Camping near Folkston, Georgia offers direct access to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of North America's largest blackwater swamps covering approximately 438,000 acres. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area features a mix of established campgrounds and wilderness platforms that require permits for overnight stays.
What to do
Guided boat tours: Take a sunset boat cruise from Crooked River State Park, where rangers lead small group excursions. "The park that we poked around as I explored the massive grounds of this gem and asked from the local rangers, the more and more impressed I became. This campground even offers a curated sunset cruise aboard one of their very own skiffs comfortably accommodating families up to 6 people," according to a camper at Crooked River State Park Campground.
Paddle the St. Mary's River: Access the dark waters from Charlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area. "Short walk down the street to the boat and kayak ramp of the St Mary River," reports one camper who visited Charlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area and Campground. Another adds, "We dipped our kayak and canoe in for what we thought would be a good 30 or 45 minute bit of paddling, only to spend more than 4 hours exploring this very peaceful and enchanting body of water."
Overnight wilderness camping: Reserve a platform in the swamp for an authentic experience. "The Okefenokee wildlife refuge has about 12 remote camping platforms located out in the swamp. They are only accessible by canoe or kayak. They offer no service except an elevated platform to keep you above the water and out of reach of alligators!" explains a visitor to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground offers clean, modern amenities. "The bathrooms are the most immaculate I have ever come across," notes one camper. Another visitor mentions, "Very large and spacious pull through sites. They even guide you by golf cart to your campsite."
Proximity to nature: Laura S Walker State Park provides direct lake access with wildlife viewing opportunities. "It's quiet and dark at night. We loved sitting at the gazebo and just watching the water," says a recent visitor to Laura S Walker State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "There are 2 pull through sites, and 2 full hook up sites. The rest are back in with water & electric."
Peaceful seclusion: Traders Hill Recreation Area offers a quiet retreat with historic trees. "Quite and beautiful the trees in the tent area are at least 200 plus years old and the moss just hangs from them," describes one camper. Another notes, "You'll discover here pristine natural surroundings, Spanish moss drenched ancient Oaks and Cypress, small twisting little river joints."
What you should know
Gate closures and access: Some parks have strict entry times. "Check-in is 3 PM but the ranger station closes at 5 and gates lock shortly after. I called in advance and received a gate code," explains a visitor to Atlantic Beach Campground — Fort Clinch State Park.
Camping permits: Wilderness platforms in Okefenokee require advance reservations and permits. "Spent 2 nights in the swamp. Rented canoes and took shuttle to Launch at kingfisher landing, spent 1st night at Bluff Lake and 2nd at Round Top. Ended at SCRA/okefenokee adventures. Platforms in great shape."
Limited amenities: Primitive sites often lack basic services. "There's a little camp store on the premises, but it was closed the whole time we were there. The restroom and shower facilities would be more at home in 3rd world countries than in the US."
Tips for camping with families
Glamping options for kids: Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA offers glamping units with family amenities. "We had so much fun camping here for the weekend with our family. Very clean with lots of fun activities like mini golf, pool, jumping pad and a dog run for your pet. They serve free waffles and pancakes in the morning too," says a visitor to Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA.
Educational programs: Look for ranger-led nature activities. "The rangers were excellent during the nature education. We truly enjoyed touching and learning about local wildlife. While exploring, we even found a new turtle nest!"
Swimming options: Several parks offer lake swimming. "Nice playground for the kids. Lake isnt big, boats and jet skis are limited. I hear the fishing is good. Lots of open areas to enjoy. Bikes, canoes and kayaks to rent."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose outer ring sites when possible. "If you aren't lucky to get one of the sites right on the lake the inner sites can get a little crowded with very little privacy. One of the sites farther off the lake hugging the treeline would have been nice."
Level sites: Check reviews for information on site grading. "Our site was very unlevel thanks to tree roots. How dare they grow there. Our site did not have any room in the back and it was oddly placed with two other sites."
Hookup considerations: Not all sites have full connections. "There are 2 pull through sites, and 2 full hook up sites. The rest are back in with water & electric. The showers and bathrooms are clean and modern."
