Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

A world renowned refuge that provides habitat for threatened and endangered species and a wide variety of other wildlife.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

2700 Suwannee Canal Rd.
Folkston, GA 31537
912.496.7836
okefenokee@fws.gov

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the unique qualities of the Okefenokee Swamp, and is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers.  The refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and wood stork, along with a wide variety of other wildlife.  It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health. More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention – 1971) because of the Okefenokee Swamp's importance and value on an international scale. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is also on the tentative list to become a World Heritage Site because of it's global significance.

The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is located at the Main Entrance of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 11 miles southwest of Folkston, Georgia, off the Okefenokee Parkway South (GA 121/23). A $5 refuge entrance fee per vehicle or annual pass is required as admission. For more information, contact the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at 912.496.7836, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

More information is available on the refuge website at fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee, or at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, located off Hwy. 121/23 near Folkston, GA by calling 912.496.7836 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday or daily after September 1.

The Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (East Entrance) to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the primary entrance managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is located 11 miles southwest of Folkson, GA off Hwy 121/23. The refuge is open daily and offers a variety of opportunities for the visiting public. Call 912.496.7836 or visit the refuge website at fws.gov/okefenokee for hours of operation, upcoming events, and entrance fee information.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.

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