- Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge2700 Suwannee Canal Road (7 Miles Southwest Of Folkston) Folkston, GA 31537
There are three major entrances (and two secondary entrances) to the Okefenokee, each with its own facilities and special character. From the open prairies of the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (Main Entrance) to the forested cypress swamp accessed through Stephen C. Foster State Park (near Fargo, GA), Okefenokee is a mosaic of habitats, plants, and wildlife. Entrance fees are required (and vary) at each entrance. Plan your visit to the Okefenokee by checking out VisitTheSwamp.com
Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (MAIN Entrance) - The main entrance managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, located 11 miles southwest of Folkston, GA off Hwy 121/23. Stop in the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, hike on the upland trails, take a boat tour, visit the Chesser Island Homestead and the Chesser Island Boardwalk. Okefenokee Adventures (on-site concession operation) offers guided boat tours, canoe/kayak rentals, boat rentals, and a food service to visitors. The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit to learn about what the refuge has to offer, watch the refuge film and purchase a souvenir from the Friends group nature store! For information about the refuge, call the Visitor Center at 912-496-7836. For information about guided boat tours and boat rentals, contact Okefenokee Adventures at 912-496-7156.
Secondary entrance: Kingfisher Landing, 13 miles north of downtown Folkston on US Route 1/GA Hwy 121. This entrance offers a boat ramp and restroom facilities for day-use and overnight visitors. Access to the Red and Green trails.
Stephen C. Foster State Park (near Fargo, GA) - Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, this is the place to be for night sky observation! Overnight facilities including cabins, tent and RV campsites are available here. Also, access to the refuge boat trails, fishing, motorboat and canoe rentals, guided boat tours, and interpretive programs are all available to visitors. Visit http://www.gastateparks.org/StephenCFoster or call 912-637-5274 for more information. Address: 17515 Hwy 177 Fargo, GA 31631
Secondary entrance: Suwannee River Sill is located eight miles south of the state park. A great place for fishing and observing wildlife, the Suwannee River Sill is open to driving and also has an area to launch small boats/canoes.
Okefenokee Swamp Park (near Waycross, GA) - A private non-profit facility with Interpretive displays, a boardwalk, boat and train tours, and live animals shows. Visit OkeSwamp.org or call 912-283-0583 for information about programs and entrance fees. Address: 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road Waycross, GA 31503. Other fees apply (private entrance).