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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, GA

Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

A large wetland refuge in southeast Georgia that is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers.

Folkston, GA

About Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge protects a vast swamp in southeast Georgia. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes it as the source of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers and a home for threatened and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, and wood stork. Its amphibian populations are well known as indicators of environmental health worldwide. The refuge is also a Wetland of International Importance. Visitors can watch wildlife, camp, hike, canoe, kayak, boat, fish, and photograph the scenery. Water trail and campsite access has been limited recently because of low water levels, and some areas, including Kingfisher Landing, have temporary closures, so check current conditions before going.

  • #wetlands
  • #swamp
  • #wildlife watching
  • #paddling
  • #camping

What's around here?

The closest stops to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Okefenokee Swamp

    Under $25

    Paddle, boat or hike a vast blackwater swamp where alligators, sandhill cranes and wood storks live.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums

    Folkston Railroad Transportation Museum

    Check prices

    A railroad history museum housed in a renovated downtown Folkston depot, featuring a model train room and radio exhibits.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Okefenokee Swamp Park

    Under $25

    A swamp park near Waycross, Georgia, offering guided boat tours, a railroad trip to Pioneer Island, and live snake and alligator learning sessions.

    23 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Laura S. Walker State Park

    Check prices

    A southeast Georgia state park near the Okefenokee Swamp, with a lake, hiking trails, and an 18-hole golf course.

    28 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums

    St. Marys Submarine Museum

    Under $25

    A submarine-focused museum on the St. Marys waterfront in Georgia, with exhibits across two floors and a working periscope.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums

    Okefenokee Heritage Center

    Under $25

    Nonprofit arts center and train museum in Waycross with regional history exhibits.

    37 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

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