Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Nature Gallery

    Refuge Gallery

    View the photographs and videos of this remarkable lake in our gallery

    See Photo-Video Galleries

  • December Stars at Banks Lake

    The Stars at Night...

    Whether fishing or star gazing, night is a pleasant time to be at Banks Lake

    See full image

  • Autumn Cypress Rotator

    Blogs and Such...

    Visitors, staff, and volunteers extol the beauties of Banks Lake in their own personal blogs

    Blogs and Such

  • Paddling among cypress

    On the Water...

    Banks Lake Outpost is the on-site concession where you can rent canoes or kayaks, buy bait and fishing supplies, and just shoot the breeze.

NEWS

New Hunt/Fish Opportunities 2021-2022 Season

Banks Lake NWR has made changes to the hunt program in the Final 2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations process. Please follow the link to the Rules, Regulations, and Improved Access web site to see final planning and compliance documents for the hunt program changes. This hunt will not be implemented until the 2021 season.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hunt/Fish Rule

Banks Lake Outdoors!

BLOutdoors

Concession open DAILY. Call 229-569-0147 for information on hours of operation, canoe/kayak rentals, etc.

Visitor Activities
Featured Stories

Youth Fishing Derby

Fishing Derby

The Banks Lake Youth Fishing Derby gives young anglers a chance to snag a big fish and a trophy, as well as have fun with activities afterwards.

Event Information

About the Complex

Okefenokee Complex

Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Okefenokee Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online