Hickory Hill Campground

For dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned backpackers across Georgia, Hickory Hill Campground on Cumberland Island offers an authentic and challenging wilderness experience. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with all the comforts of home; instead, it promises an unadulterated immersion into one of Georgia's most pristine and wild coastal environments. If you're a Georgian seeking to truly disconnect, test your self-reliance, and embrace the raw beauty of a barrier island, Hickory Hill might just be the ultimate adventure you've been looking for.

Located within Cumberland Island National Seashore's designated wilderness area, Hickory Hill is specifically designed for those who prefer primitive camping and are prepared for a true backcountry experience. It's a place where the sounds of civilization fade, replaced by the rustle of maritime forests, the calls of diverse wildlife, and the distant roar of the Atlantic Ocean. While some might find its rustic nature daunting, it's precisely this lack of amenities that appeals to the "hardcore" camper – those who relish the challenge of packing in all their necessities and leaving no trace behind. This article will guide local Georgians through what to expect at Hickory Hill, ensuring they are fully prepared for an unforgettable, yet demanding, adventure on Cumberland Island.

Hickory Hill Campground is located on the northern part of Cumberland Island, within the Cumberland Island National Seashore, just off the coast of St. Marys, GA 31558, USA. This unique location means that the campground is not accessible by car. All visitors must arrive by ferry from St. Marys, Georgia, or by private boat.

Once on the island, specifically at the Sea Camp dock (the primary ferry landing), reaching Hickory Hill Campground requires a significant hike. It is situated approximately 5.5 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. This makes it the closest of the wilderness campsites to the main ferry landing, but still a considerable walk, especially with backpacking gear. Campers are responsible for transporting all their gear to the site, as wheeled coolers or carts are generally not permitted beyond the Sea Camp area. The recommended way to hike to Hickory Hill is via the Parallel Trail, which connects directly from Sea Camp. While the island does have roads, many are sandy or can be muddy/flooded, making biking challenging, particularly with gear. For local Georgians, the journey to Cumberland Island itself is an adventure, involving careful planning of ferry reservations and understanding the truly wild nature of the island’s interior trails leading to Hickory Hill.

It is crucial for potential campers to understand that Hickory Hill Campground is a wilderness campsite, and as such, offers very limited services. This is a key distinction from more developed campgrounds on the island (like Sea Camp or Stafford Beach) and typical RV parks. Preparedness is paramount for a stay at Hickory Hill.

• No Amenities: This campground has virtually no amenities. There are no flush toilets, cold showers, designated fire rings (fires are prohibited), or food storage lockers.
• Non-Potable Water Source: Water is available from a nearby well; however, it is non-potable and *must be treated* before consumption. Campers should bring appropriate water filters or purification tablets. There are no other reliable sources of drinking water at this specific campground.
• Primitive Clearing: The "campsite" is essentially a clearing in the wilderness, providing a space to pitch a tent. It lacks developed pads or dedicated facilities.
• No Trash/Recycling Collection: In line with Leave No Trace principles, there are no trash bins. Campers must pack out all their trash, including food scraps.
• No Staff On Site: There is no park staff permanently stationed at Hickory Hill. Campers are responsible for their own safety and adherence to park rules.
• Camp Stoves Permitted: While open fires are prohibited, camp stoves can be used for cooking.
• Food and Trash Storage: Due to the presence of wildlife, particularly raccoons and even wild horses, campers are required to properly store or hang all food and trash to prevent animal encounters.

While lacking in conventional amenities, Hickory Hill Campground offers unique features that appeal to a specific type of camper:

• True Wilderness Immersion: This is the ultimate highlight. Hickory Hill provides an authentic, rugged wilderness camping experience on a remote barrier island. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude and a profound connection with nature.
• Abundant Wildlife: The island is renowned for its wild horses, armadillos, diverse bird species, and other native wildlife. Campers at Hickory Hill have a higher chance of encountering these animals in their natural habitat.
• Proximity to Wilderness Trails: The campground is directly connected to the island's extensive trail system, including the Parallel Trail, which is excellent for long-distance hiking and exploring the island's interior.
• Secluded Setting: Reviews often note the secluded nature of the sites, providing a sense of privacy and remoteness even within a designated wilderness area.
• Unique Island Ecosystem: Campers can experience Cumberland Island's distinct ecosystem, characterized by maritime forests, wetlands, and access to pristine, undeveloped beaches (though the beach access from Hickory Hill is a significant hike through varied terrain, often described as a "mile away through impenetrable jungle" or "marsh/swampy area").
• Stargazing Opportunities: With minimal light pollution, the night sky over Cumberland Island can be spectacular, offering incredible stargazing opportunities.

For information regarding Cumberland Island National Seashore, ferry reservations (which are essential for access), and camping permits (which are required for Hickory Hill Campground), please use the following contact details. It's crucial to reserve both your ferry ticket and your camping permit well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Address: Cumberland Island, St Marys, GA 31558, USA (Note: This is the island's general location; ferry departs from St. Marys mainland)

Phone: (912) 882-4336 (National Park Service main line for Cumberland Island)

Mobile Phone: +1 912-882-4336

Website: For reservations, visit Recreation.gov and search for Cumberland Island National Seashore camping permits. The National Park Service website (nps.gov/cuis) provides comprehensive information on rules, regulations, and preparation.

Remember that you must reserve both your ferry passage and your camping permit separately. There are strict limits on visitor numbers and ferry capacity.

For Georgia residents, Hickory Hill Campground on Cumberland Island offers a compelling, albeit challenging, opportunity to experience true wilderness right within their home state. This campground is not for the faint of heart or those seeking glamping luxuries. Instead, it is perfectly suited for the "hardcore" camper, the seasoned backpacker, and anyone who yearns for a deep, unfiltered connection with nature.

Its primitive nature, requiring campers to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles, fosters a profound sense of accomplishment and self-reliance. The long hike from the ferry and the lack of amenities mean that a trip to Hickory Hill demands thorough preparation and resilience, which for many outdoor enthusiasts, is part of the allure. This challenging aspect transforms a simple camping trip into a true adventure.

Furthermore, the reward for this effort is unparalleled: an immersive experience in a unique coastal wilderness teeming with wild horses, diverse birdlife, and undeveloped beaches. Georgians seeking to escape the crowds, test their mettle, and witness the raw, untamed beauty of a barrier island will find Hickory Hill to be an incredibly rewarding destination. It's a powerful reminder that some of the most extraordinary experiences require stepping outside of one's comfort zone, and for those ready for it, Hickory Hill on Cumberland Island offers an unforgettable wilderness journey unlike any other in Georgia.

Hickory Hill Campground

Cumberland Island, St Marys, GA 31558, USA