Cumberland Island National Seashore

Designation: National Seashore

Location: Georgia

📘 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.

🌤 Weather Information

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

🚗 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)

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

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

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 island’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 island’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 island’s tidal creeks, salt marshes, and estuaries.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Boating
Wildlife Watching
Hunting
Swimming
Birdwatching
Biking
Hunting and Gathering
Camping
Guided Tours
Hiking
Saltwater Swimming

Topics

Fire
Animals

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

Tuesday, Sep 22

Sunny

High: 86.5°F | Low: 74.7°F

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 11.6 mph

Rain Chance: 57%

UV Index: 8.3

Sunrise: 07:14 AM

Sunset: 07:22 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (89%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 75.4°F

Cloud Cover: 57%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Sep 23

Light rain shower

High: 81.5°F | Low: 75.3°F

Humidity: 82%

Wind: 15.9 mph

Rain Chance: 84%

UV Index: 7.5

Sunrise: 07:14 AM

Sunset: 07:21 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 74.8°F

Cloud Cover: 84%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Sep 24

Patchy rain nearby

High: 77.4°F | Low: 71.5°F

Humidity: 78%

Wind: 15.7 mph

Rain Chance: 75%

UV Index: 5.2

Sunrise: 07:15 AM

Sunset: 07:20 PM

Moon: Full Moon (99%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 70.3°F

Cloud Cover: 75%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Small Craft Advisory (Minor)

▼

Small Craft Advisory issued September 22 at 12:19PM EDT until September 25 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL

Effective: Sep 22, 2026 12:19pm
Expires: Sep 23, 2026 5:00am

* WHAT...Northeast winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and
seas 8 to 13 ft expected.

* WHERE...All Southeast Georgia coastal waters from Altamaha
Sound GA to Fernandina Beach FL out to 60 NM.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Wednesday to 8 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Park Alerts

Ongoing Road Repair on Main Road Information

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.

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.

Burn Ban in Effect Caution

Due to exceptional drought conditions and extremely high fire danger, and in coordination with the countywide burn ban for all of Camden County, there is a burn ban for Cumberland Island. Please do not conduct any outdoor burning during this time as fires can easily become out of control and spread, rapidly endangering our island and community. This includes campfires in designated rings and cooking fires- no open flames. We thank you for your cooperation. Call 911 to report any wildfires.

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.

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.

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

Boil Water Notice - South end Caution

Due to maintenance of the water system on Cumberland Island, the Sea Camp and Dungeness areas will be under a boil water notice starting today Monday June 1, until further notice. Water coolers will be available with fresh drinking water for visitors to use.

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 September 22-24, 2026. 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 September 21st. Please follow all posted closure signs on the island.

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.

Mainland Museum Closure Information

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.

Park Events

Plum Orchard Mansion Tour

Take a guided tour through a turn-of-the-century mansion home owned by members of the Carnegie Family on Cumberland Island.

Location: Plum Orchard Mansion is located 7 miles north of Sea Camp ferry dock.

Date: May 14, 2026 12:00am to May 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Archery Managed Hunt

Managed Hunts - Cumberland Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)