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Submission
Do not rely on GPS to get here - please see DIRECTIONS:
Located in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in the world. Nearly all of the swamp and some of the neighboring uplands were set aside as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 and now total over 407,000 acres. One of the most unique experiences a visitor can have is camping in the vast and pristine swamp. With approximately 120 miles of water trails, seven overnight camping platforms and two interior island campsites, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors from all over the country (and the world) a unique recreation experience.
**Planning**
When you make your reservation, you will be reserving a camping platform (or island) or series of platforms. The trails are designated by different colors and one trip may take you on several different trails - paddlers should look for markers painted the color of the trail which will tell you what color trail you are on as well as the mile. Some routes enter one part of the refuge and exit at another; please plan accordingly to either hire a shuttle service or provide your own transportation. Trail conditions change rapidly; this does not necessarily represent what is currently available.
View the refuge map [here](https://go.usa.gov/xPR7Y)
The $10.00 reservation fee is non-refundable. Reservations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the entry date will be fully refunded less a $15.00 (one person/night reservation fee). Reservations cancelled within 13 days of the entry date will not be refunded. If the refuge must close for any reason, all guests with affected reservations will be notified immediately and will be issued full refunds.
**Directions to the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (Do not depend of GPS directions to bring you to this location)**
**Directions from Folkston, Georgia to Main Entrance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge**
• Turn onto Main Street heading west. Go through two stoplights and across the railroad tracks.
• Take a left at 3rd light onto Okefenokee Trail (Parkway), also called GA 121/23 South.
• Drive for approx. 7 miles, then turn right at the large beige “Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge” sign.
• Follow this road about 4 miles to the end. When you reach a large parking area, you will see the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center on your left and Okefenokee Adventures is located next to the boat basin.
**Directions from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)**
• Depart from the airport terminal on the airport road, turning into Dixie Clipper Rd. Take Dixie Clipper Road to I-95 Northbound.
• Follow the directions from Interstate 95-exit 3 (below) to get to Okefenokee
**Directions from Interstate 95-exit 3 (Kingsland, GA)**
• Take GA 40 West approx. 22 miles through Kingsland to Folkston.
• Where GA 40 dead ends at a “T” intersection, turn right onto Third Street then take the next immediate left onto Main Street (courthouse is on your right at turn).
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.
**Directions from Jacksonville, FL area**
• Take US 1 North through the towns of Callahan and Hilliard. After you cross the St. Marys River into Georgia, go about 4 miles until you enter the town of Folkston.
• Turn left at the 2nd stop light onto Main Street (look for brown Okefenokee sign)
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.
**Directions from Atlanta, GA area**
• Take Interstate 75 South out of Atlanta
• In Tifton, take US 82 East towards Waycross. Stay on US 82 East all the way into Waycross
• Turn Right onto US 1 South in Waycross heading towards Folkston. You’ll pass the Okefenokee Swamp Park along US 1 South. Continue driving on US 1 to Folkston.
• Once you enter Folkston, turn right at 2nd light onto Main Street.
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.
**Directions from Brunswick, GA area**
• Take I-95 South towards Kingsland.
• Take Exit 3 off I-95 and turn West (Right) on GA 40
• Follow directions from Interstate 95-Exit 3 listed above
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.
**Directions from Interstate 10 and St. George**
• Take exit 48 from I-10 onto FL 121 North.
• Drive north on Fl 121 approx. 20 miles until you reach St George, GA. The road designation will switch to GA 121/23 when you cross over the St. Marys River into Georgia.
• Proceed north approx. 14 miles until you see “Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge” sign, turn left and follow this road about 4 miles to the Visitor Center.
Trips are limited to one or two nights during Peak Season. A non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee will apply. Maximum of 20 people per camping permit.
Permit Required
The Permit Reservation Line is open Tuesday - Thursday (excluding federal holidays) from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. The Reservation Line phone number is 912-496-3331. No reservations will be made outside of this time or via voicemail. NO EXCEPTIONS.
This was an awesome experience. We went in February during an unusually warm day (80 degrees). It was nice, not too humid or buggy. If you're not used to southern humidity and bugs, I'd plan to visit here during winter or late fall months. The visitor's center was great. The staff were helpful and shared so much information. It's such a neat experience. The boat tour is an additional cost, and it is totally worthwhile.
There is a federal park fee cash or card are accepted.
We visited here in January renting a canoe for a pleasant three hour trip. Saw several gators, beautiful swamp vistas, and even a large bird that had caught and was eating a snake! For those who get the reference, apologies in advance to Walt Kelly but when I looked around, I saw the enemy and he is definitely us!!!
Great place to visit. Full of wildlife. We saw deer, rabbits, turtles, all different types of birds and of course alligators. The trails are nice and easy to navigate. Didn’t do a boat tour but will definitely be back to do one.
Absolutely beautiful! I highly recommend renting a canoe. It allows you to go deeper into the swamp and explore side trails. You can get much closer to the wildlife as the noise does not scare away the animals like a boat would. If canoeing is not your speed, do the boat tour, the guides are very knowledgeable and can tell you a lot about the local flora and fauna.
