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National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore

  • Southeast

Plan a Cumberland Island trip

About Cumberland Island

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region
Southeast
State
Georgia
Designation
National Seashore
Entrance fee
$15, per person
  • Trail data for this park is still being added.
  • Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Cumberland Island.

Entrance fees

  • $15 Per Person 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.

Hours

Mon
Sunrise to Sunset
Tue
Sunrise to Sunset
Wed
Sunrise to Sunset
Thu
Sunrise to Sunset
Fri
Sunrise to Sunset
Sat
Sunrise to Sunset
Sun
Sunrise to Sunset

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.

Weather and when to go

Cumberland Island’s climate is hot and humid during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's (>26 C) and mild during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 60's (

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)

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address
113 St. Marys St W, St. Marys, GA 31558
Official site
nps.gov/cuis

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Cumberland Island

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

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Things to do in Cumberland Island

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

  • Hike the Southend Loop

    Hiking · about 3.7 hours

    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 I…

  • Plum Orchard Tour

    Guided Tours · about 45 min

    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 o…

  • General Biking

    Biking · about 3.3 hours

    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 o…

  • Bike to Plum Orchard

    Biking · about 3.7 hours

    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 befor…

  • Bring Your Own Bike

    Biking · about 3.3 hours · Reservation required

    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.

  • Ranger-Led "Footsteps" Tour

    Guided Tours · about 45 min

    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…

  • Kayak to the Island

    Paddling · about 45 min · Reservation required

    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…

  • Lands and Legacies Tour

    Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour · about 45 min · Reservation required

    Take a van ride to the north end of the island. A guide will present the island's history.

  • Become a Jr. Ranger

    Junior Ranger Program · about 45 min

    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 Cumb…

Campgrounds in Cumberland Island

Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.

What to pack for Cumberland Island

Gear & Essentials

Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:

The basics

Worth having in the car whatever the park.

For this trip

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