Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Canoe/Kayak Camping Trips

A trip into the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. About 87% of the refuge is a nationally designated Wilderness Area, providing opportunities for recreating in solitude. Eight overnight platforms and two islands provide a variety of trips from one to four nights with opportunities for both shorter and longer paddling distances. You may bring your own canoe or kayak to paddle to your campsite, or you can rent from Okefenokee Adventures, the official concessionaire of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. No motors of any type (electric or gas-powered) are authorized on overnight trips. Remember that it's your responsibility to be prepared for a wilderness experience which includes knowing what to bring with you.

Consider the skill level of your group before choosing a trail. With over 120 miles of paddling trails, there's opportunities for everyone from beginning paddlers to experts. The swamp terrain is flat with only slight currents; there is no fast water and very little dry land, BUT your paddle will be used every inch of the way as you wind through cypress forests or cross open prairies exposed to the sun and wind. Paddling can be slow-going and strenuous on shallow and/or narrow trails. You may have to get out of your canoe and push across peat blowups or shallow water. Water levels in the Okefenokee sometimes become too low to paddle on certain trails; when this occurs permit holders will be notified. Swamp conditions may dictate closing certain trails.

Learn more about camping opportunities in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Camping Reservations

You can make reservations up to two months in advance by calling (912) 496-3331 between 7:00 am to 10:00 am on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays (excluding federal holidays). Walk-in reservations will not be accepted. Camping Permits can be made for anywhere from one to four nights (with one and two night permits only available during peak season). 

All individuals requesting a Wilderness Camping Permit should create a profile in Recreation.gov BEFORE calling the camping permit reservation line. Permittees will be required to do the following through Recreation.gov:

1. All fees for trips will be collected through Recreation.gov.
2. Any permit changes to number of individuals in the group (20 max) will be required to be made through Recreation.gov
3. All permittees will be required to print their own permits and parking placards. You may print your permit up to 7 days in advance of your trip.
4. Permit holder must plan in advance. Absolutely no walk up reservations will be made for these overnight trips. 

For more information on the Wilderness Camping Permits, please visit Recreation.gov or check out our Wilderness Canoe Permit Brochure. Please review the cancellation policy before making a reservation.

Fees

The camping fee is $15/person per night with a one-time $10 reservation fee. Fees are processed at the time of reservation via credit card. All major credit cards are accepted. Fees are required to be paid for at least one person at the time of booking the reservation. Additional people can be added by the permit holder prior to printing the permit. The refuge entrance fee is included in the Wilderness Camping Permit. 

Regulations

• All refuge Rules and Policies apply.
• Do not approach, feed, or harass alligators.
• Canoes and/or kayaks ONLY are authorized on overnight Wilderness camping trips. No motors of any type are authorized.
• Pets, swimming, motorized vessels, and fires (except in designated areas) are prohibited.
• Keep trails free from litter. Leave no trace; pack it in, pack it out.
• Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms will 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 (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
• The collection and/or capturing of any plant and/or animal is strictly prohibited. 
• Open fires (wood or charcoal) are permitted only at Canal Run, Mixons Hammock, and Floyds Island. Restrictions may be put in place during high fire danger.
• All licenses, permits, equipment, and items, including vehicles and canoes, are subject to inspection by state and federal officers.
• All state, federal and county laws regarding alcohol consumption are strictly enforced.

Know Before You Go

• The Wilderness Camping Permit must be carried by each boat in the party. The group leader is responsible for making copies of permit and all associated vehicle placards.
• Parties must launch before 10:00 a.m. to ensure that the overnight stop is reached before dark each day. All members of the party must be present at time of departure.
• You must remain at the designated overnight area between sunset and sunrise.
• Each party must sign-in/out when entering and leaving the swamp. Each entrance has a sign-in logbook either located at the boat ramp or the concession area.
• Follow the route exactly as it is on your permit. Do not leave the designated trail.
• Any additions or changes to permit must be completed prior to departure.
• Portable toilets with disposable bags are recommended. Restroom facilities are available at overnight stops and at day-use shelters. See our map for more detailed locations.
• Portable camp stoves are required for cooking areas where campfires are not permitted.
• There will only be one group per overnight platform. However, day-use visitors (canoes and small motors of 10 HP or less) may access a large portion of the Wilderness Trail System and day-use shelters.
• Refer to Georgia Department of Natural Resources for information on fishing and fishing licenses. 
• Overnight groups should be aware that there is a portage across Floyds Island if you are going on cross swamp trips (i.e. entering at one entrance but departing at another). The portage is approximately 0.20 of a mile across the island. If your trip is taking you back out the same way you came in, no portage is required, but you may have a short hike to the campsite area.
• Commercial guide services are available to assist you with your trip by renting equipment, guiding, and providing shuttle services. The visitor is responsible for contacting these companies to find out about available services offered. Only authorized and permitted commercial services should be used within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Contact the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center for a list of commercial guide services. 

Suggested Itineraries for Overnight Camping Trips 

These are the most popular routes/trips and is not a comprehensive list of what may be available. This also does NOT represent what is currently available to be booked based on water levels, trail conditions, or other reservations. Some trips may be able to be done in reverse of what is shown on the tables below. Distances are approximate. Some trips (that enter at one location and exit at another) may require private/commercial shuttle.  

ONE NIGHT TRIPS 

TWO NIGHT TRIPS

THREE NIGHT TRIPS**

FOUR NIGHT TRIPS**

  *Canal Run to Round Top; 6 miles (Orange to Blue to Purple); 3 miles (Orange to Purple)

  **Not available during peak season (March 1- April 30)

Launching Locations