Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Take a walk on the wild side at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge! This pristine 680-square-mile wilderness is an ecological wonder. The main entrance to the National Wildlife Refuge is located near Folkston, GA, approximately one hour from Jacksonville, FL. 

Hike the Chesser Island Boardwalk to the Owl's Roost Tower for an unparalleled view of the swamp prairies and the Okefenokee Wilderness. The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is a perfect place to begin your Okefenokee experience - talk to refuge staff and volunteers about recreational opportunities, recent wildlife sightings, and explore the educational exhibits and watch the orientation video in the auditorium. The onsite concession, Okefenokee Adventures, provides boat tours, food service, and canoe/kayak rentals. Activities include fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and photo opportunities, wilderness camping, canoeing and kayaking.

Public boat launches are available at several of the refuge entrances: Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, Kingfisher Landing, Suwannee River Sill, and the Stephen C. Foster State Park. 

There are three major entrances and two secondary entrances to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, each with its own facilities and special character. From the open, wet "prairies" of the east side to the forested cypress swamps on the west, Okefenokee is a mosaic of habitats, plants and wildlife. Entrance fees are required at each entrance.

Discover Okefenokee - one of your national wildlife refuges. 

Hours: Open 1/2-hour before sunrise every day. Closes at 7:30 p.m.- March 1 through October 31, and 5:30 p.m.- November 1 through end of February. Visit website for closings.