The Okefenokee Swamp is a peat-filled wetland that extends between southeastern Georgia and northern Florida, covering approximately 700 square miles. It is one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in North America and is home to several endangered species.
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History of the Okefenokee Swamp
The Timucua and Creek tribes first resided in the swamp and evidence is still found of their presence like shell mounds. During the 1800s, European settlers attempted to farm and live in the swamp with great difficulty, but a few families were able to make a long-term life there.
The logging industry came in the late 1800s to harvest the cypress trees that had grown over the last century. There was also an attempt to drain the swamp and a rail line was built nearby to bring lumber out.
In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set aside over 400,000 acres as part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It also contains Stephen C. Foster State Park. Recently, it’s been nominated as a potential UNESCO World Heritage site.
In October 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed expanding the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge by approximately 22,000 acres. This expansion could potentially lead to the acquisition of land intended for mining
How to Get to the Okefenokee Swamp
The airport in Jacksonville, Florida is the closest to the swamp, at around an hour’s drive. Atlanta, the largest city in Georgia, is five hours away by car with a large international airport. Greyhound and Amtrak also have stops in Jacksonville.
What to See and Do in the Okefenokee Swamp
An essential experience in the Okefenokee Swamp is exploring by boat. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent from the visitors center and guided tours are offered from companies like Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions.
Each of the entrance points has its own boat tours as well. Stephen C. Foster State Park has tours for $22.50 while the ones offered by the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center through Okefenokee Adventures and Okefenokee Swamp Park are $35. Note that these boats are not wheelchair accessible.
The swamp has several hiking trails and boardwalks to see wildlife, especially birds. Fishing is also available. The Chesser Family Homestead is another popular stop, the preserved home of a pioneer family that lived here for decades.
Where to Eat Near the Okefenokee Swamp
In terms of food, your best bet is to stock up on groceries in Waycross before heading into the swamp. But it is possible to drive to a restaurant, depending on where you’re staying. Folkston has favorites like Thai Spice, Los 3 Mariachis, and Kubs Coffee. Waycross has more choices like Sheffield Coffee Co. and the Plant Cafe.
Where to Stay Near the Okefenokee Swamp
Most places to stay near the Okefenokee Swamp are simple, including basic lodge rooms and campsites. Stephen C. Foster State Park offers camping (including accessible sites) and cottages for up to eight people, but the campground is currently being renovated.
The Suwanee River Eco-Lodge, located near Fargo, is a good option for groups. Laura S. Walker State Park, northeast of the swamp, also has campsites and cottages. If you prefer wilderness camping, you can reserve a spot in advance on raised platforms only reachable by boat.
Okefenokee Pastimes is just beyond the park gates with both traditional campsites, RV sites, and cabins. The property also has a seasonal restaurant, a shop with camping essentials, a dog park, bikes for rent, and a dark sky field.
Folkston has Relax Inn, a simple hotel, and rental homes. Waycross has more options, like the Hampton Inn Waycross and vacation rentals.
Caroline, do you know what kind of mining and exactly where it is? Thanks for a great report!