Camping on Cumberland Island: All You Need to Know for the Perfect Island Escape

Imagine waking up to the rustling palmettos, wild horses grazing nearby, and the Atlantic Ocean whispering in the distance. Welcome to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia’s largest and wildest barrier island — a dream destination for campers seeking solitude, natural beauty, and a true back-to-nature experience. But before you pitch your tent under the Spanish moss, there are a few key things every adventurer needs to know.

🌿 The Basics: Plan Ahead, or Stay Ashore

Camping on Cumberland Island requires a bit more forethought than your average weekend getaway. Reservations are mandatory, and you’ll need to make them through Recreation.gov — just search "Cumberland Island National Seashore." Sites open for booking six months in advance, so plan early, especially during peak seasons.

Once your reservation is locked in, print your permit within ten days of your trip. Don’t rely on your phone to pull it up — cell service is spotty to non-existent.

🚢 Getting There: Ferry Facts & Timing Tips

Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat, with most campers opting for the official ferry departing from St. Marys, Georgia. Ferry tickets are booked separately and should be scheduled in sync with your campsite reservation.

Take note of the seasonal ferry schedule:

• Winter (Dec 1 – Feb 28): No service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
• Sea Camp Campers: Must return on the 10:15 a.m. ferry.
• Wilderness Campers: Required to take the 2:45 p.m. ferry.
• A 4:45 p.m. ferry may be available upon request but isn't guaranteed.

🏕️ Choose Your Campground Adventure

There are five designated campgrounds, each offering a different level of solitude and amenities:

Sea Camp Campground

The most accessible and developed option, located just 0.5 miles from the Sea Camp Dock. Expect:

• Potable water
• Cold showers
• Flush toilets
• Food lockers
• Fire rings with grills

Great for first-time visitors or families, Sea Camp is often the first to fill up. Carts are allowed here.

Cost: $22/night (individual), $40/night (group up to 20)

Stafford Beach Campground

Located 3.5 miles from Sea Camp Dock, Stafford offers a semi-remote experience.

• Potable water
• Cold showers
• Flush toilets
• Fire rings and food lockers

No carts or wheels allowed beyond Sea Camp. Be prepared to carry your gear.

Cost: $12/night (up to 6 people)

The Wilderness Trio: Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, Brickhill Bluff

If you’re ready to channel your inner Thoreau, the wilderness sites are your calling. No potable water, no fires, no bathrooms — just raw nature.

• Treat all water
• Fires prohibited
• Must hang your food (raccoons and feral hogs are common)

Distances vary:

• Hickory Hill: ~5.5 miles from dock
• Yankee Paradise: ~7.5 miles
• Brickhill Bluff: ~10.5 miles

Cost: $9/night

🎒 What to Pack (and Not Pack)

Because you’re on a leave-no-trace island, you’ll need to pack out all trash. There are no trash cans on Cumberland Island.

Essentials:

• Water filtration system (required at wilderness sites)
• Bear bag or hanging kit for food
• Backpack-friendly gear (especially for wilderness sites)
• Freestanding hammock (tree tying is prohibited)
• Bug spray & sunscreen
• Layers (island temps can vary drastically)

Leave behind:

• Wheeled carts/coolers (prohibited north of Sea Camp)
• Large propane tanks (over 1 gallon banned from the ferry)
• Pets (not allowed in campgrounds)

🔥 Fire Rules & Food Safety

You can only build fires at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach, and even then, fires are restricted to designated fire rings. You can gather dead and downed wood or buy bundles on the ferry (no camp store on the island).

Food safety is no joke on Cumberland. Between clever raccoons and wild hogs, hang your food or use designated lockers. Even at Sea Camp, failure to secure your food can invite unwelcome visitors.

🧭 Seasonal Considerations

October through January is managed hunt season, which means parts of the island — especially wilderness sites — may be temporarily closed. Check the NPS managed hunts schedule before booking.

And while swimming is allowed, remember — there are no lifeguards, and tides can be strong.

🐴 A Word About Wildlife

Cumberland Island’s wild horses are one of its biggest draws, but keep your distance — at least 50 feet. They may look peaceful, but can bite or kick if approached.

You’ll also spot armadillos, turkeys, and even the occasional alligator in freshwater areas. Respect the wildlife and follow all Leave No Trace principles.

🚴 Camping with a Bike?

You can bring your bike on the ferry for an additional fee. Bikes are helpful for getting around the southern portion of the island, but be warned: trails can get sandy and rugged the farther north you go. Bikes aren’t allowed in wilderness areas.

🌅 Final Tips

• Check-in at the Cumberland Island Visitor Center in St. Marys before boarding the ferry.
• Arrive early to ensure parking and gear check-in go smoothly.
• Leave valuables at home or hidden in your car.
• Know your ferry return time and plan accordingly.

Camping on Cumberland Island isn’t just a weekend trip — it’s a full-on immersive wilderness experience. Whether you’re lounging at Sea Camp or roughing it at Brickhill Bluff, every camper leaves with the same feeling: awe. From haunting maritime forests to sun-kissed dunes and untamed wildlife, Cumberland delivers raw beauty like few other islands in America.