OutReserve

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

undeveloped beach complete with sea oat covered dunes, light sands, blue sky, and crashing waves
dungeness ruins under pink clouds
undeveloped beach complete with sea oat covered dunes, light sands, blue sky, and crashing waves
undeveloped beach complete with sea oat covered dunes, light sands, blue sky, and crashing waves
large live oak branches extending over sand road

Featured amenities

Showers

About Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Whether you are looking to spend a night with family and friends around a campfire under the moss covered branches of the live oak trees, or looking for the rugged challenges and solitude of the wilderness, you will find it on Cumberland Island National Seashore. The park includes a designated Wilderness area, undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat and nesting areas, as well as numerous plant and animal communities. The national seashore also offers a wide variety of camping opportunities.     Watch the "Camping on Cumberland Island" video for information to help you plan an d prepare for your trip.  Campgrounds Cumberland Island offers five campgrounds , which include designated campsites at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach; and Wilderness campsites at: Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff. Camping is only permitted in these five campgrounds. A permit is required to camp in any of these five camping areas. Getting There   Visitors must take a boat to the island. Most visitors arrive via the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia (see Park Concessioner Services below).  The ferry does not transport automobiles or RVs. Check the ferry schedule prior to reserving your Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permit unless you are traveling by private boat. The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February. Island Information Cumberland Island is 18 miles (29 km) long and .5 miles (.8 km) to 3 miles (5 km) wide. Bring your cell phone if possible. Use airplane mode to reserve battery power. There is electricity at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp Campground, and Stafford Beach Campground for recharging devices. Dial 911 to report emergencies and disturbances.  There are no stores, restaurants or other amenities on the island. After arriving on the island, campers must hike, walk or bike from the dock to the campgrounds and transport all gear. There is no transporation service. The distance ranges from .5 miles (.8 km) to Sea Camp to 10.5 miles (17 km) to Brickhill Bluff.   Carts of any kind and wheeled coolers are not allowed north of Sea Camp Campground.  Hammocks permitted only with hammock stands. New for 2021. See Superintendent's Compendium  Be prepared for extreme weather, sun exposure, and a variety of insects. Ticks, no see-ums, and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months; protect yourself accordingly. Understand your limitations; the island has no conveniences; be prepared for a remote setting and a harsh environment. Bicycle and Carts For information on using carts and camping with bicycles visit the Cumberland Island Camping Page  For information on bicycle and cart rentals, as well as transporting your bike to the island visit Cumberland Island Ferry webpage .   Ferry Reservations, Bicycle and Cart Rental, and Tour Reservations - Contact: Cumberland Island Ferry at www.cumberlandislandferry.com or call (877) 860-6787.      Cumberland Island Ferry passengers must check-in at the Cumberland Island Mainland Visitor Center in Saint Marys at least 30 minutes prior to their ferry departure time: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm  Campers must deboard the ferry at the Sea Camp Dock (not at the Dungeness Dock).  

Number of accommodations: 43

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

43 Sites Available

Site
Price
β›Ί 001, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 001, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 002, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 002, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 003, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 003, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 004, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 004, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 005, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 005, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 006, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 006, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 007, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 007, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 008, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 008, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 009, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 009, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 010, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 010, Loop: Stafford Beach
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 011, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 012, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 013, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 014, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 015, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 016, Loop: Sea Camp
6 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί 1, Loop: Brickhill Bluff
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 1, Loop: Hickory Hill
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 1, Loop: Yankee Paradise
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 2, Loop: Brickhill Bluff
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 2, Loop: Hickory Hill
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 2, Loop: Yankee Paradise
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 3, Loop: Brickhill Bluff
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 3, Loop: Hickory Hill
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 3, Loop: Yankee Paradise
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 4, Loop: Brickhill Bluff
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 4, Loop: Hickory Hill
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί 4, Loop: Yankee Paradise
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί Brickhill Bluff - Wilderness, Loop: Brickhill Bluff
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί GN, Loop: Sea Camp
20 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί GS, Loop: Sea Camp
20 guests Β· Campfire
Price not available
β›Ί Hickory Hill - Wilderness, Loop: Hickory Hill
6 guests
Price not available
β›Ί Yankee Paradise - Wilderness, Loop: Yankee Paradise
6 guests
Price not available

Reviews (1076)

What Guests Are Saying

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a unique and beautiful camping experience, with many visitors praising its serene environment, diverse wildlife, and enchanting scenery. Campsites like Sea Camp and Stafford Beach are highlighted for their spaciousness and privacy, making them ideal for families and nature lovers. While some challenges like trail conditions and water issues were mentioned, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many campers planning to return for future visits.

Review Summary

4.7
1076 reviews
5
80.7%
868
4
13.0%
140
3
3.9%
42
2
1.5%
16
1
0.9%
10

Kirk S

Verified

July 12, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: GN, Loop: Sea Camp

5

Such a magical place! The campground is well maintained, the restrooms and showers are clean

Denise V

Verified

July 12, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 002, Loop: Sea Camp

4

It was lovely! New bathrooms are fantastic and well maintained. We find bicycles a must and don't miss visiting Plum Orchard and the wonderful house tour. Campsites are private and we have always found other campers polite. We usually don't use bug spray but it is a MUST if you go off on less used trails. The beach is beautiful and wildlife bountiful. We love this place and look forward to our 5th visit.

J S

Verified

June 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 003, Loop: Stafford Beach

2

Don't waste your time camping. Anything worth seeing is at the Dungeness Ruin and can be seen in a few hours. No need to subject yourself to the insane amount of ticks, palmetto bugs and raccoons.
Other than the building ruins, animals and wild horses, this island isn't worth seeing. There are a lot of trails but they are very boring, no need to walk more than 10 ft and you've seen what all the trails look like. The trails and campsites are infested with ticks! Treating gear and clothing with permethrin and wearing deet bug spray does nothing. These are some mutant ticks that drink deet for breakfast! Within 5 mins of setting up my tent, I have 1 tick on the outside and 2 INSIDE my tent, that was TREATED!
The beach is nothing special. The horses don't really hang out there and it's just a big open beach. Any other beach would be fine and have a lot more to do!!

Stafford Site 003 Had standing water in the firepit and the food locker wouldn't open. I ended up using the food locker at site 2. Site 2 was closed for some reason but the food locker was fine. I informed the rangers on site. They already knew about these issues. Food lockers are large and 1 is provided with each site at Stafford. Locker size is probably 3.5' tall x 2' deep x 2' wide.

J S

Verified

June 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 003, Loop: Stafford Beach

2

Don't waste your time camping. Anything worth seeing is at the Dungeness Ruin and can be seen in a few hours. No need to subject yourself to the insane amount of ticks, palmetto bugs and raccoons.
Other than the building ruins, animals and wild horses, this island isn't worth seeing. There are a lot of trails but they are very boring, no need to walk more than 10 ft and you've seen what all the trails look like. The trails and campsites are infested with ticks! Treating gear and clothing with permethrin and wearing deet bug spray does nothing. These are some mutant ticks that drink deet for breakfast! Within 5 mins of setting up my tent, I have 1 tick on the outside and 2 INSIDE my tent, that was TREATED!
The beach is nothing special. The horses don't really hang out there and it's just a big open beach. Any other beach would be fine and have a lot more to do!!

Stafford Site 003 Had standing water in the firepit and the food locker wouldn't open. I ended up using the food locker at site 2. Site 2 was closed for some reason but the food locker was fine. I informed the rangers on site. They already knew about these issues. Food lockers are large and 1 is provided with each site at Stafford. Locker size is probably 3.5' tall x 2' deep x 2' wide.

J S

Verified

June 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 003, Loop: Stafford Beach

2

Don't waste your time camping. Anything worth seeing is at the Dungeness Ruin and can be seen in a few hours. No need to subject yourself to the insane amount of ticks, palmetto bugs and raccoons.
Other than the building ruins, animals and wild horses, this island isn't worth seeing. There are a lot of trails but they are very boring, no need to walk more than 10 ft and you've seen what all the trails look like. The trails and campsites are infested with ticks! Treating gear and clothing with permethrin and wearing deet bug spray does nothing. These are some mutant ticks that drink deet for breakfast! Within 5 mins of setting up my tent, I have 1 tick on the outside and 2 INSIDE my tent, that was TREATED!
The beach is nothing special. The horses don't really hang out there and it's just a big open beach. Any other beach would be fine and have a lot more to do!!

Stafford Site 003 Had standing water in the firepit and the food locker wouldn't open. I ended up using the food locker at site 2. Site 2 was closed for some reason but the food locker was fine. I informed the rangers on site. They already knew about these issues. Food lockers are large and 1 is provided with each site at Stafford. Locker size is probably 3.5' tall x 2' deep x 2' wide.

J S

Verified

June 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 003, Loop: Stafford Beach

2

Don't waste your time camping. Anything worth seeing is at the Dungeness Ruin and can be seen in a few hours. No need to subject yourself to the insane amount of ticks, palmetto bugs and raccoons.
Other than the building ruins, animals and wild horses, this island isn't worth seeing. There are a lot of trails but they are very boring, no need to walk more than 10 ft and you've seen what all the trails look like. The trails and campsites are infested with ticks! Treating gear and clothing with permethrin and wearing deet bug spray does nothing. These are some mutant ticks that drink deet for breakfast! Within 5 mins of setting up my tent, I have 1 tick on the outside and 2 INSIDE my tent, that was TREATED!
The beach is nothing special. The horses don't really hang out there and it's just a big open beach. Any other beach would be fine and have a lot more to do!!

Stafford Site 003 Had standing water in the firepit and the food locker wouldn't open. I ended up using the food locker at site 2. Site 2 was closed for some reason but the food locker was fine. I informed the rangers on site. They already knew about these issues. Food lockers are large and 1 is provided with each site at Stafford. Locker size is probably 3.5' tall x 2' deep x 2' wide.

Seth F

Verified

June 1, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 005, Loop: Stafford Beach

5

The Stafford Beach camp site is one of the best. It is a bit of a hike from the Sea Camp ferry dock but it is well worth the travel. The camp sites are spacious. There are food lockers at each site. The comfort station is clean. The trail to the beach is relatively short and maintained. The only issue that I had was the ticks. Bring DEET if you camp in the Spring/Summer.

Seth F

Verified

June 1, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 005, Loop: Stafford Beach

5

The Stafford Beach camp site is one of the best. It is a bit of a hike from the Sea Camp ferry dock but it is well worth the travel. The camp sites are spacious. There are food lockers at each site. The comfort station is clean. The trail to the beach is relatively short and maintained. The only issue that I had was the ticks. Bring DEET if you camp in the Spring/Summer.

Richelle S

Verified

May 29, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 010, Loop: Sea Camp

5

Always refreshing! Took the land and legacy tour for the first time - it’s a great experience.

Larry R

Verified

May 29, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 012, Loop: Sea Camp

5

I enjoyed hiking on Parallel trail, and the beach.

Location Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Address:
101 Wheeler St
St. Marys, GA, 31558
United States

Highway access

Cumberland Island National Seashore is accessible via Exit 3 from Interstate 95, which is approximately 5 miles to the west. From the exit, travelers use Highway 40 east into Historic St. Marys.

Latitude & Longitude: 30.7204 / -81.5497

Elevation: 2 feet

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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