Camping near Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia provides a primitive island camping experience accessible only by ferry from St. Marys. The island features established campgrounds at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach, along with wilderness sites at Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff. Sea Camp offers the most amenities with cold showers, restrooms, and potable water, while backcountry sites require more preparation. Several mixed-use campgrounds can be found on the mainland, including Crooked River State Park Campground and Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA, which accommodate tents, RVs, and cabin stays.
Ferry transportation requires advance planning, as spaces are limited and often fill months in advance. Many campers bring carts or wagons to transport gear from the dock to campgrounds, particularly at Sea Camp. A camper noted, "You can only get here by boat and backpack to your site. No electricity, cell service is spotty, and when we went in the summertime I was attacked by mosquitos!" Summer visits can be challenging due to heat, humidity and insects, with temperatures often more comfortable in spring and fall. Vehicles are not permitted on the island, though bicycles may be brought on the ferry or rented at the ranger station. Campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences at Cumberland Island, with wild horses frequently seen on beaches and trails. Many visitors mention the pristine, uncrowded beaches as highlights of their stay. A recent review described it as "a beautiful pristine National Seashore accessible by ferry off the coast of Georgia. Under the canopy of the live oak trees where the tent sites are located was easily 10+ degrees cooler than elsewhere." The island's developed campgrounds provide food storage cages to protect supplies from raccoons and other wildlife. Most mainland campgrounds around St. Marys and Brunswick offer more amenities including electric hookups, showers, and water access, making them suitable bases for day trips to the island or for those seeking more comfortable accommodations while exploring the coastal region.










