» Boating Notice:
› Boating activities may be restricted during low water levels.
» Visitor Notices:
› The park is located 18 miles from Fargo and 50 miles from a major grocery store.
› Visitors should bring all supplies with them and have plenty of gasoline in their vehicle.
› Cell phone service may be unreliable.
› Late arrivals are not allowed due to NWR regulations.
"From Stephen C. Foster State Park, let North America’s largest black water swamp’s current drift you through the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and disconnect you from the modern world on a journey to encounter primordial wildlife, touch history and see the universe unfold in the dark skies above."
This remote park is a primary entrance to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp—one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. Spanish moss-laced trees reflect off the black swamp waters, while cypress knees rise upward from the glass-like surface. Here, paddlers and photographers will enjoy breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Alligators, turtles, raccoons, black bears, deer, ibis, herons, wood storks, red-cockaded woodpeckers and numerous other creatures make their homes in the 402,000-acre refuge.
Stargazers will appreciate the particularly dark sky.
Same-day reservations are recommended for guided pontoon boat tours of the swamp. Sunset tours may be available. More adventurous visitors may wish to rent canoes, kayaks or jon boats for further exploration of the swamp, including a trip to historic Billy’s Island. Fishing in the lake is excellent, particularly for warmouth, bluegill, catfish, chain pickerel and bowfin. Boating is dependent upon water levels.
Perhaps the most famous inhabitant of the Okefenokee Swamp is the American Alligator. Officials estimate that 12,000 of the country’s largest reptile live within the 402,000-acre refuge. To safely view these creatures, visitors should admire them from a distance and keep hands and feet inside boats. Pets are not allowed in boats, even privately owned vessels.
Because Stephen C. Foster State Park is located within a National Wildlife Refuge, gates lock at closing and a $5 refuge fee is charged.
An official website of the State of Georgia.
