Cumberland Island for First-Timers: What You Need to Know
Just a short 15-minute drive from Kingsland, Georgia, the ferry takes you to a truly magical gem of Southeast Georgia: Cumberland Island, nestled just off the coast. It’s a place of history, nature, serenity, and intrigue all in one, draped in Spanish mossed oak trees and roamed by wild horses. Dig your toes into the shore’s sand, walk or cycle along sun-speckled forest paths, and explore the ruins of the Dungeness mansion–all in the same day.
Set up basecamp at one of Kingsland’s many lodging options, from quaint B&Bs to comfortable hotels, and set off on your adventure! But first, some tips on getting the most out of your trip, as well as suggested items to take with you to the island on your trek.
Getting to the Island
The only way to get to Cumberland Island is by passenger ferry or private boat. Either way, you’ll want to make sure you secure your passage to the island and back to the mainland (and if cycling, your bike’s spot) ahead of time online or by phone. A National Park Entrance Fee will be due the morning you check in for the ferry at the mainland visitor center, or arrive on the island by boat; a 7-day entrance pass will run you only $15. Especially great if you’d like more than one day for exploring!
Accessibility
All-terrain beach wheelchairs are available upon request at either dock. These non-motorized wheelchairs are designed with balloon tires for ease of movement in sand. Notify your reservation agent when making ferry reservations to ensure that a wheelchair will be available. All-Terrain Trackchairs are available through a pilot program between Cumberland Island National Seashore and All Terrain Georgia. Two electric all-terrain chairs (ATCs) are an option to individuals with mobility impairments for free, making several island trails accessible to those who otherwise could not explore them. Reservations required through All Terrain Georgia at least two weeks before your island trip. A short video training is also required to allow safe operation of the trackchair.
Extra Info: check the weather a few days leading up to your trip and morning-of in case of surprise showers or storms. If you’re unsure if the conditions are safe, call the visitor center morning of for advice and to see if the ferry is or may be cancelled.
It’s suggested that you arrive an hour prior to your departure time to make sure you’re checked in, and to allow for any delays on your end or the ferry’s (such as weather). This allows some time to browse the informative Visitor Center, museum, and gift shop, too.
Ride Duration: 45 minutes each way
St. Marys → Cumberland Island: Daily, 9 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Cumberland Island → St. Marys: Daily, 10:15 a.m., 2:45 p.m. & 4:45 p.m.
Schedule is subject to change.
Ferry rides and tours on the island only allow service animals, not pets. You can bring your furry friend to the island via a private boat for lots of area to explore, aside from the designated wilderness area at the north of the island (signage will alert you).
Your Adventure Begins!
As you step off the dock and onto Cumberland Island, you step into a world of picturesque potential. Where to start?
Extra Info: There’s a variety of walking tours available on the island. Book ahead!
Dungeness Ruins
First built in 1884, the Dungeness Mansion was intended as a winter home for Thomas Carnegie (younger brother and business partner of Andrew Carnegie) and his family. Today’s ruins are still remarkable, and one of the most picturesque spots on the island.
Cumberland Island Beachfront
Cumberland Island is home to 17 miles of uninterrupted beach; no docks, houses, or other structures interrupt its serene and awe-inspiring beauty. Swim at your own risk, and be respectful of local fauna, such as the island’s wild horses that splash at the shore and loggerhead sea turtle nests. Beachcombing of shark teeth and unoccupied shells is allowed.
Plum Orchard Mansion
Construction of the mansion began in 1898, as a wedding gift for George Lauder Carnegie and Margaret Thaw. Visitors can take a free tour of the furnished, regal 22,000 square foot mansion.
The First African Baptist Church
This small, one-room church was established in 1893 by African American residents of the island and their families. The church was rebuilt in the 1930s, and was the site of the September 1996 wedding of John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette.
Sea Camp Ranger Station
The camp is the primary information and contact station on the island, and volunteers and Rangers are available throughout the day to provide assistance, information, recommendations and programming.
Ice House Museum
The original structure was built circa 1900 to store large quantities of ice that were shipped to the island for the Carnegie Estate. The current building was restored by the National Park Service and now serves as a small, self-guided museum.
Extra Special Info: Bathrooms & Water
There’s a handful of spots for drinkable water and/or bathrooms on the island.
- Sea Camp Ranger Station: bathroom | drinking water | first aid
- Sea Camp Campground: bathroom
- Carnegie Laundry Building: bathroom | drinking water
- Ice House Museum: bathroom | drinking water
- Stafford Campground: bathroom
- Plum Orchard Mansion: bathroom | drinking water
- The Settlement/Alberty House: bathroom
Options are subject to change. If it’s essential that you know every operating bathroom and/or clean water location, call the visitor center right before your trip to inquire.
Packing List
UV rays are still potent during cloudy days and in the winter months, especially in the South. Sunburns and dehydration can sneak up on you!
Extra Info: Be aware that there are no shops or amenities on the island, so it’s imperative that you bring what you need for your visit.
- Sun Protection: sunscreen and a broad hat.
- Hydration: plenty of water and refreshments or electrolytes (same for your service animal or pet if you have traveled by private boat!).
- Food & Snacks: You’ll need to stay fueled on your island adventure. At the least, make sure you have snacks–and that you take all trash and scraps off the island with you.
- Proper Clothing: Don your favorite walking shoes and comfortable clothes! The weather can cool quickly in the fall and winter months; layers are suggested. You may start your day bundled up, remove layers around noon, and want those layers back on again as evening approaches; not an uncommon process in Southeast Georgia in our crisp months.
- First Aid Kit: essential for an island like Cumberland.
- Island Map: A physical map is the most reliable and can be purchased ahead of time or at the visitor center on the mainland. On your phone, make sure your digital map is downloaded for offline use.
- Bug Repellant: You’ll encounter far fewer mosquitoes in winter; however, you still need protection from various critters, especially ticks–your service animal or pet, too. Wearing long pants helps prevent the number of little friends that may try to hitch a ride (and a meal) on you.
- Wipes & Toilet Paper: as well as a smell-proof and waterproof bag to store waste until it can be properly disposed of. As listed above, there are bathrooms; however, it’s best to be prepared.
