OKEFENOKEE SWAMP  FAQs

                                                             
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                                                                                         "Swamp Critters" Bluegrass Band.  
                                                                                                                       
                                                  If the background music drives you batty - you can always turn it down. - or off! {:o)) 

                                                          
Q:   Where do I go and how do I get into the swamp to see it?
A:   There are three 'major' entrances. The East Entrance, the North Entrance, and the West Entrance.
The East Entrance is roughly 12 miles south of Folkston, GA., and about 4.5 miles down a road running to the west, off of Hwy 121, . There is a large sign on 121 ... you can't miss it.
Also, the east entrance is the  main Administration site for The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It has concession facilities offering guided tours, boat, motor, bicycle and canoe rental, souvenirs, fishing and camping supplies. They do not have a public campground. (Covered later.) They have a superb Visitors center.  Their 'museum quality' displays of swamp flora and fauna are outstanding. It alone is worth the trip. One of their biggest attractions  was "Ole George," a huge ole granddaddy 'gator of submarine proportions. He would daily lay on the bank of the canal immediately behind the visitor center and pay no attention to those gawking at him. Not long ago George apparently died of old age. (I'm told) They also have a complete old country homestead nearby which belonged to the Chesser family. This home is complete and fully furnished right down to the old time family portraits. The kitchen still has the fancy (expensive in those days) old wood stove, dishes, churns, etc. exactly as it was 50 years ago. There is a volunteer Ranger on duty who conducts regular tours explaining the era and history of the family. You will learn more about this beautiful swamp here than any of the other entrances. Huge excellent parking facilities, and Rangers who are helpful in every way.
The North Entrance - (Tours though not really a swamp entrance point) Is near Waycross. This is called Okefenokee Swamp Park. It is privately owned by a non-profit organization. (??)   It too has a lot of very interesting tourist attractions, tours, a huge gift shop and trails. Here are also several complete houses, lived in many years ago by the 'swamp folk'.  They have brought these old homes out of the swamp and rebuilt them exactly as they were 50 or so years ago. They are on a small spit of land surrounded by water with humongous live 'gators adorning the waters edge. For a small fee you can tour this 'village' or walk the garden trails they have built specifically for you to enjoy and see what the swamp is like. Huge parking facilities.
The West Entrance - Is 17 miles east of Fargo GA. At the dead-end of Hwy 177.  It is Stephen Foster State Park and is operated by the state of Georgia. It has a superb well kept, wooded campground with an unbelievable amount of   'in camp' wildlife, children's playground, boarded wildlife walks, a super Marina, clean modern restrooms with cloths washing facilities, cabins, boat, motor, and canoe rentals, and a well stocked  gift shop. Also, they carry ice, and a limited supply of snack food and drinks. There is a  more detailed description of this entrance further on in this info.   Brochures and maps of the Swamp can be had by contacting the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Rt. 2  Box 3330,  Folkston, GA.  31537  --  or -  912-496-7366

          Q:   Is canoeing in the Okefenokee really safe?  I wouldn't want to get lost.
        A:   You bet. Very safe. You are given a map, the canoe trails are well marked and you are warned by signs when you are entering an area that is closed. Closed areas are marked "off limits" ... you are not allowed to enter. As a rule, on day trips you will have lots of canoe company. Especially at the western entrance. On the trail crossing the swamp you will not. Those trails are by permit only and the amount of permit holders are limited. Many people come here to experience this great outdoor adventure. Summertime the swamp usually has lots of canoers. You are required to 'log out' when you leave - and back in when returning.

• Q:   How large is the Okefenokee Swamp?
• A:   The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge presently encompasses approximately 396,000 acres.  It extends roughly 38 miles north to south, and approximately 25 miles east to west.
  
   
• Q.    Where is the best place to canoe? What is the prettiest part of the swamp?
• A.   You can canoe at each entrance. However, in my opinion, the really "scenic swamp" is at the Western entrance (Stephen Foster State Park) where the swamp is probably still pretty much as was 50 years ago. The exception being that loggers cut almost all of the "old growth" cypress. However, there is still an abundance of forested swamp. I doubt seriously if the area you will see will look much different than it did 100 years ago other than no monstrous cypress trees and 'canoe trail' signs.'  So... in the Western part you will see the true swamp as it 'almost' was. Again, my opinion, This part of the swamp looks as most people would expect a swamp to look like. A formidable and mysterious dense forest in 6" to several foot deep water (more in some places) with lots of wildlife. Though the North and the Eastern entrance parks have tours, gift shops, facilities, and is more tourist oriented, the canoeing near those locations,  is mostly down canals built by the logging companies to remove their timber. However, the prairies at those locations have a far greater species of bird populations. Therefore the bird watching is much better. Here you will find many of the wading birds, such as the egrets, herons, sand hill cranes, ibis, and wood storks, Osprey and eagles prefer nesting only in the top of the tallest trees so are more at home on the Western side.  However, they are often seen hunting the eastern side.
  
  
• Q.    Do they have any place to get out of my canoe in the swamp? What if I need restroom facilities?
• A.    I'm sorry to say there are no facilities at this time for "day trippers" that I know of at the Western entrance. However, a request has been made by the Forestry Service to place a toilet facility at the shelter at Minnie's Lake.  Hopefully, that will be installed this winter. As far as getting out and stretching at the Western side, there are 'almost'  none. (except for the above at Minnie's Lake) There you can get out and stretch or have lunch on a small (12X12) shelter platform built about 3 feet above the water. (but presently, no toilet facilities) However, there is a great place to picnic and hike on Billy's Island. It is one of only a few places that are high enough above water that you can get out without a special permit. Most of the others are in "permit only" areas. (Unless you get out on the sill at the far western edge.) Billy's Island is only 25 minutes by canoe from the State Park Marina, and is an easy paddle.  As for facilities on the Eastern side, there are shelters with toilets at Monkey Lake, Coffee Bay, and on the Suwannee canal . . . about half way between the Canal Run Shelter and the Marina. There may be others that I am unaware of. Best you ask a Ranger.
  
  
• Q:   What about camping? Can I camp in the swamp?
• A:   Yes and No!  You cannot just go out to one of the islands and camp. Anyone not having a permit must be out of the swamp by 5 to 6 PM. (when leaving and returning you must sign in at the park office) This varies with daylight savings. However, if you have a camping permit for a specific place, you are allowed to remain in the swamp for that period of your permit. If you are canoeing through the swamp on one of the canoe trails, your evening campsite will be a 20X28' "chickie" (They use the term "Shelter"  (a covered wooden platform about 3 feet above the water with a 3/4 roof) except for Floyd's island, where you will have the luxury of a cabin for one night only. Those chickies (Shelters) are located at Maul Hammock, Bluff Lake, Round top, and Big Water. 'Canal Run' also is a shelter on a small canal just off of the Suwannee Canal.   And the halfway shelter . . . mentioned above. All of the above are in permit only areas except for the day shelters at Minnie's Lake and the Suwannee Canal halfway.  Billy's Island does not have a shelter but has great trails to explore.  Great place to picnic.
  
    Q:    Where do I get my permit?
•   A.    You apply to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Office. Their Ph. Number is 912-496-3331 They will mail you all the information. Currently, call ONLY between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays)  By the way, the main Admin. office closes at 3:30 P.M. Do not call here for permits. Call the above number only.
  
  
•   Q:   What does the overnight or canoe trip permit cost? 
•   A:    The cost is $10.00 per person per night and is non-refundable. Also, you may get your reservation up to two months before the start of your trip.    All this will be in the info they mail you.
  
  
•   Q:    How many people can I put on that permit?
•   A:     At $10.00 "per person." A permit can be for 1 to 20 people.   Previously you were not allowed to canoe solo, however, I'm told that has now changed. When you fill out your permit paperwork, you also must indicate how many people are included in your party, and the name and address of the group leader.  The group leader is responsible for the conduct of all those in his party.
  Note:  After making a 5 day trip recently, and seeing the shelters sizes, I can honestly say that in my opinion, anything over 10 people would be severely cramping the space available to spend the night. And then, there would have to be sleeping bags only, no tents. There were four of us and we used most of the space available -- but then, we were setting up four tiny tents.
  
• Q:    Can I have a fire when I camp?
• A:    No! If you are canoeing through the swamp, you will be camping on "chickies" (wood Shelters)  (partially sheltered, raised wooden   platforms) every night except for one. Being wooden, you are not allowed any sort of fire except for a Coleman type stove or a backpackers camp type burner. The reason should be obvious.
  Fires are allowed at Canal Run, Floyds Island, and Cravens Hammock.  (Except during extreme fire hazard times of the year which might dictate changes) You may bring your own wood or use only down dead wood. Areas around the fire rings should be properly cleaned of leaves and debris at least 4-5 foot before starting your fires.   For obvious reasons. Use extreme care with fire.  Remember, there are no fire engines here . . . to put out an out of control fire. 
  
  
•   Q:    What kind of wildlife might I hope to see in the swamp?
•   A:    That depends on how quiet and observant you are. Alligators are the most abundant.   You will see them just about anywhere they can find a good place to pull out of the water and sun themselves. The majority of those you will see are small. Meaning 6 feet and under. However, occasionally you will see a big fellow.   As long as you use a little common sense and do not molest them, they will not bother you. Whatever you do, when camping on a chickie, (shelter) DO NOT feed them. You might possibly also see, otter, fox, turtles, lots of coons, squirrels, deer,  bob cats, hundreds of different kinds of birds in season. Such as many different species of hawks, owls, ducks, turkey, cranes, and woodpeckers (including the red-cockeyed, and pileated) herons, bald eagles, wood stork, osprey, and occasionally if you are alert and lucky you may see the beautiful swallow tailed kite. They are not common. I have only seen one in all of my trips.  Black Bear and wild pigs also inhabit the swamp, especially around its outer edges. However, seeing one of these is extremely remote. Panther were known for many years to also inhabit the swamp. However, I'm told no one has seen one in over 10 years. That does not mean they are not there. On several occasions we have heard bear splashing as they ran away but have never been lucky enough to see one. (There is a difference in the sound of bear running in shallow water compared to deer. Much more noise)    If you plan on staying at Stephen Foster State Park, I can almost assure you that you will see 'coons by the dozens, and gray fox almost as plentiful.  They will walk right into your campsite up to within a few feet of you.   In the fall (when there are plenty of acorns) the deer will feed right in your campsite within 30 feet of you and pay no attention to you whatsoever.
  
            
•     Q:    What about snakes?
•     A:    Yes, they are there.  However, in over a dozen trips into the swamp in the west corner, I have seen snakes on only one trip. That was because of extremely high water. The snakes had to move up and were in the tree limbs. In two days, we saw only three. They are not a problem. However, if you are going to walk around on some of the islands, you should stay alert. You probably will never see one but it is always best to keep your eyes open.  Remember, the snake is more afraid of you than you are of it. (My wife might disagree . . . grin)  -- If  you should encounter a snake on the trail, stop!   (I was told by a very old prospector in Arizona years ago, to "stomp your feet" and the vibrations would help shoo him along a little faster.  Give it time and it will move quickly out of your way. Remember, you are in HIS habitat. Do not harass or injure him.  Let him go his way.
  
  
•     Q.    Can I take a firearm with me into the swamp?
•     A.    No!  Firearms or any other type weapons are not allowed inside the refuge. That goes for sling shots, bow and arrows, etc.
  
  
•     Q.    Can I take my dog with me?
•       A.    No!   Pets are not allowed inside the swamp. You are allowed to have them inside the campground as long as they are on a leash.  This is for your own (and your dog's) safety. As mentioned elsewhere, dog is alligator's favorite meal and they will go after them when they see or smell them. Though my old dog loves to canoe and camp with me, even if there were no restrictions, I would  NEVER   take my dog into the swamp. I love him too much to risk losing him to a hungry 'gator.
  
  
•     Q:    What kind of snakes are there in the swamp?
•     A:    Just about anything you want to name that is native to the southern states. The most abundant however are water snakes. The common  moccasin and the cottonmouth, then comes the  Eastern Diamond Back and Timber rattlesnake, etc. Again, as long as you are aware they are around, and you stay alert, they will not be a problem. Remember, they are more afraid of you than you are of them. (Again, That does not include my wife)  Grin.    Note: There is one exception to the above.   Since I was a boy I have heard the cottonmouth is one of the few snakes in the US with a reputation to be aggressive.  Most snakes will hightail it the minute they see you, However, IF provoked . . . I'm told the cottonmouth will not only stand his ground, I have heard he will attack if cornered or feels threatened. I personally have no proof of this nor do I care to test it. (grin) If this concerns you or if you would like more information, best to consult with Park Rangers who are far more familiar with these snakes than I.  By keeping still, usually 'most' snakes will get out of your way. Never attempt to feed or molest any of the animals, especially the  alligators. Again, If you discover a snake on the trail, leave him be.   Remember, you are encroaching upon his territory. By the way, the Rangers have a regular "show and tell" program at the campground where you can learn all about the creatures of the swamp, trees, flowers and much more. I highly recommend you experience one or two of these. They are very informative and I'm sure you will find them quite enjoyable.
  
  
•       Q:    What about campgrounds?
•       A:    There are excellent camping facilities at the West corner,  called Stephen Foster State Park Campground. At the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge on the east side below Folkston, Georgia, there are no campsites inside the park, however, there is a commercial facility outside the park on Hwy 121 at the entrance to the park. Their Phone number is 912-496-4472  There is also a wonderful county campground just below Folkston  off of Hwy 121, (a very short distance) called "Traders Hill" Campground. It is right on the St. Mary's river. They also have an excellent boat ramp ... and ... this is one of the prettiest campgrounds I have had the pleasure of staying in.  The huge old oak trees are several hundred years old and are everywhere. This is a very old and historical place ... You will love it. Check it out in your Florida history books. 
  
  
•       Q:    Tell me about the facilities at Stephen Foster State Park?
                What all do they offer if I wanted to take my family there?
•       A:    You name it, they have it! Showers, full hook up RV sites, dump station, Kiddy park, washers, dryers, marina, launch ramp  plenty of paved parking, canoes for rent, boats and motors for rent, bicycle rental year around for $3.50 per hour, tent sites, gift shop, "some" snack supplies,  ice,  9 - SUPER nice cabins ... (which are usually booked  well   in advance.) They also have an area set aside for Group Camping. This area rents for $21.00 per night for the first 15 people and $1.50 for each person over. They have a total of 66 sites, of which 10 are pull through RV sites.  They hold Ranger Programs inside the Interpretive Center every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 8:00   P.M. Subject matter varies each night. This is an excellent place to learn about the swamp inhabitants and it flora and fauna. On Sunday morning there is a guided walking tour on the Nature Trail which is a 1 1/2 mile board walk. This is free.  There are also regular professionally narrated boat tours (large pontoon boat) of the swamp three times a day. 10:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M., and 3:00 P.M. The cost of the tour is $8.00 per adult and $6.00 for children over 3.This park also has two children's playground facilities, 3 covered picnic shelters with grills, and numerous picnic tables with grills.  If you need further information, call 912-637-5274 from 7:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M.
  "My opinion" --  This is a wonderful place to bring your family!
  
•       Q:    Where is this Stephen Foster Park?
•       A:    It is at the dead end of Hwy 177 going northeast out of Fargo,  Georgia, about 17 miles from town. Fargo is almost on the border with Florida, and on Hwy 441, north of Lake City, FL.
  I should mention Fargo has a couple gas stations, a small grocery, a convenience store, and two very small country restaurants, one of which is brand new from the ground up. It was completed in the fall of 1998.
  
  
•       Q:    How's the fishing in the swamp?
•       A:    Like the fishing anywhere else. One time it's great, other  times it's terrible.  If you like brim or bluegill fishing,  they usually are great. However, I was told by some of the locals, in the last 10 years the bass fishing seems to have fallen off quite a bit, and not good.
  
  
• Q.    Do I need a Georgia Fishing license to fish in the swamp?
• A.    Yes. But Georgia has a short term license you can buy for only three days and it only costs $5.00.  Ask at the Ranger Station. I'm told you can get your license either at the East Entrance Concessionaire or at the Stephen Foster Headquarters.
  
  
• Q:   Can I put my boat in at the swamp?
• A:   Yes!    IF ... your motor is no larger than 10HP. They allow nothing larger than 10 HP in the swamp, and then they are allowed only in designated areas. Motors of any kind are not allowed on any wilderness trail. There is a small fee for launching.
  
  
• Q:    Can I put my air boat in?
• A:    NO!  Airboats are not allowed in the swamp. Except for Forestry staff and researchers, and they use them only when   absolutely necessary. Airboats are a noisy intrusion into the peace and quiet of the swamp and also they scare wildlife.
  
  
•       Q:    How many boats and motors do they have to rent at the Stephen Foster marina?
•       A:    I have never counted them but there appears to be at least 30. Maybe more.
  
  
•       Q:    How many canoes do they have for rent?
•       A:    Somewhere around 30-40.  Both aluminum and fiberglass.
  
  
•        Q:    Do I need a reservation to camp in the campground?
•        A:    Yes and no. In the busy season, yes! This is a state owned and operated park. You call 1-800-864-7275 to make your reservation. Occasionally, when things are slow and there are plenty of spaces,  you can just go to the office and they will assign you a space. It is much better however, to call the above number and make an advance reservation.
  
  
•       Q:  Do the have cabins for rent in the campground?
•      A:   Yes.  But they only have 9 and unless you have a reservation  FAR   in advance, it is almost impossible to get one.  They are EXTREMELY nice by the way. Large screened in porch, Modern, clean and very well equipped and maintained.
  
  
•      Q:    What do the sites in the campground cost?
•      A:   At this writing  . . .  $13.00 tent and $15.00 RV.  $15 gets you water and lights. Those rates change to 15.00 and 17.00 from March 1st. to June 1st.  This is what is called "peak time."  They also have a senior discount. The last time I was there, (November) they were installing cable for those who RV. and bring along a TV.   (Gads!)
  
  
•        Q:     How many sites do they have in their campground?
•        A:     66 tent, trailer and RV sites.
  
  
•        Q:    When is the best time to go to enjoy the swamp and this campground?
•        A:    Anytime! Spring is the busiest season. My personal first preference is the fall and the early spring.   We have never had a serious mosquito problem then ... Also, when we have camped inside the swamp at Cravens Hammock, we had only a few. They were there, but not bothersome. We had expected them to be much worse.  The 'coons were more aggravating than the mosquitoes. They were into everything. Even before dark.
  
  
•      Q:    What about wildlife around the campground?
•      A:    It is  plentiful. I have counted 10 deer in my camp at one time. The 'coons are everywhere. So much so, they are pests.  The fox are also plentiful around camp and are unusually unafraid of people.  This is rare. Nowhere else I have been in my 73 years have I ever encountered fox that were as bold and unafraid as they are here.  They will come right into your campsite, sit down and watch you. Photo ops are excellent. You usually will see plenty of wildlife. As for the deer, early spring or late fall is the best time for them. They come into the fields along the road to feed on the young green grass shoots. In the fall, they come into the campground to feed on acorns. Note...  Last fall I was just in the Park again on Nov.  and there were does with fawns grazing everywhere inside the campgrounds.
  
         When you see baby gators, don't try and get a closer look.  Enjoy them from a safe distance.                     
         You can bet Mama is very close by and she is fierce when she thinks her young are in danger. She will attack in the bat of an eye. Other than protecting their young, you will not have to worry about gators being aggressive.
  
• Q:    Is there anything else I need to know to go here and have a  pleasant trip with my family?
• A:    Yes!   Whatever you do, DO NOT  leave anything where the 'critters' can get into it. The 'coons here seem to be extremely smart and adept at getting into whatever is left out. Food or not, they will get into it ...  looking for food. They can be VERY destructive. DO NOT leave food inside your tent. They have an exceptionally keen sense of smell. They will destroy your tent to get at the food. (We know all about that!) They have even gotten inside peoples cars and tents if they were not fully closed. On one occasion, during the exceptionally high water, a bear was seen in camp by the Park Superintendent, Sonny Marshall, standing and looking into a van where people were still asleep inside. More info on the above in my book.