The Okefenokee offers a lot to do, see, and experience! Arrange for a guided interpretive tour with one of our naturalists or explore the swamp’s waterways on your own by canoe, kayak or boat. Drive or bike Swamp Island Drive to access miles of walking trails, the historic Chesser Family Homestead and the boardwalk to the 50’ observation tower. Browse in our gift shop and relax on our screened-in porch while enjoying the best food in the swamp from our Camp Cornelia Café. As a partner with Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s Vistor Services, it is the job here at Okefenokee Adventures to help you have a memorable and rewarding Okefenokee experience.

The Refuge provides other opportunities for exploring, wildlife viewing, and learning about the cultural history of the Okefenokee. Swamp Island Drive is a 7.5 mile round trip self-guided driving tour with numerous walking trails along the way. The main highlights on this drive are the Chesser Island Homestead and the boardwalk to the observation tower. You can explore by car, bicycle, and on foot.

The Chesser Homestead is an historic swamp family home originally built in 1927. It’s a great way to see how swamp pioneers lived during those times. Depending on the time of year, there may be a docent available providing tours and interpretation. There are several sheds surrounding the home displaying old tools, livestock pens, and cane syrup production.

The boardwalk is ¾ mile long and runs through dense swamp growth and open prairie. It has sheltered rest stops along the way and ends at a 50-ft. observation tower with an extraordinary view overlooking Chesser Prairie.

There are shorter walks around the boat basin and along the Suwannee Canal. And for kids, young and old, there is an Animal Olympics ‘playground’.

We offer discounted group rates. A group is considered 10 or more people who have made a reservation at least 24 hours in advance and who will pay the total charge in one transaction.

As the main entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the refuge charges a per vehicle entry fee of $5 which allows access for up to 7 consecutive days at this entrance and at the Stephen C. Foster State Park entrance, in Fargo. Vehicles carrying a passenger holding  a valid Federal Duck Stamp, an America the Beautiful Federal pass such as a Senior, Annual, or Access pass will have the entry fee waived.

In the event that Okefenokee Adventures cancels a tour due to inclement weather we will offer a rain check or a refund.

Dogs are allowed inside the refuge but must be on a 6’ leash at all times. They are allowed on all walking trails except the boardwalk. Only certified service animals are permitted on our motorized tour boats. We don’t recommend dogs in canoes and kayaks due to the presence of alligators.

There is not a separate parking charge. The refuge entry fee covers this.

You can walk as much or as little as desired. The walk from the parking lot to our building and the boats is very short. There are several walking trails that are as short as ½ mile or as long as 1.5 miles round trip.

Most of the trails are stroller and wheelchair friendly.

It depends on what everything is. Most folks spend an average of 4-5 hours if they participate in a 90-minute guided boat tour, eat lunch, check out the film and exhibits at the Visitor Center and drive Swamp Island Drive to visit the Chesser Homestead and walk the boardwalk to the observation tower. For those wanting to paddle on their own, we recommend having a minimum of 2.5-3 hours just to paddle. Of course, more time allows for more time to explore.

Yes. You can bring your own bicycle or rent one from us. Most folks bike along the 7.5 mile long paved Swamp Island Drive or drive along the refuges 4 mile long entrance road.

Yes, You can bring your own food. There is a covered pavilion and several picnic tables available for public use. Okefenokee Adventures has a variety of snacks for sale and the Camp Cornelia Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, burgers and fries and other selections of really good food to eat inside the café or on the attached screened-in porch.

Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited. It can cause wildlife to lose their fear of humans and can be harmful to their health. Caution should be taken in the presence of all wildlife. Approaching too closely may be considered harassment and potentially dangerous with some wildlife such as alligators. As a general rule, keep a minimum distance of 6’ of all wildlife and 12’ from alligators.

The refuge prohibits the use of airboats for tours. We use 24’ flat-bottom skiffs with overhead canopies. They move slowly to allow our guests to see the wildlife, soak in the scenery, and they are much quieter and safer than airboats.

Recreational drone use is strictly prohibited on National Wildlife Refuges. For inquiries about commercial photography/videography projects that may include drone use, please contact the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge at 912–496-7366 or email Okefenokee@fws.gov

Due to safety concerns, paddleboards are prohibited.

For self-guided trips, call 912-496-3331 Tues – Thurs between 7am – 10am (eastern time). Permits can be obtained up to 2 months in advance.

For guided trips, call us here at Okefenokee Adventures and we’ll do it for you. Contact us at least 2 months in advance so we’ll have the best chance of accommodating your requested dates and obtaining a permit.