The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, located in southern Georgia, is home to between 10,000 and 13,000 alligators. The swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in the United States. The dark waters make it perfect for alligators and venomous snakes like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes to camouflage.
On a sunny day, it is easy to spot alligators sunning on the shore. But, once the alligators are in the water, they are much more difficult to spot. The expertly hide themselves in the dark water and amongst the water plants and fallen trees.
The swamp is considered to be the headwaters for the Suwannee and St Marys Rivers. The refuge was established to provide a safe space and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is home to threatened and endangered species such as wood storks, re-cockaded woodpeckers, and eastern indigo snakes. At least 50 mammal species, including black bears, otters, and bobcats all reside here.
Each year, some 700,000 people visit the swamp each year in hopes of getting a glimpse at some of the famous amphibians that dwell there.
History of the Okefenokee Swamp
The Okefenokee swamp was formed over the past 6,500 years. Both the St. Marys River and the Suwannee River originate in the swamp. The name Okefenokee means “Land of the Trembling Earth” in Choctaw.
Indigenous peoples have occupied the Okefenokee for thousands of years. Sand mounds suggest that the largest population of indigenous people lived there between AD 500 and 1200.
Spanish records dating back to 1602 mention the Oconi living in the area. In fact, they refer to the swamp as Laguna de Oconi (Lake Oconi). The remains of at least two other Timucuan villages and Spanish missions have been found in the area.
The Creek used the area as a hunting ground during the 18th and 19th century.
Road and forts were built around the perimeter of the swamp during the Second Seminole War in Florida between 1836 and 1838. The troops burned down a Seminole village which ultimately drove the Seminole people away from the swamp, entirely.
As early as 1805, a few white settlers began to inhabit the area. These pioneers raised hogs, herded cattle, hunted and fished, and cultivated sugar cane and corn.
Due to the relative isolation of the area, generational “Swampers”, as they are called, used Elizabethan phrases and syntax similar to what would have been used during Colonial times.
When the area was industrialized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of the Swampers assisted in surveying the area and went to work for lumber companies.
Chesser Island Homestead
The Chesser Island Homestead is a perfect place to see what life was like in the swamp. The homestead is accessible via car or bike and located just off of a short easy-to-navigate trail.
The homestead is sometimes open for you to tour and see what life was like on the swamp. Be sure to check out the hand-sewn quilts and relics that adorn the cabin.
Our kids really enjoyed the sugar cane mill, where they pretended to process cane. You’ll also find a smokehouse, chicken coop, and other out-buildings.
Visiting the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The physical address is:
2700 Suwannee Canal Road
Folkston, GA 31537-7906
There are 4 public entrances:
Suwannee Canal Recreation Area
Kingfisher Landing
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Suwannee Sill Recreation Area
A daily pass to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per non-commercial vehicle. The pass is good for 7 days. The park honors National Park passes including those for seniors and military.
Okefenokee Swamp Boat Tour
Honestly, the best way to see and experience the swamp is via the 90-minute Okefenokee swamp tour. Every hour, a guided boat tour leaves from the Visitors Center and travels down the Suwanee Canal. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators as you meander down the canal. Your guide will not only give you the history of the swamp, canal, and the people who have lived here, but will also point out alligators, turtles, and a vast array of birds.
Can you drive through the Okefenokee Swamp?
If you’re not up for the 90 minute boat tour, you can do a self-guided driving tour. There are 7 miles of paved road that wind through around the swamp and marsh. Along the way, you’ll pass by a couple of little ponds that are hot spots for alligators, turtles, and other critters.
Be sure to pull over and get out at the pull offs for your best chance to see the alligators. Remember, they are very good a camouflaging, so if the alligators aren’t on the banks, you’ll need to look very closely at the water.
When approaching the pond and canal, be very cautious on the banks as you never know who might be lurking by the side of the pond/canal.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also rent a bicycle and do the 7 mile paved loop via bike.
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Okefenokee Swamp
Considering visiting between November and February, if you want to avoid the crowds and bugs.
If you don’t mind sharing the park with a few people, our favorite time to visit is the spring. The alligators tend to sun themselves on the banks of the swamp/canal during this time of year making them easier to spot.
You’ll definitely see alligators in the summer, however, it will be very hot and humid. Be sure to pack plenty of water. The humidity often causes afternoon showers so plan to visit in the morning.
No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll want to pack bug spray. Mosquitos love the swamp and standing water.
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The Okefenokee is right near the Florida/Georgia border. You can easily tack on a couple of days in Florida to your trip. Our North Florida Itinerary includes lots of great ideas to add to your trip.
About an hour from the swamp, you’ll find one of our favorite places in all of Georgia, Cumberland Island National Seashore. It is truly a photographer’s paradise and well worth adding a day to your trip to visit.
St. Simons Island is located about 72 miles away. The island is absolutely gorgeous and features a ton of great restaurants and shops. The island is also home to the Fort Frederica National Monument, which is worth a visit if you’re into history. While you’re there, check out the lighthouse, and historic Christ Church.
Jekyll Island is a great spot to visit if you enjoy playing a round of golf or if you’re traveling with kids. The island features the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and an incredible waterpark called Summer Waves.
