CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE - ST. MARYS, GA






Rating

Overview

Cumberland Island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is well known for its sea turtles, abundant shore birds, dune fields, maritime forest, salt marshes, and historic structures.

Visitation
About 50,000 visitors per year, the highest during March, April and May; lowest in January. The best time to visit is October through February when visitation has slacked off and the temperature and humidity are more pleasant.

FACILITES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
St. Marys - Mainland Visitor Information Center
St. Marys - Museum opening in early 2000
Cumberland Island - Ice House Museum and Sea Camp Visitor Center

Trails, Roadways:
Miles of hiking trails dot the entire island that is approximately 17.5 miles long and 1.5 to 3 miles wide. A single-lane, dirt road runs north and south the length of the island. Self-guiding trail maps are available at both docking areas for the Dungeness historic district and Nightingale Trail maritime forest walk.

Programs, Activities:
Regularly scheduled ranger-guided walks are available year round. Educational programs for schools are given throughout the school year. Reservations required.

All camping is limited to seven days. Campers may choose between one developed and four primitive backcountry sites. The developed campground at Sea Camp Beach has rest rooms, cold showers, and drinking water. Each campsite has a grill, fire ring, food cage, and picnic table. There are no facilities in the backcountry sites and water should be treated. Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry and portable stoves are suggested. Backcountry sites range from 3.5 to 10.8 miles form the ferry dock. Reservations are required

Tours of the historic Plum Orchard Mansion are offered the 1st Sunday of every month when the ferry makes a special trip there for an additional $6 charge. Transportation by van for tours of historic Plum Orchard Mansion is offered Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Reservations are required. They depart and return to Dungeness and Sea Camp. A similar program is offered the 2nd Friday of each month to the Settlement.

Food, Supplies:
There are rest rooms and drinking water in four locations on the South end of the island, but there are no stores or restaurants. Visitors must take whatever they need with them. Insect repellent, sunscreen, water containers, and rain gear recommended.

Other concessions, MPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
The Park bookstore, operated by Eastern National and NPS, is located in the Mainland Visitor Information Center in ST. Marys, Georgia. A wide variety of books pertaining to the flora and fauna of coastal ecosystems and cultural history are available.

Accessibility:
Two specially designed beach wheelchairs are available. Call in advance to reserve them.

Special Needs:
Parking for ferry passengers is available one block west of the Park Mainland Visitor Center in St. Marys.

ANNUAL EVENTS:
International Coastal Clean up - September
Managed hunts for deers and hogs. Contact us mid-Summer for dates and details - October thru January
Christmas Bird Count - December

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Okefenokee Swamp
NWR
Fort Caroline and Timmucuan Preserve
Fort Frederica NM
Jekyll Island (all less than an hour drive)

FEES:
Day Use Fee $4.00 per person/per visit
Sea Camp Campground $4.00 per person/per day
Back Country Camping $2.00 per person/per day
Annual Day Use Permit $20.00 per person
Persons camping will also be required to purchase a day use permit.
No fee for children under 2
Golden Age passport allows the passport holder half price for day use fees

Ferry tickets are round-trip and include sales tax:
Adults $10.17
Senior Citizens (65 and older) $8.03
Children (12 and under) $6.05
Plum Orchard 1st Sunday of Month additional $6.42
Annual passes and Golden Passports do not apply to ferry ticket charges.

HOURS:
Visitor Center: Daily 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed December 25

INFORMATION:
Cumberland Island NS
P.O. Box 806
St. Marys, GA 31558
(912) 882-4335 - Reservation Line (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon-Fri)
(912) 882-4336 - Information Line (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily)

Materials provided by NPS
  

Activities & Amenities

	Swimming Pool		Biking		Tent Camping
	Hiking Trails		Fishing		RV Camping
	Deer Viewing Area		Picnicing		Restrooms