Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit
Open year-round but currently experiencing low water conditions. Due to dry weather and low water levels, only Coffee Bay, Canal Run, and Mixons Hammock platforms are accessible. Yellow, Pink, Purple, and Blue trails are impassable, along with sections of Red, Green, and Orange trails. Reservations are currently accepted only two weeks in advance, and all trips must begin and end at the same location. Campfire restrictions are in effect at Canal Run and Mixons Hammock.
From Recreation.gov
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is experiencing increasingly dry weather conditions and low water levels which are impacting access to several water trails and paddle-in camping platforms. Visit the [Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge website][1] for current conditions. [1]: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee
About
Located in southeast Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in the world. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 407,000 acres and offers one of the most unique wilderness camping experiences in the United States. Eight elevated camping platforms and two interior islands are accessible via roughly 120 miles of marked water trails, with each site hosting only one permitted party per night for complete solitude. This is true backcountry paddle-in camping. Only canoes and kayaks are permitted; no motors of any kind are allowed. Campers must bring all drinking and cooking water (at least one gallon per person per day recommended), pack out all trash, and stay on designated trails. Composting toilets are available at each platform. Campfires are allowed only at Canal Run, Floyds Island, and Mixons Hammock; portable camp stoves are permitted at all sites. Reservations are required and must be made by phone (912-496-3331, Tuesday-Thursday 7-10am ET). The fee is $15 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee. Maximum stay is 2 nights during peak season (March-April) and up to 4 nights May through February. Three entry/exit points serve the trail system: Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, Kingfisher Landing, and Stephen C. Foster State Park.
Directions
From Folkston, GA: Head west on Main Street through two stoplights and across railroad tracks. Turn left at third light onto Okefenokee Trail (GA 121/23 South). Drive approximately 7 miles, turn right at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge sign. Follow this road 4 miles to the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area and Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center. From I-95 Exit 3 (Kingsland): Take GA 40 West approximately 22 miles through Kingsland to Folkston, then follow directions above.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| okefenokee@fws.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (912) 496-3331 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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