Parks / Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore
National Seashore · GA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Mainland Museum Closure
The Cumberland Island Museum will be closed for an extended period due to roof leakages. We apologize for any inconvenience but look forward to reopening to you in the future.
Ongoing Road Repair on Main Road
Ongoing road work will be taking place throughout the Main Road on the island. Expect potentially heavier vehicle traffic and areas of uneven terrain. Please yield to construction traffic. Be aware of approaching traffic both in front as well as from behind.
Scam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only
Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the website www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Check site carefully before purchasing. Only valid tickets will be honored.
Entrance Fees
A 7-day entrance pass is $15 per person. We have a $45 annual pass that covers 4 adults. Cumberland Island NS is a cashless operation.
Campgrounds (5)
Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite
Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite is one of three campgrounds in Cumberland Island’s designated wilderness on the northern part of the island. The campsite is located 10.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Wilderness sites have no amenities. Fires are prohibited, but camp stoves can be used for cooking. Campers should be prepared to hang all food and trash. Water is available from a pump well located in the site and must be treated. Permits are $9 a night, good for up to 6 people.
Details →Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite
Hickory Hill is one of three campgrounds in Cumberland Island’s designated wilderness on the northern part of the island. The campsite is located 5.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Wilderness sites have no amenities. Fires are prohibited, but camp stoves can be used for cooking. Campers should be prepared to hang all food and trash. Water is available from a nearby well and must be treated. Permits are $9 a night, good for up to 6 people.
Details →Sea Camp Campground
Sea Camp Campground is located a half mile from the Sea Camp dock. All sites are walk-to, tent sites and campers are responsible for transporting all gear. Carts can be used. There are flush toilets, drinking water, cold showers, and a dish washing sink. Each site has a fire ring with grill, picnic table and food storage. It is common for this campground to fill up. Permits are $22 a night for individual sites good for up to 6 people. Group sites are $40 a night good for up to 20 people.
Details →Stafford Beach Campground
Stafford Beach Campground requires a three and a half mile hike from Sea Camp. All sites are walk-to, tent sites and campers are responsible for transporting all gear. Carts of any kind or wheeled coolers cannot be used to haul gear. The site has flush toilets, cold showers, and water spigots with potable water. The sites include fire rings with grills. Food storage lockers (bear boxes) are available. Sites are $12 a night, good for up to 6 people.
Details →Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite
Yankee Paradise is one of three campgrounds in Cumberland Island’s designated wilderness on the northern part of the island. The campsite is located 7.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Wilderness sites have no amenities. Fires are prohibited, but camp stoves can be used for cooking. Campers should be prepared to hang all food and trash. Water is available from a nearby well and must be treated. Permits are $9 a night, good for up to 6 people.
Details →Upcoming Events
Archery Managed Hunt
Sep 22, 2026 · Cumberland Island Wilderness Area
Things to Do
Beachcombing
The ocean can bring many interesting things onto our beaches. Beachcombing is a popular activity on Cumberland Island. Shells are not found on the beach all the time, however. Read on to learn when is the best time to scour the beach for shells.
Become a Jr. Ranger
Join the National Park Service “family” by becoming a Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, have a park ranger review it, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge for Cumberland Island. Pick up your booklet and badge from the Mainland Visitor Center and Sea Camp Ranger Station today.
Bike to Plum Orchard
Take a 15-mile round trip bike ride up to the Plum Orchard mansion and take a tour of the Georgian-revival house. This is a strenuous 3-5 hour bike ride. Check with a ranger before starting out for current conditions.
Birding at the Marsh Boardwalk
The extensive marshes around Cumberland Island provide great birding opportunities. One of the best places to get a view of the marsh is at the marsh boardwalk, just east of the Greene-Miller Cemetery. After you’ve gotten your history fix at the Dungeness ruins area, take the short walk to the marsh boardwalk, a birding hotspot.
Birding on the Beach
Birding on the beach can be successful in any season on Cumberland Island. There are many rear-round residents, and those around during breeding season, migrations, and winter alike. Be sure to pack your binoculars and head to the beach on your next visit to the island.
Birdwatching at Dungeness
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on Cumberland Island. About 200 of these species are migratory, with the rest being year-round residents of the island. What birds you will find on the island will depend on what time of year you visit. The best birding is typically in the spring, when many birds stop over on Cumberland Island on their way north. Dungeness is a great area to view many different species.
Bring Your Own Bike
Bringing your own bike can provide more access to the island. Not all bikes are suited to be ridden on Cumberland Island. Read on to see if biking is a good choice for your visit.
Explore the Ice House Museum
Make a pitstop at the Ice House Museum to learn about the island’s history. Fill up your water bottle at the water bottle filling station and use the restrooms before heading on to Dungeness.
Explore the Mainland Museum
Open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily , the Mainland Museum for Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great starting place to learn more about the island’s diverse history. Exhibits explore the cultural and natural history of the island from prehistoric American Indians lives, through British occupation during the War of 1812, the Plantation Era, Gilded Age, and the island today.
General Biking
Riding a bike can be a great way to get around the island. However, with no paved roads on the island it is important to understand the conditions on the island. Read on to find out if biking is right for your visit.
Hike the Nightingale Trail
The Nightingale Trail on the south end of the island is a great place to experience the interior of the maritime forest.
Hike the River Trail
The River Trail is 0.8 miles long and connects the Sea Camp and Dungeness docks. It takes you through the maritime forest and provides a few views of the intracoastal waterway.
Hike the Southend Loop
Take a 4.5 miles hike through the forest, over the marsh and along the beach. Take some time to explore the Dungeness historic district, wildlife and history is everywhere! This Is a great 3-4 hour day hike for first time visitors that provides a taste of the island’s diversity.
Hike to Dungeness
Take a hike to the southern most historical district to see the ruins of a Carnegie mansion, learn about what it took to upkeep the estate, check out wildlife and enjoy the view of the salt marsh. This short hike can be enjoyed in just 2 hours.
Hike to Little Greyfield
Take a secluded hike through the maritime forest and along the beach. This hike will take you through saw palmetto, wax myrtle and under the canopy of sprawling live oak trees. The trail will intersect with the Little Greyfield beach crossing about two miles in. Take this crossing through the dunes to a particularly isolated portion of the beach. Turn right and keep the ocean to your left to return to Sea Camp. You can also take this loop the opposite way.
Hike to Sea Camp Beach
With 17 miles of undeveloped beach, it is easy to find your own personal space on Cumberland’s beach. The wide-open space of the beach provides a striking contrast to the dense, tangled maritime forest. When you step out of the forest in the dunes, you feel like you are entering a whole new world. Whether you are looking for seashells, shorebirds or a tan, the beach on Cumberland will not disappoint.
Kayak to the Island
Kayaking to Cumberland Island offers a different perspective and can be a rewarding experience. Advanced preparation is essential, however. This is only recommended for those with previous coastal kayaking experience.
Lands and Legacies Tour
Take a van ride to the north end of the island. A guide will present the island's history.
Photography
Cumberland is a magical place for photographers. Abundant wildlife, picturesque ruins, and lack of crowds make this a great place for taking photos.
Plan a Backpacking Trip
Backpacking on Cumberland Island can be a great experience when proper preparations are made. Failure to prepare can lead to a less than desirable and potentially dangerous experience.
Plum Orchard Tour
Plum Orchard Mansion was built in 1898 by Lucy Carnegie for her son, George Lauder Carnegie, as a wedding present. This home reflects an opulent era in the island's history; one of recreation, relaxation, and time spent with family. This Visitors today can join a ranger for a 45-minutes tour of this 22,000 square foot home for a glimpse of such times.
Ranger-Led "Footsteps" Tour
Walk with a ranger as you explore the Dungeness historic district and dive into the pivotal stories of its location. Tours are offered when the ferry arrives at the Dungeness dock (around 10:00 AM and 12:45 PM) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, when staff is available. Ask if tours will be offered on the day of your visit. Tours last about an hour and cover roughly a mile in distance.
Shop at the Bookstore
Stop by the bookstore at Cumberland Island’s Visitor Center in Saint Marys, GA, open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Christmas Day). You will find books related to the island’s natural and cultural history, apparel, postcards, pins, patches, magnets, and more.
Swim at the Beach
With over 17 miles of undeveloped beach, no matter where you are on Cumberland Island you’re never too far from the beach. Swimming in the ocean can a great way to beat the heat on a hot coastal Georgia day.
Wildlife Viewing at Dungeness
Cumberland Island is a great place to view wildlife. Dungeness is a great place to look for the many common animals on the island and is an easy walk from the dock.
Visitor Centers
- Mainland Museum
- Mainland Visitor Center
- Sea Camp Ranger Station
Source: National Park Service.