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. 

Only canoes and kayaks are permitted on camping trips. You may bring your own, or you can rent from Okefenokee Adventures, the official concessionaire of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge or from Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo, GA. No motors of any type are authorized, including trolling, electric, gas-powered, or other. Remember that it's your responsibility to be prepared for a wilderness experience which includes knowing what to bring with you.

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

Camping Regulations

All refuge Rules and Policies apply.

Camping Reservations

You can make reservations up to two months in advance of the first day of your trip by calling the Camping Permit Reservation Line at 912-496-3331 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 am to 10:00 am Eastern Time. The permit line is closed on federal holidays and during weather-related closures. You must create a profile in Recreation.gov before calling the camping permit reservation line.

Length of Stay

During peak season in March and April you can reserve up to 2 nights. From May-February you can reserve 1-4 nights. After your permit ends, you must exit for one day before re-entering.

Launch Times

You must be on the water by 10:00 AM (12:00 PM for Cedar Hammock and Mixons Hammock). Late arrivals may be denied permission to start, with no refunds. Off-water times vary by season and location; ask staff for details. There are three different entrance/exit locations: Suwannee Canal Recreation Area and Kingfisher Landing near Folkston, GA, and Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo, GA. Sign-in and sign-out are required at each location. 

Wilderness Camping Permit

Each boat must carry a copy of the Wilderness Camping Permit. You must only camp at the campsite listed on your permit during the dates listed on your permit. The permit holder must be present during the camping trip. Any permit modifications must be completed before printing. You can modify the number of people or cancel your permit in Recreation.gov. Changes to dates or the route must be made by calling the Camping Permit Reservation Line. You must print your permit and parking passes. Permits can be printed up to seven days before your trip, but at least one day prior to departure.

Water Trails 

The trails are designated by different colors and one trip may take you on several different trails - paddlers should look for colored trail markers which also designate the mile. Stay on marked, designated trails at all times and do not visit campsites that are not included with your permit.

Consider the skill level of your group before choosing a trail. With over 120 miles of paddling trails, there are 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.

Camping Fees

The camping fee is $15 per person per night, plus a one-time $10 reservation fee. Fees are processed at booking via credit card, with all major cards accepted. Payment for at least one person is required at the time of booking, and additional people can be added before printing the permit. The refuge entrance fee is included in the Wilderness Camping Permit.

Camping Platform Use

Only one group is allowed per overnight platform. Day-use visitors may be encountered on portions of the Wilderness Trail System. Cedar Hammock, Monkey Lake, Coffee Bay, and Bluff Lake serve both day-use and overnight campers—wait until late afternoon to set up camp. You must stay at the designated campsite listed on your permit from sunset to sunrise, unless safety requires otherwise.

Campfires 

Campfires are only permitted at Canal Run, Floyds Island, and Mixons Hammock. You may scavenge for fallen wood at campsites, purchase firewood onsite (call ahead to ensure availability), or bring certified heat-treated firewood. You may use a portable camp stove at any camping platform. Bringing in firewood from outside sources can spread invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species .

Portable toilets 

Carrying a portable toilet with disposable bags is recommend for use while in route. Composting toilets are available at each campsite and day-use shelter. Do not throw food or trash into the toilets.

Floyd’s Island Portage

Overnight groups should be aware that there is a portage across Floyds Island for some routes. The portage is approximately 0.20-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.

Weather

Be prepared for intense sun/heat, rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and cold. Check the weather forecast before departing and carry a weather radio if possible. For potential severe weather, modifications to your permit may be possible by calling the Camping Permit Reservation Line. 

Water

Drinking or filtering swamp water is NOT recommended. Fresh water is not available along any water trail. You must bring all drinking and cooking water. One gallon per person per day, is recommended. 

Campsite Food Safety 

By following these steps, you’ll help ensure your safety and contribute to the well-being of the wildlife around you.

• Store food properly: store food and water in hard-sided containers with secure lids.
• Never feed wildlife: Not only is feeding wildlife illegal, but it can also lead them to associate humans with food and they may exhibit more aggressive behaviors.
• Clean up thoroughly: After meals, clean all cooking utensils and eating areas immediately to prevent attracting wildlife to the leftover food scraps.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Do not dispose of food or trash in the portable toilets. Remove all trash and food scraps when you leave your campsite to avoid leaving waste behind for wildlife to eat.
• Avoid cooking near your tent: Cook and eat as far away as possible from your sleeping area to avoid attracting animals to your tent.
• Keep your campsite clean: Don't leave food or trash unattended, especially at night when wildlife are more likely to search for food.

Commercial Guides

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. Authorized commercial guides are listed on the Tours page of our website or you can contact the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center for a list of commercial guide services. 

Shuttle Services

There are three different entrance/exit locations: Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, Kingfisher Landing, and Stephen C. Foster State Park. Starting and ending at different locations will require a shuttle. Permitted shuttle services are listed on the Tours page of our website. Please plan accordingly to either hire a shuttle service or provide your own transportation if you will be entering and exiting from different swamp entrances. 

Prescribed Burns

The refuge conducts prescribed burns for habitat management and to reduce hazardous fuels. Please check with staff at your entry point regarding any recent, or on-going, prescribed burns around the refuge. Learn more about fire management on the What We Do page.

Clean Your Gear

Help prevent invasive species by cleaning and draining your boat and equipment before entering the refuge. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the water. 

Drones

Launching or landing aircraft (including drones) is prohibited. 

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