Best Things to Bring to Cumberland Island

Best Things to Bring to Cumberland Island

Planning a day trip to Cumberland Island, Georgia?

Here's the first thing you need to know:

Cumberland Island isn't a typical beach destination.

There are no stores, restaurants or convenience stores waiting for you when you get off the ferry. Once you're on the island, you're responsible for having what you need for the day. The National Park Service specifically recommends bringing food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes.

That little bit of preparation can make the difference between an incredible Cumberland Island adventure and a day of wishing you'd packed differently.

Here's our Cumberland Island packing list.

1. Plenty of Water

Water should be at the top of your list.

Cumberland Island can be hot and humid, especially during the summer, and you're likely to spend much more time walking than you initially expect.

The National Park Service recommends bringing a refillable water bottle. Potable water refill stations are available in areas of the island, particularly around the south end.

A refillable bottle is much better than bringing a bunch of disposable bottles.

And if you're planning a long hike, bring enough water for the distance you're covering.

2. Lunch and Snacks

Don't assume you'll find somewhere to grab lunch.

You won't.

The National Park Service says there are no restaurants or shops on Cumberland Island, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks.

A good day-trip lunch might include:

• Sandwiches

• Wraps

• Fruit

• Trail mix

• Granola bars

• Crackers

• Jerky

• Chips

• Plenty of water

Keep it simple.

You don't want to carry a giant cooler around the island all day.

3. A Refillable Water Bottle

Yes, we're mentioning water twice because it's that important.

A refillable bottle lets you start the day with plenty of water and refill it at available potable-water stations.

The NPS specifically recommends bringing a refillable bottle.

A large insulated bottle can be especially nice when you're spending hours outside.

4. Comfortable Walking Shoes

This might be the item people underestimate the most.

You're going to walk.

Cumberland Island has more than 50 miles of trails and roads, along with approximately 18 miles of beach.

You may walk across:

• Dirt

• Sand

• Boardwalks

• Forest trails

• Uneven roads

• Beach

• Roots

• Other natural terrain

Flip-flops might be fine for part of the beach.

They're not what I'd choose for an all-day Cumberland Island adventure.

Bring comfortable shoes that you're actually willing to walk several miles in.

5. Sunscreen

You're going to encounter plenty of sun.

Even when you're walking through the maritime forest, you'll eventually find yourself back out in open areas, marsh, dunes or beach.

The NPS specifically recommends sunscreen for Cumberland Island visitors.

Put it on before leaving St. Marys and bring enough to reapply throughout the day.

6. A Good Hat

This one is both practical and, let's be honest, a perfect 912 Coastal item.

A good hat helps provide some shade while you're walking beaches, trails and open areas.

Look for something comfortable and breathable that you won't mind wearing for several hours.

And if you happen to show up in a 912 Coastal hat, well...

You already know we approve.

The important thing is choosing something that protects you from the sun and fits comfortably.

7. Bug Spray

Bring the bug spray.

Seriously.

Cumberland Island has mosquitoes, gnats and ticks, and the National Park Service specifically recommends insect repellent.

This is especially important when you're spending time around:

• Marsh

• Forest

• Tall grass

• Trails

• Shaded areas

Spray before you start hiking and carry some with you.

8. Lightweight, Breathable Clothing

Cumberland Island can get hot and humid.

Lightweight clothing can make a huge difference when you're walking several miles.

Consider:

• Lightweight fishing/outdoor shirt

• Shorts

• Lightweight pants

• Breathable T-shirt

• Moisture-wicking shirt

• Hat

• Sunglasses

And don't forget that weather can change.

The NPS recommends bringing an extra layer of clothing as part of its visitor checklist.

9. Sunglasses

The combination of bright beach sand, water and Georgia sunshine can make sunglasses more than just an accessory.

Bring a pair you're comfortable wearing for several hours.

If you're going to spend time around the beach or marsh, polarized sunglasses can also be useful for cutting glare.

10. A Small Backpack

This might be one of the most useful things you bring.

You need something to carry:

• Water

• Food

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Camera

• Phone

• Extra clothing

• Map

• Small personal items

But don't go overboard.

Remember:

You have to carry everything you bring.

The NPS specifically recommends planning around the distances between locations and being prepared to carry your supplies.

11. Your Phone and a Portable Charger

Your phone is useful for:

• Photos

• Maps

• Emergency communication

• Checking information

• Keeping track of time

But don't assume you'll have perfect cell service everywhere.

The island is remote, and cellular coverage can be spotty in some areas.

A portable battery pack is inexpensive insurance.

And honestly, you're probably going to take a lot of pictures.

12. A Camera

Cumberland Island is one of those places where you'll probably wish you had brought a better camera.

You may encounter:

• Wild horses

• Historic ruins

• Live oaks

• Marsh

• Wildlife

• Birds

• Beaches

• Dunes

• Sunrises

• Sunsets

Even your phone can take incredible pictures.

Just remember the wildlife rule:

Zoom in instead of walking closer.

Especially when photographing the wild horses.

13. A Map

Don't rely completely on your phone.

The National Park Service provides maps during the visitor check-in process, and knowing where you are and how far you need to walk is important on a large, undeveloped island.

Before heading out, look at:

• Where you are

• Where you're going

• How far it is

• Where the ferry dock is

• Where water is available

• How much time you have before your return ferry

That last one is particularly important.

14. A Trash Bag

This one is easy to forget.

Cumberland Island is pack-in, pack-out.

There are no trash cans on the island, so you're responsible for taking your trash back with you.

Bring a small trash bag for:

• Food wrappers

• Bottles

• Napkins

• Packaging

• Anything else you brought with you

Leave the island as beautiful as you found it.

15. Hand Sanitizer

The NPS includes hand sanitizer on its Cumberland Island preparation checklist.

It's small, lightweight and easy to throw into a backpack.

There's really no reason not to have it.

16. Extra Clothing

A lightweight extra shirt or layer can be surprisingly useful.

You could get:

• Sweaty

• Wet

• Sandy

• Caught in a rain shower

• Chilled by wind

• Covered in salt spray

An extra shirt takes almost no space in a backpack.

You'll be glad you brought it when you need it.

17. A Small First-Aid Kit

You don't need to bring a full emergency room in your backpack.

A basic kit is enough:

• Bandages

• Antiseptic wipes

• Blister treatment

• Pain reliever

• Tweezers

• Small gauze pad

The goal is to handle minor problems without turning around halfway through your day.

18. Comfortable Beach Gear

If the beach is part of your plan, consider bringing:

• Towel

• Small blanket

• Sand-friendly footwear

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Extra water

Just remember that you're going to have to carry it.

The best Cumberland Island beach setup is lightweight.

19. A Watch or Keep Track of Ferry Time

This may be the least exciting item on the list.

It might also be the most important.

Don't miss the ferry.

The NPS recommends being back at your departure dock at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Cumberland Island is big.

It's easy to think:

"We're only a little farther down the trail."

Then suddenly you're several miles away.

Keep an eye on the time.

Give yourself a comfortable margin.

20. A Good Attitude

This might sound cheesy, but it's true.

Cumberland Island isn't supposed to be convenient.

That's why people love it.

There aren't restaurants.

There aren't paved roads everywhere.

There aren't souvenir shops around every corner.

There isn't a golf cart waiting to take you back to the ferry.

Instead, there are:

Live oaks.

Wild horses.

Marshes.

Historic ruins.

Miles of beach.

Wildlife.

And a whole lot of Georgia coast.

That's the experience.

What NOT to Bring

Sometimes the easiest way to pack is to figure out what you can leave at home.

Don't overpack.

Remember that you're carrying your stuff.

Don't bring more food than you need.

A simple lunch and snacks are better than dragging a huge cooler around.

Don't bring anything you aren't willing to carry back.

Especially trash.

Don't bring unnecessary valuables.

The NPS recommends locking your vehicle and keeping valuables out of sight when parking at the mainland visitor center.

Don't bring the expectation of convenience.

That's kind of the whole point.

A Simple Cumberland Island Day-Trip Packing List

If you want the short version, here's what I'd put in the backpack:

Must Have

• Water bottle

• Lunch

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Comfortable shoes

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Phone

• Portable charger

• Small backpack

• Trash bag

Nice to Have

• Camera

• Extra shirt

• Lightweight rain jacket

• Small first-aid kit

• Map

• Beach towel

• Hand sanitizer

That's enough for most day visitors without turning yourself into a pack mule.

One Last Thing: Check the Weather

Before you leave St. Marys, check the forecast.

The National Park Service warns that weather conditions can change quickly and specifically advises visitors to watch for afternoon storms and lightning.

If you hear thunder or see lightning while you're on the beach, leave the beach and seek appropriate shelter.

Cumberland Island is beautiful.

It is also a remote coastal environment.

Respect it.

Final Thoughts

The best way to enjoy Cumberland Island is to arrive prepared but not overloaded.

Bring water.

Bring food.

Bring sunscreen.

Bring bug spray.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring a hat.

Bring a camera.

And leave room in your backpack for the things you don't know you'll need until you're already there.

Most importantly, give yourself enough time to actually enjoy the island.

Don't spend the entire day racing from one attraction to another just so you can say you saw everything.

Stop beneath the live oaks.

Walk the beach.

Watch the horses from a safe distance.

Explore the ruins.

Listen to the waves.

Take some pictures.

That's Cumberland Island.

And your adventure starts right here in St. Marys, Georgia.

912 Coastal — Fishing Georgia & Northeast Florida.

More Cumberland Island From 912 Coastal

• Cumberland Island, Georgia: Things to See & Do

• Cumberland Island Wild Horses: What Visitors Should Know

• Cumberland Island Things to Bring

• Cumberland Island Ferry

• Cumberland Island JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s Wedding

• A Day Trip to Cumberland Island from St. Marys

• Cumberland Island Fishing

• Cumberland Island, Georgia: Complete Visitor Guide

Park rules, ferry schedules, services and conditions can change. Always check the current National Park Service information before your trip.

912 Coastal | Coastal Life, Fishing, Boating & Adventure