Map of Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits, Georgia
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Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

National Park Service · Georgia

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Cumberland Island National Seashore camping sits on an 18-mile barrier island off the Georgia coast. You reach it only by ferry from St. Marys. The national seashore runs five campgrounds. Two are developed sites at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach. Three are wilderness camps at Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff. You cannot camp anywhere else on the island without a permit.

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Sea Camp sits closest to the ferry dock at half a mile. Brickhill Bluff is the farthest walk at 10.5 miles. The developed campgrounds have electricity for charging devices. Wilderness sites have none. There are no stores, restaurants, or other services on the island once you arrive.

Camping requires an NPS permit. You must reserve ahead through the Cumberland Island Ferry Service. The ferry does not run Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February, so winter access is limited. Most visitors take the passenger ferry from St. Marys, which does not carry vehicles or RVs. If you bring a bicycle, you can rent it or transport your own. Carts are allowed only south of Sea Camp. Hammocks need stands to be legal. After the ferry lands, you carry all gear to your site on foot or by bike.

The island is genuinely remote and harsh. There is no drinking water supply on site. You must bring all food and water. Ticks, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums are thick in summer months. Sun exposure is severe on the beach. Cell service is spotty. In an emergency, you can dial 911. You arrive prepared for isolation or you arrive miserable. Many campers underestimate the walk and the lack of amenities. If you want a car-free backpacking experience with historic ruins and undeveloped beaches, this works. If you need comfort, go elsewhere.

Call the Cumberland Island Ferry at 877-860-6787 before booking to confirm the schedule and current permit rules.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsyes
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
National Park Service camping rules
permits and reservations almost always required. dispersed is rare.

Conditions and access

coordinates
30.72036, -81.54972
AgencyNational Park Servicereported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateGeorgiareported May 2026

Nearby sites

no nearby sites indexed yet.

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from GA cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Is camping at Cumberland Island National Seashore free?
No. Camping requires a permit issued by the NPS, and permits carry fees. Call the Cumberland Island Ferry at 877-860-6787 to confirm current permit costs and reservation procedures.
Do you need a permit to camp at Cumberland Island?
Yes. A permit is required to camp in any of the five designated campgrounds on the island: Sea Camp, Stafford Beach, Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff. Camping is only allowed in these five areas.
How do you get to Cumberland Island National Seashore?
You must take a boat. Most visitors use the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia. The ferry does not transport automobiles or RVs. The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February. Check the ferry schedule before reserving your permit.
What is the hike distance from the dock to your campground at Cumberland Island?
Distances vary by campground. Sea Camp is the closest at 0.5 miles. Brickhill Bluff is the farthest at 10.5 miles. You must carry all your gear from the dock to your site. Wheeled carts are not allowed north of Sea Camp campground.
Is there water and electricity at Cumberland Island camping areas?
Electricity for device charging is available only at Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp campground, and Stafford Beach campground. There are no stores or supply services on the island. Bring all food and water you need. There is no drinking water supply on site at wilderness campgrounds.
What wildlife and weather should you prepare for at Cumberland Island?
Expect extreme weather, intense sun exposure, and heavy insects including ticks, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes, especially in summer months. Bring appropriate protection. The island has no medical services or conveniences. Be prepared for genuine remoteness and challenging conditions.

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