Cumberland Island Ferry Tips: What to Know Before You Go

A trip to Cumberland Island is one of the best day adventures on the Georgia coast — wild horses, untouched beaches, live oak forests, and the ruins of the Carnegie estate. But there's no bridge to the island. The only way to get there (unless you have your own boat) is the passenger ferry from St. Marys, and a little planning goes a long way. These Cumberland Island ferry camping tips will help you book the right departure, pack the right gear, and set up your trip so the only thing you have to think about on the island is enjoying it.

How Do I Get to Cumberland Island, and What Should I Bring?

You get to Cumberland Island on the passenger ferry that departs from the waterfront in St. Marys, Georgia. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. The island has no stores, no restaurants, and no shade once you leave the dock area, so you need to bring everything you'll need for the day. Pack the essentials:

• Plenty of water — there's limited drinking water on the island and none for sale
• Food and snacks — there's nowhere to buy a meal
• Sunscreen and bug spray — the marsh and maritime forest mean sun and biting insects
• Closed-toe walking shoes — the island is bigger than people expect
• A hat, sunglasses, and a light rain layer
• A small backpack to carry it all, since you'll be walking from the dock

The ferry is foot-traffic only — no cars, bikes (unless rented on-island), or pets on the regular passenger ferry. Plan to carry in and carry out everything you bring.

Ferry Schedule and Reservations

The ferry runs on a seasonal schedule, so always confirm current times when you book. As a general guide:

• Spring/Summer/Fall (March 1 – November 30): seven days a week
• Winter (December 1 – end of February): five days a week, Thursday through Monday
• Typical departures from St. Marys: around 9:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
• Typical returns from the island: around 10:15 a.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Space on the boat is limited and the popular departures sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Book ahead through the official ferry site rather than counting on walk-up seats.

A few booking notes worth knowing:

• Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for check-in, the park orientation, and boarding.
• Refunds generally must be requested at least 10 days before your sail date and may carry a cancellation fee. Cancellations inside that window typically aren't refunded, though a transfer may be allowed up to 24 hours before sailing.
• The ferry fee is separate from the National Park entrance fee for Cumberland Island National Seashore — budget for both, and check the current rates before you go.

What to Do Once You're on the Island

Cumberland Island is a National Seashore, which means it's protected and largely undeveloped. Most visitors get off at one of the dock stops and spend the day on foot. Highlights include:

• The wild horses — descendants of feral horses that roam the island freely (keep your distance; they're not tame)
• The Dungeness ruins — the dramatic remains of the Carnegie family mansion
• Miles of empty Atlantic beach — some of the most pristine, uncrowded shoreline in the Southeast
• The maritime forest — shaded trails under twisted live oaks draped in Spanish moss
• Plum Orchard mansion — a restored Georgian-style home (a longer hike or a specific ferry stop, depending on the day)

Because you're working around the return ferry times, pick one or two priorities rather than trying to see everything. The Dungeness ruins and the nearby beach are an easy first trip; serious hikers can push farther north.

Where to Stay the Night Before Your Ferry

Here's the tip most first-timers miss: the morning ferry leaves early, and you want to be checked in 60 minutes ahead. Trying to make a 9:00 a.m. departure after a long drive that same morning is stressful. The smart move is to camp nearby the night before so you roll up to the St. Marys waterfront relaxed and on time.

Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA Holiday is the closest full-service campground to the Cumberland Island ferry, which makes it the ideal launch pad for your trip. You can arrive the evening before, get a good night's sleep, pack your day bag, and be at the dock with time to spare.

The campground sits right off I-95 at Exit 1 in Kingsland, GA — a short drive from the St. Marys waterfront where the ferry departs. After a full day on the island, you come back to a real bed (or your own rig), a hot shower, and a meal instead of a long drive home.

Your Cumberland Island Base Camp

Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA Holiday gives Cumberland Island visitors the most convenient and comfortable home base on the mainland. The campground offers:

• 110 full-hookup RV sites for everything from a van to a big rig
• 8 cabins (4 deluxe, 4 camping) plus the one-of-a-kind Kontainer Suite
• 8 tent sites for traditional campers
• An onsite restaurant, mini golf, and beer and wine available on-site

It's the closest full-service campground to the Cumberland Island ferry, right off I-95 at Exit 1 in Kingsland, Georgia — about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville. Spend the night before your island adventure with us, and start your Cumberland Island trip rested and ready.

Planning your Cumberland Island trip? Book your stay at Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA Holiday (https://koa.com/campgrounds/jacksonville/) and make us your base camp.