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The Sea Camp Boardwalk on Cumberland Island.
Georgia has many secluded destinations that are never too congested, too crowded, or too far from the major Interstates and byways, making them easily accessible and all that more enticing to visit. While the Peach State serves as an excellent snowbird destination for countless Canadians every winter, it’s ideal to visit anytime and practically during any season.
Natural attractions abound and although Cumberland Island National Seashore joins the ranks of other popular Barrier Islands like Jekyll and Tybee, what makes it unique is it’s the largest undeveloped Barrier Island along the Georgia Coast as the National Park Service (NPS) protects nearly 14,568 ha (36,000 ac), including kilometres of unspoiled beaches.
With a limited capacity of no more than 300 visitors at one time, the island is accessible only by ferry. The main terminal is located at the Cumberland Island Visitor’s Center in St. Marys, 11 km (7 mi) east of the mainland. Following the scenic 45-minute sail, you’ll land at the island’s Sea Camp Dock where you can begin your adventure. Remember, space is limited on the ferry as well and reservations are required. (www.cumberlandislandferry.com).
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The expansive, undeveloped shore on the island (Sea Camp Beach).
Once on the island, primitive sites for tent camping are available at designated locations but RV camping is not permitted. This makes Cumberland perfect for day trips sunning and swimming along its sandy shore, biking on designated roads, hiking amongst rich nature and exploring historic sites.
If you prefer to spend the night away from your RV, the all-inclusive Greyfield Inn is a great option. It’s the only commercial facility on the island and where you can enjoy the best of what mother nature has to offer in the utmost comfort. While the inn is currently open to the public, it has implemented safety COVID-19 measures to ensure continued health for visitors and staff. Visit www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/camping.htm for all of the details.
A great way to explore Cumberland Island is by a guided tour, which not only provides insight into its interesting history but makes the most of your time here. Jeep tours are available for guests at the Greyfield Inn and park ranger tours are offered for day visitors, which start from the Sea Camp Dock. Tours are also available from the Dungeness Docks.
Either way, you’ll cover several hundred years of history in just a few hours while travelling the interior of one of the largest maritime forests remaining in the United States. You can also explore the island yourself as bike rentals are available at the Sea Camp Dock on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Scenic Grand Avenue, the area’s main road.
Dungeness Ruins
This is one of the most popular destinations on the island and consists of the remains of Lucy Carnegie’s island mansion. Lucy, whose husband Thomas was the brother and business partner of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, once owned 90 percent of the island and built grand homes for her children, including the Greyfield.
Wildlife and More
Cumberland Island is rich in history and seclusion but it also inhabits a lot of wildlife. At 30 km (18 mi) in length, a variety of deer, waterfowl, bobcats, alligators, and coyotes all call the island home. If you’re lucky in the cooler winter months, you’ll spot whales slipping above and below the surface of the coastal waters. Manatees are also commonly seen from June to September.
However, it’s the wild, feral horses that steal the natural show on Cumberland. They have been inhabiting the area for more than 500 years after being brought over by the Spanish. They can be seen throughout the island including along Grand Avenue and around the Dungeness Ruins.
Ralph Daniel ExploreGeorgia.org
A popular destination is The Dungeness Ruins.
Plan Your Visit
Since services are limited and no concessions, it’s best to prepare accordingly. For all of the details, travel tips and activities on Cumberland Island be sure to visit www.exploregeorgia.org.
Article and photos courtesy of www.exploregeorgia.org.
*Ed Note: Select Cumberland Island National Seashore facilities have been closed or have limited accessibility due to COVID-19. Be sure to check with NPS to learn about the latest updates, safety measures, non-emergency alerts/conditions, and safety regulations before day visits or camping trips. Visit the following links below for more details.
Park Access and Limitations:
Non-Emergency Alerts
www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Camping Guidelines:
https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Expand your Experiences in Georgia: Savour the State’s Best Barbecue
Whether you’re coming or going from St. Marys and Cumberland Island, there’s much to see, discover and especially savour throughout Georgia. Many restaurants serve some of the world’s best barbecue. Spicy, sweet, smokey and cooked to perfection with homemade sauces, there’s no end to the creative forces behind the Peach State’s mouth-watering creations.
Here are some top barbecue spots across the state.
Southern Soul Barbeque
St. Simons Island
Start your sticky dining adventure along the coast at Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons Island. Located approximately 32 km (20 mi) from I-95, Southern Soul will make your mouth water with its smoked pork, brisket, turkey and chicken alongside Southern-style vegetables. It also has easy access to beaches along the coast to walk off a hearty meal.
Fresh Air Barbecue
Jackson
The menu at Fresh Air Barbecue doesn’t stray from the basics that put this roadside barbecue institution on the map in 1929. It’s known as the oldest pit-cooked barbecue restaurant in Georgia and is still at its original location. Visit for the smoked pork, fresh slaw, Brunswick stew, pickles, and bread. There’s no doubt you’ll leave on a full stomach. It’s also conveniently located approximately 20 km (12 mi) from I-75.
http://www.freshairbarbecue.com
Jomax BBQ
Metter
If you’re heading to Atlanta from Savannah, you'll want to stop off the I-16 for lunch at Jomax BBQ in Metter. This lodge-like restaurant is named after its founders, Joe and Maxine Hulsey, who opened it more than 30 years ago. It’s a detour you won't regret.
Heirloom Market BBQ
Sandy Springs
Husband and wife Cody Taylor and Jiyeon Lee combine the flavours of home —Tennessee and South Korea — at this metro Atlanta hotspot. Try the spicy Korean smoked pork for an exemplary taste of this beautiful marriage.
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The ferry service from the visitor’s centre in St. Marys
Miller Brothers Rib Shack
Dalton
Walter and Eugene Miller began serving ribs and chicken from a front-yard smoker in 1978. They opened their first location in 1982 and have more than 35 years of barbecue cred. Want to add some heat to your meal? Ask for the homemade Dragon Lady sauce.
https://www.facebook.com/Miller-Brothers-Rib-Shack-MBRS-249692728420155/
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Atlanta
From smoked wings and colossal beef ribs to juicy, charred brisket, if your travels lead through the state’s capital you’ll want to try the smokehouse sensations created by Jonathan and Justin Fox in Atlanta's Candler Park neighbourhood.
Blackbeard's B&B Bar-B-Que
Albany
Smoked ribs, half chickens, and barbecue pork combine to make this long-standing shrine of southern food live up to its name. The menu covers all manner of Southern staples including fried catfish, hush puppies, cheese grits and country fried steak. It’ll be worth driving 73 km (45 mi) from I-75.
Sconyers Bar B Que & Fincher's Barbecue
Augusta/Macon
You can find some of the South's best barbecue at Sconyers Bar B Que in Augusta and Fincher’s Barbecue in Macon. Old-fashioned pit-smoking with oak and hickory holds the key to the Augusta spot's praised menu. This is where you’ll salivate over lean tenderloin, tender ribs and smoked hash - all created and cooked using a secret family recipe. Macon-based Fincher’s is also popular enough to be spread out to four locations throughout the city so there are many opportunities to try their Southern pork, chicken and turkey dishes.
Wiley's Championship BBQ
Savannah
This popular establishment is located in Savannah and has frequently been crowned the city’s best barbecue. Since opening in 2005, Wiley’s has claimed national titles in barbecue competitions every year for nearly a decade. This fame is from its loaded menu that includes smoked meats and sausage, pulled pork, stuffed baked potatoes and to-die-for classic banana pudding.
Jim's Smokin' Que, Blairsville
Chances are likely you’ll smell the rich, sweet scent of Jim's Smokin' Que before you see it. Owners Jim, Donna and Lauren incorporate cherrywood in their barbecue process to create delicious food for the thousands of customers who dine here each year. Located in Northern Georgia near the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blairsville, ‘the Que’ has a welcoming, hometown atmosphere to further enjoy the menu items. While closed in January and February, it reopens on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays in March.
Mainland RV Sites and Attractions
While there’s a lot to do on Cumberland, there’s also a variety of activities and events in St. Mary’s, one of the closest communities to the island. Some attractions include the St. Marys Submarine Museum, the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum and Cumberland Island Visitors Center. Or plan a visit around the Mardi Gras Festival, February 25 and 26, 2022 in nearby Kingsland, and the St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival in October.
There are also a variety of campgrounds in the immediate area of St. Mary’s including Crooked River State Park. It’s located among 202 ha (500 ac) that has 63 tent and RV sites, four picnic shelters, two group shelters and a boat ramp and dock. Other RV park options include:
- A Big Wheel RV Park
- Eagle Hammock RV Park
https://www.navymwrkingsbay.com/
- Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA Holiday
https://koa.com/campgrounds/jacksonville/
- Country Oaks RV Park and Campground
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