungeness Mansion, built by Thomas Carnegie, was a grand mansion that stood as a symbol of the island’s Gilded Age opulence. Other elite American families purchased land and kept private estates there.
The National Park Service acquired the island in 1972.
Unique Wildlife
Cumberland Island is home to one of the most interesting animals – feral horses.
These once domestic horses have reverted to a wild state and adjusted to surviving in a natural environment without humans’ help.
The horses were most likely first introduced to the island by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. The earliest historical account of horses was in 1742.
By the end of the 1700s, there were an estimated 200 domestic horses. During the 1800s, when over ten plantations were operating, horses played a large role in transportation, work, and recreation.
Throughout the 1900s, property owners managed horses as free-range livestock, and by the time the park was established in 1972, the horses had become feral.
Best Places to See the Horses
You will surely see the most horses at the Dungeness Ruins on the island’s south end. We saw over 15 horses in less than an hour in that area.
Another popular area for the horses to congregate is the field by Long Field Road (that leads to Stafford Beach Campground) and the Main Road.
How to get to Cumberland Island
This island is only accessible by boat. Unless you have your own private boat, the only way to get to Cumberland Island is with Cumberland Island Ferry.
The 45-minute ferry ride departs from St. Mary’s, Georgia. During the summer months, the ferry sells out, so purchase your tickets ahead of time!
The ferry’s price is $40 round trip for adults, $38 round trip for seniors, $30 round trip for children 15 and under, and free for children 5 and under.
Where to catch the boat and parking
Cumberland Island Ferry leaves from St. Mary’s, Georgia, a cute coastal town with local parks and restaurants. It is filled with culture and offers a laid-back vibe with Southern charm.
You should arrive one hour before your ferry departure time and check in at the visitor’s center. Bring your ID and America the Beautiful Public Land Pass if you have one!
Once checked in, you will attend a brief orientation led by the ranger.
You can park your vehicle in the Cumberland Island Parking lot, one block west of the visitor center. The best part is the free parking!
Different Drop-Off Points
Once on the ferry, there are two main drop-off points on Cumberland Island: Dungeness Dock and Sea Camp Dock. If you want to take a day trip and have easy access to the Dungeness Ruins, you should get off at Dungeness dock, the first stop. If you are camping, doing the Legacy Tour, or have a bike, you will get off at the Sea Camp Dock.
Both drop-off points are easy to get off. You walk right off onto the ramp!
If you are going for a day trip, we recommend getting off at the Dungeness Dock and exploring the south part of the island. It is near the ruins, close to hiking trails, and has beach access.
We were camping and brought our bikes, so we got off at the Sea Camp Dock.
Both drop-off points have a bathroom, which is a plus in my book!
When to Visit Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island can get very warm in the summer but has a very mild winter and is a great place to visit any month of the year, but each season brings different experiences.
- Winter: It can get cold in the winter, but generally, if you dress appropriately (check the weather ahead of time!), you can greatly enjoy a day on the island in the winter. The biggest perk of winter travel is the lack of bugs and people. The coldest part of visiting in the winter will be the ferry ride to the island, so be sure to pack a hat, gloves, and coat to keep you warm!
- Spring: Spring may be the best time to visit. The days are warmer and longer, making it the perfect time to explore. The bugs will start to be coming back, but so will the blooming flowers.
- Summer: Summer days can get very hot and humid, but the sea breeze can make most days enjoyable. This is the perfect time to visit if you want to swim in the ocean on one of the many miles of secluded beaches.
- Fall: Fall is a great time to visit Cumberland Island. The weather is getting cooler, and there are fewer bugs, but it is also peak hurricane season. Make sure that you are keeping an eye on the weather before you visit.
Things to Know Before Visiting Cumberland Island
Entrance Fee:
The standard entrance fee is $15 per person for a 7-day entrance fee. The entrance fee is covered if you have the America the Beautiful Pass. The park does offer free entrance days on the following days:
- Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
- Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
- Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
- Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day
You must also purchase your ferry tickets.
Reserve the boat and campground in advance:
Make sure to reserve your spot on the boat in advance! The boat schedule is limited, and they do fill up. You also must reserve your campground in advance, but it is suggested to book your boat ride first, then the campground, as the boat can fill up, and you won’t be able to camp without a spot on the boat!
Pets are not allowed
Pets are not allowed on the island unless they are a service animal.
There are very few services on the Island
You must bring all the food you need for your stay. The ferry does sell firewood if you would like to have a campfire.
There are very few services on the Island
You must bring all the food you need for your stay. The ferry does sell firewood if you would like to have a campfire.
Bring your bike
Riding your bike is a perfect way to see the island. The roads are sandy, and fat tires are recommended – no street bike! There is a $10 fee to bring your bike to the island.
Pack in, Pack Out Policy
There are no garbage cans on the island, so you must pack out all the garbage you bring in.
Things to Do on Cumberland Island
Whether you visit for one day or multiple days, there are plenty of activities to enjoy! Below are some of the top things to do on the island.
Go For a Day Hike
There are over 50 miles of hiking trails and roads throughout the park. Below are some of the popular hikes:
Dungeness Roadways
Miles (round trip): 2.5 miles
This is a great way to explore the island in a limited time. It will take you by the Dungeness Mansion and other historic buildings. This is also one of the best places to see feral horses, deer, turkeys, and armadillos. The hike is about 2.5 miles and takes about 2 hours.
Southend Loop
Miles: 4.5 miles
This 4.5 mile hike takes you through the forest, the marsh, and the beach. It also goes through the Dungeness Mansion and property. It takes about 3 – 4 hours to complete.
Hike to Sea Camp Beach
Miles (round trip): 1.5 miles
This is the most accessible hike to reach the beach. This .75 mile hike will take about 20 – 30 minutes to reach the beach. You will go through the forest, which will take you on a boardwalk leading right over the sand dunes to the beautiful undeveloped beach. You will pass a bathroom at Sea Camp on your way.
Camp or Go Backpacking
A day trip is great for visiting Cumberland Island, but if you want the full experience and feel like you have the island to yourself, stay the night!!
There are five campsites on the island, all of which are walk-in. You must make reservations in advance on the recreation.gov website.
Sea Camp Campground
This campground is .5 miles away from the ferry. You can use a cart to get your gear to the site. There are flushing toilets, drinking water, and a dishwashing sink. This is one of the most popular camping sites, and it fills up quickly. Sites are $22 per night.
The sites are close together, but the marine forest around you gives you a lot of privacy. This is where we stayed on our trip, and it was the most beautiful campsite we have stayed at in the South!
Stafford Beach
This campground requires a 3.5-mile hike for Sea Camp. Carts and wheeled coolers cannot be used to haul gear to the sites. The site does have flushing toilets, cold showers, and water spigots with potable water. Sites are $12 per night.
Hickory Hill
Hickory Hill is in a designated wilderness area on the island’s north end. It is located 5.5 miles north of Sea Camp. Fires are prohibited in this area, but you can use a camping stove. Permits are $9 per night.
Yankee Paradise
The campsite is 7.5 miles from Sea Camp Dock. There are no amenities, and fires are prohibited in this area, but you can use a camping stove. Permits are $9 per night.
Brickhill Bluff
This is the farthest campsite, 10.5 miles from Sea Camp dock. There are no amenities, and fires are prohibited, but you can use a camping stove.. Permits are $9 per night.
Go Swimming and Enjoy the Beach
Cumberland Island is home to 17 miles of undeveloped beach, and it is beautiful! There are no lifeguards on duty, so you need to follow safety precautions. Sea Camp does have outdoor showers to rinse off and change in.
We went during the winter, so we did not swim, but we did enjoy beach comping and exploring the beach. You can easily find a pocket away from everyone else to enjoy the island.
Explore the Ruins and take a Guided Tour
This island is filled with historic ruins that you can explore alone or with a guide. The Dungeness Ruins are easy to access.
The Plum Orchard Mansion offers daily tours at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. The mansion is 7 miles north of the Sea Camp dock, and visitors are responsible for traveling to the mansion by bike or foot. The free tour lasts 45 minutes and will give a history and tour of the 22,000-square-foot home.
Bike the Island
Biking on the island was one of my favorite parts (until my bike broke!). There are no paved roads, so make sure you have wide tires, as the roads are very sandy.
If you bring your own bike or rent one, there is a $10 transport fee per bike. Electric bikes are not allowed on the island.
Do Some Photography
Bring your camera with you and take some stunning pictures. You will surely get some amazing photos of the historical sites, beautiful nature, wild animals, and beaches.
How to spend 1 – 3 days on Cumberland Island
With daily cruises to and from the island, various hiking and activities, and multiple camping experiences, it is the perfect island to visit!
We stayed one night at Sea Camp and wished we had more time to explore the island even more. In our time, we were able to explore some of the North Island, the beach, and, of course, the Dungeness Ruins.
You will not be disappointed if you have one or three days to visit. Here are some ideas of how you could spend your time.
One Day Only
Take the early ferry at 9:00 am from St. Mary’s and get off at the Dungeness Dock so you can arrive at the island by 9:45.
Explore the Dungeness ruins and complete the South Island Loop. You will see the famous ruins and explore the diverse landscape from the marshes to the maritime forest to the beaches.
On your hike, picnic on the beach and enjoy the ocean. Bring a swimsuit and jump in the water or search for shark teeth!
Head back to Sea Camp Dock or Dungeness Dock to catch the 4:45 ferry.
Two Days on the Island
Day 1
Take the early ferry at 9:00 a.m. from St. Mary’s and get off at the Sea Camp Dock. You will arrive at the island by 9:45 and be checked into your campsite.
Walk to the beach and enjoy an early picnic before heading to Plum Orchard Mansion.
Hike or bike the 7-mile journey to Plum Orchard Mansion and catch one of the free guided tours of the mansion at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 2:00 pm
Return to camp on the Parallel trail or the beach. Enjoy the sunset on the beach.
Day 2
Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Dungeness Ruins. Then, enjoy the morning exploring the ruins and taking in the beauty.
Complete the South Island Loop hike to see the ruins, marshes, forest, and beach.
If you have time, relax on the beach and take a dip or go beach combing!
Three Days on Cumberland Island
Day 1
Take the early ferry at 9:00 am from St. Mary’s and get off at the Sea Camp Dock so you can arrive at the island by 9:45 and get checked into your campsite.
Walk to the beach and enjoy an early picnic before heading to Plum Orchard Mansion.
Hike or bike the 7 mile journey to Plum Orchard Mansion and catch one of the free guided tours of the mansion 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 2:00 pm.
Head back camp on the Parallel trail or the beach back to camp. Enjoy the sunset on the beach.
Day 2
Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Dungeness Ruins. Then enjoy the morning exploring the ruins and taking in the beauty.
Complete the South Island Loop hike to see the ruins, marshes, forest, and beach.
Relax on the beach and take a dip or go beach combing!
Day 3
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean.
Take some time to hike Parrallel Trail to Little Greyfield Road where you can walk through the trees, across the dunes, and back down on the beach.
Another option is to catch a guided ranger tour or relax on the beach before returning on the ferry.
