🚲 Biking Cumberland Island, Georgia: A Wild and Wonderful Family Adventure

Some places just take your breath away—and Cumberland Island, Georgia, was that kind of place for us.

When we visited, our daughter’s family was also full-time RVing, so we all got to experience it together. That made the day even more unforgettable. This island felt like stepping into another world, where time slows down and the only soundtrack is wind through the trees, ocean waves, and the occasional snort of a wild horse.

🛳️ Getting There: The Ferry to Cumberland Island

First things first—there are no bridges, no cars, and no way to drive to Cumberland Island. You’ll hop on a ferry from St. Marys, Georgia, and honestly? That ferry ride is part of the magic. It’s about 45 minutes of relaxing on the water, spotting birds, and maybe even a dolphin or two if you’re lucky.

You’ll need to book your ferry ticket ahead of time (especially during busy months). Just head to https://www.cumberlandislandferry.com to check the schedule and grab your spot. There are only a couple of departure and return times each day, so plan your adventure accordingly—and don’t forget to bring everything you’ll need for the day!

🏰 Horses, Ruins, and a Peek into the Past

The island has such a unique history. It was once the retreat of the Carnegie family, and they built huge homes here. The Dungeness Ruins are all that’s left of one of those estates—and let me tell you, they’re hauntingly beautiful.

But what really makes the island feel like a dream? The wild horses. They roam freely, everywhere. We saw them grazing near the ruins, meandering through the trees, and even strolling across the beach like they owned the place (and honestly, they kind of do).

🚴‍♀️ Biking the Island

We brought our bikes with us on the ferry, and I can’t recommend that enough. The paths are mostly flat, sandy, and oh-so scenic. You’ll ride through tunnels of trees, past meadows and marshes, and right up to the ruins.

And the most magical part? Riding alongside wild horses as they wandered through the grass or stood quietly near the water’s edge. It was like being inside a storybook.

One of my favorite memories was sitting cross-legged on the beach with our family, watching the waves crash and the horses graze nearby. It felt surreal in the best way.

🥪 What to Know Before You Go

Cumberland Island is beautifully untouched, which means it’s not built for convenience—and that’s part of the charm. But you’ll want to be prepared:

• Bring your own food and water. There are no restaurants, snack bars, or vending machines.
• There are a few bathroom facilities near the main dock, but not much else.
• If you want to camp overnight, you can! But you need a reservation and must follow the island’s camping rules.
• Most importantly: pack out everything you bring in. Help keep this place as wild and clean as it’s meant to be.

🌿 A Day We’ll Always Remember

This trip was one of our absolute favorites—not just because of how beautiful and peaceful the island was, but because we got to share it with family.

Biking through the ruins, feeling the ocean breeze, and being completely surrounded by nature (and wild horses!) was everything we love about travel. If you’re ever near southern Georgia and looking for something unforgettable, go to Cumberland Island.

And trust me—bring your bike!