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Cumberland Island National Seashore

Designation: National Seashore

Location: Georgia

Visit Official Park Website

šŸ“˜ Park Overview

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.

šŸŒ¤ Weather Information

Cumberland Islandā€™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

šŸš— 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: ā€¢Take Exit 3 for US 40 ā€¢Take US 40 East toward ā€œHistoric Downtown St. Marysā€ ā€¢US 40 becomes Osborne Rd. Continue on until you reach the waterfront ā€¢Turn right on St. Marys Rd ā€¢The visitor center will be two blocks down on your left (113 St. Marys St W, St Marys GA 31558)

Images

Sand dunes covered with shrubs and grasses

Vegetation holds dunes in place providing a barrier to erosion forces and creating essential interdune meadows to support island life.

Credit: NPS Photo

Alligator resting on a log in pond

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

Ocean beach at sunrise

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

large, white mansion behind oak trees draped with Spanish Moss

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

rippled sands of a beach in front of pine tree covered bluffs

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 islandā€™s history.

Credit: NPS Photo

huge oak trees and palm shrubs line a sand road

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

brick and stone ruins of a large mansion at sunset under colorful clouds

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 islandā€™s rich history.

Credit: NPS Photo

small white one room church, old red house in the background, under cloudy skies

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

tidal creek at low tide surrounded by palm and oak trees

Rising tides bring valuable nutrients into tidal creeks, while receding tides remove waste. This makes the tide cycle the beating heart of the islandā€™s tidal creeks, salt marshes, and estuaries.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person
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.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Mar 15

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 83.7Ā°F | Low: 60.6Ā°F

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 17.7 mph

Rain Chance: 74%

UV Index: 1.5

Sunrise: 07:36 AM

Sunset: 07:35 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (18%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 67.5Ā°F

Cloud Cover: 74%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Mar 16

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 77.5Ā°F | Low: 46.7Ā°F

Humidity: 82%

Wind: 17.2 mph

Rain Chance: 78%

UV Index: 1.4

Sunrise: 07:35 AM

Sunset: 07:35 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (11%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 63Ā°F

Cloud Cover: 78%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Mar 17

Cloudy

Cloudy

High: 53.2Ā°F | Low: 38.1Ā°F

Humidity: 47%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0

Sunrise: 07:34 AM

Sunset: 07:36 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (5%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 35.5Ā°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Ongoing Road Repair on Main Road Caution
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.
Ongoing Road Repair on Main Road Caution
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.
Mainland Parking Lot Closure June 2 Information
The mainland parking lot will be closed as of June 2 for rehab and improvements. For more information please see the press release.

More Info

Visitor Use Management Plan comment period extended to February 21 Information
The comment period for the Visitor Use Management Plan has been extended to February 21, 2026. To access the plan go to https://www.nps.gov/cuis/learn/management/visitor-use-management-plan.htm

More Info

Beach Closure- Dungeness Crossing to Jetties 1/14/2026 Caution
Cumberland Island National Seashore beach from Dungeness crossing south to the jetty is closed for safety on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm eastern standard time for all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Boil Water Notice issued for Sea Camp and Dungeness Areas Caution
A boil water notice has been issued for the Sea Camp and Dungeness area, including the campground, from now until further notice. Coolers with potable water will be available for refills at restroom areas.
Boil Water Notice Issued Feb 7th, 2026 for Dungeness and Sea Camp areas Caution
A boil water notice has been issued for the Sea Camp and Dungeness area, including the campground, from Saturday February 7th until further notice. Please fill water bottles on the mainland. Coolers with potable water will be available at the restroom areas in the Dungeness area, at the Sea Camp ranger station and at the water fountain kiosk in the campground.
Scam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only Caution
Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the website www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Check site carefully before purchasing. Only valid tickets will be honored.

More Info

Main road Ā½ mile south of the intersection of Main Road and North Cut and closed at the intersection Danger
The Main Road 1/2 mile south of North Cut and Main Rd. intersection and at the intersection of Main Rd and North Cut of Cumberland Island National Seashore is closed due to a hazard tree, effective Saturday, September 6, 2025 until further notice.
Mainland Museum closed for construction Information
Closure is from Saturday Jan 17th through Wednesday Jan 21st for minor construction work in the museum. Reopening is scheduled for Thursday Jan 22nd.
Mainland Parking Lot Closure June 2 Information
The mainland parking lot will be closed as of June 2 for rehab and improvements. For more information please see the press release.

More Info

Dungeness and Little Greyfield Beach Crossings Closed to Vehicles Due to High Water Park Closure
Pedestrian traffic is still allowed. Be aware of flooding after storms at all beach crossings and use caution when accessing. Please stay on designated trails and roads.
Closure Area by Grange Information
Contractors have continued working on repairs to the Grange house. To complete needed work safely we are altering vehicle and pedestrian traffic from the road by the Grange. The closure area includes the entire Grange yard, road through that area, and part of the bend where the water hydrant is. The closure DOES NOT include the road that goes on the west side of the Grange down to the Grange dock. Please use alternate routes until this work is completed. Do not drive in the grass on the historic landscapes
Dungeness and Little Greyfield Beach Crossings Closed to Vehicles Due to High Water Park Closure
Pedestrian traffic is still allowed. Be aware of flooding after storms at all beach crossings and use caution when accessing. Please stay on designated trails and roads.
Scam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only Caution
Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the website www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Check site carefully before purchasing. Only valid tickets will be honored.

More Info

Sea Camp Campground Closed Park Closure
Sea Camp Campground will be closed to all visitors and campers from Feb. 23 to Mar. 1 for construction work. If you had previous reservations, please visit www.recreation.gov to request a refund.
Managed Hunt - No access to Plum Orchard and Wilderness Park Closure
A managed hunt will be held December 20-21, 2025. For safety reasons, the Wilderness Area, including trails and the Plum Orchard Mansion and dock will be closed to visitation during the hunt days. Wilderness camping will be closed starting December 19th. Please follow all posted closure signs on the island.
Table Point, Ashley Pond, and Kings Bottom Trails Closed Caution
Due to a small wildfire, the Table Point, Kings Bottom, and Ashley Pond Trails are closed west of the Main Road. Smoke may be visible- please stay out of closure areas for your safety and that of fire response personnel.
Sea Camp Beach Access Closed Park Closure
Due to a construction project, there will be NO trail access to the beach from Sea Camp for walkers or bicyclists until the project is complete. Please observe this closure for the safety of all visitors, workers, and staff.
Museum Closure January 12-15 Information
The Mainland Museum will be closed Monday, January 12th through Thursday, January 15th while our maintenance staff complete some minor work. The museum will reopen Friday, Jan. 16th.
Boil Water Notice Dungeness District Caution
Due to maintenance the Dungeness Historic District housing, buildings, and public restrooms will lose water pressure and be on a boil water notice starting 12/4 until further notice. Visitors must treat water or bring their own. Water located at Sea Camp (including the Ranger Station and Campground) north will still be potable.

Visitor Center & Contacts

šŸ“ Physical Address:
113 St. Marys St W
St. Marys, GA 31558

šŸ¤ Mailing Address:
101 Wheeler St
St. Marys, GA 31558

šŸ“ž Voice Phone: 9128824336

āœ‰ļø Email: cuis_info@nps.gov

Park Location

šŸ‘ Fun Fact
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