Spring is the best time to camp on Cumberland Island, but the mild winter in Southeast Georgia means that the campers do not always want to wait until spring to enjoy Cumberland Island. (opens in new window) Follow Best Time RV on … Sea Camp Campground is the most popular campground at Cumberland Island National Seashore, and one of the most beautiful campgrounds I have ever been to. The Ranger told me that just the day before the gnats were out in force and made things miserable. Day visitors and campers reach the island via the Cumberland Island Ferry from the Cumberland Island Visitors Center in St. Mary’s Georgia and are brought to the Sea Camp Dock where the Cumberland Island National Seashore ranger station is located. This is primitive camping at it's best. There is a limit of 300 persons on the island at any given time, as well as restrictions placed on numbers at camp sites. We ended up changing our landing spot from Sea Camp to Plum Orchard, which was a closer. Spring is the best time to visit the island! We're going to let you in on one of Georgia's best-kept secrets. Skip to main content. Due to the distance, it is best explored when visitors have more than regular day visit hours - like when camping or private boating. Georgia is pretty well-known to backpackers as the start of the Appalachian Trail, but few have heard of an island backpacking destination further south. To make reservations for camping on the island, please visit this website and make your reservation online. For the most part, visitors can be divided into two categories: those who want to go to the beach and swim and those who don’t want to go to the beach—at least not to swim—instead preferring to hike, camp, and explore the historic sites on the island. Arrive 1 hour before your scheduled ferry departure time. Arrive 1 hour before your scheduled ferry departure time. Both can ruin a visit, so choose your visitation dates depending on what you plan to see and do on the island. Those that camp at Cumberland Falls State Park often come for the waterfall but stay for the canoeing and whitewater rafting opportunities, as well as the 17-miles of hiking trails. Cumberland Island, in the southeastern United States, is the largest of the Sea Islands of Georgia.The long-staple Sea Island cotton was first grown here by a local family, the Millers, who helped Eli Whitney develop the cotton gin. Cumberland Island is the largest and most biodiverse of Georgia’s barrier islands, and conservation efforts are constantly being made to preserve its 23 distinct ecological communities. Schedule your ferry & camping reservations in advance. Last-minute getaway? Unfortunately, even if you know the forecast temperature there is no way to predict the gnats because it is really the wind that determines whether or not they stay away. Cumberland Youth Camp is also available to rental groups such as family reunions, church picnics, school or homeschool field trips and so much more. Reservations are encouraged and may be made up to six months in advance. Check out the map to the right for campsite information or visit the Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping page. Camping near Cumberland Island National Seashore is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Yet it can make for some hot and sticky conditions to hike or bike around the island. Visitors get to see both cultural and natural landmarks, including the remains of Robert Stafford’s plantation and cemetery, Plum Orchard Mansion, Cumberland Wharf, the Settlement, and First African Baptist Church. Find out what you need to know about ferry times and seasonal schedules so you can plan your trip to the island. Schedule your ferry & camping reservations in advance. Getting to Cumberland Island, Ga. Getting to Cumberland Island is part of the adventure. Also, the backcountry campsites are closed when hunting is allowed (select weekends from October through January). Learn More. For a fee of $45, you can take a Lands and Legacies Tour and learn more about the history of the island. Checkout time is 10:00 a.m. for all campgrounds. Cumberland Island is located seven miles east of St. Marys and is accessible only by boat. October, November, March, April, and May are “iffy” months because if the temperature gets over 60°F and no wind is blowing, the gnats are going to eat you alive (mosquito season is in the late spring and summer months). To avoid the heat, stay away from the island from June through September when the temperatures will be in the high 80s and up. The warm summer months can make for ideal beach weather, of course. The first time I visited Cumberland was with my dad. I am unsure of how long you must vacate Cumberland before staying again. Camping at Cumberland Island National Seashore. Twice-daily ferry service to Cumberland Island is available from St. Marys, Georgia, from March 1 through Nov. 30. Cumberland Youth Camp, located 10 miles west of Clarksville, Tn, offers weekly residiential and day camp during the summer. For all other campers make a reservation to depart on the 2:45 p.m. ferry when it is being offered. Lands and Legacies Guided Tour. I see a handful of campers here and there. You'll need to take a ferry to get to this pristine island. Catch fish along 18 miles of undeveloped shoreline. The national seashore's museum will be open this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as a part of the St. Marys Tour Our Town open house. About Cumberland Island. I visited the park in both mid-March and early April and the weather was wonderful. It is not only based on my experience, but on the experience of the Rangers and ferry crew who I talked with extensively during my visits to Cumberland Island National Seashore. So consider a compact lightweight microfiber travel towel like this one. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/georgia/cumberland-island-national-seashore Check-in takes place at the Cumberland Island National Seashore St. Marys Visitor Center, at 113 St. Marys St., St Marys, GA 31558. Kayaking to Cumberland Island, one of Georgia’s outer islands, is a great adventure and destination for a day. Any additional tips to share with other travelers? Some traveling around the Florida-Georgia border split their time between the extensive accommodations and amenities of Amelia Island, FL with exploration of the wilderness island next door, Cumberland Island, GA. It's a little over 12 miles from Crooked River State Park the first six mile of which can be pretty hairy. Cumberland Island National Seashore . Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Explore Cumberland Island National Seashore on Georgia’s southern coast, hiking, camping and backpacking to stunning beaches, among herds of wild horses, through moss-draped, gnarled oak forests, and to the stately ruins of a … At this dock, the Ice House Museum and River Trail, will be to the left, continue straight down the dredged road until it intersects with the main road. The air temperature needs to be 80°F or higher for swimming to be pleasurable for most people, which leaves June through September as sure things for swimming weather. Like Best Time RV on Facebook! (Make sure you scroll down for special notes about Brickhill) Put in is at Crooked River State Park . Those who want to visit the beach and do some swimming have a bit of a conundrum. Bring shorts and a T-shirt to change into if there are no bugs. A park Ranger recommended these months for camping, though March through May is actually the busiest season. ð Backpack: You’ll need something to carry everything in. Greyfield Inn is the sole commercial establishment on Cumberland Island, giving guests an unprecedented opportunity to connect with nature at its most pristine. Cumberland Island: From Camping to the Carnegies. Georgia is pretty well-known to backpackers as the start of the Appalachian Trail, but few have heard of an island backpacking destination further south. With some insect repellent applied before getting off the boat, it doesn’t sound too bad. I see a handful of campers here and there. Instead, it was cool and a breeze was blowing and there wasn’t a bug in sight. Cumberland Island offers 18-miles of nearly-isolated beachfront, 300-year-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, crushed shell paths, and an abundance of wildlife untouched by the outside world. I suggest a mosquito net, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt when visiting during the iffy months. It can only be reached by the National Park Ferry or private boats but is well worth the trip. Spring and late fall are peak seasons. Cumberland Queen Ferry provides round-trip transportation via concession-operated ferry boats to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island NS is … Yet it can make for some hot and sticky conditions to hike or bike around the island. But what makes swimming possible—hot weather—can also ruin a day at the beach. Hop the ferry for a day on the unpopulated sands or stay for stargazing at 18-site Sea Camp, which connects to the beach via boardwalk. The greatest and most lasting value of the Island is its ability to change us. More Cumberland Island Travel Tips. The Cumberland Island fishing spots offers offers excellent inshore, nearshore and offshore fishing to anglers who need good fishing spots and GPS coordinates for multi device use. While most people take the ferry over, half the adventure of going to Cumberland Island is getting there. If you aren’t into camping and spending tons of money on one night, there are several hotels to stay at in St. Mary’s. Check out the map to the right for campsite information or visit the Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping page. It is a 6 mile paddle each way, but if you time your paddle with the tide, it’s not bad at all. It is a place of transformation. If you want to avoid bugs, you can’t go wrong by visiting in December, January, or February. Those who wish to visit the Plum Orchard Mansion without a van tour. Cumberland Island is the largest of the Sea Islands off the coast of the Southeastern United States. Filed Under: Adventures Around the World, Destination Guides, Travel Tips, Travel Tips Around the World Tagged With: North America, USA, Your email address will not be published. This lesser-visited place within the National Park System is really a treasure tucked away along coastal Georgia. On an island with a daily limit of about 300 people, there’s maybe 50 visitors per day on Cumberland throughout the New Year’s holiday shutdown. I had a mosquito net for my head and was the envy of the island. All camping is limited to seven days. Shhh! Camera: There are lots of great photography opportunities throughout Cumberland Island. The island is home to gorgeous white sand beaches, seashells galore, mossy covered trees and even wild horses. During my March visit the gnats were non-existent to very light in certain areas and prevalent in others, particularly around the Sea Camp ferry dock area. Regular fares round trip (St. Marys to Cumberland Island): Adults $28; Senior Citizens $26; Children 15 and under $18. Below is a (lengthy!) But anyone who’s curious about what Georgia’s islands have to offer simply must see the free-roaming horses on the beach. ð± Phone & Waterproofing: Coverage can be spotty, but we received data and phone signal throughout much of our last Cumberland Island visit. Both can ruin a visit, so choose your visitation dates depending on what you plan to see and do on the island. It’s as if the gnats know that every day at 10 AM and 12 PM that a buffet is arriving. Travelers looking for an experience of a lifetime should put beloved Cumberland Island at the top of their list. We Sell New and Pre-Owned Motorhomes, and Towables from Winnebago and Coachmen with Excellent Financing and Pricing Options. The ferry ride itself takes about 45 minutes each way. 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. Sea Camp campers must make a reservation on the 10:15 a.m. ferry departing from the Sea Camp dock the day they are leaving. Sie ist als National Seashore geschützt.. You will also need to book a campsite in advance if your plans include camping on Cumberland Island. Access is restricted to 300 people at a time and campers are limited to seven consecutive nights on the island. Visitors arrive on the island shortly before 10 am. If you want to go swimming in March, be my guest. While traveling the world non-stop for 6 years to 100 countries, we have been on a search for adventure, fun, and value! However, there is a solution. Cumberland Island is a special place that allows only 300 visitors daily. We hope this travel guide has helped to provide some ideas and inspiration if planning a trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore. Main Attractions: What to See on Cumberland Island, Where to Stay in & around Cumberland Island, Cruising Through Glacier Bay National Park Alaska: A Photo Essay, Amtrak Empire Builder Train Ride Across the US: What It’s Really Like, Those who want to see the most with one day on Cumberland Island, Those who desire in-depth information about the island. Happy travels! All Rights reserved.Designed by www.orange-themes.com. If you’re going swimming, consider bringing a waterproof case for your phone. With all that said, people come to Cumberland Island National Seashore year-round for all sorts of reasons because not everyone has the flexibility to schedule vacation time around the weather. Those who want to experience the trifecta of wildlife, history, and beaches. The forests and beaches on Cumberland island are out of a fairytale, magical land. Being that the backcountry campsites are 5 to 10 miles from the Sea Camp ferry dock, the demand is not as great as it is for the Sea Camp Campground, or even the Stafford Campground, so it is very possible to book one during high visitation periods. While most people take the ferry over, half the adventure of going to Cumberland Island … No dogs, unless you own property there. Permits are required and are picked up at the Sea Camp Ranger Station. Wildlife on the island ranges from threatened and endangered manatees and sea turtles to more than 300 species of birds. We spent two nights backpacking on Cumberland Island with our 10, 8, and 5 year old. It’s usually priced at less than $10 and has thousands of excellent reviews. Cumberland is only reachable by ferry, and no more than 300 people are allowed on the island at any given time. Why not bring a beach umbrella? Those who are less active or less mobile. One of the guys on the ferry boat told me that he has seen people get off the boat at Cumberland Island and then get right back on to go home due to the extreme heat. You can go back in time, go to the beach or go find a secluded place to call your own on this wilderness island. To see as much as possible, catch the first ferry (9 am departure). For information including ferry schedules and camping reservations visit the National Park Service’s Cumberland Island website here. Best Time to Go to Cumberland Island. What you need is shade, but you don’t really want to resort to the forest. Best Time to Go to Cumberland Island. Yes, you can charter a boat to take you but you still have to stop by Park Service to pay fees & you will have to attend camping orientation on Island. If the only time you can get to the island is in August and you want to explore the historic areas, nothing is stopping you. A trip to Cumberland Island can satisfy your mind's curiosity with its historical secrets or relax it all together with its tranquil scenery. We can help you with your reservations and also pack you a picnic lunch. Camping on Cumberland Island is a wonderful experience, with … Die Insel ist 17,5 mi (28 km) lang und hat eine Fläche von 56,25 mi² (146 km²), davon sind 16.850 Acres (68 km²) Marschland, Wattflächen und Priele. Here are a few more travel tips to help plan a visit to Georgia’s Cumberland Island National Seashore. Feral horsesare among the many species of island animal life that you are sure to see on … Unfortunately, these months are the prime season for mosquitoes, though they usually are not on the beach as long as there is a breeze. The best time to visit is mid-March through early June, thus avoiding the heat and the bugs. A concession-operated passenger ferry departs from downtown St. Marys and provides round-trip transportation services to Cumberland Island. You can pitch a tent and camp on Cumberland Island for up to seven days and rent a bike on the island at Sea Camp Dock. Camping and even day visits in the summertime can be uncomfortable with high heat and mosquitos. Cumberland Island camping, hiking, and backpacking guide. Cumberland Island ist eine der Sea Islands im Atlantik vor der Küste des US-Bundesstaates Georgia.Cumberland Island ist der westlichste Punkt der Atlantikküste der Vereinigten Staaten. Now you have shade without bugs, and as mentioned earlier, if you get too hot you can always go swimming. Within the wilderness are three camping areas or "zone camps", where individual sites are not designated. This is one of the most unique experiences you’ll have anywhere in the state and truly beautiful and wild. Cumberland Island boasts a total of 50 miles of hiking trails that run through maritime forests, marshlands, interior wetlands, historic sites and, of course, gorgeous beaches. It is this intangible feature that seems to be the most important benefit which Cumberland Island has for its guests. For non-swimmers, you want to avoid the heat and the bugs, so it’s a no-brainer as to when to visit. Read Moreâ¦, Copyright © 2021 Roaming Around the World, The Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist and Packing Tips. The popular Lands and Legacies tours will also not run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during this time. During busy times of the year (spring and fall, plus all holidays and weekends), you will need to make ferry reservations in advance. Sea Camp is the most popular place to camp on Cumberland Island but make your reservation early because these campsites fill up quickly. Welcome to Georgia’s largest barrier island and one of the most spectacular natural habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. On an island with a daily limit of about 300 people, there’s maybe 50 visitors per day on Cumberland throughout the New Year’s holiday shutdown. Online Camping Reservations. PLEASE NOTE: All campers at Sea Camp must return on the 10:15 ferry. On car-free Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest barrier isle, the wide, natural beaches invite swimming, fishing, bird watching and quiet strolls. … We ended up having the island to … PLEASE NOTE: All campers at Sea Camp must return on the 10:15 ferry. However, the Sea Camp Ranger Station on Cumberland Island will not be staffed on a regular basis Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February. We dropped our packs at the Ranger Sea Camp station and day hiked two miles south round trip to the Dungeness Ruins. You can pit stop at Plum Orchard at the mouth of the Brickhill River after you cross the Cumberland River and the Intercoastal Waterway As a Ranger put it, beachgoers only need to brave the mosquitoes for that half mile in the morning and again later that afternoon on the way back. 1.800.959.6431 . For those of you lucky enough to be heading out to this special place, we hope you have a fantastic time roaming around Cumberland Island. Your email address will not be published. You can also bring your own bike across on the ferry, but keep in mind there are no paved roads so you’ll need wide tires to get through the sand. September 9, 2020 By Kathleen Walls. King George’s War in 1740 forced James Oglethorpe to hand over Cumberland Island, along with the forts, to the Spanish. 12 Best Things to Do on Cumberland Island, Georgia. But towels can add extra weight to your day pack. Bring food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellant, and wear comfortable walking shoes for an enjoyable visit. The rangers there frequently told us that they could rely very little on St. Mary’s weather forecasts for Cumberland Island. If you intend to camp on the island, or simply be a daytripper, you should contact the National Park Service for access. This JOTO waterproof pouch fits all smartphones, so you can bring your phone in the water with you. © 2020 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Southern Beach, Southern Forest, HIstoric Ruins The Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilderness Area is composed of 8,840 acres of primitive, undeveloped land. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Although, if you wish to drive your car on the beach during peak season in the summer or a holiday weekend, you will have to purchase a permit for $5 from the Flash Foods down the road. The best time of year to camp on Cumberland Island is in the late fall, winter, or spring. To make reservations for camping on the island, please visit this website and make your reservation online. summary of our recent trip for anyone interested in camping with children: Our family of five just finished a fabulous four day / three night camping trip to Cumberland Island.It was a very memorable experience and deserves a little shout-out to any other families who might be considering such a trip for the first time. Amelia Island is a small island near Fernandina Beach, Florida, and is one of the few places left where you can camp right on the beach for free. But if you have the leeway to pick and choose your vacation dates, take the above advice to heart. The island is home to gorgeous white sand beaches, seashells galore, mossy covered trees and even wild horses. As such, they should get off the ferry at the first docking stop. Answer 1 of 3: What are the personalities of the various camping areas on C.I. Explore Georgia's Cumberland Island to witness the beauty of natural wilderness and historical intrigue. Kayaking to Cumberland Island Cumberland Island Hunt Camp. Arriving on Cumberland Island in early April When visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore you are up against two forces of nature for most of the year—heat and bugs. You may be wondering how heat can ruin things, for after all, if you get hot you can just go swimming. There is an access fee of $10 for every person over the age of 16 that visits the island. Pets, bicycles and kayaks are not allowed. ð Towel: If you’re going swimming, you’ll want to dry off. Day trippers who arrive in the morning are stuck on the island for six hours, and the only escape from the heat is back into the surrounding maritime forest where, you guessed it, the mosquitoes await their next meal. We offer premium guide level fishing spots in all locations available on this site. Numbers fall … The warm summer months can make for ideal beach weather, of course. Have you ever been to Cumberland Island? With its unusual range of wildlife, the island has been declared a national seashore.Little Cumberland Island is connected to the main island by a marsh. Bring food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellant, and wear comfortable walking shoes for an enjoyable visit. This is the perfect time to get your free national parks pass. This blog shares our discoveries & aims to inspire your next trip while maximizing your travel budget! Hike through maritime forests and beautiful beaches. Besides, these months are prime time for mosquitoes. People had so many gnats flying around their heads that they looked like Pig Pen in the Peanuts cartoon. Day trippers to the island will definitely want to see Cumberland’s famous Dungeness Ruins and feral horses. This gives visitors about six and a half hours to explore Cumberland Island. When visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore you are up against two forces of nature for most of the year—heat and bugs. How was your trip? There are no shops, stores, or other amenities on the island. President Richard Nixon established the Cumberland Island National Seashore on October 23, 1972. Its popularity is attributed to the fact that it is not only the closest campground to the Sea Camp ferry dock at a half mile, but also because it is one of only two on the island with modern restrooms and showers, albeit cold showers. You can go back in time, go to the beach or go find a secluded place to call your own on this wilderness island. As I said, there is no way to predict gnats. If you are looking to camp on Cumberland Island you will make your reservation online through Recreation.gov.
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