Okefenokee swamp state park Foster State Park and U. Walking or biking along the lake's edge and nature trail, visitors may spot the shy gopher tortoise, numerous oak varieties, saw palmettos, yellow shafted flickers, warblers, owls and great blue herons. Extravagantly beautiful, the swamp, which covers nearly a half-million acres, carries you back into the Earth’s primordial beginnings. U. Hike the Chesser Island Boardwalk to the Owl's Roost Tower for an unparalleled view of the swamp prairies and the Okefenokee Wilderness Jul 25, 2024 · Last weekend, Marty Welch and his wife packed up for the fishing trip they take nearly every weekend in Stephen C. Okefenokee Swamp: Top Adventures & Must-Do Experiences! Located in the heart of Georgia, USA, lies the captivating Okefenokee Swamp, a vast wilderness shrouded in mystery and teeming with biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy activities like guided boat tours, canoe rentals, paddling, boating, fishing, stargazing, nature photography, hiking, birdwatching, biking, and more. Boat tours on Explore Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp with Georgia Conservancy: paddle, learn natural history, and enjoy a weekend immersed in nature. Foster State Park This state park is the west entrance to the swamp As the official concessionaire of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee Adventures welcomes guests at the swamp’s eastern entrance near Folkston, Georgia. Aug 12, 2023 · Located within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C. Jan 26, 2022 · Other Activities Okefenokee Swamp Park definitely has more activities than the other entrances, and to enjoy them without the boat tour costs $20 and under. Visitors can look for alligators, turtles, raccoons, black bears, deer, 223 species of birds and numerous other creatures while on the park Okefenokee Swamp The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a 402,000‑acre National Wildlife Refuge located in Charlton, Ware, and Clinch Counties of Georgia, and Baker County in Florida, United States. We venture into the heart of the Okefenokee to enjoy the scenery while learning about history, ecology, and wildlife. Dec 11, 2024 · The Okefenokee Swamp is one of America’s great wonders, well worth protecting – and visiting. 35,298 likes · 556 talking about this · 33,698 were here. Located just a short drive from General Coffee State Park, the Okefenokee Swamp is a vast wilderness area that offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Georgia’s coastal plain. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention – 1971) because of the Okefenokee Swamp's importance and value on an international scale. Stephen Foster, who wrote the song Way Down Upon The Suwannee River is the namesake for this preserve. Jan 15, 2025 · One of the seven wonders of Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is worth experiencing at least once every year if you ask us. Boat tours on Accessed through the Stephen C. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a swamp, in all the best ways you can imagine. Overview - Covering 630 square miles in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly all of the world renowned Okefenokee Swamp. The “Land of the Trembling Earth,” as the Native Americans called it, is an ever-changing landscape Jul 29, 2024 · A Georgia man's encounter with a mass gathering of alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp has prompted researchers to investigate why there were so many in that particular area. Foster State Park Come explore one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders through a variety of private programs offered at the park. How hard is Okefenokee Swamp? Okefenokee Swamp is considered an easy hike that covers 1 mi, with an elevation gain of 3 ft. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp is the only gold-tier International Dark Sky Park in the Southeast. Other fees apply (private entrance). Nov 13, 2025 · Camping is allowed on Okefenokee NWR Canoe Trail: Stephen Foster Park to Mixons Hammock in Stephen C. From a small dock, guests can access a 1-mile trail loop that passes a thousand-year-old Weeden Island Culture mound, remnants of the logging Your admission to Okefenokee Swamp Park unlocks a journey into one of America’s most unique natural wonders. North Entrance - Okefenokee Swamp Park (Non-profit organization). Foster State Park is a 120-acre (49 ha) state park in the Okefenokee Swamp in Charlton County, Georgia. May 16, 2024 · The Okefenokee Experience is a series of three new infrastructure projects at separate entrance sites to the Swamp. There are scenic drives, boat tours, hiking trails, canoe and kayak trails, interpretive centers, guided walks and more. Group Programs - Stephen C. The park makes this awesome and mysterious swampland accessible to you where, for many generations, only stouthearted adventurers and trappers dared to go. Dec 2, 2024 · From Alligators to Blue Herons to Carnivorous plants, there is a lot to see in the Okefenokee Swamp Park in Georgia. The Okefenokee Swamp is a complex place. Located near the northern edge of the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp, this park is home to many fascinating creatures and plants, including alligators and carnivorous pitcher plants. Apr 30, 2025 · Tucked away in the deep south of Georgia State is Okefenokee Swamp, an enormous wetland that's home to 15,000 alligators. What is the elevation gain for Okefenokee Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross. Named after songwriter Stephen C. Okefenokee Swamp Park is a rare and exciting experience for every member of the family. The Okefenokee Swamp is a shallow, 438,000-acre (177,000 ha), peat -filled wetland straddling the Georgia – Florida line in the United States. Aug 22, 2025 · Stephen C. 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. Find tickets and view all prices and discounts for Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross and buy tickets online. Foster State Park is part of the Aug 19, 2024 · Entrances to the Okefenokee NWR: East Entrance - Camp Cornelia, Suwannee Canal (USFWS). The Okefenokee Swamp Park, a non-profit development operating under a long-term lease is not supported by federal or state funds. No motors of any type are authorized, including trolling, electric, gas-powered, or other. org or call 912-283-0583 for information about programs and entrance fees. Foster State Park just opened its renovated campground, offering guests a comfortable way to explore the iconic Okefenokee Swamp. Whether you’re seeking a guided interpretive boat tour, an independent paddle by canoe or kayak, or a scenic bike ride along the Swamp Island Drive, Okefenokee Adventures provides unforgettable ways to explore the refuge Okefenokee Swamp Park near Waycross, Georgia offers live animal programs, interpretive boat rides, and train tours. Accessed through the Stephen C. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a 402,000‑acre (1,627 km 2) National Wildlife Refuge located in Charlton, Ware, and Clinch Counties of Georgia, and Baker County in Florida, United States. The Log Cabin of Obediah Barber is no architectural masterpiece. Guided boat tours and boat rentals are available at the park when water levels are high enough. The main entrance to the National Wildlife Refuge is located near Folkston, GA, approximately one hour from Jacksonville, FL. Located deep within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C. There are three major entrances to Okefenokee, each with its own facilities. The Okefenokee Swamp, located in southeastern Georgia, USA, is the largest blackwater wetland ecosystem in North America, and the least disturbed freshwater ecosystem on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a convenient point of entry and a magnificent show-window for this natural wonderland. Stephen C Foster State Park The Stephen C Foster (of “way down upon the Suwanee River” fame) entrance is the most remote of the three, so if you’re looking to get away from Feb 6, 2021 · There are three entrances into the park: the main entrance with a visitor center, boardwalks, a boat tour, canoe rentals, a homestead to visit, trails, sort of all the main stuff. This train becomes the holiday express during the month of December. All told, it represents the largest blackwater swamp in North America—a wild landscape seeped in dark, tannin-rich waters that hold key habitat for countless birds Aug 24, 2025 · Stephen C. Located just south of Waycross, GA on Highway 121, Okefenokee Swamp Park offers a different type of swamp Key Takeaways: Stephen C. The park provides camping facilities, boat rentals, and guided tours, allowing you to extend your stay and fully immerse yourself in the Okefenokee experience. Jul 24, 2024 · A rarely witnessed congregation of American alligators was recorded in southeast Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp, and researchers are trying to figure out why it happened. Okefenokee Adventures (Suwannee Canal Recreation Area near Folkston, GA) The official concessionaire at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of guided boat tours and rentals. [3][4] The name May 12, 2024 · The Okefenokee Swamp is a national wildlife refuge that welcomes visitors to come enjoy the nature oasis and learn all about the ecosystem and the history of the swamp and its residents (both human and animal!). Call Stephen C. May 29, 2025 · Discover the hidden wonders of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp Cypress Forests, a natural paradise teeming with unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Foster, and the federally managed Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which covers more than 350,000 acres. Rent a kayak to paddle to the islands named after early inhabitants and pretend, if just for a night, to be one of them. Specialties Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins, RV Park & Campground is directly across from the main entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp. Foster State Park in Georgia, in the Okefenokee swamp near the Florida border, is the first Georgia park to be designated as a gold-tier dark sky park. As the official concessionaire of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee Adventures welcomes guests at the swamp’s eastern entrance near Folkston, Georgia. The Okefenokee Swamp, often called the Land of Trembling Earth, is one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in North America. For those less confident in their paddling abilities, guided boat tours operate regularly, with naturalists pointing out wildlife and explaining the swamp’s ecological significance. " The park's lily-decked water trails, with their miraculously reflective waters mirroring the overhanging beauty, lead to all points in this vast wilderness of islands, lakes, jungles, forest and prairies. The swamp’s waters are home to various fish species, making it a great spot for anglers. It has a long history as a wilderness, a public common, and a refuge. Call Okefenokee Adventures at 912-496-7156 at the Main Entrance (Suwannee Canal Recreational Area). It is the largest, intact, un-fragmented, freshwater, and black water wilderness swamp in North America. Foster State Park. Hotels near Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross on Tripadvisor: Find 311 traveler reviews, 100 candid photos, and prices for hotels near Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, GA. From a small dock, guests can access a 1-mile trail loop that passes a Native American ceremonial mound, remnants of the logging industry, and Apr 1, 2015 · Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a convenient point of entry and a magnificent show-window for the "Land of the Trembling Earth. Come join us for a half day camp at Stephen C Foster State Park in the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp! Delve into the world of alligators, carnivorous plants, migratory birds, and more! Jan 18, 2025 · Thanks to the swamp's protective status, the U. As a travel blogger, delving into the depths of this unique ecosystem offers an unparalleled adventure, rich in history, wildlife, and natural beauty. The park features diverse wildlife including alligators, turtles, black bears, bobcats and several Sep 20, 2002 · The Okefenokee Swamp covers nearly 700 square miles, almost all of which is in Georgia. Foster State Park, where you’ll find boat trails and canoe rentals, plus some camping facilities. Its 438,000 acres protect a seamless blend of wetland prairies, cypress forest and pine uplands in South Georgia, along the Florida border. Many people translate the name to mean something like “land of the trembling earth” although it is more likely the Hitchiti (a native nation indigenous to southern Georgia) word for “bubbling water”. This remote park is a primary entrance to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp — one of Georgia's seven natural wonders and the largest blackwater wetland in the South. 2 days ago · The park’s boat ramp provides access to the swamp’s waterways, and renting a canoe or kayak is highly recommended for experiencing the Okefenokee properly. Fish and Wildlife-managed sides. The refuge was established in 1937 to protect a majority of the 438,000 acres (1,770 km 2) in the Okefenokee Swamp. Foster State Park provides access to some of the most scenic sections of the swamp. From our dock / boat ramp on Jones Island, boaters can explore over 15 miles of day-use trails. Nov 16, 2024 · Explore the hidden battle sites of Georgia's Okefenokee, uncovering rich history and untold stories from this mysterious and ancient swamp. The Okefenokee Partnership is comprised of the three entities that manage the visitor entrances to the Okefenokee Swamp, and the neighboring gateway communities. In addition to these guided services the refuge also has several permitted interpretive guides that offer day-use and overnight experiences. The canal itself is a historic waterway that adds to the swamp's charm. Planning Your Trip When you make your reservation, you will be reserving a camping platform (or island) or series of platforms. As a nonprofit, every ticket supports education and conservation of this extraordinary ecosystem. Executive Summary This report provides a baseline economic analysis for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) and its partners including Stephen C. On a waterway leading to the fishing site, they stumbled upon a rare phenomenon: a congregation of around seventy alligators in the space of just one hundred yards. North Entrance - Okefenokee Swamp Park (private, non-profit) - The address is 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road Waycross, GA 31503. Foster State Park on the west side near Fargo and Okefenokee Swamp Park (private) on the north end near Waycross. Oct 28, 2025 · Okefenokee Swamp Park provides visitors with a unique and immersive outdoor experience. It’s a peat-filled bog so the color of the water resembles the color of strong tea. It's a great spot for stargazing due to its remote location. Mar 18, 2021 · Stephen C. Fish & Wildlife Service) on the east side near Folkston, Stephen C. The journey to Stephen C. "Okefenokee" was the name used by the indigenous Creeks and was believed to mean, "Land of Trembling Earth". Enjoy a train ride through the Okefenokee , where history, wildlife, and landscapes come to life along the tracks. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. Foster State Park is a small (32-hectare; 80-acre) property in the vast 1,627 km2 (402,000-acre) expanse of the surrounding Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge of southeastern Georgia, U. In this guide, we showcase the best things Stephen C. The refuge is administered from offices in Folkston, Georgia. Foster State Park is in the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp. Mar 1, 2022 · Only canoes and kayaks are permitted on camping trips. Nov 8, 2025 · Okefenokee Swamp is a trail located in Hoboken, Georgia. Most of what looks like Explore the stunning natural beauty of Okefenokee Swamp Park from this cabin rental near Brunswick in Coastal Georgia! • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic MapCovering 630 square miles in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly all of the world-renowned Okefenokee Swamp. The second entrance is through Stephen C. The clear, unpolluted skies offer breathtaking views of the Milky Way. Foster State Park—which also serves as the entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp—is home to many alligators. May 10, 2025 · Stargazing at Stephen C. Foster, this remote park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp and is one of the most intriguing areas in Georgia. Whether you’re seeking a guided interpretive boat tour, an independent paddle by canoe or kayak, or a scenic bike ride along the Swamp Island Drive, Okefenokee Adventures provides unforgettable ways to explore the refuge May 16, 2024 · The Okefenokee Experience is a series of three new infrastructure projects at separate entrance sites to the Swamp. The various parks and recreation areas feature amenities ranging from boat, canoe and kayak rentals to camping, cabins and picnicking: Stephen C. Nov 6, 2025 · Stephen C. Foster State Park at 912-637-5274 for information about the West Entrance (entrance nearest Fargo). Foster State Park (USFWS and State of Georgia). The park was named after Stephen Foster, an American songwriter who wrote a very popular song about Georgia’s Suwannee River in the 1800s. Sep 28, 2019 · Okefenokee Swamp At about 700 square miles, Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in the United States, and a National Natural Landmark. They include: In Waycross in Ware County, a state-of-the-art Nature Center, located on the Okefenokee Swamp Park campus, showcasing the tremendous diversity of the plants and wildlife within the swamp. Foster State Park — paddlers can Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a convenient point of entry and a magnificent show-window for the "Land of the Trembling Earth. Visit Okefenokee Adventures' website to learn more. Jul 28, 2025 · A rarely witnessed mass congregation of alligators was recorded at Georgia’s Stephen C. Most recently, the Hebard Cypress Company had a lumber camp on the island in 1918, eventually supporting approximately 600 people. The upgraded campground features two loops: one designed for RVs with full hookups, and one ideal for tent campers seeking a more close-to-nature experience. Secondary East Entrance - Kingfisher Landing (USFWS). Foster State Park, Fargo. It was designated a National Wilderness Area in 1974. Discover the beauty of the swamp on a 45-minute guided boat tour through winding waterways and vibrant wildlife habitats. Apr 30, 2025 · Okefenokee Swamp Park raised $600,000 to pay for the nearly 300-page application packet, said Kim Bednarek, the nonprofit’s executive director. 7,218 likes · 131 talking about this. Address: 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road Waycross, GA 31503. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 as a "refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife". Foster State Park) Okefenokee Swamp Park is an impressive National Wildlife Refuge -- a vast collection of islands, lakes, jungles, forests, and prairies on the Florida-Georgia line. The Okefenokee is like no other place on earth, where natural beauty and wilderness prevail. The Okefenokee Swamp Park is the non-profit gateway into the Okefenokee. The vision for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is to protect and enhance wildlife and its habitat, ensure integrity of the ecological system, and embrace the Day 2 of this Okefenokee journey will be spent plying the waters of the swamp from Stephen Foster State Park to the Suwannee River Sill. Call 912-637-5274 for information. Interpretive exhibits, lectures, wildlife shows, boat tours on original Native American waterways, wilderness walkways, Pioneer Island, and native animals in their natural Jul 24, 2024 · A rarely witnessed congregation of American alligators was recorded in southeast Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp, and researchers are trying to figure out why it happened. Indigenous Communities Indigenous peoples occupied […] There is one state park, one privately operated park, one National Wildlife Refuge and three boat launches that provide access to the Okefenokee swamp: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on the east side of the swamp near Folkston. It is astoundingly beautiful, with moss-covered cypress trees standing above flowering plants floating on tea-colored blackwaters. Foster State Park (SCFSP), Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures (OSP). Billy’s Island is located 2 miles from our boat ramp and is only accessible by water. The otherworldly swamp represents the biggest blackwater wetland in the entire South, home to Spanish moss, cypress trees, alligators, turtles, amphibians, and more. Here, paddlers and photographers will enjoy breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. The bid for World Heritage status still needs U. Secondary West Entrance - Suwannee River Sill (USFWS). Okefenokee Swamp Park provides visitors with a unique and immersive outdoor experience. If you go, entry into the park is $5 on both the Stephen C. This little-known park is the gateway to the incredible Okefenokee Swamp, North America’s largest blackwater swamp. Fishing Spots Fishing in the Okefenokee Swamp is a popular activity. Visit OkeSwamp. Call Okefenokee Jun 11, 2025 · Stephen C. You may bring your own, or you can rent from Okefenokee Adventures, the official concessionaire of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge or from Stephen C. . Okefenokee Swamp Park (Near Waycross, GA) Offers boat tours, train rides, and live animal programs. Foster State Park (which is located inside the part). Sep 30, 2024 · Stephen C. Foster State Park) Jan 5, 2025 · Okefenokee Swamp Park, located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, offers a completely unique wildlife viewing experience. This report analyzes the economic effects of the following: recreational public use Located in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in the world. Foster State Park Stephen C. Trips range in length from two to five days, and paddlers leave from Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, Stephen C. Stephen C. Foster State Park serves as a gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp, offering amenities and access to several canoe trails. Aug 19, 2024 · Named after songwriter Stephen Foster, this 80-acre park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp and is one of the most intriguing areas in Georgia. Foster State Park is in remote southeastern Georgia. Foster State Park: This park is designated as a Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for stargazing. There are three small buildings with nature Okefenokee NWR The Great Okefenokee Swamp is one of North America's most unspoiled, fascinating, and precious natural areas. Foster State Park offers additional recreational opportunities and amenities for visitors. Alligators bask in the sun while flocks of white ibis, wood storks, and sandhill cranes forage in the shallow tea-colored water. Enjoy guided boat tours, the Okefenokee train ride, live reptile encounters, scenic boardwalks, and immersive exhibits that bring the swamp’s story to life. The Suwannee River which flows past this park is the main outlet of Okefenokee Swamp. Since 1937 most of the Okefenokee has been a National Wildlife Refuge. West Entrance - Stephen C. Foster State Park, this historic island in the Okefenokee was inhabited for generations. We've compiled some common questions and helpful resources. Two deluxe cedar and cypress cabins are furnished with air Apr 15, 2025 · The swamp itself includes both a Georgia state park, Stephen C. Spanish moss-laced trees reflect off the black swamp waters, while cypress knees rise upward from the glass-like surface. Photo credit: David Vargo As the western gateway to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp, this remote paradise captures the imagination with landscapes that indeed look straight out of a vintage postcard. Jan 24, 2022 · There are three major entrances to Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, the Suwanee Canal Recreation Area near Folkston, and Stephen C. “We came around a curve, and Entry to the famed Okefenokee Swamp—known for alligators, fishing, birding and astronomy—is approximately 18 miles away at Stephen C. Its vast mosaic of blackwater channels, cypress forests, islands, and prairies creates an otherworldly wilderness that supports hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. Discover Okefenokee Swamp Park, a captivating natural destination offering diverse wildlife experiences and educational tours in Waycross, GA. The park features diverse wildlife including alligators, turtles, black bears, bobcats and several The Okefenokee Swamp is a 438,000 acre blackwater swamp, the majority of which is in South Georgia with a little bit that straddles and overflows into Florida. The park offers visitors several ways to explore the swamp 's unique ecosystem. Has one full bed and one twin bed. Spanish moss-laced trees reflect off the swamp waters, while cypress knees rise upward from the glass-like surface. Foster State Park is the west entrance into the Okefenokee Swamp. Sleeps up to 3. These include Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (U. Foster State Park is very Okefenokee Swamp Park is located 12 miles south of Waycross, Georgia, United States. Apr 2, 2025 · The Okefenokee Swamp is a peat-filled wetland that extends between southeastern Georgia and northern Florida, covering approximately 700 square miles. It is one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in North America and is home to several endangered species. Located in Waycross, GA Stephen C. The vision for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is to protect and enhance wildlife and its habitat, ensure integrity of the ecological system, and embrace the The Okefenokee Swamp is a complex place. Foster State Park is a primary entrance to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp, a peat-filled wetland in the southeast corner of Georgia. Our daily boat tours last 90 minutes and can be booked 7 days in advance. A majority of the swamp is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness. Trembling Earth Nature Trail: A trail that showcases the unique geology and plant life of the swamp. The park offers stunning scenery with moss-laced trees, black swamp waters, and clear, star-filled skies. Explore Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia with Recreation. Jul 23, 2012 · The Okefenokee Swamp can be explored in many different ways. Fish and Wildlife Service (Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge) Georgia Department of Natural Resources – State Parks and Historic Sites (Stephen C. Visitors can access the Okefenokee with a personal boat (canoe, kayak, or boat with motor less than 10 HP). Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off the black swamp waters, providing breathtaking scenery. Why is this happening?. Located near the southeastern corner of the state, the park offers over 400,000 acres of pristine boardwalk trails and water tours that take visitors deep into the soft marshlands and forests of Okefenokee. Covering 80 acres, the park features boat tours, an interpretive center, walking trails, picnicking, camping, cabins, boat rentals and more. Easy trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain. There are many different ways you can enjoy the nearly 120-miles of Wilderness trails within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. From three distinct entrances — the official refuge entrance on the east side near Folkston, the north side through Okefenokee Swamp Park and Adventures, and on the west side at Stephen C. S Jul 2, 2018 · One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, the Okefenokee swamp, near the border with Florida, is protected as a National Wildlife Refuge, which means the Stephen C. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. Foster State Park is a quiet, remote park in Fargo, GA, located within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Foster State Park achieved the organization's highest gold-tier ranking. The great Swamp that Barber explored was designated as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and a Georgia State Forest, the largest in the state, and later as a National Natural Landmark, and a Wetland of International Importance. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers the wildlife refuge, has steadily improved access to it over the years. Foster State Park near Fargo, GA. This is the northernmost entry point to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Foster State Park near the Okefenokee Swamp, park officials say. This is the only gold-tier dark sky park in the Southeast, ensuring that visitors have an exceptional view of the heavens. Expertly researched and created in partnership with local land management agencies, National Geographic's Trails Illustrated map of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge provides an Nov 8, 2016 · Stephen C. Surrounded by the Okefenokee, North America's largest blackwater swamp, Stephen C. 5–1 hr to complete. Details: One premier cabin furnished with air conditioning and heat, porch, private bath and kitchenette with Keurig. We offer cabins, rv spots and tent areas. We offer camping, boating, biking, hiking Okefenokee Swamp Park is an impressive National Wildlife Refuge -- a vast collection of islands, lakes, jungles, forests, and prairies on the Florida-Georgia line. Here's how to make the most of your visit there. Suwannee Canal Recreation Area: This area offers boat tours and hiking trails. The biggest attraction besides the boat tour is a narrated mile-long train ride with a stop at a recreated pioneer village. Every gift to Okefenokee Swamp Park brings a shared vision to life: inspiring visitors through world-class education, conserving fragile habitats, and safeguarding the wonder and legacy of the Okefenokee for generations to come. The “Land of the Trembling Earth,” as the Native Americans called it, is an ever-changing landscape Hotels near Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross on Tripadvisor: Find 311 traveler reviews, 100 candid photos, and prices for hotels near Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, GA. Wilderness Canoeing -Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp An excellent way to experience the Okefenokee is to go on a canoe-camping trip. This remote park is a primary entrance to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp -- one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. It takes about 0. Aug 19, 2024 · There is an additional fee for camping, boat rentals, and cottage rentals. Foster State Park in Fargo. S. Foster State Park, or Kingfisher Landing and follow marked trails to platforms or island campsites. gov. The park is accessed by taking the Vereen Bell Memorial Highway (Highway 177 South, Okefenokee Trail) to the southern side of the Cowhouse Island. Foster State Park just so happens to be the gateway to this treasure trove of natural beauty. Though the park is only about 120 acres, it is a prime access point to the 700 square mile Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and its most famous island―Billy’s Island. Check our events page for any special boat tour listings. It includes While they tend to be solitary creatures, every summer, hundreds of alligators come together in the Okefenokee Swamp. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The park offers a variety of services including campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as cottage rentals. Foster State Park is in the Okefenokee Swamp near Fargo, Georgia. All are located wholly or partially within the boundaries of ONWR. Okefenokee Swamp Park (near Waycross, GA) - A private non-profit facility with Interpretive displays, a boardwalk, boat and train tours, and live animals shows. Canoes, kayaks, jon boats, and guided tours are available for visitors through Okefenokee Adventures and Stephen C. And Stephen C. The refuge was established in 1937 to protect a majority of the 438,000 acre Okefenokee Swamp. From our dock / boat ramp on Jones Island, paddlers can explore over 15 miles of day-use trails. The Okefenokee Swamp is the most extensive blackwater swamp in North America and This is about our visit to the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia (including the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge) and Stephen C. Foster State Park is the primary entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp, one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. Check out our okefenokee swamp selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our wall decor shops. Oct 10, 2024 · Stephen C. It’s estimated around 300 of the Jun 12, 2012 · Stephen C. The swamp’s vast expanse is home to a breathtaking array of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else. Aug 15, 2024 · Stephen C. Established in 1954, the park is managed through a long-term lease Okefenokee Swamp: Top Adventures & Must-Do Experiences! Located in the heart of Georgia, USA, lies the captivating Okefenokee Swamp, a vast wilderness shrouded in mystery and teeming with biodiversity. Jul 25, 2024 · Along with turtles, raccoons, black bears, and other wildlife, Stephen C. 1 day ago · Nature’s boardwalk beckons adventurers into the heart of the Okefenokee, where every step brings you deeper into Georgia’s wild side. Foster State Park: Located within the Okefenokee, this park provides boat tours, canoe rentals, and camping facilities. Stephen C Foster State Park in Southern Georgia is located in the Okefenokee Swamp and is a great place to base from to explore this beautiful and serene black water wilderness. Nov 11, 2025 · Georgia’s Stephen C. Foster State Park is located on Jones Island, 18 miles northeast of Fargo on State Highway 177. This remote park is a primary entrance to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp-one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. It’s one of four places where you can access the Okefenokee Swamp, and it’s recognized as a certified dark sky park by the International Dark Sky Association, meaning it’s perfect for stargazing. And the third entrance is the privately-owned Okefenokee Swamp Park, which Overview Covering 630 square miles in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly all of the world renowned Okefenokee Swamp. In places our route narrows as it passes through a dense cypress forest before opening out to the water stacked up behind the man-made Suwannee River Sill. Foster State Park, tucked within the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge in Fargo, Georgia. Most of the area is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness but there is also a privately run Okefenokee Swamp Park on Jun 12, 2012 · Stephen C. Take a walk on the wild side at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge! This pristine 680-square-mile wilderness is an ecological wonder.