Explore This Park

• Plan Your Visit
  • Be Ready!

Be Ready!

Be Ready! for your visit to Cumberland Island

A little preparation makes for a much more enjoyable trip to the island. Take time to review the information below and watch the videos when planning your visit.

 

New Check In Process

Hurricane Irma destroyed the park's mainland docks. As a result, there will be a new check in process. Download this map and checklist to prepare for your trip to the island.
The video below will help explain the steps to follow the morning of check in.

View the Waterfront Map & Checklist

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 5 seconds

Watch this short video to help prepare for the morning ferry check in process.

 

Checklist for Visiting Cumberland Island

Follow this list to be prepared for your trip. Print a copy here.

Reservations

Make ferry reservations – www.cumberlandislandferry.com

Make camping reservations – www.recreation.gov

Before You Arrive

Pack the essentials – water bottle, food, bug spray, sun screen, trash bag, and an extra

layer of clothing.

Have a plan for what you would like to do and see – Watch the Southend Loop Route video

Check the weather forecast

Print your camping permit and parking pass

Morning Of Your Trip

Arrive 1 hour before ferry departure time

Bring your ID & America the Beautiful Public Lands Pass if you have one

Check In Process

1. Go to the visitor center to:

Check in for the ferry & pay your park entry fee

Reserve a spot for your private bike (if bringing one)

Check in for camping reservations

Grab a map

2. Drive 2 blocks East to the Loading Zone to:

Drop off people & gear

Load your camping gear and bikes on the ferry

Handicap parking is available

3. Park your vehicle in the Cumberland Island Parking lot, 1 block west of the visitor center.

All vehicles – day visitors and campers- must be parked in the lot

Lock doors & don’t leave valuables in sight

If camping, place your parking permit on the dash

4. Be at the ferry dock at least 10 minutes prior to departure.

It is 3 blocks from the parking lot to ferry dock; leave enough time to walk it

There will be a short orientation prior to boarding

Make sure you have ferry tickets & gear

On The Island

Rent carts + bikes by the Sea Camp Ranger Station while the ferry is in dock

Be back at Sea Camp Dock 15 minutes before scheduled departure (by 4 pm for the

Dockside program)

Campers hang permits on campsite markers when you get to your site (at wilderness

sites, leave the permit with your tent)

 

 

Guide to the most popular day hike

From Sound to Sea - Southend Loop Watch the video

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 29 seconds

This 4.3 mile loop is the most popular route taken by day visitors to Cumberland Island. It showcases a variety of what the island has to offer.