Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Special Use Permits

Some commercial, recreational, or research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges only with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are compatible with the refuge’s congressionally mandated wildlife conservation goals. Special use permits may limit the scope, timing and location of the activity, as determined by the refuge where the activity would take place.

Related: Filming Activities in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Prospective permit holders may fill out the corresponding permit application, sign it, and return it to the refuge for processing. Please submit by email to okefenokee@fws.gov. The permit is not valid until approved and signed by a refuge official. Allow for 30 working days to process the permit.

General Activity Special Use Application 

For fishing tournaments, educational activity, special events, and other miscellaneous events or any activity not mentioned elsewhere on this page.

General Activities Special Use Application

Commercial Activities Special Use Application 

For commercial activities such as overnight guiding, day-use guiding hunters, anglers, or other outdoor users; for commercial filming (audio, video, and photographic products of a monetary value).

Commercial Special Use Application 

Research and Monitoring Special Use Application

For research and monitoring activities by students, universities, or other non-FWS organizations.

Research and Monitoring Special Use Application

Commercial Guiding Special Use Permits

A Commercial Guide Permit is required for any person or business (including non-profit organizations) who charge or include a fee for guiding on the refuge. Okefenokee has defined two types of commercial guide permits: day-use and overnight. Individuals and businesses may apply for one of both permits. Each Commercial Guide must comply with Special Conditions of the Special Use Permit to ensure compatibility. Read the Special Conditions for Commercial Guides. 

Overnight Guiding Permit

Issued for: Guides or organizations that lead overnight paddling trips for a fee. 

Length of Permit: 1 year (October 1-September 30)

Annual Permit Fee: $200/year to be paid at beginning of permit period

Number of Permits Issued Annually: Up to 15 Overnight Guiding Permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Minimum Requirements

• Certificate of Insurance ($500,000/occurrence General Liability)
• Current First Aid and CPR Training for all employees
• Pay Annual Permit Fee

Entrance Fees: Pay Wilderness Canoe Camping Permit fees as described. The refuge entrance fee is included in the overnight canoe permit fee. Read more about entrance fees on the Visit Us page.

Overnight Camping Permit Reservations Guides will not receive any special privileges in scheduling or reserving overnight camping sites through the reservation system. Call the Camping Permit Reservation line at 912-496-3331, available Tuesday to Thursday from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

Day-Use Guiding Permit

Issued for: Guides or organizations who lead activities including fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation for a fee.

Length of Permit: 1 year (October 1-September 30)

Annual Permit Fee: $50/year to be paid at beginning of permit

Number of Permits Issued Annually: Up to 100 total Day-Use Guiding Permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Certificate of Insurance ($300,000/occurrence General Liability)
• Current First Aid and CPR training for all employees
• Pay Annual Permit Fee

Entrance Fees: Entrance fees are based on the number of passengers in a vehicle: up to nine people in vehicle: $5/day, 10-25 people: $25/day, 26 or more: $50/day. Read more about entrance fees on the Visit Us page.

How to Apply

An application is required annually. If supporting documentation is not received by the established deadline, the permit will be revoked. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application packages containing false statements and/or fraudulent or misleading information will be denied, and the application fee will be forfeited. 

1. Complete and sign the Commercial Special Use Application (Form FWS Form 3-1383-C)
2. Gather the required supporting documentation
   1. Proof of Insurance with adequate Comprehensive General Liability coverage
      1. Overnight Guides: Minimum limit of liability being $500,000 per occurrence
      2. Day-Use Guides: Minimum limit of liability being $300,000 per occurrence
   2. Proof of current and valid First Aid/CPR certification for all guides
   3. Annual Permit Fee. (Refuge staff will contact you for credit card payment over the phone prior to permit issuance)
      1. Overnight Guides: $200/annually
      2. Day-Use Guides: $50/annually
3. Submit your application and all supporting documents by September 1 annually to receive the annual permit for the season by October 1. Send by email or mail to:
   1. Email to Okefenokee@fws.gov
   2. Mail to Okefenokee NWR, 2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537