Beginning February 24, 2026, a campfire restriction is in effect until further notice at Canal Run, Mixons Hammock, Floyds Island campsites and at Stephen C. Foster State Park. Portable gas stoves are allowed but should be used with caution.
Buzzards Roost Camping Platform Open for Reservations Beginning March 10, 2026
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Buzzards Roost Camping Platform will be open for reservations. Located along the Pink Trail in the northwest portion of Buzzards Roost Lake, Buzzards Roost Camping Platform sits approximately 0.5 mile south of the former Monkey Lake Platform site. Please note that the Monkey Lake Platform has been decommissioned and is no longer available for camping. Learn how to make camping reservations on our Camping page.
Low Water Level Impacts at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (current 3/3/2026)
Dry conditions and low water levels are impacting access to several water trails and paddle-in platforms in the Okefenokee Wilderness.
Campfire Restrictions
Beginning February 24, 2026, a campfire restriction is in effect until further notice at Canal Run, Mixons Hammock, Floyds Island campsites and at Stephen C. Foster State Park. Portable gas stoves are allowed but should be used with caution.
Camping Permit Reservations
Camping permit reservations will be accepted one month in advance. It is not possible to paddle from one entrance to another. All trips must begin and end at the same location. Reservations will be honored if water levels allow, but routes may change or be canceled. For current conditions, please call the Camping Permit Reservation Line at 912-496-3331 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 am to 10:00 am Eastern Time (excluding federal holidays).
Current Platform Availability
From Suwannee Canal Recreation Area
- Any combination of Cedar Hammock, Coffee Bay, Round Top, Canal Run
From Stephen C. Foster State Park
- Any combination of Mixons Hammock, Minnies Lake and Big Water
From Kingfisher Landing
- Bluff Lake back to KF
- Maul Hammock back to KF
- The trails past these 2 platforms are not passable
Floyds Island is closed.
Day-Use Boating
Most day-use trails remain accessible. Use extreme caution in areas with floating peat and watch for submerged logs along the Red Trail south of Big Water. Visitors should call ahead to Okefenokee Adventures at 912-496-7156 or Stephen C. Foster State Park at 912-637-5274 to ask about the availability of boat tours and guided trips.
Pay Your Entrance Fee on Recreation.gov
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge makes it easy for you to pay your entrance fee (buy an annual or day pass) before your visit using Recreation.gov. Learn more about entrance fees on our Visit Us page.
Visit Us
Visitors to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge can experience and enjoy a unique ecosystem with a fascinating cultural history and rich species diversity. A visit to Okefenokee is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature!
Refuge Hours
- March to October: Open daily one half-hour before sunrise to 7:30 pm
- November to February: Open daily one half-hour before sunrise to 5:30 pm
The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Stop by the front desk to learn about recent wildlife sightings and opportunities for wildlife watching, camping, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, boating, hunting, fishing, photography, and more!
Entrance Fee: $5/weekly or $15/annually per vehicle. A variety of passes can be purchased in-person or online through Recreation.gov. Learn more about entrance fees and passes on the Visit Us page.
