---
title: "Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/7c5a445e-c5f4-4ea6-a26a-706eac793f21
source_url: "https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee"
stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/5d6b7c3c-f9c9-4723-9b2d-c0650c0d42c6
summary: "Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a 353,981-acre wetland sanctuary in the southeastern United States that serves as critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance. The refuge currently offers summer volunteer opportunities, limited camping availability due to low water levels, and restricted water trail access, with visitors advised to check conditions before visiting."
tags: "wildlife-refuge, okefenokee, wetlands, endangered-species, camping, visitor-information"
key_entities: "Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (location), Suwannee River (location), St. Marys River (location), Okefenokee Swamp (location), RAMSAR Convention (concept), red-cockaded woodpecker (concept), indigo snake (concept), wood stork (concept), Stephen C. Foster State Park (location), Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (location), Volunteer.gov (organization), Recreation.gov (organization), Okefenokee Adventures (organization)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:b9bc12974f76636e8dc430a15aabde98262e982d2fc680e03d923d925ee43486"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 852
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers. The refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and wood stork, along with a wide variety of other wildlife. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention – 1971) because of the Okefenokee Swamp's importance and value on an international scale. What's Happening? Summer Resident Volunteer Opportunities Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is currently seeking summer resident volunteers for our Visitor Center Assistant and Maintenance Assistant positions. As a Visitor Center Assistant, you'll greet visitors, answer questions, and help create memorable experiences. As a Maintenance Assistant, you'll help keep our facilities and grounds in top shape. Resident v olunteers enjoy a full hook-up RV pad in exchange for service hours. Please note that resident volunteers must bring their own RV or travel trailer to be eligible. Learn more and apply through Volunteer.gov .  Low Water Level Impacts at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (current 4/16/2026) Dry conditions and low water levels continue to impact access to several water trails and paddle-in platforms in the Okefenokee Wilderness. Campfire Restrictions  A campfire restriction is in effect until further notice at Canal Run and Mixons Hammock 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 two weeks 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 and conditions 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 Camping Platform Availability From Suwannee Canal Recreation Area: Coffee Bay and Canal Run From Stephen C. Foster State Park: Mixons Hammock All other campsites are temporarily closed. Water Trail Conditions Please obey all closed area signs. Many of the refuge's water trails are impassable including the Yellow, Pink, Purple, and Blue trails along with sections of the Red, Green and Orange trails. As conditions change, additional water trails may be temporarily closed for visitor safety and resource protection. 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.  Image Details 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 .  Becoming a World Heritage Site Being recognized as a World Heritage Site would increase the significance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to the world!