Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

4.68

456 reviews

2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Georgia#1 Summer Camping Georgia#1 Tent Camping Georgia#1 +9 more

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Non-refundable $10 reservation fee. Camping fees are $15 per person per night during non-peak season. Additional charges may apply for changes or...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

912-496-3331okefenokee@fws.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 456 reviews

1056 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintained

"User reviews emphasize the campground's natural beauty, solitude, and unique wilderness experience. However, common complaints include uncomfortable porta-potties, biting insects, and the lack of reliable signage in some areas. Visitors highly value the solitude ensured by the one-party-per-site policy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537, USA

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537, USA

Driving directionsDirections from Folkston, GA: Turn onto Main Street heading west. Go through two stoplights and across the railroad tracks. Take a left at the 3rd light onto Okefenokee Trail (Parkway), also called GA 121/23 South. Drive approximately 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 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 to reach Okefenokee.

The roads are clearly marked and accessible but GPS directions are not recommended. Seasonal access depends on weather conditions and trail closures, and visitors are advised to check for updates before traveling. Roads leading to the refuge are paved.

Nearby places

Folkston is the nearest city (approx. 7 miles, 15-minute drive). Kingsland is 22 miles away (30-minute drive). Jacksonville, FL is approximately 45 miles away (1-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Folkston, GA (7 miles away). The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center has limited concessions like bottled drinks and snacks.

Best Time to Camp at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

The swamp reveals different personalities throughout the year. Spring and winter bring crisp, comfortable days perfect for paddling, with temperatures that invite exploration and mercifully few insects. Summer transforms the landscape into a steamy, primordial world where afternoon thunderstorms roll across the wetlands with dramatic flair, and the air hums with life—though admittedly, some of that life comes with wings and an appetite. Savvy visitors plan accordingly, embracing the cooler months for maximum comfort.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

High heat, mosquitoes and yellow flies make summer visits challenging per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder-season conditions generally pleasant with fewer bugs than summer; less emphatic praise than winter/spring.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (March–April) described as crisp and peak season by reviewers, though closure/availability notes are inconsistent.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 15% in GA

Reviewers praise cooler temps and minimal bugs in winter months when open (visit patterns positive).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March and April are peak seasons, while May to February is non-peak.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to December 31. Reservations start from June 21 each year. Closed January through April.
Current Alerts: Trail closures and impassable conditions may affect the itinerary. Visitors should check updates before arrival.

About Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

Deep in the heart of southeast Georgia's legendary Okefenokee Swamp, adventurers discover a rare opportunity for true wilderness solitude. Seven elevated camping platforms rise above the ancient waters, while two secluded island campsites offer the ultimate escape into nature. With each platform reserved exclusively for one party per night, you'll find yourself completely alone with the symphony of the swamp—no neighboring campers, no distractions, just you and 438,000 acres of pristine wetland wilderness.

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit emphasizes a wilderness camping experience with options for platforms, islands, and group use. All sites must be accessed via canoe or kayak.

Historical SignificanceSince 1937, this watery wilderness has stood protected as a national wildlife refuge, safeguarding one of America's most extraordinary ecosystems. The Okefenokee represents the crown jewel of freshwater swamps in the Lower 48—a place where time moves differently, where ancient cypress trees stand sentinel over tea-colored waters, and where the rhythms of nature have remained largely unchanged for millennia. This isn't just a campground; it's a portal to a world that predates human memory.

Weather and SeasonsThe swamp reveals different personalities throughout the year. Spring and winter bring crisp, comfortable days perfect for paddling, with temperatures that invite exploration and mercifully few insects. Summer transforms the landscape into a steamy, primordial world where afternoon thunderstorms roll across the wetlands with dramatic flair, and the air hums with life—though admittedly, some of that life comes with wings and an appetite. Savvy visitors plan accordingly, embracing the cooler months for maximum comfort.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from mirror-black water, where ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create natural cathedrals. The Okefenokee's freshwater wetlands burst with life at every turn—prehistoric alligators glide silently through lily-pad gardens, while painted turtles bask on fallen logs. Overhead, the air fills with the graceful silhouettes of great blue herons, snowy egrets, and sandhill cranes. Dense vegetation creates walls of green that part to reveal hidden waterways, each paddle stroke taking you deeper into one of Earth's last great wildernesses.

Geological RegionThe Okefenokee Swamp stands as one of North America's most significant freshwater wetlands, a 700-square-mile mosaic of water trails winding through floating peat islands and prairie lakes. This remarkable ecosystem sits atop ancient peat deposits up to 15 feet thick, creating a spongy, living landscape that literally trembles underfoot—hence the Native American name meaning 'Land of the Trembling Earth.' Home to American alligators, black bears, and over 200 bird species, the swamp offers paddlers an intimate glimpse into a watery wilderness unlike anywhere else in the United States.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 7:00 AM EST.

Check-out

Check-out time is 4:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay during peak season is 2 nights. Non-peak season allows 1-4 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 20 people per camping permit.

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 20 individuals per permit. However, some platforms are better suited for smaller groups due to space constraints.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of seven camping platforms and two island campsites, each accessible by canoe or kayak.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov via website, app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability. All reservations must be made in advance via the platform.

Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled more than 14 days prior to entry date will be refunded camping fees minus $15. Cancellations within 13 days are non-refundable.

AccessibilityAccessibility is limited due to the primitive nature of the campsites. Platforms are designed for minimal environmental impact but may not be wheelchair-accessible.

Site SizePlatform sizes vary but are typically suitable for small groups. User reviews indicate that 8-10 people can fit comfortably on most platforms, though platforms at sites like Big Water are noted for being larger.

PrivacyThe campsite reservation system ensures privacy, as only one party is allowed per platform per night. This provides a unique solitude experience.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesRound Top offers expansive swamp views ideal for sunrise and sunset. Floyds Island features a historic cabin and fire ring.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of activities focused on wilderness exploration, including canoeing, kayaking, wildlife observation, and photography. Paddling is the primary activity, with over 120 miles of water trails connecting campsites. Wildlife viewing is another major draw, with frequent sightings of alligators, birds, and other swamp dwellers.

BoatingBoating in the form of canoeing and kayaking is the main mode of transportation and recreation. Trails are marked with mile markers and color codes, but users advise bringing detailed maps or consulting rangers for navigation. One reviewer noted, 'The canoeing far exceeded our expectations.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is a key draw of Okefenokee. Visitors frequently see alligators, birds, deer, and occasionally raccoons and black bears. One user described the swamp as 'a magical place... filled with enough incredible adventure to make lasting memories.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife, especially alligators, and biting insects like mosquitoes and flies. Weather conditions can include high winds and lightning storms.

Active AlertsTrail closures and impassable conditions may affect the itinerary. Visitors should check updates before arrival.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only at Canal Run, Floyds Island, and Mixons Hammock. Firewood must be purchased locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforceable from sunset to sunrise.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Folkston Police Department and Fire Station approximately 7 miles away. The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center offers ranger assistance from 9 AM - 4 PM. For immediate emergencies, call 911.

Trash & RecyclingCampers must adhere to a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. No trash or recycling facilities are available on-site. All waste, including food scraps, must be carried out.

Water FeaturesThe campground is surrounded by water trails including Minnie's Lake, Billy's Lake, and Suwannee Canal.

Camp HostRangers and staff are available at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center during operating hours (9 AM - 4 PM).

Weather at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit

Reviews

4.7

456 reviews

Top-Rated

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the campground's natural beauty, solitude, and unique wilderness experience. However, common complaints include uncomfortable porta-potties, biting insects, and the lack of reliable signage in some areas. Visitors highly value the solitude ensured by the one-party-per-site policy.

Review Summaries

Based on 456 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the 'magic and solitude' of the swamp, abundant wildlife including alligators and birds, and the well-maintained camping platforms. Winter camping received praise for minimal bugs...

Based on 456 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include poorly maintained porta-potties, inadequate signage along trails, and the challenges of dealing with biting insects, particularly during warmer months. One reviewer warned about...

Based on 456 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and mosquito nets, especially in warmer months. Always have a detailed map and compass. Prepare for primitive conditions by bringing your own toilet paper and sufficient water. Avoid...

Based on 456 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is the most recommended season, with reviewers praising the lack of bugs and cooler weather. Summer visits are noted for high heat, mosquitoes, and yellow flies, making the experience...

Based on 456 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Okefenokee is like a fairy tale landscape. It's absolutely beautiful.' - Jay & Erin B. 2. 'Every time I get a permit to overnight in Okefenokee I feel like I won the lottery.' - Yuri S. 3....

Based on 456 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Round Top and Floyd's Island are frequently highlighted for their scenic beauty and wildlife. Floyd's Island is noted for its cabin and fire pit, while Round Top is celebrated for its sunset views.

Based on 456 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the primitive nature of camping platforms. Mobility-impaired visitors may find access challenging.

Based on 456 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not mentioned in user reviews, and their allowance is not explicitly stated in official sources.

Based on 456 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated February 17, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Georgia

Campgrounds

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Overnight Camping Permit