Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground

Right across the street from the entrance to Okefenokee Swamp. Take the sunset boat ride…totally worth it! The campground has laundry for $3 per load. They offer breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, even a bar. Excellent breakfast!Charlene was very nice! Would absolutely stay here again. FYI - they do NOT offer discount for Pro Dyrt. New owners and they have been trying to get that removed but no luck. Still worth it (after all, it’s only a 10% discount).

The camp grounds are well maintained and the people will try very hard to make sure that everyone is taken care of. We were there over the Easter weekend and they kept the snack shop open late to allow for campers to watch the Masters.

Great professional staff and clean bath house.  Well stocked camp store.

Super close to Okefenokee Swamp (actually, any closer, you’d be in it!). Strategically located right down the street to the park entrance, this is likely the very closest to camping near Okefenokee you’ll come. Of course, you could try to camp INSIDE Okefenokee, but that’s quite challenging as you’ll need to book well in advance and kayak / canoe/ boat to get to the primitive sites that are there (more on this in another review from inside Okefenokee). Here, you don’t have to think about anything. Just rock up, pitch your tent, park your RV or open the door to the wooden cabins they rent. The place is incredibly compact and tight, but if you don’t mind rubbing elbows with your neighbors in exchange for waking up early the next morning to be one of the first to get zapped by the mosquitos in the south’s most infamous swampland, then you’ve come to the right place. Great news is that you are far enough removed from civilization, you won’t miss it (or hear/ see it!), but if you do need anything, Okefenokee Pastimes has you covered with a campground store where you can find those commonly forgotten things, get snacks, drinks, candy, ice cream, ice and even trinkets from local craftsman as well as some beginner and advanced astronomy equipment from time to time as well as a view into one of the darkest, natural skies on the East cost (this place is also rated as one of the top 10 in the Country!).  And if you can't find what you need here at Pastimes, no worries, the nearby town of Folkston has you covered with its many restaurants (mostly fast food joints), gas stations, grocery stores and typical small town shopping.

Pastimes has excellent paved / milling parking pads & roads, built-in fire pits at all sites, relatively new / well-maintained wooden picnic tables as well as natural grass boundaries that both separates and surrounds all sites. There are many wildflower areas to attract pollinators and hummingbirds (with the campground's own distinct, bespoke hummingbird area), a small patio / dock area where you can feed the fish, watch the hummingbirds and / or just sit back, soak it all in and relax. A covered, lit pergola, complete with picnic tables, built-in benches and a top-end charcoal grill to cook at while overlooking the pond area.  There's also a small, fenced-in dog park that's perfect for keeping your furry friends active and engaged (they even provide pet toys!).  Nearby, there's a small playground, swing set and small yard game areas (think horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, jenga and jarts!).  Beyond playtime activities, there's a proper laundry room with 2 sets of washers and dryers (with only 1 key given to a single guest at a time, so you have a real sense of privacy. This place scores extra points for having a book exchange and even offers up DVD's and VCR tape rentals (take that Blockbuster!).  The best part about Pastimes?  Unlike many other campgrounds that are well lit, Pastimes actually has a policy where they turn off all their lights at night so as not to contribute to light pollution and to preserve the most amazing star-gazing experiences you will ever have (OK, at least hear near Okefenokee - sorry, star-gazing in the Nordics is still the best IMHO!).

Insider’s tip? You’ve made it this close to Okefenokee, it’s important that you get out early – that’s when you’ll see the gators at their most active and we’re you’ll land some great photos – albeit from the bow of a canoe or kayak, which you can easily rent at the refuge itself.  Also, while at Pastimes, do ensure you get out to spy on the many dragonflies, shouldered hawks, butterflies, squirrels, barn owls, armadillos and woodpeckers (obviously, be sure to pack your binoculars).

Happy Camping!

 We stayed at this campground for two nights. The campground was quiet and clean. It rained our whole stay, so we didn't get out except to venture over to the Okefenokee Swamp. They do have a laundry list of rules they give you at check in. One being, not using electric heaters or water heaters. After our departure, I noticed an additional charge of$10.80 from the campground. After calling to see what the charge was, the man I spoke to and I finally realized it was for an additional person. When I called to make the reservation I stated that I had 3 children. When I checked in I stated again that I had 2 adults and 3 children. Nothing was mentioned about an additional charge. They charged my card without telling me. This was what I am upset about. It is stealing. No mention, no emailed updated invoice...just a charge. After looking more closely at the rules they allow 2 adults and 1 child, so they should have actually charged me$20 for 2 additional children. I feel like they chose an arbitrary$10 to add on.

This small campground is a gem. Right across from Okefenokee Wildlife area. There’s tons to do. On site: meticulously maintained dark sky park. They have a dog park, beautiful hummingbird/butterfly gardens, pond. And a star field. But the star gazing is also incredible right on your site. Nice folks here too.

We needed a place to stopover for a night and came across this little gem. The hosts were work camping and very polite and accommodating. Thanks Mandi! The sites are well set up and groomed. This campground is quaint with a lot of charm.

We stopped here for one night on our way to Savannah. I would give the staff service 5 stars - very friendly and the chocolate chip cookies were a lovely touch. We were hoping to enjoy some star gazing but unfortunately it was too cloudy. The wildflowers and the upkeep of the place was great! I had hoped to do laundry, but was told it was only available during office hours (and we had about 2 more hours before they closed). They also had the bathrooms locked and sometimes it’s nice to use the facilities where you stay - for that reason I gave it 4 stars.

Absolutely loved it! So quiet and peaceful - perfect for star gazing and relaxing. Great staff and lovely scenery. Make sure to be a responsible pet parent and bring your dog's vaccine paperwork! The wifi was great - I used it for two days to work with no issues at all. Lovely fish ponds where you can feed the fish! Very large and spacious pull through sites. They even guide you by golf cart to your campsite - highly recommended!

FEELS LIKE HOME! PLEASE SEE MY REVIEW ON PARK ADVISOR!! Theresa B

• Okefenokee Pastimes Camping(912) 496-4472 https://parkadvisor.com/id?1003276

Clean and well kept camp. Easy pull through spots and a short dog walk. Before you make a reservation read the rule book. Proof of rabies vac. required for the dog for one. At this time the park is under some construction. Some tractor noise going on. The office is closed at lunch, I couldn't get my reciept. Plenty to do across the street at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Little over 7mi. loop for driving, biking and/or walking. Trails for hiking or canoeing, no shit. Some history to see, a boardwalk and more Admission is $5. I got there twice at 4:00 and admissions was closed but gate is open. Park closed at 7:00. Well marked trailhead outside the park before you get there.

This was our first site we hooked up to in our new RV which we are now living full time in. Very nice, quiet, safe location. Friendly staff. We did not stay but just over night as we had to travel 1400 miles within a week. But we will no doubt make sure it is on our list the next time through. Spacious sites!

Passport America stop $23 for 3 adults