Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits Near

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undeveloped beach complete with sea oat covered dunes, light sands, blue sky, and crashing waves

large live oak branches extending over sand road

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43 total sites

Tent Sites 43 sites Check Availability

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 mi (18 mi) long and .5 mi (.5 mi) to 3 mi (3.1 mi) 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 mi (.5 mi) to Sea Camp to 10.5 mi (10.6 mi) 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).

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season

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Open year round

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

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Rates, Sites & Availability

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

43 Sites Available

Hide unavailable

⛺ 001, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 001, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 002, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 002, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 003, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 003, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 004, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 004, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 005, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 005, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 006, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire

⛺ 006, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 007, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 007, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 008, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 008, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 009, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 009, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 010, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ 010, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 011, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ 012, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 013, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 014, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 015, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 016, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 1, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

⛺ 1, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 1, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Shade shade

⛺ 2, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 2, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 2, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 3, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 3, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 3, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 4, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 4, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 4, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Yes shade

⛺ Brickhill Bluff - Wilderness, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

⛺ GN, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ GS, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ Hickory Hill - Wilderness, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ Yankee Paradise - Wilderness, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Shade shade

0 more sites below

Site Details

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43 Sites Available

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Site

Price

⛺ 001, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 001, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 002, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 002, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 003, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 003, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 004, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 004, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 005, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 005, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 006, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire

⛺ 006, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 007, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 007, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 008, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 008, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 009, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 009, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 010, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ 010, Loop: Stafford Beach Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 011, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ 012, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 013, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 014, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 015, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 016, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ 1, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

⛺ 1, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 1, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Shade shade

⛺ 2, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 2, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 2, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 3, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 3, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 3, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 4, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 4, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ 4, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Yes shade

⛺ Brickhill Bluff - Wilderness, Loop: Brickhill Bluff Tent

⛺ GN, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ GS, Loop: Sea Camp Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ Hickory Hill - Wilderness, Loop: Hickory Hill Tent

Yes shade

⛺ Yankee Paradise - Wilderness, Loop: Yankee Paradise Tent

Shade shade

Reviews (1133)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience, with spacious, clean campsites and ample amenities like drinking water and cold outdoor showers. Many visitors appreciated the island's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for exploration, often recommending longer stays to fully enjoy the area. While some noted challenges such as heat, rain, and occasional issues with park staff or facilities, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.

What Guests Are Saying

Review Summary

4.7

1133 reviews

80.8%

915

12.9%

146

3.9%

1.6%

0.9%

Sean S

Verified

March 24, 2024 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Stafford Beach

Awesome campground. About a 5min walk from the beach, and 3.5 mi/~1hr hike from the Sea Camp Dock. Each site has it's own food storage bin and there's centrally located bathrooms and water. I suggest bringing firewood as the downed wood was very scarce.
The island was beautiful and an amazing experience, felt like stepping back in time. Weather in March was perfect for shorts and a hoodie, I think it'd be very doable even in February with a layer available.

Batini R

Verified

March 24, 2024 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: Sea Camp

Great weather. Checkin was a timely and friendly. Ferry departed on time and Captain and staff were very pleasant. The campsites were well taken care of, clean and turns out #9 had an orange tree with oranges! I do wish the fire pits were more to side for those with large tents. Great access to beach, clean restroooms and showers will be back! Campsite #9, I highly recommend. It is a good walk from the ferry, so enusure you do not overpack or have a cart. Can rent carts fromnl center while on island. Fire wood available for purchase on ferry, but we didnt have enough space to carry. Was unable to find wood suitable for fire on the island. Unfortunately, was unabke to fins conch shells as I did previous years.bring sunshade for beach and mosquito spray. Will next time have a cooler with wheels or a tiny one for snacks while spending day at beach. Also, for carts, saw other visitors setup and they packed totes to sit into cart and used cords to anchor into carts. Its easy to overpack. Just remember, pack in pack out and you must trek it onto ferry and down to campsite and back.

Paul F

Verified

March 26, 2024 • Stayed at: Hickory Hill - Wilderness, Loop: Hickory Hill

Fantastic place!! My wife and I went here 17 years ago and thought it would be a great place to take our kids on their first backpacking trip. We were right! It was easy hiking for our kids and we got to have lots of beach time (we had the beach to ourselves for most of it). Only minor downsides are the pesky gnats that come out towards dusk and some (not all) of the backcountry sites have sulfur water*. Stafford Beach and Plum Orchard Mansion of good, potable water, though.

Great place for a fun, relaxing spring break backpacking trip.

*We stayed at Stafford Beach, Hickory Hill, and Yankee Paradise. The latter two had no water (there is a water source that exists between the two, but it tastes and smells like rotten eggs).

Paul F

Verified

March 26, 2024 • Stayed at: Hickory Hill - Wilderness, Loop: Hickory Hill

Great place for a fun, relaxing spring break backpacking trip.

*We stayed at Stafford Beach, Hickory Hill, and Yankee Paradise. The latter two had no water (there is a water source that exists between the two, but it tastes and smells like rotten eggs).

Mary Beth S

Verified

March 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sea Camp

This was such a fantastic experience

Mary Beth S

Verified

March 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sea Camp

This was such a fantastic experience

Katherine D

Verified

March 28, 2024 • Stayed at: Yankee Paradise - Wilderness, Loop: Yankee Paradise

The island was beautiful! Saw so much wildlife! Watch out for the bugs, they are unforgiving lol

Katherine D

Verified

March 28, 2024 • Stayed at: Yankee Paradise - Wilderness, Loop: Yankee Paradise

The island was beautiful! Saw so much wildlife! Watch out for the bugs, they are unforgiving lol

Elizabeth L

Verified

April 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Sea Camp

Beautiful! I couldn't have been more happy with our campsite. We didn't have far to hike in to Sea Campground. It was an amazing experience and everything I could've hoped for in a trip.

Elizabeth L

Verified

April 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Sea Camp

Beautiful! I couldn't have been more happy with our campsite. We didn't have far to hike in to Sea Campground. It was an amazing experience and everything I could've hoped for in a trip.

Location & Directions for Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

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

Elevation: 2 ft

Map of Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits location at St. Marys, GA, United States

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Getting There

<p><strong>NPS VISITOR CENTER/FERRY CHECK-IN:</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li>Take Exit 3 from Interstate 95. At the exit stop light turn east on to Highway 40. </li>
<li>Follow the signs traveling east into Historic St. Marys. Highway 40 East will become ...

Nearest town

St. Marys, GA - 0.2 mi

About 2 min to downtown

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.

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.