Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

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 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.

Planning
When you make your reservation, you will be reserving a camping platform (or island) or series of platforms. The trails are designated by different colors and one trip may take you on several different trails - paddlers should look for markers painted the color of the trail which will tell you what color trail you are on as well as the mile. 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. Click here to see recommended trip itineraries. Trail conditions change rapidly; this does not necessarily represent what is currently available.

View the refuge map here

Notifications and Alerts

New in 2020: Beginning in January 2020, the Okefenokee Permit Reservation Phone Line (912-496-3331) will only be open to booking permits on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. EST (excluding federal holidays).

Need to Know

Permit Reservations can be made two-months in advance of the date of your trip. For example, if you are wanting to book a permit for March 15, you can call on January 15 (or any day following) to book a permit.
The Permit Reservation Line is open Tuesday - Thursday (excluding federal holidays) from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 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, but not the day of your trip.
Non-motorized vessels ONLY on overnight Wilderness camping trips. NO boats with motors are authorized for this use
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. Wood for campfires must be purchased onsite.
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.
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.
Download the Discover Nature Wilderness app before your canoe trip. You can pinpoint your location on the trails (even without cell coverage).
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.

Changes & Cancellations

The $10.00 reservation fee is non-refundable. Reservations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the entry date will be fully refunded less a $15.00 (one person/night reservation 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.

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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