Going camping on Cumberland Island (near Savannah, Ga)

Trevillian

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I’ve never camped or hiked near/on a beach. But I constantly hike and camp here in the mountains. Our members seem to have done and seen it all. Just looking for any hints, tips, tricks to make it smooth.

I’m fine with the 3.5 mile hike to our “spot”. I already presume my gf will have 20lbs in her pack and will whine about everything. While I end up humping all the gear with a 70lb pack (the crap we deal with for love.....)

Only real concerns are can I carry (OC, concealed, parts exist, I defend me n mine against a rabid raccoon, etc.) and the legalities of such. Then is there anything that can make a difference that I haven’t thought of in this area in particular?

Release the hounds!
 
I used to camp on Capers Island, Sc in my scouting days.

Sand does a great job of cleaning cookware, as long as it can be scratched, which can help save water. You will never not feel sandy and there might be some misplaced sand in the nether regions. Gnats can be terrible, but there should be a breeze. You most likely have it covered.

Sleeping to the sound of the ocean is very nice.
 
I've been there a few times and love it. You take a ferry out to it, about a 45 ride, and then you're pretty much isolated. There are two park ranger stations there, but they are basically cabins.

Theres no store or anything so bring everything you might need. There are miles of bike and hiking trails and miles of untouched beaches.

Ponies are wild and roam everywhere, similar to Aussatigue Island. Theres also ruins of some old rich family's mansion, which I think belonged to the Carnegie family.

It's a Federal park so yes, guns are allowed as long as you follow applicable Federal, state and local laws, etc. Theres no guns allowed in the Rangers offices. I can't remember about OC, though. I know you can't in the ferry office/ terminal.
 
I haven't been, but I hear it's great. Yes, part of the Golden Isles of GA and I believe the Carnegie's owned it. The rest of the NY rich stayed on Jekyll Island nearby during the winter months. I had a friend that lived on Jekyll for a while and learned some of the history while visiting. Bell was there on Jekyll when the first trans-Atlantic call was made. The phone is on display. St. Simon's is also nearby and has a light house you can go up in. St. Simon's also has some fine dining, as in 4 star, or is it 5 star? Take advantage of the area while you're there.
 
The only advice I have for you is to pray for a breeze. I love camping and I love the beach but you could not pay me to camp at the coast during bug season. Also if Cumberland Island is anything like the OBX have footwear that will protect your feet from the ball cactus.
 
I like it. The crap ton of family “visiting” I will do before I get to the actual island is insane. It seems that my “reward”is getting sandy and bitten for two nights lol. In the morning we head out. 78yo British grandma in tow. We take her to Shaw AFB to renew her mil ID for her last time. Then go visit my stepmother in Florence, SC, as she was involved in a life alteringly bad car accident.

Then head to “near” Savannah to drop off grandma with her son/my uncle in a town on one side of the city then go stay with my girlfriends sister on the other side of the city.

Head out the next morning for the “camping adventure” with a 3.5ish mike hike into our designated “spot”. With the gf. Who btw was uncomfortable during a one mile hike into the woods to get ramps this year with me carrying minimal gear.

Wish I had found some shine for the camping portion. I drink beer and I feel I won’t tote nearly enough to relax on the beach:cool:
 
Go stay at the Jekyll Island Resort instead. Walk on the beach and hunt for live sand dollars. (Look up how to do that.) Soak in the history, which is rich. Go over and climb the lighthouse on St. Simon's. Have a nice dinner. ;)

Seriously. Your GF will thank you.

http://www.jekyllclub.com/
 
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I've been going to Jekyll since I was a kid, but have never been to Cumberland. My grandmother is originally from Brunswick, and used to go on camping trip to Cumberland regularly. Should be fun.
 
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I like it. The crap ton of family “visiting” I will do before I get to the actual island is insane. It seems that my “reward”is getting sandy and bitten for two nights lol. In the morning we head out. 78yo British grandma in tow. We take her to Shaw AFB to renew her mil ID for her last time. Then go visit my stepmother in Florence, SC, as she was involved in a life alteringly bad car accident.

Then head to “near” Savannah to drop off grandma with her son/my uncle in a town on one side of the city then go stay with my girlfriends sister on the other side of the city.

Head out the next morning for the “camping adventure” with a 3.5ish mike hike into our designated “spot”. With the gf. Who btw was uncomfortable during a one mile hike into the woods to get ramps this year with me carrying minimal gear.

Wish I had found some shine for the camping portion. I drink beer and I feel I won’t tote nearly enough to relax on the beach:cool:

One last bit of wisdom---if you have time buy one of those mesh bug suits. They are a life saver.
 
Night and day between Cumblerland and Jekell. Jekell has residents, hotel, motels and a few places to eat. Even a waterpark and golf course. Cumblerland Island is an island with only 2 ranger stations.
 
Night and day between Cumblerland and Jekell. Jekell has residents, hotel, motels and a few places to eat. Even a waterpark and golf course. Cumblerland Island is an island with only 2 ranger stations.
Yes, exactly. After the stressful trip he's taking and considering piling on more stress with the GF on a bug infested hike/camp, which would you choose? I think he should make the GF happy an chill. Otherwise, it's going to be a long ride home. ;)
 
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