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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Park

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge protects a vast peat‑filled swamp spanning Georgia and Florida, with blackwater rivers, cypress stands and abundant wildlife. Canoe trips, boardwalks and wildlife photography are the main visitor activities.

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In this guide

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge essentials

Address: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Ware County/Charlton County, Georgia, United States
Website: fws.gov
Hours: Visitor centers and facilities follow seasonal schedules; check Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge website for current information
Admission: Refuge entrance is free; fees apply for certain tours and visitor center programs
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About Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected peat swamp on the Georgia-Florida border in the southeastern United States. The refuge was established to conserve the swamps ecosystems and wildlife and today protects roughly 400,000 acres of wetland.

Visitors explore a labyrinth of blackwater channels, cypress stands and peat bogs via canoe, boat or short boardwalk trails. Wildlife viewing, including birds, turtles and alligators, is a major draw; guided boat tours and paddle trails provide primary visitor access.

The swamp developed over millennia as peat accumulated in a shallow basin. In the early 20th century parts of the swamp were altered by canals and logging; federal protection began when the area was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 to halt large-scale development and preserve habitat.

The refuge sits in southeastern Georgia and extends to the Florida line, within reach of towns such as Waycross and Folkston, Georgia. The landscape is flat, watery and dominated by swamp forest and open peat bog.

  • Size: Covers roughly 400,000 acres of peat-filled wetland in the southeastern United States.
  • River sources: Contains the headwaters or early courses of both the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers, with extensive canoe and boat-accessible waterways.
  • Access and facilities: Public access is largely by water - the refuge operates boat and canoe trails and has visitor facilities and guided boat tours from adjacent state park and refuge launch sites.

What to See#

  • Suwannee Canal Recreation Area: Suwannee Canal Recreation Area provides boat ramps, primitive campsites and access points for paddle and motorized boat trips into the heart of the swamp.
  • Chesser Island Homestead: Chesser Island Homestead is a preserved riverside homestead accessible by boat that interprets early 20th century life inside the swamp.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Autumn through spring offers more comfortable weather and reduced insect pressure; summer is lush but buggy and hot.

Fall-Spring
October-April · 5-25°C
Cooler, drier weather with fewer mosquitoes-ideal for canoeing and hiking.
Summer
May-September · 20-35°C
Hot and humid with abundant mosquitoes; wildlife such as alligators are often more active at dawn/dusk.

Weather & Climate near Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Climate

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1328 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 4° - 18° 11° 100 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
February - 5° - 20° 13° 101 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
March - 9° - 23° 16° 110 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
April - 11° - 27° 19° 81 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
May - 15° - 30° 23° 102 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
June - 19° - 33° 26° 151 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
July - 21° - 34° 27° 173 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
August - 21° - 33° 27° 184 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -
September - 19° - 31° 25° 116 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
October - 14° - 27° 20° 59 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
November - 9° - 23° 16° 65 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
December - 5° - 19° 12° 86 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is reached by car from Waycross and other southeastern Georgia towns-US Highway access followed by refuge roads to visitor centers such as the Stephen C. Foster State Park on the southern edge. Guided boat tours and canoe rentals are available seasonally; consult the refuge website for reservations and program schedules.

Tips for Visiting Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

  • Take a guided boat or tram tour for the best wildlife viewing and to learn about the swamp's ecology.
  • The refuge roads include boardwalks and pullouts-plan 1-3 days to explore depending on interests.
  • Mosquitoes are abundant in summer; use repellents and timed visits (morning/evening) for best wildlife sightings.