Cumberland Island National Seashore Backpacking & Kayaking

Trip Length4 Days
Group Size4–12
Activity level
Starting from
$1,999for REI Members
$2,199 for non-members
DeparturesDec 2024-Dec 2025
Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236
Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Enjoy a 4-day escape to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest barrier island. Spend 3 nights backpacking and exploring the island's beaches, maritime forests, and archeological sites, then on our 4th day we embark on a private boat tour and kayak tour.

Visitors come to Georgia's Cumberland Island for the beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and stunning architectural ruins. Cumberland Island is bound by warm sand beaches along the Atlantic to the East and tidal rivers, marshes, and sounds in the west making for an abundance of landscapes and ecosystems. On our first morning together, we ferry from the mainland to Cumberland Island where we put on our packs and backpack to our home for the next two nights. We day trip to historic Plum Orchard, catch sunrise on the beach, and spot wild horses grazing and armadillos in the underbrush. Next, we backpack to our third night's camp close to the Dungeness Ruins where we take time to explore ruins and hike on the beach. On our final day we're whisked away on a private boat tour where we seek dolphins and manatees. We round out the day with a kayak tour through a tidal blackwater river where we explore forested wetlands teeming with azaleas, reptiles, and unique birds like the anhinga and pileated woodpecker.

Our skilled guides are well-versed historians and naturalists eager to share their passion for the island and for taking care of groups in the backcountry. Let them take care of the planning, meals, and logistics so you can soak in the scenery and reconnect with nature. Each day is a new adventure, a new challenge, and a lasting memory.

Shelling on Cumberland Island is a popular pastime.

Trip Highlights

  • Escape the crowds, Cumberland Island limits the number of visitors per day.
  • Enjoy a private wildlife focused boat tour.
  • Spot wildlife, from wild horses and armadillos to dolphins and bald eagles.
  • Spend three nights at comfortable backcountry sites with showers and bathrooms.
  • Hike on the beach and dunes and through oak and pine forests.
  • Pick between sunset over the marshland and sunrise on the beach.

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. This itinerary is suitable for beginner backpackers with a moderate level of fitness. Trip members will carry their own backpacks weighing 35-40 pounds over distances of 3-5 miles on Days 1 and 3. Days 2 and 3 include day hikes with a daypack from 4-9.5 miles and 5-8 hours. Elevation gains and losses are limited but hiking in sand is more challenging and strenuous than hiking on a packed dirt trail. Kayaking is suitable for beginners with more focus on wildlife and nature than difficult paddling.

Note that while aids like wagons or bikes are commonly used to transport gear from the ferry to campgrounds on Cumberland Island, this is a backpacking trip and we will not be using any aids to transport our gear. We are traveling beyond where wagons are allowed or practical.

  • Backpacking
  • Kayaking

What's Included

Any park or other admission fees or permits, guides; round trip transportation from Jacksonville, FL to all destinations visited during the trip; all meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4; see trip gear list for details on gear provided during this adventure.

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Cumberland Island National Seashore Backpacking & Kayaking
Day 1

Ferry to Cumberland Island and backpack to camp

This trip begins in Jacksonville, Florida at our host hotel near the airport. We meet our fellow travelers for a brief orientation before transferring to St. Marys, Georgia where we catch a ferry to Cumberland Island. Before boarding the ferry, we take time to prepare you for our backpacking journey with a packing demonstration and distribution of group gear, food, and snacks. Once on Cumberland Island we set off for our camp and home for the next two nights. Today's route takes us through a maritime forest full of live oaks covered in Spanish moss and resurrection ferns, a landscape full of life. We keep watch for some of the park's native inhabitants, including feral horses left by Spanish explorers, whitetail deer, and of course armadillos scurrying through the underbrush. Our backcountry camp is a short walk from the beach, in camp we have access to cold showers, flushing toilets, and potable water. Tonight, we gather in camp for dinner prepared by our guide team and reflection on our first day together. Lunch and dinner included.

Backpacking: 3.5 mi, Elevation gain/loss: Minimal; Van transfer: 45 minutes

Day 2

Hiking to historic Plum Orchard

After fueling up for the day in camp we set off for a day of hiking and adventure. Today we leave the heavy gear behind and hike with lighter packs to explore Plum Orchard. Construction of the 22,000 square foot mansion began in 1898 as a wedding present to George Carnegie and Margaret Thaw and served as their winter home. We learn about the history and the families that have called this island home, the machinery that made it possible, and the culture at the turn of the century. This evening we spend time on the beach taking in the vibrant sunset. All meals included.

Hiking: 9.1 miles; Elevation gain/loss: minimal

Day 3

Backpack to Sea Camp & explore the Dungeness Ruins

We wake this morning to the pitter patter of guides preparing hot drinks and breakfast to fuel us through the day. After breaking camp, we set off for Sea Camp, where we spend our last night on Cumberland Island. After setting up camp we again leave the heavy gear behind and hike towards the Dungeness Ruins. This afternoon we explore the iconic Dungeness Ruins from the 1750s, a popular spot for feral horses to graze, and one of our favorite photo spots. From the Dungeness Ruins we can hike back along the beach to Sea Camp. All meals included.

Backpacking: 3.3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: minimal; Hiking: 4.1 mi, Elevation gain/loss: minimal

Day 4

Cumberland Island to Amelia Island and kayaking Lofton Creek

After another delicious breakfast and coffee, we break camp and say goodbye to our home by the beach. This morning we have arranged to be picked up for a private boat tour of the marshlands and wildlife around Cumberland Island. We hope to see dolphins, manatees, and some of the over 470 bird species that call this area home including the endangered American Wood Stork. Once ashore we have arranged for a fresh and local lunch before our afternoon kayak tour. Our kayak tour takes us through a calm blackwater channel meandering through forested wetland full of reptiles, birds, and flowers. This evening we return to our host hotel in Jacksonville, Florida. Breakfast and lunch included.

Kayaking : 2 hours; Van transfer: 30 minutes

Itinerary map for Cumberland Island National Seashore Backpacking & Kayaking

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Required gear

Travel documents

  • Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Recommended gear

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Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.