Here’s what to know about Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp before planning a visit.

Its home to several endangered species like the indigo snake and wood stork.

It was these Indigenous people who first lived in the swamp before European settlement.

Waterway bordered by trees with hanging moss in a swamp-like environment.

Landscape in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia.Credit:Alexander Ließ/Getty Images

The logging industry came next, as did an ill-fated attempt to drain the Okefenokee.

However, it created some infrastructure for pioneers to live within the remote areas until the 1950s.

Entry for each side is $5 per vehicle and both accept national park passes.

Boat bench overlooking a calm wetlands landscape with trees, water, and a partly cloudy sky.

View of Forest State Park inside Okefenokee Swamp.Geoff L. Johnson/Explore Georgia

In 2023, the site started thenomination process for UNESCO World Heritage status.

And to protect the swamp from encroaching mining efforts, the boundaries have beenexpanded by 22,000 acres.

To the west is Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, which has trails and a designateddark-sky park.

Sign reads “Feeding Wildlife Prohibited, No Swimming Or Wading,” an alligator visible in the water behind.

An alligator swimming near a sign warning about wildlife.Geoff L. Johnson/Explore Georgia

Waycross is the other, to the north, and is the most developed with several restaurants and shops.

This entrance is managed by a local swamp tour company.

How to Get There

Because of its remote location, transportation is fairly limited.

A deer standing on grass beside greenery, a wooden directional sign near water surrounded by trees and plants.

Right: A wild deer; Left: A sign directing to different areas in the park.Geoff L. Johnson/Explore Georgia

Jacksonville, Florida, has the closest airport, under two hours by car.

For more options, the Atlanta airport is a five-hour drive away.

A car is essential to reach the Okefenokee Swamp and to get around inside its boundaries.

Alligator partially submerged in water, ripples and reflections visible on the surface.

An alligator head peaking out of the water.Geoff L. Johnson/Explore Georgia

But once there, you’ve got the option to navigate many of the parks roads by bicycle.

you might also bring or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways independently.

The preserve also has several fee-free days throughout the year.

A small campfire roars in a remote campsite in Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp.

A campsite in Okenfenokee Swamp.Allen Allnoch/Getty Images

Octobers Okefenokee Festival in Folkston includes talks on the regions history and environment and the annual Swamp Hollerin Contest.

In November, travel back in time with Pioneer Days.

Best Things to Do

Go on a boat tour of the gator-filled waters.

These boats are not accessible to wheelchairs.

If youre short on time, Swamp Island Drive offers the best of the swamp in a short period.

The seven-mile loop can be explored by car or on bicycle, as many locals start their days.

Explore the Chesser Island Homestead.

The residence includes the farm where they harvested sugarcane and a trail with a viewing platform over the swamp.

You are almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two as the swamp is home to an estimated 15,000.

Birders should keep an eye out for herons and ibis.

Deeper in the swamp, you might find deer and even black bears.

Folkston and Waycross also have basic hotels and rental homes.

Folkston has a handful of restaurants includingThai SmileandLos 3 Mariachis.

Waycross offers slightly more likeSheffield Coffee Co. and thePlant Cafe, a local staple since 1921.