Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is actively patrolled by Federal Wildlife Officers. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations are applicable on refuge system lands and waters. To contact a Federal Wildlife Officer at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge call 912-313-6955.

For emergencies, call 911.

Alternatively, the National Wildlife Refuge System TIPs hotline is an effective means of reporting violations occurring on any National Wildlife Refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge System TIPs hotline is 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477). You can also submit a tip online at FWS_TIPS@fws.gov.

Refuge Hours

March to October: Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 5:30 pm. 

November to February: Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 7:30 pm. 

You may enter the refuge only during posted hours. Closing times are strictly enforced. Allow time to return to your vehicle and leave the area before posted closing time. 

Entrance Fees

You must have a valid entrance pass or placard clearly displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle. Learn more about entrance fees on the Visit Us page. 

Rules and Regulations

• Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
• Water sports. Paddleboards, swimming, and wading are prohibited.
• Cowhouse Island. We only allow foot and bicycle traffic on the refuge portion of Cowhouse Island.
• All vehicles, watercraft, licenses, permits, equipment, and other items are subject to inspection by State and Federal officers.
• Disturbing wildlife and plants. Taking, possessing, injuring, disturbing, damaging, destroying, or collecting any animal or plant (or attempting these actions) is prohibited.
• Introduction of plants and animals. We prohibit introducing, liberating, or placing plants or animals or their parts taken elsewhere on refuge lands or waters.
• Destruction or removal of property. Destroying, defacing, damaging, disturbing, or removing any private or public property, including any natural object or artifact is prohibited. We prohibit the use or possession of metal detectors or similar devices.
• Audio equipment. The operation or use of audio devices including radios, recording and playback devices, loudspeakers, television sets, public address systems and musical instruments so as to cause unreasonable disturbance to others in the vicinity is prohibited.
• Artificial lights. The use of a spotlight, automotive headlight, or other artificial light to spot, observe, locate, or take any animal on the refuge is prohibited.
• Alcohol and Controlled Substances. Entering or remaining on the refuge when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited.
• Indecency and disorderly conduct. Engaging in any act of indecency or disorderly conduct on any refuge as defined by State or local laws is prohibited.
• Interference with persons engaged in authorized activities. Disturbing or interfering with any person engaged in an authorized activity is prohibited.
• Begging on any national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
  A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
  
  Learn more about national wildlife refuge is prohibited. Soliciting of funds for the support or assistance of any cause or organization is also prohibited unless properly authorized.
• Disposal of waste. The littering, disposing, or dumping in any manner of garbage, refuse sewage, sludge, earth, rocks, or other debris is prohibited.
• Fires. Open fires are prohibited. Campfires are permitted at designated locations. See the Camping section below for more information.
• Private operations. Commercial activities within the refuge require a Special Use Permit. Special regulations apply to commercial guiding and outfitting. Visit our Facility Services page to learn more.

Aircraft (including drones)

We prohibit the operation of aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, drones, sail planes, and hang gliders, at altitudes resulting in harassment of wildlife, or the unauthorized landing or take-off of aircraft on a national wildlife refuge, except in an emergency. National wildlife refuge boundaries are designated on up-to-date FAA aeronautical charts. 

Boating

• We allow the use of canoes and kayaks on day-use trails and for transport to and from campsites.
• We only allow the use of outboard motors limited to 10 horsepower or less on designated trails. Airboats are prohibited.
• All boaters must be off the water by the posted time.
• All boaters must stay on marked trails designated on the map.
• All boaters must sign-in and sign-out at all boat launches except the Suwanee River Sill.
• Children under 13 must wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). A PFD must be on board for every passenger.
• We do not allow any watercraft to be transported (carrying, dragging, or other) from the Suwannee River into the refuge.
• Visit our motorized boating page and non-motorized boating page to learn more. 

Camping

• You must obtain an overnight camping permit to camp on the refuge.
• You must use only a canoe or kayak on camping trips. No motors of any type are authorized.
• Campfires are only permitted at Canal Run, Floyds Island, and Mixons Hammock. Portable camp stoves are required for cooking areas where campfires are not permitted. You may scavenge for fallen wood at your permitted campsite, purchase firewood onsite (call ahead to ensure availability), or bring certified heat-treated firewood. Restrictions may be put in place during high fire danger.
• Visit our Camping page to learn more. 

Firearms

• Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Firearms are prohibited in all buildings. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations.
• Possessing or discharging fireworks, or explosives is prohibited.
• Carrying, using, or possessing cross bows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs, or other weapons is prohibited. Some of these weapons may be legal to use for hunting or fishing (see current refuge hunting permit and State regulations).
• Carrying, using, or possessing paintball guns or paintball markers.

Fishing

We allow sport fishing year-round on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

• We allow fishing on all areas of the refuge, except those areas posted as closed to fishing or closed to the public.
• We prohibit possession of live bait fish.
• We allow the use of only pole and line or rod and reel as methods of take.
• Visit our Fishing page for more information.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in accordance with current Federal and State regulations. Refuge hunting regulations are in the hunt brochure. Visit our Hunting page to learn more.

Pets

• All pets must be on a maximum of 6-foot leash or properly confined, and under the control of their owner at all times.
• Pets are not allowed in boats, buildings, camping platforms, or boardwalks.
• Pet owners must promptly and properly dispose of their pet’s waste.
• We prohibit dogs from disturbing or endangering wildlife or people while on the refuge.
• These rules and regulations do not impose restrictions on Service Animals.
• Visit our Dog Walking page to learn more.

Trails

• You must stay on designated land and water trails.
• Bikes are allowed only on paved roads. Children under 16 must wear a bike helmet.
• Visit our Trails or Hiking page to learn more. 

Vehicles and Parking

• The speed limit on all refuge roads is 15 MPH unless otherwise posted. Motorized vehicles of any type are prohibited on trails, levees, or undesignated roadways.
• ATV's and UTV’s are prohibited on the refuge. This includes but is not limited to golf carts, side-by-sides, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, and all other off-road utility vehicles.
• Stopping or parking a vehicle (either attended or unattended) on a road, trail, or fire lane such that it blocks the free movement of other vehicles is prohibited. Avoid blocking pathways or emergency access routes.
• Traveling outside of designated routes of travel is prohibited. Designated routes of travel are shown on the refuge maps or as posted with road closed, area closed, no vehicle, or foot traffic only signs.
• You must not park at the Suwanee River Sill overnight.