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

Cynthia B

Verified

November 11, 2023 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Stafford Beach

5

Stafford Beach Campground is the perfect half-way point. I spent one day going north to Plum Orchard and one going south to Dungeness. The campground has one large bear box per campsite so I used it for food and just a general storage box. There is a bathhouse with cold water showers, sink for washing dishes, potable water, and lots of outlets to charge a phone. Each site is big enough for several tents.

amber h

Verified

November 11, 2023 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Stafford Beach

4

amazing experience. Hike in was picturesque. Stanford campsites were beautiful 😻 very well kept with a few creature comforts. I can’t wait to come back and experience more of this 36,000 acre island!

Cynthia B

Verified

November 11, 2023 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Stafford Beach

5

Stafford Beach Campground is the perfect half-way point. I spent one day going north to Plum Orchard and one going south to Dungeness. The campground has one large bear box per campsite so I used it for food and just a general storage box. There is a bathhouse with cold water showers, sink for washing dishes, potable water, and lots of outlets to charge a phone. Each site is big enough for several tents.

amber h

Verified

November 11, 2023 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Stafford Beach

4

amazing experience. Hike in was picturesque. Stanford campsites were beautiful 😻 very well kept with a few creature comforts. I can’t wait to come back and experience more of this 36,000 acre island!

Erin G

Verified

November 10, 2023 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Stafford Beach

5

Incredible! So much wildlife, so much peace and serenity. So very grateful this land is protected. I hope it stays that way for generations to come.

Erin G

Verified

November 10, 2023 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Stafford Beach

5

Incredible! So much wildlife, so much peace and serenity. So very grateful this land is protected. I hope it stays that way for generations to come.

Matthew D

Verified

October 24, 2023 Stayed at: 009, Loop: Sea Camp

5

Best place in the country. We go several times a year. Basically you have one of the most beautiful places in the states all to yourself Mon thru Friday. And the few that come over on the weekend are easy to avoid by just trekking north a little.

Matthew D

Verified

October 24, 2023 Stayed at: 009, Loop: Sea Camp

5

Best place in the country. We go several times a year. Basically you have one of the most beautiful places in the states all to yourself Mon thru Friday. And the few that come over on the weekend are easy to avoid by just trekking north a little.

Michael D

Verified

October 23, 2023 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Sea Camp

5

Wonderful stay! Sea Camp is terrific! the kids had so much fun on the beach and climbing the amazing oaks. Bikes are a good idea for exploring the island. The NPS staff were excellent. We look forward to returning.

Michael D

Verified

October 23, 2023 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Sea Camp

5

Wonderful stay! Sea Camp is terrific! the kids had so much fun on the beach and climbing the amazing oaks. Bikes are a good idea for exploring the island. The NPS staff were excellent. We look forward to returning.

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.

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Last updated: June 4, 2026

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