{"id":"nps-cuis","slug":"cumberland-island-national-seashore","name":"Cumberland Island National Seashore","designation":"National Seashore","category":"national-seashore-lakeshore","categoryLabel":"National Seashore and Lakeshore","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"CUIS","designation":"National Seashore","sourceId":"nps-cuis"}],"states":["GA"],"stateNames":["Georgia"],"location":{"lat":30.85857484,"lon":-81.45253575},"bbox":[-81.553,30.7098,-81.3978,30.981],"acres":{"value":38619,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=30.981&b_tl_lng=-81.553&b_br_lat=30.7098&b_br_lng=-81.3978","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Cumberland%20Island%20National%20Seashore","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C803FAD-1DD8-B71B-0BF8968CDECF2468.jpg","title":"Vegetated Dunes","alt":"Sand dunes covered with shrubs and grasses","caption":"Vegetation holds dunes in place providing a barrier to erosion forces and creating essential interdune meadows to support island life.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C804128-1DD8-B71B-0B7FDC20E9D9373F.jpg","title":"Home To Wildlife","alt":"Alligator resting on a log in pond","caption":"Cumberland Island National Seashore encompasses a variety of forest, marsh, and coastal landscapes providing a home for numerous species including American Alligators.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C804293-1DD8-B71B-0B3C50A212C19199.jpg","title":"Undeveloped Coast","alt":"Ocean beach at sunrise","caption":"Cumberland Island National Seashore encompasses nearly 18 miles of undeveloped beach offering recreation for visitors and essential nesting area for birds and sea turtles.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C804721-1DD8-B71B-0B674DD331D1FC2B.jpg","title":"Plum Orchard Mansion","alt":"large, white mansion behind oak trees draped with Spanish Moss","caption":"Visitors can take a guided tour of the Plum Orchard Mansion and experience the luxuries of Victorian high society as well as the effort and ingenuity it took to make it possible.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C805318-1DD8-B71B-0BEE73A8A7441F08.jpg","title":"Island Bluffs Shaped By Tides","alt":"rippled sands of a beach in front of pine tree covered bluffs","caption":"Tidal forces continue to shape the land today as they have for thousands of years forming high bluffs used for fortifications and ship docking throughout the island’s history.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C805E82-1DD8-B71B-0B894349D0BBFF6B.jpg","title":"Historic Main Road","alt":"huge oak trees and palm shrubs line a sand road","caption":"While visitors to the island cannot bring vehicles, they can travel the historic main park road by foot and bicycle. Some remaining island residents will still drive vehicles on the road to reach their residences as they have for generations.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C806429-1DD8-B71B-0B9351B8366AB7C2.jpg","title":"Dungeness Ruins","alt":"brick and stone ruins of a large mansion at sunset under colorful clouds","caption":"Dugeness was the largest mansion built on the island as part of the Carnegie Estate. Though lost to fire in 1959, the ruins of the mansion and several of its support structures are a reminder of the island’s rich history.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C8065C5-1DD8-B71B-0B3CC16BCC695D70.jpg","title":"The Settlement","alt":"small white one room church, old red house in the background, under cloudy skies","caption":"The remote north end of the island is home to the First African Baptist Church and The Settlement, where African American residents were able to purchase their first deeded property on the island at the end of the 1800s.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C806748-1DD8-B71B-0B9947D4C0E897DE.jpg","title":"Tidal Creek","alt":"tidal creek at low tide surrounded by palm and oak trees","caption":"Rising tides bring valuable nutrients into tidal creeks, while receding tides remove waste. This makes the tide cycle the beating heart of the island’s tidal creeks, salt marshes, and estuaries.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Biking","Boating","Camping","Guided Tours","Hiking","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Swimming","Saltwater Swimming","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching"],"topics":["Animals","Fire"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Cumberland Island National Seashore has a per-person entrance fee. This fee is waived for America the Beautiful pass holder plus three adults. Must present pass at time of check-in."}],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Cumberland Island National Seashore","description":"The park is open 24 hours a day, all year. The island is only accessible by boat. The visitor center, other facilities, ferry operations, and docks for private boats all have separate hours, however; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"Sunrise to Sunset","monday":"Sunrise to Sunset","thursday":"Sunrise to Sunset","sunday":"Sunrise to Sunset","tuesday":"Sunrise to Sunset","friday":"Sunrise to Sunset","saturday":"Sunrise to Sunset"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"Cumberland Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat. These directions are to the mainland visitor center in St. Marys, GA. Driving Directions To reach the visitor center from Interstate 95: •Take Exit 3 for US 40 •Take US 40 East toward “Historic Downtown St. Marys” •US 40 becomes Osborne Rd. Continue on until you reach the waterfront •Turn right on St. Marys Rd •The visitor center will be two blocks down on your left (113 St. Marys St W, St Marys GA 31558)","weatherInfo":"Cumberland Island’s climate is hot and humid during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's (>26 C) and mild during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 60's (<20 C). The warmest month of the year is July with an average high of 90 degrees F (32 C), while the coldest is January with an average low of 45 degrees F (44 C). Visit the Current Conditions page for an up-to-date local forecast: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm#weather","contacts":{"phone":"9128824336","email":"cuis_info@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Mainland Museum","description":"Exhibits explore the cultural and natural history of the island from prehistoric American Indian lives, through British occupation during the war of 1812, the Plantation Era, the Gilded Age, and the island today.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/on-mainland.htm#Museum","lat":30.7214589999,"lon":-81.548574},{"name":"Mainland Visitor Center","description":"The Mainland Visitor Center is located at the waterfront in downtown St. Marys, GA. Visitors taking a ferry to the island should check in at this location 1 hour prior to departure. The visitor center offers exhibits, a bookstore with memorabilia, and information to help you plan your visit to the island. Rangers are available to answer questions, sell park passes, and issue camping permits for private boaters. Long term parking is located one block west on the north side of the street.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/on-mainland.htm","lat":30.720262,"lon":-81.549745999},{"name":"Sea Camp Ranger Station","description":"Located at the Sea Camp dock on Cumberland Island. Visitors camping on the island must visit Sea Camp for a quick orientation and to receive their camping permits. Volunteers and rangers staff the station when available throughout the day. Here visitors can get information, see exhibits, attend interpretive programs, and rent bicycles when the ferry arrives.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/on-island.htm#SeaCampRangerStation","lat":30.7643651532,"lon":-81.470609726}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Sea Camp Campground","description":"Sea Camp Campground is located a half mile from the Sea Camp dock. All sites are walk-to, tent sites and campers are responsible for transporting all gear. Carts can be used. There are flush toilets, drinking water, cold showers, and a dish washing sink. Each site has a fire ring with grill, picnic table and food storage. It is common for this campground to fill up. Permits are $22 a night for individual sites good for up to 6 people. Group sites are $40 a night good for up to 20 people.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/seacamp.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253730","sites":18},{"name":"Stafford Beach Campground","description":"Stafford Beach Campground requires a three and a half mile hike from Sea Camp. All sites are walk-to, tent sites and campers are responsible for transporting all gear. Carts of any kind or wheeled coolers cannot be used to haul gear. The site has flush toilets, cold showers, and water spigots with potable water. The sites include fire rings with grills. Food storage lockers (bear boxes) are available. Sites are $12 a night, good for up to 6 people.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/staffordbeach.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253730","sites":10},{"name":"Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite","description":"Hickory Hill is one of three campgrounds in Cumberland Island’s designated wilderness on the northern part of the island. The campsite is located 5.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Wilderness sites have no amenities. Fires are prohibited, but camp stoves can be used for cooking. Campers should be prepared to hang all food and trash. Water is available from a nearby well and must be treated. Permits are $9 a night, good for up to 6 people.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/hickoryhill.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253730","sites":4},{"name":"Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite","description":"Yankee Paradise is one of three campgrounds in Cumberland Island’s designated wilderness on the northern part of the island. The campsite is located 7.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Wilderness sites have no amenities. Fires are prohibited, but camp stoves can be used for cooking. Campers should be prepared to hang all food and trash. Water is available from a nearby well and must be treated. Permits are $9 a night, good for up to 6 people.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/yankeeparadise.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253730","sites":4},{"name":"Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite","description":"Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite is one of three campgrounds in Cumberland Island’s designated wilderness on the northern part of the island. The campsite is located 10.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Wilderness sites have no amenities. Fires are prohibited, but camp stoves can be used for cooking. Campers should be prepared to hang all food and trash. Water is available from a pump well located in the site and must be treated. Permits are $9 a night, good for up to 6 people.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/brickhillbluff.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253730","sites":4}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"fort-frederica-national-monument","km":41},{"slug":"timucuan-ecological-and-historic-preserve","km":43},{"slug":"wolf-island-national-wildlife-refuge","km":56},{"slug":"blackbeard-island-national-wildlife-refuge","km":75},{"slug":"okefenokee-national-wildlife-refuge","km":83},{"slug":"harris-neck-national-wildlife-refuge","km":88}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=cuis"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.610Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Mainland Museum Closure","text":"The Cumberland Island Museum will be closed for an extended period due to roof leakages. We apologize for any inconvenience but look forward to reopening to you in the future.","url":null,"updated":"2026-06-30 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-F491726E-BA70-4D68-ADA0-F39892252808"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Ongoing Road Repair on Main Road","text":"Ongoing road work will be taking place throughout the Main Road on the island. Expect potentially heavier vehicle traffic and areas of uneven terrain. Please yield to construction traffic. Be aware of approaching traffic both in front as well as from behind.","url":null,"updated":"2026-04-22 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-14BFEC5E-5440-49CB-8A95-4E24B9517640"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Scam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only","text":"Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the website www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Check site carefully before purchasing. Only valid tickets will be honored.","url":"http://www.cumberlandislandferry.com","updated":"2026-03-17 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-B8BFD4B0-F895-4D26-A5F4-48DD9E38BEC9"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/cumberland-island-national-seashore/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/cumberland-island-national-seashore.geojson"}