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Established Camping

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from April 11, 2025 through April 4, 2026.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping is located near Folkston, Georgia. The area features flat terrain with wetlands and swamps. Temperatures range from 40°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Okefenokee Swamp Park and the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area.

Fee Info

A non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee will apply. Trips are limited to one or two nights during Peak Season. Maximum of 20 people per camping permit.

Reservation Info

Permit Required

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.

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Location

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

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. Youll 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.

Address

2700 Suwannee Canal Road
Folkston, GA 31537

Coordinates

30.8040917 N
82.3071389 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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West Tower Hunt Camp

1 hr 8 min away

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DirtCamp

1 hr 28 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.5

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2025

Remote wilderness camping

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!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping by Joel R., June 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping by Joel R., June 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping by Joel R., June 13, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Mar. 13, 2023

Wonderful!

Probably one of the most beautiful campgrounds I ever stayed in. They made sure to spread the campers out so we had our own privacy. Lots of wildlife and nature!

Site2
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping by Breezy B., March 13, 2023
Reviewed Mar. 12, 2021

Bluff Lake and Round Top

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. Bluff lake had a table and benches which was very nice. Beautiful views at Round Top but no table or movable bench. 32 miles of total paddling through some varying environments. Already planning our trip for next year.

  • Review photo of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping by Mark H., March 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping by Mark H., March 12, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping platforms in Okefenokee Swamp?

Okefenokee Swamp offers approximately 12 remote camping platforms throughout the wilderness area, with Bluff Lake and Round Top being particularly noteworthy options. Bluff Lake platform features a table and benches, adding convenience to your stay. Round Top is known for its beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding swamp. All platforms are well-maintained and strategically positioned above the water to provide safety from wildlife. These platforms are only accessible by canoe or kayak, making them perfect for adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience.

What wildlife might you encounter while camping in Okefenokee Swamp?

The Okefenokee Swamp teems with diverse wildlife, with alligators being the most iconic residents. While camping, you're likely to encounter these prehistoric reptiles basking on banks or swimming nearby. The swamp is also home to numerous bird species including herons, egrets, ibis, and woodpeckers. You might spot river otters, turtles, frogs, and various fish species. Black bears occasionally roam the area, though sightings are less common. At night, the sounds of barred owls, frogs, and insects create a wild symphony. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, particularly alligators.

Do you need permits to camp at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge?

Yes, permits are required for overnight camping at the platform sites within Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. These permits must be obtained in advance, as they're limited to manage visitor impact on the delicate ecosystem. Reservations can be made through the refuge office or Okefenokee Adventures. Since platform sites are popular, especially during peak seasons, it's advisable to secure permits well ahead of your planned visit. Contact the refuge headquarters for current permit fees and availability.

What campgrounds are available near Okefenokee Swamp?

In addition to the wilderness platform sites within the swamp, there are several campground options around Okefenokee. Stephen C. Foster State Park offers developed camping with amenities on the western edge. Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (SCRA) provides access and some camping facilities on the east side. Other nearby options include Laura S. Walker State Park and private campgrounds in towns like Folkston and Waycross. These surrounding campgrounds offer various levels of amenities from primitive to full hookups, providing options for different camping preferences.