A continuous 17-mile stretch of beach defines Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. The well-preserved island is part of Camden County and combines a distinctive coastal landscape with places that tell the island’s story.

You can reach Cumberland Island by passenger ferry or private boat. The ferry departs from the mainland visitor center in Saint Marys and serves the Dungeness and Sea Camp landings on the island. Check the current ferry schedule as you plan, so you can coordinate your island visit with the service.

Cumberland Island: Beach and History

The Lands and Legacies Tour visits Plum Orchard Mansion, the Settlement with First African Baptist Church, Cumberland Island Wharf and other places along the preserve’s main road. The stops offer different perspectives on Cumberland Island. First African Baptist Church was founded in 1893 by African American residents of the island and their families—a tangible part of the community’s history alongside the buildings and the wharf.

Waterways and Trails

Camden County is also shaped by its rivers: significant waterways include Crooked River, Cumberland River, Big Satilla River, Little Satilla River and St. Marys River. Fishing and boating are among the recreational activities available on the county’s waterways. Crooked River State Park offers a setting along the Intracoastal Waterway and in maritime forest. In St. Marys, Adventures Up the Creek offers kayaking in the surrounding quiet marshes and estuaries.

The trails also differ in route and character. White Oak Nature Trail is a 3.5-mile Rails-to-Trails route with access points near Woodbine, in White Oak and near Waverly. Woodbine Nature Trail and River Walk is a paved, scenic trail along a former railway line to the Satilla River and is part of the Coastal Georgia Greenway Rails-to-Trails program. One trail has three named access points; the other brings a former rail line and a river together.

The 3 Rivers Trail in Camden County begins in historic downtown St. Marys, runs along the outer edge of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, passes the Tabby Ruins and ends at Crooked River State Park. The route and facilities may change; check the latest route information before setting out.

City History in Woodbine and St. Marys

The Woodbine Historic District is significant at the local level for its importance to community planning and development, commerce, transportation, architecture, and politics and administration. It preserves an intact historic grid plan and courthouse plan. The history of the town is thus reflected not only in individual buildings but also in the layout of the town that has been preserved.

A county proclamation dated February 4, 2025, recognized the Woodbine Opry as having been part of Camden County’s cultural and musical heritage for 25 years. It linked the tradition to the historic Old School Auditorium in Woodbine and named bluegrass, gospel and classic country music.

The St. Marys History Walk is a 600-foot, self-guided tour with 24 information panels on the region’s history. Orange Hall in St. Marys offers an example of antebellum-era life in the Greek Revival style and dates approximately to the 1820s–1830s. The panels and the building emphasize different aspects: the region’s history along the walk, and a specific example of historic architecture.

Getting Oriented

The St. Marys Welcome Center offers travel information about Cumberland Island and the surrounding St. Marys area, including museums and outdoor activities. The Kingsland Welcome Center is a tourist information center next to Interstate 95. Certain pavilions in county parks can be reserved through Camden County Public Works.

Camden offers different starting points depending on your interests: Cumberland Island brings together island coastline and historic sites, Woodbine preserves town planning and musical traditions, and St. Marys offers history panels and architectural history. This lets you make nature, trails or culture the focus of your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kingsland, Woodbine, St. Marys, Spring Bluff, Burke County, Decatur County, Terrell County, Fayette.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.