About Cumberland Island National Seashore
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Cumberland Island National Seashore has a per-person entrance fee. This fee is waived for America the Beautiful pass holder plus three adults. Must present pass at time of check-in.
Operating Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day, all year. The island is only accessible by boat. The visitor center, other facilities, ferry operations, and docks for private boats all have separate hours, however; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Activities
Getting There
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)
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
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…
Plum Orchard Tour
Plum Orchard Mansion was built in 1898 by Lucy Carnegie for her son, George Lauder Carnegie, as a wedding present.…
Plan a Backpacking Trip
Backpacking on Cumberland Island can be a great experience when proper preparations are made. Failure to prepare can lead to…
General Biking
Riding a bike can be a great way to get around the island. However, with no paved roads on the…
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…
Bring Your Own Bike
Bringing your own bike can provide more access to the island. Not all bikes are suited to be ridden on…
Bikes are allowed on the main park roads only. Trail riding and riding across the cultural landscape is prohibited.
Visitor Centers
Mainland Museum
Exhibits explore the cultural and natural history of the island from prehistoric American Indian lives, through British occupation during the war of 1812, the Plantation…
Hours: The Mainland Museum is open 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily dependent on staffing. The park relies on dedicated Volunteers to provide staffing for the museum. Occasional closures can result on short notice due to a lack of staffing.
Mainland Visitor Center
The Mainland Visitor Center is located at the waterfront in downtown St. Marys, GA. Visitors taking a ferry to the island should check in at…
Hours: The visitor center at the waterfront in St. Marys is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Park facilities are closed on December 25.
Sea Camp Ranger Station
Located at the Sea Camp dock on Cumberland Island. Visitors camping on the island must visit Sea Camp for a quick orientation and to receive…
Hours: Located at the Sea Camp Dock on Cumberland Island. The visitor center may be closed for short periods throughout the day as volunteers and rangers are tending to other duties.
Campgrounds
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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