Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Planning Your Trip
When you make your reservation, you will be reserving a camping platform (or island) or series of platforms. To view possible itineraries, click on the "Build Itinerary" button at the top right of the page. This itinerary page is a great reference, but it may not be 100% accurate if there are trail closures or impassable conditions affecting portions of the trail system in relation to certain overnight sites. 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. During your trip, you must stay on the designated trails that take you on the most direct route to your overnight site. Some routes enter one part of the refuge and exit at another; 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. For help with an itinerary or questions about current trail conditions, please call the Permit Reservation Line Tuesdays-Thursdays from 7:00 A.M.- 10:00 A.M. EST. You can also call the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at 912-496-7836 from 9:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.

View the refuge map and Wilderness Canoe Guide here

Refuge Information

Located in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in the world. Nearly all of the swamp and some of the neighboring uplands were set aside as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 and now total over 407,000 acres. One of the most unique experiences a visitor can have is wilderness camping in the vast and pristine swamp. With approximately 120 miles of water trails, seven overnight camping platforms and two interior island campsites, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors from all over the country (and the world) a unique recreation experience. Okefenokee NWR only issues one permit per platform each night, offering your party complete solitude to enjoy the swamp during your wilderness camping experience.

Need to Know

To contact Refuge Law Enforcement, call 912-313-6955
The Permit Reservation Line is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (excluding federal holidays) from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m EST. The Reservation Line phone number is 912-496-3331. No reservations will be made outside of this time or via voicemail. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Any additions or changes to permits must be completed prior to printing your permit (no exceptions). Permits can be printed within seven days of your trip, and at least one day before your arrival.
On the water time each day is 10:00 AM. Off the water times vary by season and entrance location. Please ask staff for details.
Non-motorized vessels ONLY on overnight Wilderness camping trips. NO boats with motors are authorized for this use.
Stay on designated trails at all times. Pick up at map before you go and make sure you know the route your permit is intended for.
Portable toilets with disposable bags are recommended. Restroom facilities are available at overnight stops and at day-use shelters. See map for locations.
Portable camp stoves are required for cooking in areas where campfires are not permitted. Campfires are only permitted at Canal Run, Floyds Island, and Mixons Hammock. Don't move firewood! Wood for campfires must be purchased onsite. https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/
There will only be one group per overnight platform. You may encounter day-use visitors as a portion of the Wilderness Trail System is open for day-use as well.
During the peak season (March and April), only one and two night permits are authorized.
Entrance fees are included in the Wilderness Camping Permit fees.
Drinking/filtering swamp water is NOT recommended. Permit holders should bring sufficient drinking water for the entire trip.
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.
Clean your gear before entering and leaving the refuge.
Clean, drain, and dry your boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the water.

Changes & Cancellations

The $10.00 reservation fee is non-refundable. Reservations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the entry date will be refunded camping/amenity fees minus a $15.00 cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled within 13 days of the entry date will not be refunded. If the refuge must close for any reason, all guests with affected reservations will be notified immediately and will be issued full refunds, including the $10.00 reservation fee.

Contact Information

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2700 Suwannee Canal Road Folkston GA 31537

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: FOR BOOKING, PLEASE CALL: 912-496-3331 FROM 7AM - 10AM ET (TUES-THURS, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS). AFTER 10AM CALL THE VISITOR CENTER AT 912-496-7836

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Directions to the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (Do not depend of GPS directions to bring you to this location)

Directions from Folkston, Georgia to Main Entrance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
• Turn onto Main Street heading west. Go through two stoplights and across the railroad tracks.
• Take a left at 3rd light onto Okefenokee Trail (Parkway), also called GA 121/23 South.
• Drive for approx. 7 miles, then turn right at the large beige “Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge” sign.
• Follow this road about 4 miles to the end. When you reach a large parking area, you will see the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center on your left and Okefenokee Adventures is located next to the boat basin.

Directions from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
• Depart from the airport terminal on the airport road, turning into Dixie Clipper Rd. Take Dixie Clipper Road to I-95 Northbound.
• Follow the directions from Interstate 95-exit 3 (below) to get to Okefenokee

Directions from Interstate 95-exit 3 (Kingsland, GA)
• Take GA 40 West approx. 22 miles through Kingsland to Folkston.
• Where GA 40 dead ends at a “T” intersection, turn right onto Third Street then take the next immediate left onto Main Street (courthouse is on your right at turn).
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.

Directions from Jacksonville, FL area
• Take US 1 North through the towns of Callahan and Hilliard. After you cross the St. Marys River into Georgia, go about 4 miles until you enter the town of Folkston.
• Turn left at the 2nd stop light onto Main Street (look for brown Okefenokee sign)
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.

Directions from Atlanta, GA area
• Take Interstate 75 South out of Atlanta
• In Tifton, take US 82 East towards Waycross. Stay on US 82 East all the way into Waycross
• Turn Right onto US 1 South in Waycross heading towards Folkston. You’ll pass the Okefenokee Swamp Park along US 1 South. Continue driving on US 1 to Folkston.
• Once you enter Folkston, turn right at 2nd light onto Main Street.
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.

Directions from Brunswick, GA area
• Take I-95 South towards Kingsland.
• Take Exit 3 off I-95 and turn West (Right) on GA 40
• Follow directions from Interstate 95-Exit 3 listed above
• Follow directions from Folkston, GA listed above.

Directions from Interstate 10 and St. George
• Take exit 48 from I-10 onto FL 121 North.
• Drive north on Fl 121 approx. 20 miles until you reach St George, GA. The road designation will switch to GA 121/23 when you cross over the St. Marys River into Georgia.
• Proceed north approx. 14 miles until you see “Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge” sign, turn left and follow this road about 4 miles to the Visitor Center.

Available Campsites

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