Imagine visiting a white-sand beach and having it all to yourself!

On Cumberland Island, your dream can become a reality. At 17 miles long, Cumberland Island’s beach is the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the east coast.

In this article, you will learn how to most easily access Cumberland’s beach and enjoy it for yourself!

How to Arrive on the Island

The only way to get to the island is by ferry (or private boat – more info here), and once on the island, the only mode of transportation is by foot.

There are two ferry stops on Cumberland Island, but the one closest to Cumberland’s beach is Sea Camp Dock, the second stop on the island.

Ferry to Sea Camp Dock

15-20 minute walk

From the Sea Camp Dock, the beach is about .5 mile – a 15 or 20 minute walk – East down the dirt path. This is the most direct and easiest way to reach the beach on Cumberland Island.

Ferry to Dungeness Dock

45 minute walk

A more scenic (and longer) way to arrive at the beach is from Cumberland’s other ferry stop, Dungeness Dock.

From the dock, walk .5 mile to the Dungeness Mansion ruins and turn left along the path to head east towards the beach. At the sign for the cemetery, you may choose from two options:

1. More direct path: Either continue straight down the path to walk almost a mile to the beach. This path is very sandy and unshaded, but it is the most direct route.

1. Longer but easier path: Turn right at the sign for the cemetery. Once arriving at this cemetery, turn left to head down a narrow dirt path until you arrive at a marsh front boardwalk. You will follow this boardwalk until you reach the dunes. Then turn left and walk along a sandy path until you see another sign on your right for a second boardwalk. Follow this boardwalk until it brings you to the beach. Although this is not the most direct route, it is the easiest and quickest from Dungeness Dock because you are avoiding walking through the thick sand of the paths.

To return to the dock, you may either retrace your steps or walk 1.5 miles along the beach until you reach the boardwalk at Sea Camp. From the beach at Sea Camp, it is a 15-20 minute walk to Sea Camp Dock.

Private Boat to the Beach

Although you may reach the beach by private boat, there is no dock on the east side of the island.

If you do bring a private boat to the island, you must still pay the park entrance fee.

Extra Info

While there are carts for use on Sea Camp Dock, those are reserved for campers. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan to carry all your belongings to the beach. Also note that everything is pack in pack out – there are no trash cans on Cumberland Island.

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Questions? Contact us here!

Check out our Cumberland Island and St. Marys tours such as the Cumberland Island Walking Tour: Haunting Ruins and Wild Horses or the St. Marys Murder, Mayhem, and Martinis Walking Tour!

We also offer Cumberland Island private tours and field trips!