Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

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. 

Rules and Regulations

• Feeding, enticing, or harassing wildlife is prohibited. 
• Camping without a permit, open fires, feeding or baiting of wildlife, swimming in refuge waters, or entering any area posted with area closed signs is prohibited. 
• Boats with outboard motors are limited to 10 hp. No airboats or paddleboards allowed. Children under 13 must wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). A PFD must be on board for every passenger. 
• 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 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 , except in an emergency. National wildlife refuge boundaries are designated on up to date FAA aeronautical charts. See 50 CFR §27.34 for more information.
• All pets must be properly confined, leashed (10-foot maximum), and under owner control at all times. No pets are allowed in boats, buildings, or boardwalks. 
• Entry only during posted hours. Closing times strictly enforced. Allow time to return to your vehicle and leave the area before posted closing time. 
• All visitors accessing the Okefenokee by boat must sign in and out at the nearest kiosk or visitor center. 
• You must have a valid entrance pass (Daily, Refuge-specific Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Access Pass, Senior Pass, Volunteer Pass, Military Pass, or Duck Stamp). Display pass or placard clearly on the dashboard of your vehicle. 
• Stay on marked walking trails and roads. Boaters must stay on marked trails. 
• Bikes are allowed only on paved roads. Children under 16 must wear a bike helmet. 
• Littering or dumping of garbage, refuse, sewage, debris, or other wastes or poisons is prohibited. 
• The use of a spotlight, automotive headlight, or other artificial light to spot, observe, locate, or take any animal on the refuge is prohibited. 
• Taking, possessing, injuring, disturbing, damaging, destroying, or collecting any plant or animal (or attempting these actions) is prohibited. 
• Destroying, defacing, damaging, disturbing, or removing any private or public property, including any natural object or artifact, is prohibited. The use or possession of metal detectors or similar devices is prohibited. 
• Disturbing or interfering with any person engaged in an authorized activity is prohibited. Engaging in any act of indecency or disorderly conduct (as defined by State or local laws) is prohibited. 
• Entering or remaining on the Refuge when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited. 
• Begging or soliciting in any form or conducting a commercial enterprise on the Refuge is prohibited. 
• 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 (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32). 
• 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). 
• ATV's (3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) are prohibited.
• Carrying, using, or possessing paintball guns or paintball markers is prohibited.
• Special Use Permits are required for all commercial activities within the refuge. Special regulations apply to commercial guiding and outfitting.
• 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.
• 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.