okefenokee swamp field trip

Field Trips

At okefenokee swamp park.

OSP Field Trips located at:

Okefenokee Swamp Park

5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Rd Waycross, Georgia 31503

Choose a toggle below for more information and to reserve a field trip for your group.

SCHOOL GROUPS: Okefenokee RESA Public School

Reservations for okefenokee regional education service agency (resa) area school districts (atkinson, bacon, brantley, camden, charlton, clinch, coffee, pierce, and ware counties) must be made by filling out the form below..

We consider school groups to be 25 or more paid students/adults. Advance reservations are required and must be made at least 4 weeks prior  to the trip date – the sooner the better. Our peak season is March, April, and May, so reservations may need to be made sooner if you are planning your trip for those times. Your reservation date is NOT secured until you receive a confirmation email from us.

• Name of School or Group
• School’s or Group’s address
• 2 Contact Phone Numbers
• 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Choice Preferred Dates
• Time of Arrival
• Time of departure
• Approximate number of students, teachers, & parents/chaperones
• Transportation type
• If you will be bringing and eating lunch while at the park or if you plan to utilize our Snack Shack options.
• Your selection of Field Trip Options.  View the current options here:  Field Trip Rotation Descriptions

If chaperones/parents will be attending with your group and wish to participate in the field trip or tour, we must have an accurate count prior to your arrival and their payment should be included with your total payment for the trip. Chaperones who arrive at the park who were not included in the total count may not be able to participate in all field trip activities.

***(Please bring your tax exempt form on the day of your trip.)***

• Students (Middle School and Under): $13.00
• Adults (High School and Over): $15.00
• Adults (if paid individually on the day of the trip): $16.00
• Students (Middle School and Under): $19.00
• Adults (High School and Over): $20.00
• Adults (if paid individually on the day of the trip): $21.00

SCHOOL GROUPS: Non-Okefenokee RESA School

Reserve a school field trip:, reservations for school groups of 25 or more must be made by filling out the form below..

You will need the following information when completing the School Field Trip form below:

• Your selection of Field Trip Options.  View the current options here:  Field Trip Rotation Descriptions . Please note pricing changes for the 2022-2023 school year below.

***(If you are tax exempt, please bring your tax exempt form on the day of your trip.)***

• Students (Middle School and Under): $18.00
• Adults (High School and Over): $19.00
• Adults (if paid individually on the day of the trip): $20.00
• Each additional program (excluding the boat tour) beyond the first three is an additional $1/person/program.
• Students (Middle School and Under): $22.00
• Adults (High School and Over): $23.00
• Adults (if paid individually on the day of the trip): $24.00
• Each additional program beyond the first three is an additional $1/person/program. (example: Water Excursion, Train Exploration, Nature Show, and Living History would cost $23.00 per student and $24.00 per adult.)

PRIVATE TOURS

Reserve a private tour:, reservations for private group tours of 25 or more must be made by filling out the form below..

We consider private group tours to be 25 or more paid participants. Advance reservations are required and must be made at least 4 weeks prior to the trip date – the sooner the better. Our peak season is March, April, and May, so reservations may need to be made sooner if you are planning your trip for those times. Your reservation date is NOT secured until you receive a confirmation email from us.

You will need the following information when completing the Private Group Tour form below:

• Name of Group
• Approximate number of participants

*(If you are tax exempt, please bring your tax exempt form on the day of your trip.)*

TOUR OPERATOR GROUPS

Reserve a tour operator visit:, reservations for tour operator groups of 25 or more must be made by filling out the form below. the programming options for a tour group are limited to a water excursion, train ride, and nature show..

We consider tour operator groups to be 25 or more paid participants. Advance reservations are required and must be made at least 4 weeks prior to the trip date – the sooner the better. Our peak season is March, April, and May, so reservations may need to be made sooner if you are planning your trip for those times. Your reservation date is NOT secured until you receive a confirmation email from us.

You will need the following information when completing the Tour Operator Field Trip form below:

• Approximate number of group participants
• Each additional program beyond the first three is an additional $1/person/program. (example: Water Excursion, Train Exploration, Nature Show, and Living History would cost $22.00 per student and $24.00 per adult.)

Simple Guidelines:

If you are bringing a school group or a group of children, we require one chaperon per ten children. Those chaperones will be complimentary. Any chaperones who attend that are not complimentary will need to give their field trip/tour fee to the group leader or organizer ahead of time to include in the total payment. Chaperones who wait to make their payment until they arrive at the park are not guaranteed to complete all field trip activities. Escort and driver are complimentary. Please allow 3 to 4 hours to see and complete all activities at the park. We will create the schedule for you so you’ll know who needs to be where and when. Once you receive your confirmation letter please read it carefully. If something is not correct, contact us as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, please allow us at least one day advance notice. Please note that we will be contacting you using the email address that is collected on the Field Trip Reservation Form.

Payment: We do not require a deposit; however, payment is due on the day you arrive and must be paid with one payment transaction.

Arrival: It is extremely important that your group arrives at the Okefenokee Swamp Park at least 30 minutes prior to the start time for your field trip . We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide your full field trip selections if you are late.

For Georgia Schools: Tax Exempt Notice: You must pay with a school check and provide a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption when you come. Failure to do this will result in the 8% being added to your total. You must bring this form EVERY time you come, no exceptions. Parents or others not covered in the one to ten chaperones will have to pay separately and pay tax, unless you include them in the school check. Prices will be given when you set up the visit.

Can groups visit the gift shop?

The park has one gift shop available to guests.  We ask that teachers only allow 25 students at a time and as soon as purchases are made to exit to make room for others.  Prices range from $1.99 and up.

How much time will our group need?

Depending upon the size of the group, you will need from 4 to 6 hours.

Do you have educational materials for teachers?

Please contact Katie Antczak at [email protected] to arrange access to educational materials.

The school will provide lunch, but where can we eat?

We have picnic areas, one covered (with restroom facilities available), on a first-come, first-served basis.  We do not charge for these facilities, but ask that you clean up after yourself.

Are there lunch options available at the park?

Lunch may be available from our Snack Shack for an additional cost. Please contact William Baumler at [email protected] to make lunch arrangements at least 2 weeks prior to your field trip date.

What if it rains?

Unless there is a severe weather event, all programs will continue as normal. Most of the field trip/tour activities are outdoors, so prepare for the weather. If the weather forecast predicts heavy rain, you may reschedule your trip/tour, but we need at least a 24-hr advanced notice. Sorry – no refunds for weather conditions or insects!

Will we need sunscreen or bug spray?

Most of the time you will need one or the other, if not both.  Some months like October thru February, you’re safe, but bring them just in case! It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Is admission for chaperones free?

In order for things to go smoothly for you and the park, we request at least one chaperon per ten children.  We will extend complimentary passes to the one chaperone per ten children.  Chaperons will be with their kids at ALL times (in the park and gift shop) to ensure respectful behavior to our animals and other guests.

Is this tour on our own or will we have a guide?

How much of your tour or field trip is guided is dependent upon your selections for field trip rotations. For example, if you choose the “Treasures of the Okefenokee” science program, you will have a naturalist or educator with you during the program, but you may have to walk to your next program (Water Excursion, Train Experience, Eye on Nature Show, etc.) on your own. We will take the guess-work out of “where do I need to be and when” by scheduling your group for the rotations that you have selected. It will include times for the gift shop, meals and bathroom breaks.  If you have any special needs we will accommodate you the best way we can.

Can we take a boat excursion?

Water excursions via boat are dependent upon water levels and guide availability. There are times when we cannot take a large group due to low water which prevents us from taking the maximum number of persons per boat.  Group boat excursion length is approximately 20 minutes.

How do we reserve for our group?

To reserve your field trip or tour, please fill out the form and refer to the information found here .

SUPPORT THE OKEFENOKEE

The OSPrey Society are very important friends of the OSP who generously invest in the organization to support the strategic plan, provide critical resources for needed projects and underwrite educational programs. All donations to the OSP help us to inspire our guests and community to conserve and protect our beloved Okefenokee.

• 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Rd Waycross, Georgia 31503 Directions

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday – Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

*Tour availability can vary with large groups arriving at the park. Please check availability before arriving.

Okefenokee Swamp Park will remain open for all advertised evening events.

• (912) 283-0583
• [email protected]

Group Reservations: (912) 283-0583 or email [email protected]

Okefenokee Adventures

• 4159 Suwannee Canal Rd Folkston, GA 31537 Directions

Hours of Operation:

7:30am – 6:30pm (Mar – Oct)

7:30am – 4:30pm (Nov – Feb) Click here for closures/more info

( 912 ) 496-7156

• levi.welling @okeswamp.org
• Group Reservations: (912) 496-7156

We respect your privacy.

Our mission is to provide visitor access and interpretive education that inspires conservation advocacy for the Okefenokee Swamp.

© Copyright 2021 - 2023 | Okefenokee Swamp Park & Adventures | All Rights Reserved | Website by  Hamsa Design

View our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy

A golden sunrise filters over cypress swampland in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

• BEST AMERICAN ADVENTURES

Canoe the Okefenokee, Georgia

See trip details for canoeing Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, one of 100 best American adventure trips from National Geographic.

The term “blackwater swamp” gets the mind conjuring reasonable, swamp-related aversions, such as alligators, cottonmouth snakes, carnivorous plants, and getting lost in dark tangles of vegetation. Okefenokee is indeed a swamp of the blackwater variety, but that refers to its tannic tinge. In truth, the water is clear; well-marked canoe trails make getting lost difficult; and much of the swamp is wide-open prairie—more big sky than heart of darkness. As for the vermin … what would a swamp be without them? And heck, add bears to the list.

A traverse of the 438,000-acre (177,252-hectare) swamp is one of the most profound wilderness experiences in the East. It can be accomplished in three days of paddling from east to west. Paddle what’s known as Route 7 starting at Suwannee Canal, and you’ll make your way to Chase Prairie the first night and Floyd’s Island the next (you’re required to camp at designated shelters). After much prairie paddling, the last mile or so before Floyd’s is your first taste of the swamp’s cathedral forests—dark woods of bay trees in this case. As you proceed west toward take-out in Stephen C. Foster State Park, you get into the primeval, gothic cypress forests that swallow you whole. The changes of light, the silence, the crazed croaking of the night frogs, the improbably clear water, the sandhill cranes, the engulfing woods—it all adds up to a supremely enchanted adventure.

Need to Know: Avoid summer. Permits and camping reservations can be made at www.fws.gov/okefenokee . Book a three-day canoe rental ($60) and the round-trip shuttle ($159) with Okefenokee Adventures ( www.okefenokeeadventures.com ).

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WiSE - WILDERNESS SOUTHEAST

Explore. Discover. Understand.

Okefenokee Swamp

Customized trips.

With award-winning professional interpretive naturalist, author, and nature documentary writer, host, and producer, Cathy Sakas 

Enjoy a customized trip of up to two nights and three days into the wild, beautifully scenic, incredible world-famous Okefenokee Swamp with your professional naturalist and licensed guide. With over 300 overnight trips logged and still counting into the world’s largest freshwater Swamp, our guide will help you enjoy the Okefenokee as it is meant to be, deep in her wildest heart. 

Paddle a canoe or a kayak while cruising through breathtaking panoramic views of grassy prairies with exquisite flowers and winding trails lined with majestic cypress trees that are home to 10,000+ American alligators. Hear incredible frog choruses while gators bellow their primordial love songs to their intended. Enjoy this unique wilderness while learning about the Swamp’s fascinating natural history as well as its interesting cultural history. 

Pricing:  

Day Trip (Travel from Savannah included) $250/per person (2 person minimum and then $100/person up to 10)

Day Trip (Meet at Okefenokee) $150/per person (2 person minimum and then $75/person up to 10) 

Weekend (Camping on Platform - 3 days) Cost: $1500/per person (2 person minimum and then $150/person up to 8)  

Contact us for details.

Buy Your Gift Cards Here

• Adventure with us into the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!

Okefenokee Overnight Adventure

Quick Details

• Calendar Duration: 2 Nights, 3 Days

WHEN:   Friday, March 22nd through Sunday, March 24th. Custom dates available by request.

WHERE:   Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. To begin at Suwanee Canal Recreation Area.

Adventure With us to The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!

On this 2 night, 3 day trip into the Okefenokee Swamp, the “Land of the Trembling Earth,” we will explore the natural beauty and abundance of wildlife found in this unique wilderness area. The refuge also boasts some of the darkest skies in the Southeast! After a magnificent sunset, gaze up at the stars and spot the Milky Way among the breathtaking night sky.

Our guides create a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience. Platform camping is how it’s done in the swamp, offering a front stage view and continuous opportunities for flora and fauna sightings. Over the course of the weekend delicious meals will be prepared for you. In addition to a boat, paddle(s) and personal flotation device(s), a tent will also be provided. Plan to bring your own sleeping pad and bag, but we can also provide that for you – just let us know.

If you’d like to head down the day before to avoid making an extra-early drive, make a reservation at Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground and meet us in the evening for dinner and breakfast in the morning! You will have access to the tent you will use on the trip if you select a tent site.

To inquire about using a personal vessel on the trip, please call before booking to discuss further. 478-733-3386

Platform reservation cost ($15/person per night) is included in the overall trip cost.

Related Activities

• The most unique way to experience the Ocmulgee
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Full Moon Float

One of our most popular trips! Experience the Ocmulgee under a full moon and be amazed.

• Our premium guided tour

Far From the Madding Crowd Tour

Winding through a wooded corridor, the Upper Ocmulgee is home to bald eagles, blue herons, and slider turtles. Very little signs remain of the many mills that harnessed the river’s

Boat Shuttle Service

Leave the transportation up to us! We will haul you up the river on our bus for your river floats booked online with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions.

East Entrance: Suwanee Canal Recreation Area Folkston (912) 496-7836 (Visitor Center) 1(800) SWAMP96 (Concession)

West entrance: stephen c. foster state park fargo (912) 637-5274, north entrance: okefenokee swamp park waycross (912) 283-0583, obediah's okefenok waycross (912) 287-0090, laura s. walker state park waycross (912) 287-4900, okefenokee heritage center waycross (912) 285-4260.

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Exploring the Okefenokee Swamp: A Guide to Georgia’s Hidden Gem

Are you looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten path and immerse you in a wild, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful natural wonder?   Imagine a place where towering cypress trees rise from the depths of inky black waters. You’ll observe a  fascinating mix of wildlife, including alligators, black bears, and rare birds.  The Okefenokee Swamp is a place where nature lovers can connect with the natural world in a way that few other places can match

Here are three reasons why you won’t want to miss this unique and unforgettable destination:

• The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in the world, with over 700 square miles of diverse flora and fauna to explore.
• Visitors can access the swamp via several entrances and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the swamp, and several nearby cities and towns, such as Folkston, Waycross, and Kingsland, offer various lodging and dining options for visitors.
• With its dark waters, towering cypress trees, and fascinating wildlife, the Okefenokee Swamp offers a true escape from the noise and stress of modern life, and a chance to connect with the natural world in a way that few places can match.

Title Image: Chuck G., via Unsplash.

Introduction

The Okefenokee Swamp is a unique natural wonder located in southern Georgia . The swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the world and is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. Visiting the Okefenokee Swamp is an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your trip.

There are three main entrances to the Okefenokee Swamp, each offering unique opportunities to explore this vast and fascinating wilderness:

• Stephen C. Foster State Park Entrance : Located on the western side of the swamp, this entrance is accessed via GA Highway 177 and offers a variety of amenities, including a visitor center, campgrounds, cabins, and boat rentals. From here, visitors can explore the western side of the swamp via several water trails.
• Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Entrance : Located on the eastern side of the swamp, this entrance is accessed via GA Highway 121 and offers a boat ramp, picnic area, and several hiking trails. From here, visitors can explore the eastern side of the swamp via several water trails.
• Kingfisher Landing Entrance : Located on the northern side of the swamp, this entrance is accessed via US Highway 1 and offers a boat ramp and several hiking trails. From here, visitors can explore the northern side of the swamp via several water trails.

Each entrance offers its own unique experience, and visitors are encouraged to research each entrance and choose the one that best fits their interests and needs. Additionally, visitors should keep in mind that the swamp is a wilderness area, and it’s important to be prepared for the rugged and unpredictable conditions that come with exploring this unique and beautiful ecosystem.

What is special about the Okefenokee Swamp?

The Okefenokee Swamp is a truly unique ecosystem that is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The swamp covers over 700 square miles and is made up of a complex network of channels, cypress domes, and prairies. Some of the special features of the swamp include:

• Diverse flora and fauna : The Okefenokee Swamp is home to over 600 plant species and more than 200 species of birds, as well as black bears, otters, and of course, alligators.
• Remoteness : The swamp is a wild and remote place, far removed from the noise and bustle of modern life.
• Dark water : The water in the Okefenokee Swamp is stained dark brown by tannins leached from decaying vegetation. This gives the swamp a unique and eerie beauty.
• Historical significance : The swamp has been an important part of Georgia’s history for centuries, serving as a refuge for indigenous peoples, a hideout for outlaws, and a source of timber and other resources.

Planning Your Visit Cost and Accessibility

• Admission fees and park hours: A seven-day pass to the Okefenokee Swamp costs $20 per person. The park is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Options for transportation to and within the swamp: Visitors can access the swamp via several entrances, including the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area and the Stephen C. Foster State Park. Once inside the swamp, visitors can explore by boat, boardwalk, or hiking trail.

Is Okefenokee Swamp worth visiting?

Absolutely! The Okefenokee Swamp is a truly special place that offers something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why the swamp is worth visiting:

• Wildlife viewing : The swamp is home to a variety of rare and unique species, including alligators, black bears, and sandhill cranes.
• Outdoor activities : Visitors can hike, fish, boat, and camp in the swamp, making it a great destination for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Unforgettable scenery : The swamp’s dark waters, towering cypress trees, and expansive prairies create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Okefenokee Swamp is during the fall and spring seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summer can be extremely hot and humid, while winter can be chilly and damp. Here are a few tips for planning your visit:

• Check the weather forecast before you go and dress appropriately.
• Arrive early to beat the crowds and avoid the heat.
• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

Exploring the Okefenokee Swamp Alligators in the Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp is home to an estimated 12,000 alligators, making it one of the best places in the country to view these fascinating creatures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when exploring the swamp:

• Observe from a safe distance: Alligators are dangerous animals and should be treated with caution. Stay at least 30 feet away from them at all times.
• Keep pets on a leash: Pets can attract alligators,  putting visitors and the animals in danger. Keep your pets on a leash at all times and do not allow them to swim in the swamp.
• Don’t feed the alligators: Feeding alligators is illegal and dangerous. It can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, which can lead to attacks.

Wildlife in the Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp is home to a variety of other fascinating wildlife species in addition to alligators. Here are some of the most common animals you may encounter during your visit:

• Black bears: The swamp is home to a small population of black bears. If you encounter a bear, stay calm and slowly back away.
• Birds: The Okefenokee Swamp is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds calling the swamp home. Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes, herons, and egrets.
• Otters: These playful and curious animals are often spotted swimming and playing in the swamp’s channels and ponds.

Activities in the Swamp

There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy during their visit to the Okefenokee Swamp. Here are some of the most popular activities:

• Boating: Visitors can explore the swamp’s waterways by canoe, kayak, or motorboat.
• Hiking: The swamp has over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy boardwalks to more challenging backcountry trails.
• Fishing: The swamp is home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and bream.
• Camping: Visitors can camp in designated campsites throughout the swamp, ranging from primitive sites to more developed sites with electricity and water.

History of the Okefenokee Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp has played an important role in Georgia’s history for centuries. Here are a few highlights:

• Indigenous history: The swamp has been home to several indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Timucua, Seminole, and Creeks.
• Outlaws and pirates: The swamp was a popular hideout for outlaws and pirates, who used its remote location to evade capture.
• Timber industry: The swamp was an important source of timber for many years, with loggers using the swamp’s waterways to transport logs to mills.

Nearby Cities and Accommodations

There are several nearby cities and towns that offer accommodations and other amenities for visitors to the Okefenokee Swamp. Here are a few options:

• Folkston, Georgia : This small town is located just a few miles from the entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp and offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
• Waycross, Georgia : This larger city is located about 25 miles from the swamp and offers more options for dining and entertainment, as well as a wider range of lodging options.
• Kingsland, Georgia : This small town is located about 30 miles northeast of the swamp and offers several lodging options, including hotels and motels.
• St. Marys, Georgia : This charming coastal town is located about 70 miles southeast of the swamp and offers a variety of lodging options, as well as access to nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore.
• Jacksonville, Florida : This large city is located about 70 miles south of the swamp and offers a wide range of dining, entertainment, and lodging options, as well as easy access to nearby beaches and attractions.
• Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp : For those who want to stay closer to the action, there are several camping options available within the swamp itself. Visitors can choose from several campsites, ranging from primitive sites to more developed sites with electricity and water. The Stephen C. Foster State Park also offers several lodging options, including cabins and a campground.

The Okefenokee Swamp is a unique and fascinating natural wonder that is well worth a visit. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the swamp has something to offer. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can have an unforgettable experience exploring the swamp’s waterways, hiking its trails, and observing its fascinating wildlife.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful when planning a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp:

• Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge: The official website of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge provides information on park hours, fees, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Explore Georgia: The Explore Georgia website offers a comprehensive guide to the Okefenokee Swamp, including tips on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in the surrounding area.
• Georgia State Parks: The Georgia State Parks website provides information on camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities in and around the Okefenokee Swamp, as well as information on other state parks in Georgia.

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When You Constantly Push Your Limits You Will Never Reach Them

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Enjoy A Guided Kayak and Camping Expedition in Okefenokee Swamp and the Satilla River

Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions is a local family owned and operated business, based out of our home county, Ware County, Georgia ! Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions is now providing unforgettable guided kayak and camping adventures! For more information or to book your trip, click here .

Experience the wonder of the grand… mysterious… world-renowned Okefenokee Swamp with a local Naturalist as your guide to a fascinating trek across a wilderness that seems suspended in time. As we journey in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll be immersed into an ecosystem that scientists from around the world have studied and admired. Drift through the vast open prairies, cruise beneath cypress trees laden with moss, and listen for the calls of bird life or alligators bellowing.

Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions was created out of immense love for the Okefenokee Swamp, the Satilla River, and other beautiful places in Southeast Georgia – and the desire to help get people of all walks of life on the water. There’s nothing quite like hanging out on a white sandbar watching the black water of the river roll by, watching the sunset across the prairies of Okefenokee, or camping under the stars.

This is the place for amazing guided tours in the incredible Okefenokee Swamp and the beautiful Satilla River. They provide Naturalist-guided ecology and history day tours, camping expeditions, rentals, and shuttle service for Okefenokee and the rivers of south Georgia. They want to share the joy of our southern wild places with you!

Explore one of our nation’s wonders, and a wetland that National Geographic lists as one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world… the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Tours are available nearly every day or the year! A world class expedition guaranteed every time. 4 people max.

One of the world’s greatest and most unique wetlands lies right in our backyard in south Georgia. The famed Okefenokee Swamp is a National Wildlife Refuge, National Wilderness Area, and more.

A guided camping expedition is a great way to experience the wild and beautiful Satilla River. These camping trips are available year round as long as the water levels are safe.  If the Satilla is too high for a trip during your requested dates, they will check with you about changing your trip to another suitable river such as the Alapaha, St. Marys, Ohoopee, or Suwannee if possible.

Your unique guided canoe or kayak adventure includes your boats, camping gear, real food (no freeze dried meals!), your permit fees (swamp trips only, discount given for river trips), instruction, guiding, Naturalist knowledge, and our take on a traditional swamp meal based on preferred expedition food mentioned in a historic book about the Okefenokee Swamp. Your guide will teach you about swamp or river ecology along the way. At Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions, you’ll experience a trip that you will never forget! For more information or to book your trip, click here .

For more of the best adventures in the United States, click  here . For the best nearby parks and amazing locations, click  here . For the best Hotels, Resorts, and Vacation Homes, click  here .

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Guided Railroad Tour

Okefenokee Swamp Park visitors can take a trip back in time with a ride aboard the “Lady Suwannee”, traveling along the Okefenokee Railroad. The tour travels 1.5 miles around a portion of the swamp, stopping at various points of interest, including Pioneer Island.

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• Environment

Which Georgia rivers, swamps, reservoirs made the 'Dirty Dozen' list? See this year's report

May 10, 2024 11:00 AM

• Ambria Burton

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The Georgia Water Coalition released its annual "Dirty Dozen" report highlighting the issues threatening the health of Georgia's waterways. This year's dozen includes rivers, creeks, aquifers, streams and swamps.

The report's purpose isn't to list the most polluted places in Georgia's waters, GWC said, but to "call to action for Georgia's leaders and its citizens to solve ongoing pollution problems, eliminate potential threats" to waterways and "correct state and federal policies and actions that lead to polluted water."

Georgia endorses itself as the "No. 1 state for business," but the 2024 Dirty Dozen report warns the state that, without a plan to make changes to some of the waterways, whether through laws or funding, the economy will be affected.

Here are the "Dirty Dozen" waterways excerpted from this year's report:

Abercorn Creek:  Abercorn Creek is one of the waterways affected by the 2022 deepening of the Savannah Harbor, which has brought growth to surrounding coastal communities. The deepening development threatens the creek's surface and groundwater supplies because saltwater has intruded nearby waterways. The saltwater intrusion resulted in about 400,000 residents in Chatham, Effingham, and Bryan counties depending on the creek as its primary water source.

Altamaha River:  The Altamaha River, or "Georgia's Little Amazon," is Georgia's largest river and third freshwater contributor to the Atlantic Ocean's North American eastern shore. It runs from Atlanta and Athens to Darien. It is polluted by about 60 miles of black discharge from the Jesup pulp mill, noticeable by its smell and discoloration in the water.

Conasauga River:  The Conasauga River is a part of the Upper Coosa River basin, a tributary of the Alabama River. It is known for its aquatic biodiversity, with 30 species of mussels, snails, crayfishes, and fishes found exclusively there. The river is affected by PFAs, a group of man-made chemicals that firmly remain in the environment since wastewater treatments do not work to rid them. At Conasauga, the PFAs impact the river's wildlife and water quality for users, including those in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama.

Coosa River  : As mentioned, the upper Coosa River Basin is one of North America's "most biologically unique" river basins and feeds into Northwest Georgia. Affecting the river's groundwater is a closed coal ash pond at Georgia Power Company's Plant Hammond, a closed power plant on the banks of the river west of Rome, Georgia. 

The Flint River made 2024's Dirty Dozen list because of its vulnerability to pollution. Credit: GPB / File

Flint River:  Flint River goes 346 miles from metro Atlanta to southwest Georgia, joining the Chattahoochee River. In early 2024, in southwest Georgia, the Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County were under scrutiny "when residents discovered that the authority had brokered a secret deal to provide a sweetheart loan, tax breaks, and more to a monkey breeding facility." The facility will house about 30,000 monkeys, more than the population in Decatur County, to sell for medical research. Citizens are concerned about several things with the facility, including its impact on natural resources like the Flint River.

Floridan Aquifer:  Florida Aquifer is considered one the most productive aquifer systems worldwide, spanning about 100,000 square miles and covering all of Florida and parts of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It provides drinking water to 10 million people in its region, including all of South Georgia, with the most usage from Savannah. Since the growth from the Port of Savannah expansion, the aquifer's problems lie in the coastal water conflicts, with leaders of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, and Bulloch counties disputing with each other over water access. 

Georgia's rivers:  Georgia's river water is essential to energy production at fossil-fuel and nuclear power-generating facilities. Almost all of the water used in the 17% of water for energy production comes from Georgia rivers. Data centers are "large, climate-controlled facilities for managing and storing digital data." The centers are a problem for Georgia's Rivers as they use large amounts of electricity to power computers and water to feed the cooling systems. This year, Georgia Power Company informed the Public Service Commission that the projected power supply for Georgia's data centers jumped to levels 17 times higher than initially expected. Eighty percent of the increase is due to data centers.

Georgia's streams:  Georgia's streams account for more than the total number of rivers within Georgia. While not all year-round, the streams are important because "they link land and water" while also being a vehicle for essential nutrients for aquatic flora and fauna to travel downstream. Healthy small streams often translate to big rivers where Georgians get drinking water and boat, fish, or swim. The conversion of forests and fields to construct new businesses and investments in Georgia causes dirt from cleared land to enter Georgia's streams when it rains, impacting property owners and Georgia's big rivers.

Georgia's water reservoirs:  Georgia's Water reservoirs include Lanier, Allatoona, Oconee, Sinclair, Blue Ridge, Burton, Jackson, Russell, Clarks Hill, and more—as recreation destinations. Still, all are man-made from the damming of streams and rivers. Their health is dependent on the health of the bodies of water flowing into them. Endangering Georgia's Waters are the high nutrient levels from streams and rivers. "When excess nitrogen and phosphorus enter these water bodies, they interact with warm water to generate algae, including toxic cyanobacteria." When algae die, they take the oxygen from the water, which, if big enough, can kill fish and pose a danger to other living organisms.

Georgia's water resources:  Georgia's water resources are huge in the way that they provide our drinking water, swallow our waste at sewage treatment plants, provide fish and shellfish, and "support an outdoor recreation economy that generates an estimated $27.3 billion annually in consumer spending and $1.8 billion in state and local taxes." Georgia manages water resources based on the public good, so a problem facing them is the push to privatize the public's access to resources. Several pieces of legislation during this year's General Assembly session focused on transferring public water to private entities.

Ogeechee River:  The Ogeechee River, one of Georgia's last free-flowing rivers, flows through Eastern Georgia and has a basin with wetlands, forests, farms, and many cities. The basin is a source for thousands of Georgians to feed their families and get drinking water. PFAs or toxic "forever chemicals" threaten the river by subjecting the fish in the water to them and threatening the health of humans who may rely on that water for drinking, eating, and more.

Okefenokee Swamp:  The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater wetland in North America, and in Georgia, it spans Charlton, Ware, and Clinch counties. The swamp is home to thousands of species of plants and animals and brings 800,000 visits from tourists, with $91.5 million in annual spending on tourism. "The swamp also provides ecological services like storm protection, water quality, commercial and recreational fishing habitat, and carbon storage annually worth as much as $4 billion." In the past few years, Alabama-based mining company Twin Pines Minerals moved forward in their plans to dig for titanium-bearing minerals on land adjacent to the Okefenokee Swamp area in Charlton County. None of the legislation in this year's General Assembly session that would have protected the swamp passed, leaving the swamp at risk of drought conditions, like wildfires, and more.

For the full report read below:

Secondary Content

About the author.

Ambria Burton joined the GPB News team in 2024. She reports on state and federal lawmakers as well as covering community interest stories.

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