Georgia / Camden County / Cumberland Island Wilderness / Cumberland Island National Seashore

Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite

Open — Open year-round with advance reservations required through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights. Check-out time is 10:00 a.m.

About

Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite is one of three backcountry campsites in the northern wilderness area of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Located 5.5 miles north of the Sea Camp ferry dock via the Parallel Trail, this primitive site offers a true wilderness experience in the heart of the island's interior freshwater wetland ecosystem. The campsite accommodates up to 6 people per site across 4 total sites, with permits costing $9 per night. There are no facilities whatsoever: no toilets, no potable water, and no trash collection. Campers must treat all water from the nearby well, hang all food and trash to protect from raccoons and other wildlife, and pack out everything they bring in. Fires are strictly prohibited in the wilderness area, though camp stoves may be used for cooking. A 7-night consecutive stay limit applies. Access to Hickory Hill requires advance planning. All campers must take the Cumberland Island ferry to Sea Camp dock (or arrive by private boat at Plum Orchard dock) and are responsible for carrying all gear the 5.5 miles to the campsite. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov and are required; dispersed camping and beach camping are not permitted on Cumberland Island. The site is open year-round, though weather conditions vary significantly by season with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Directions

Accessible only by boat. Take the Cumberland Island ferry from St. Marys, GA to Sea Camp dock. From Sea Camp, hike 5.5 miles north on the Parallel Trail to reach Hickory Hill. If arriving by private boat, Plum Orchard dock is the closest landing. Ferry schedules and tickets must be purchased through www.cumberlandislandferry.com.

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