Cumberland Island tent campsites near Woodbine, Georgia are accessible only through a well-managed ferry system that limits daily visitor counts. The island's 18-mile length encompasses salt marshes, maritime forests, and pristine beaches with camping options ranging from 0.5 to 10.5 miles from the ferry landing. Summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows can drop to the 40s, making fall and spring ideal for camping.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Sea Camp Campground, wild horses are frequently spotted on beaches and throughout the camp area. "Wild horses running on the beach (and all over the island). Be sure to bring/rent a bike so you can explore all the interesting sites along the islands trails," notes Kelly M.
Historical exploration: The island features several ruins including the Dungeness mansion. "The ruins of an old mansion look like a much older archeological site," shares Kelly M. about visiting from Sea Camp. Campers can hike to these historical sites on well-marked trails.
Kayaking access: Brickhill Bluff offers direct water access for kayakers. "We paddled from the mainland in St. Mary's to this spot on the island. If you time the tide right, you can ride the Crooked River out relatively quickly," advises Sarah C. This campsite allows paddlers to pull boats directly onto shore.
Beach activities: Morning beach walks provide solitude and shell collecting opportunities. "Walking out on beach from tent every morning just to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic ocean while crab boats chug along being part of the scenery as the sun rises, you are first and only person on an 18 mile long beach until around 10 a.m.," reports Charles D.
What campers like
Pristine wilderness setting: The limited visitor access creates an uncrowded experience. At Stafford Beach Campground, campers appreciate the isolation. "We slept under spanish moss covered trees and had a beach to ourselves during the day. It really felt like we had this gorgeous barrier island just for us," shares Christy P.
Unique wildlife encounters: Armadillos frequently visit campsites. "The only animals we saw at the actual campsite were armadillos and raccoons, the latter of which were bold enough to walk right up to our campfire when we started cooking," notes Marian K. from Sea Camp.
Educational programs: Rangers provide informative sessions on local wildlife. "The resident volunteer led an info session on armadillos which was educational and fun and really added value to our trip," explains Marian K. These programs enhance understanding of the island ecosystem.
Spacious campsites: Most sites offer ample room for tents and hammocks. "Each site has a good amount of privacy and comes with a fire ring (and grill on top), picnic table, and food cage. We had one of the smaller sites - but it still had plenty of room, even with the tent and the hammock," details Marian K.
What you should know
Bring proper supplies: All gear must be carried from ferry landing to campsites. "Whatever supplies you choose to go camping with, you will need to 'wheel it on' the actual ferry, which likely requires a hard examination of what really is essential versus 'nice-to-have'," advises Stuart K. from Sea Camp Campground.
Ferry planning critical: "You will need to calculate both your entrance AND exit to this enchanting island by more than a couple of hours on both sides of arrival and departure, so make sure you research embarkation and disembarkation times closely and buy your ferry tickets WELL IN ADVANCE," cautions Stuart K.
Insect protection essential: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at inland sites and during warmer months. "We had a million bug bites and tent camping in this humidity was uncomfortable. Elsewhere on the island was not nearly as bad for ticks and mosquitoes," explains Renee B. about Hickory Hill.
Water treatment needed: Some campsites require water purification. "Water at Seacamp is potable but has a funny taste. Water elsewhere on the island must be boiled," advises Adela D. Carrying water filtration systems is recommended for backcountry sites.
Tips for camping with families
Select appropriate campsite distance: For families with young children, Sea Camp offers the most accessible option. "I decided to do Sea Camp this time because I was camping with my mother and my three year old. It's the perfect campground for those who don't want to forego basic amenities," shares Marian K.
Bring transportation assistance: Wagons help with gear and child transport. "We took a wagon to carry to our stuff (and the kid) but the road terrain was pretty rough," notes Marian K. about navigating from the dock to Sea Camp.
Pack efficiently for ferry crossing: "The ferry service requires advance reservations, and campers should be prepared to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash," explains Marian K. Family camping requires careful planning due to ferry limitations.
Consider weather timing: Summer heat can be challenging for children. "It was a hot time of year but under the canopy of the live oak trees where the tent sites are located (Sea Camp) was easily 10+ degrees cooler than elsewhere. However, be warned, it was extremely humid," advises David S. from Sea Camp Campground.
Tips from RVers
No RV access on island: Cumberland Island only accommodates tent camping. For nearby RV options, consider Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach, Florida. "This is one of those spots that you come across and you're not sure if you want to write about it and share it with anyone else for the fear that this place will become overrun with folks that will ruin it for us locals," shares Stuart K.
Alternative RV camping: For RVers wanting to explore Cumberland as a day trip, consider camping at mainland locations and using the ferry service. "100% need to book the ferry in advance and avoid leaving valuables (or anything obvious) in the car when you leave it behind on the mainland," advises Kelly M.
Timing considerations: Plan RV stays during spring or fall for optimal weather conditions. "I highly recommend reserving in advance as it's very popular," suggests Marian K. regarding general visitation to the island.
