About Okefenokee State Park
Okefenokee State Park is a remote gateway to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, North America’s largest blackwater swamp and one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. Spanning 438,000 acres, the refuge features Spanish moss-draped cypress trees, glassy waters dotted with cypress knees, and abundant wildlife including alligators, black bears, deer, turtles, herons, wood storks, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. The park offers canoe, kayak, and jon boat rentals for self-guided exploration, including trips to historic Billy’s Island, and guided boat tours—especially sunset and night tours—are recommended. Fishing is popular for warmouth, bluegill, catfish, chain pickerel, and bowfin, though stringers and minnows as bait are prohibited, and pets are not allowed in boats.
The area’s exceptionally dark skies make it ideal for stargazing. Alligators, estimated at 12,000 in the refuge, should be observed from a safe distance with no feeding or approaching. Visitors must keep hands and feet inside boats and follow all safety guidelines. The park serves as a primary access point to the swamp’s pristine ecosystems, offering immersive experiences in a wild, ancient landscape untouched by modern development.