Cumberland Island Visitor Rules: Fees & Permits
Cumberland Island Visitor Rules: Fees, Permits & Restrictions
Cumberland Island National Seashore is one of Georgia's most beautiful coastal destinations, with undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, historic ruins, and abundant wildlife. Before visiting, it is important to understand the park's entrance fees, ferry reservations, camping requirements, pet policies, and other restrictions.
Cumberland Island is protected by the National Park Service (NPS), and some rules differ from those at typical public beaches and state parks. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected costs, delays, or access restrictions.
Cumberland Island Entrance Fees
Visitors must pay a park entrance fee unless they qualify for an exemption or have an eligible pass.
The current standard entrance fee is $15 per person for seven days for visitors age 16 and older. Children under 16 do not pay the standard entrance fee.
Visitors with an eligible America the Beautiful pass may use it according to the pass conditions. Cumberland Island also offers an annual entrance pass.
Important: The park is cashless. Plan to pay by credit or debit card or use an accepted online payment option.
The entrance fee is separate from the ferry ticket. Budget for both when planning a day trip.
Check the official Cumberland Island Fees & Passes page for current prices and payment instructions.
Do You Need a Ferry Reservation?
Most visitors travel to Cumberland Island aboard the passenger ferry departing from downtown St. Marys, Georgia. Reservations are strongly recommended because trips can sell out.
The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes. Visitors should arrive at the Mainland Visitor Center about one hour before departure to check in.
The ferry does not transport cars, kayaks, or pets. Private boats are another way to reach the island, subject to park rules and docking availability.
Before traveling, confirm the ferry schedule, ticket prices, and return time through the official Cumberland Island Ferry website.
Camping Permits and Reservations
Overnight camping requires an advance reservation and a camping permit. Campsites are limited, so reserve early, particularly during popular travel periods.
The National Park Service accepts camping reservations up to six months in advance. Camping fees are separate from the park entrance fee and ferry tickets.
Before leaving for the island:
Confirm your campground and reservation dates.
Make sure everyone in your group has transportation arranged.
Keep your camping permit available during your stay.
Review campground-specific rules for fires, water, food storage, and quiet hours.
Check for seasonal closures that could affect your planned route.
Parts of the island's wilderness area and associated campsites may close during managed hunts, which generally occur between October and January. Check current park notices before planning a trip during these months.
Official information and reservations are available through the NPS Camping page.
Are Pets Allowed on Cumberland Island?
Pets are permitted in certain areas, but there are important restrictions.
The passenger ferry does not transport pets. Visitors bringing pets must use private boats.
Pets must remain leashed and under control. Owners must clean up after them and prevent them from disturbing wildlife.
Additional restrictions include:
Pets are allowed for day visits only.
Pets are not permitted in the campgrounds.
Pets are prohibited in the designated wilderness area covering much of the island's northern section.
Pets must not chase, harass, or disturb wildlife.
If you plan to bring a dog, review the official Cumberland Island pet regulations and map out the areas you can legally visit.
Can You Bring Food and Drinks?
Yes. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks because Cumberland Island has no general stores or restaurants for visitors to rely on.
Bring enough food and drinking water for your planned activities.
Refillable water bottles are useful because treated-water refill locations are available on the island's southern end.
Pack all food packaging and other waste back out with you.
There are no trash cans throughout the island. Visitors are expected to follow a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.
This includes food scraps, bottles, wrappers, fishing line, and other waste. Leaving trash behind can harm wildlife and damage the island's natural environment.
Are Campfires Allowed?
Fire rules depend on the location and current park restrictions. Do not assume that a beach or campsite permits an open fire.
Some campgrounds prohibit fires, and other locations may have restrictions intended to protect natural resources and visitor safety.
Always follow posted signs and current National Park Service instructions.
Before your trip, confirm the rules for your specific campground or planned activity through the official NPS Camping page.
Never leave a permitted fire unattended, and make sure you understand the applicable fire rules before bringing firewood or equipment.
Can You Fish on Cumberland Island?
Fishing is allowed in designated areas within Cumberland Island National Seashore, including certain docks when fishing does not interfere with public safety or boat maneuvering.
Anglers should follow applicable fishing regulations and restrictions, including any rules governing the species, season, size, and number of fish that may be kept.
Be considerate of other visitors, keep fishing line and discarded tackle out of the environment, and give boats room to approach and tie up at docks.
Before fishing, check current park regulations and the applicable Georgia saltwater fishing requirements. Do not assume every dock, shoreline, or restricted area is open to fishing.
Can You Ride a Vehicle or Bike on the Island?
Ordinary visitors cannot drive personal motor vehicles around Cumberland Island. The island is primarily explored on foot or by bicycle.
Bicycles can be useful for covering longer distances, but visitors should understand that many island roads are unpaved and may be sandy, uneven, or difficult to ride.
Some roads and trails are restricted to authorized use only. Follow posted closures and do not enter private property or restricted areas.
If you plan to bring a bicycle on the ferry, check the ferry operator's current requirements and fees before purchasing your ticket.
Rules for Wildlife and Natural Resources
Cumberland Island is home to wild horses, shorebirds, sea turtles, alligators, and many other animals. Wildlife protection is an important part of visiting the national seashore.
Visitors should follow these basic rules:
Never feed or touch wild animals.
Maintain a safe distance from horses and other wildlife.
Do not disturb sea turtle nests, eggs, or marked nesting areas.
Do not remove protected natural or historic resources.
Pack out trash and fishing line.
Respect posted closures around sensitive habitats.
Wild horses may look accustomed to people, but they remain wild animals and can injure visitors who approach too closely.
Some beach areas may be temporarily closed to protect nesting turtles or birds. These closures must be respected even when the beach is otherwise open to visitors.
Historic Ruins and Restricted Areas
Cumberland Island contains historic buildings, ruins, and structures that may be fragile or unsafe to enter.
Some areas, including portions of the Dungeness ruins and other historic structures, are closed to entry. Visitors should observe these sites from permitted viewing areas and obey signs, fences, and barriers.
Parts of the island also include private residences and property. Stay on public routes and respect all posted boundaries.
Never assume a structure is safe to enter simply because it appears accessible.
Seasonal Closures and Weather Restrictions
Access to Cumberland Island can change because of weather, hazardous conditions, wildlife protection, or park management activities.
Hurricane season, severe storms, flooding, and other dangerous conditions can affect ferry operations or close portions of the park. Seasonal managed hunts can also restrict access to designated wilderness areas and trails.
Before leaving St. Marys, check the National Park Service's Alerts & Conditions page for the latest notices.
Do not rely on an old blog post or an outdated trip report to determine whether a specific trail, dock, campground, or beach area is open.
What Should You Bring?
Because Cumberland Island has limited visitor amenities, preparation matters. Consider bringing:
Food and sufficient drinking water
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes
A refillable water bottle
A fully charged phone
A small first-aid kit
A bag for carrying out all trash
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Your entrance pass, reservations, and camping permit, if applicable
Cell service may be limited, so download maps and important reservation details before arriving.
Cumberland Island Visitor Rules: Quick Checklist
Before your trip, make sure you have:
Checked the current entrance fee and arranged payment.
Reserved ferry tickets or confirmed private-boat access.
Made a camping reservation if staying overnight.
Reviewed pet restrictions if traveling with an animal.
Checked current closures and weather conditions.
Packed food, water, and supplies.
Planned to carry all trash back off the island.
Reviewed wildlife and historic-site restrictions.
Explore More of Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island offers a unique look at Georgia's undeveloped coast, from its quiet beaches and maritime forests to its wild horses and historic ruins.
Explore more 912 Coastal articles for information about Cumberland Island's beaches, wildlife, hiking trails, camping, and history.
Discover more of Georgia's coast with 912 Coastal.
Knowing the rules ahead of time helps protect the island and allows you to spend more time enjoying its beaches, trails, wildlife, and historic sites.
Continue exploring our Cumberland Island visitor guides for information about beaches, camping, hiking, wildlife, historic ruins, and transportation from St. Marys.
Helpful 912 Coastal articles:
Visitor rules, fees, schedules, and closures can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the National Park Service before traveling.
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