Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Cumberland Island
Know before you go
Mainland Gateway Parking
Complimentary parking is provided near the St. Marys Visitor Center for ferry passengers. Overnight campers must use designated long-term zones.
Island-Wide Connectivity Gap
Cellular service is unreliable and often non-existent once you leave the Dungeness area. Carry a physical map provided by the National Park Service.
Self-Sufficiency Requirement
There are no fuel stations, grocery stores, or restaurants on the island. You must pack all necessary supplies from the mainland town of St. Marys.
Ferry Departure Deadlines
The ferry operates on a strict seasonal schedule; late arrivals will be stranded on the mainland or island. Arrive 30 minutes before your booked departure.
Wilderness Permit Boundaries
Access to the northern wilderness areas for camping requires specific permits distinct from the ferry ticket. Travel wilderness trails on foot; bicycles are prohibited on trails and may be ridden only where permitted on roads and the designated beach segment.
Check current conditions:National Park Service
2RVs, campervans & cars near JAX
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to JAX
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at JAX
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at JAX
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at JAX
- ✓ Compare suppliers at JAX
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at JAX
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at JAXA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Cumberland Island
- 01
Gilded Age Ruins and Wild Horses
Suggested: 9 AM from St. Marys Ferry Dock
Dungeness Mansion Ruins
Walk the skeletal remains of the Carnegie estate where feral horses often graze on the historic lawns.
Greene-Miller Cemetery
Visit the final resting place of Revolutionary War figures and island residents amidst the live oaks.
Walking or cycling only; no public vehicle access
The ferry is the only public transport; do not miss the final departure time.
Pick up your vehicle at JAX → - 02
Maritime Forest and Wilderness Shores
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Sea Camp
Parallel Trail
Hike under a dense canopy of ancient live oaks and saw palmettos to experience the interior ecosystem.
Cumberland Island Beach
Explore miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline for shell collecting and birdwatching.
Walking or cycling only; conditions vary with sand depth
Bring all water and food as no concessions exist on the island.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
North End History
Suggested: 9 AM via your own bicycle, with ferry bike space arranged in advance
Plum Orchard Mansion
Tour a fully preserved Gilded Age manor (check tour times at the dock) located mid-island.
First African Baptist Church
Visit The Settlement at the north end, a site of significant post-Civil War African American history.
Walking or cycling only; allow 4-6 hours for a round trip to the north end
The 14-mile round trip to Plum Orchard is strenuous on sandy roads; pace accordingly.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Strict Ferry and Wilderness Camping Quotas
Access requires a ferry reservation through the official concessionaire, which can book up weeks in advance. Camping permits are managed by the National Park Service and are strictly limited by site capacity; distinguish between Sea Camp and primitive wilderness sites. Always check the official NPS site for current ferry schedules and permit availability.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
JAXCumberland Island
Jacksonville International Airport · 59 min drive
Find flights to JAX
Plan your road trip
From Jacksonville International Airport
59 min
about 34 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Cumberland Island on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Cumberland Island on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Cumberland Island
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Cumberland Island
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Cumberland Island
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Cumberland Island
Explore guided activities around Cumberland Island. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Cumberland Island
Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
