Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
Open — The campground is currently open. Cumberland Island north of Stafford Beach campground is closed for managed hunts January 5-8 and January 26-29, 2026. Stafford Beach and Sea Camp campgrounds remain open during hunt periods. Ferry service does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February.
From Recreation.gov
Please be advised that Cumberland Island north of Stafford Beach campground will be closed for 6 managed hunts (Oct 6-9, Nov 3-6, Dec 1-4 and 19-21, 2025 and Jan 5-8 and 26-29, 2026). Stafford Beach campground, Sea Camp campground and the south end of the island will be open to all visitors during this time. For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at (912) 882-4336.
Freeze Watch issued December 30 at 12:05AM EST until December 31 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL
* WHAT...For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 expected. For the Freeze Watch, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 possible. * WHERE...Portions of northeast and northern Florida and southeast Georgia. * WHEN...For the Freeze Warning, until 8 AM EST this morning. For the Freeze Watch, from late tonight through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.
Freeze Warning issued December 30 at 12:05AM EST until December 30 at 8:00AM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL
* WHAT...For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 expected. For the Freeze Watch, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 possible. * WHERE...Portions of northeast and northern Florida and southeast Georgia. * WHEN...For the Freeze Warning, until 8 AM EST this morning. For the Freeze Watch, from late tonight through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.
Scam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only
Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the website www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Check site carefully before purchasing. Only valid tickets will be honored.
Mainland Parking Lot Closure June 2
The mainland parking lot will be closed as of June 2 for rehab and improvements. For more information please see the press release.
Ongoing Road Repair on Main Road
Ongoing road work will be taking place throughout the Main Road on the island. Expect potentially heavier vehicle traffic and areas of uneven terrain. Please yield to construction traffic.
Dungeness and Little Greyfield Beach Crossings Closed to Vehicles Due to High Water
Pedestrian traffic is still allowed. Be aware of flooding after storms at all beach crossings and use caution when accessing. Please stay on designated trails and roads.
About
Cumberland Island National Seashore provides a unique camping experience on Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, where 18 miles of undeveloped beaches meet pristine maritime forests of live oak and long leaf pine. The island offers five designated campgrounds: Sea Camp and Stafford Beach with restrooms and cold showers, and three wilderness sites at Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff with no facilities. All campers must reach the island via the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys or by private boat, as no vehicle ferry service exists. Once on the island, campers hike anywhere from half a mile to over 10 miles to reach their campsite, carrying all gear and supplies. The island has no stores, restaurants, or conveniences. Over 50 miles of trails and roads wind through diverse ecosystems including tidal creeks, salt marshes, and oak hammocks. Wildlife abounds, from white-tailed deer and wild horses to alligators, bobcats, and hundreds of migratory birds. The northern portion of the island includes over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. Campers should prepare for a remote, rugged environment with extreme weather, sun exposure, and insects including ticks and mosquitoes during summer months. Electrical outlets for charging devices are available only at Sea Camp Ranger Station and the two developed campgrounds. All camping requires advance permits through Recreation.gov, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days.
Directions
Take Exit 3 from Interstate 95. Turn east onto Highway 40 and follow signs into Historic St. Marys. Highway 40 becomes Osborne Street. At the waterfront, turn right onto St Marys Street. The NPS Visitor Center is one block down on the left at 113 St. Marys Street West. All visitors must park in the Cumberland Island Parking Lot one block west of the Visitor Center. Access to the island is via the Cumberland Island Ferry from the St. Marys waterfront or by private boat.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Sea Camp Campground 5.9mi
- Fort Clinch State Park Campground 6.3mi
- Crooked River State Park 8.4mi
- Stafford Beach Campground 8.3mi
- Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite 9.7mi
- Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite 11mi
- Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite 14mi
- Group Camp 1 26mi
- Cary State Forest Campground 32mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $9 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (912) 882-4336 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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