View Full Version : Cumberland Island
2009ThruHiker
01-27-2007, 00:11
So were taking our second trip to Cumberland Island and this time it's backcountry all the way. I'm wondering what some of the experiences have been with the various primitive camp sites on the trail...
BRICKHILL BLUFF
YANKEE PARADISE
HICKORY HILL
(I don't consider Stafford primitive anymore with the addition of showers!)
Also, any other neat things people have come across that I might miss this time around...
Thanks for helping me dream a little more until late FEB.
2009 Thruhiker, I have back country reservations for mid-March and would appreciate any thoughts from you on your first trip there.
All I know is that I'm taking the 9 am ferry and have to hike "up to 10 miles" until I find an empty site.
2009ThruHiker
01-27-2007, 15:09
2009 Thruhiker, I have back country reservations for mid-March and would appreciate any thoughts from you on your first trip there.
All I know is that I'm taking the 9 am ferry and have to hike "up to 10 miles" until I find an empty site.
I've been to Cumberland Island twice, and I've only been as far North as Stafford as far as primitive campgrounds go. If you haven't already, go to the official website, and there is plenty of info there.
THe place is simply awesome. Each time I've been there I've found myself standing on a beach, just me and horses. No one else as far as the eye can see.
If you want facilities, I would recommend Stafford as they have recently installed hot water showers and restrooms there, yet it is still secluded from the ever popular Sea Camp. At leaset secluded as of last winter. Hike early and you'll be sure to see a wide range of wildlife. AND if a hard-shell rubs up against the walls of your tent, it is most likely an armadillo. Flipped me out the first time! Hope you have fun, let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.
Hopefully someone with some other thoughts will let us know what they think of the various Northern primitive campgrounds.
2009Thru,
I found this outfitter in Saint Mary's that rents sea kayaks. I called & they have a pretty good selection.
http://www.upthecreektrips.com/index.php
(877) Up-The-Creek
My son & I are planning to kayak over & day hike once there next weekend.
No bugs yet (No See-ums) Low temp was 30*F this AM. It's great to go during off season.:rolleyes:
Egads
The critters are very persistant about stealing food. Extra, extra vigilence is required. I had a buddy lose an entire loaf of bread at the Yankee site because of a less than 10 minute stroll around the general area. I think the racoons may even be unionized.:D
no more showers at stafford! they changed their mind. brickhill is awsome campsite. great campsites and views and you can sit and watch the dolphins eat...will be planning a third trip there.:))
2009ThruHiker
01-30-2007, 22:30
no more showers at stafford! they changed their mind. brickhill is awsome campsite. great campsites and views and you can sit and watch the dolphins eat...will be planning a third trip there.:))
I WAS THERE last year at this time and the hot water showers and restrooms were right at the camp sight, brand new! You are saying that they took them down? Are the restrooms still accessible?
yes, no more showers, but the bathrooms are still there.
i was there this past december
MedicineMan
01-31-2007, 05:43
PAY ATTENTION to the tide chart, out of St. Marys there's a good time and bad time to leave, currents up to 7 knots to fight if you time it wrong-I know a lot of sea kayakers and few who can fight 7 knots for 4 hours :( ....
When planning a trip there look into the future with a moon phase program, you'll def. enjoy the Inverness ruins in moonlight.
no more showers at stafford! they changed their mind. brickhill is awsome campsite. great campsites and views and you can sit and watch the dolphins eat...will be planning a third trip there.:))i was there this past decemberyes, no more showers, but the bathrooms are still there.no more showers at stafford! they changed their mind. brickhill is awsome campsite. great campsites and views and you can sit and watch the dolphins eat...will be planning a third trip there.)
DAMN........too much PINK!.......................i'm BLINDED by the PINK!!:D
jaybird is not PINK!!!!!!
2009ThruHiker
03-22-2007, 13:12
Just an update from my trip ... Stafford showers are cold water, and are fully operational, as are the bathrooms. Would definitely recommend Brickhill Bluff as a campsite, absolutely the best sites on the island.
yes, brickhill is the best campsite in the island. so they decided to turn on the water to the showers. lucky in our trip last april, we had hot and cold water in the shower!!! it was nice after spending 4 days there!!
2009ThruHiker
03-23-2007, 14:28
yes, brickhill is the best campsite in the island. so they decided to turn on the water to the showers. lucky in our trip last april, we had hot and cold water in the shower!!! it was nice after spending 4 days there!!
YEAH, my second trip there had hot water also. What a luxury! The ranger said they will remain operational as cold water showers in the forseeable future. We've got some wonderful HD footage from our trip that we'll be releasing through our website as soon as we can get it all together...maybe by early summer?