Stephen C Foster State Park

Star4.55
143 reviews
17515 HIGHWAY 177, FARGO, Georgia, 31631, United States
Stargazing

Quick Facts

151 ft

Price

$5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific open and...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Georgia State Parks site

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Stephen C Foster State Park
$5.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
ParkPass fees are as follow: 1-12 passenger vehicles $5 per day or $50 annual ParkPass; 13-30 passenger vehicles $30 per day or $75 annual ParkPass;...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 143 reviews

809 Google reviews

Most mentioned

stafffriendlywell-maintained

"The park is widely praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and unique location in the Okefenokee Swamp. Many reviews highlight the excellent staff, abundant wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, visitors consistently mention the remoteness and the need for preparation due to the lack of nearby amenities."

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Campground Map

17515 HIGHWAY 177, FARGO, Georgia, 31631, United States

Stephen C Foster State Park

17515 HIGHWAY 177, FARGO, Georgia, 31631, United States

Driving directionsLocated 18 miles northeast of Fargo at the end of Ga. Hwy. 177. Note that GPS directions are often not accurate; consult a highway map.
The park is accessed via a remote and isolated road. It is 17 miles from the nearest town, Fargo, which only has basic facilities such as a gas station and a dollar general. Roads are paved but remote, making supply preparation critical before arrival.
Nearby places
Fargo, GA (17 miles) — approximately 30 minutes drive. Second closest town is 30 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Trading Post within the park offers limited supplies like snacks, firewood, ice, and fishing gear. Fargo, GA (17 miles away) provides basic amenities like a gas station and Dollar General. Nearest larger grocery store is approximately 1 hour away.

Best Time to Camp at Stephen C Foster State Park

The swamp's moods change with the seasons, each offering its own rewards. Summer brings the full orchestra of nature - from singing frogs to buzzing insects - along with afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the landscape. As autumn arrives, the humidity retreats and mosquitoes surrender the stage, creating ideal conditions for exploration. Winter transforms the park into a serene retreat where crisp, clear nights unveil a celestial theater unmarred by light pollution, making this season a stargazer's paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer brings intense heat, high mosquito activity and frequent afternoon storms.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant conditions and seasonal rewards with fewer bugs than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring has rewards (wildlife, growth) but increased insect activity can be an issue.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in GA

Winter preferred by many reviewers for cooler temps and minimal bugs.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No specific open and closed seasons mentioned in authoritative content.
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.

About Stephen C Foster State Park

Deep within the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp, Stephen C Foster State Park serves as your gateway to one of America's most enchanting wilderness areas. This remote outpost at the western entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers an escape into a primordial world where ancient cypress trees rise from mirror-black waters and the night sky reveals itself in all its glory - so pristine it's earned official dark sky certification. Whether you choose the comfort of a cabin, the community of group camping, or a traditional campsite, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's symphony, with modern amenities like a visitor center and picnic shelters providing the perfect balance of wilderness and comfort.
The park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent sites, RVs, and cabin rentals. Pull-through sites are particularly suitable for larger RVs.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Park gates open at 7 AM.
Check-out
Park gates close at 10 PM.
Stay Limit
Not stated explicitly.

Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Stephen C. Foster State Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, stargazing, birdwatching, and cultural programs. The park is particularly noted for its boat tours and opportunities for wildlife observation, including alligators, birds, and deer.
HikingHiking opportunities are somewhat limited due to the swamp environment. The Trembling Earth Nature Trail and boardwalk provide unique experiences, with some trails ending abruptly due to flooding. "The Trembling Earth nature trail was great, but it ends abruptly in the middle of the swamp."
FishingFishing is available and described as substantial, with fish cleaning stations located near the trading post. Some users have had excellent catches: "Apparently it is plentiful with fish, because there were a few people fishing there that had buckets full of fish!"
BikingBiking is possible on the paved roads and trails. "The park’s environment is ideal for biking, with shaded paths."
BoatingBoating options include guided tours and rentals of canoes, kayaks, and motor boats. "The boat tours are highly recommended, and the swamp's waterways are easy to navigate."
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with alligators, deer, bears, and numerous bird species frequently observed. "The guided boat tour was great and very knowledgeable about the swamp fauna, including gators and birds."
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAstronomy programs utilizing an 18-inch telescope are sometimes offered, and boat tour guides provide historical context and ecological education during the tours.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes, yellow flies, spiders, and potential encounters with alligators and black bears are common hazards. Seasonal flooding can occur.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Stephen C Foster State Park

Reviews

4.6
143 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Stephen C Foster State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The park is widely praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and unique location in the Okefenokee Swamp. Many reviews highlight the excellent staff, abundant wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, visitors consistently mention the remoteness and the need for preparation due to the lack of nearby amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Common highlights include the dark night skies, well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and abundant wildlife. Many reviewers recommend the boat tours and renting a kayak or canoe for a closer...
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Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

The park's remoteness and lack of cell service are frequent complaints. Some reviewers noted the proximity of campsites as a downside, and the presence of mosquitoes and other insects is a recurring...
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Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing insect repellent, planning visits during cooler months to avoid bugs, and preparing supplies in advance due to the park's isolation. Several reviewers suggest taking...
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Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are preferred due to the lack of bugs, cooler temperatures, and pleasant camping conditions. Summer visits are marked by intense heat and high mosquito activity, while spring and fall...
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Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This park is one of the best I've ever stayed in. The night sky here is lovely." 2. "The mosquitoes are the greatest scourge I've ever seen." 3. "The boat tours provide great views of birds,...
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Based on 143 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #21 is noted as spacious and private. Pull-through sites like #60 are highlighted as being particularly convenient. Sites closer together were criticized for lack of privacy.
Based on 143 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible bathrooms and showers are available, and the park is noted as handicap-friendly.
Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the park, but reviewers caution about the presence of wildlife such as bears and alligators. Keeping pets on a leash is strongly recommended.
Based on 143 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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